If you’re on this website, you most likely know what THC and CBD are and what they can do for you and your health. Like THC and CBD, other lesser-known cannabinoids also pose great benefits that you might not even know about yet. One of these cannabinoids is THCV, which researchers believe provides amazing benefits such as weight loss and an increase in concentration. To those who are curious about weed and its benefits but are intimidated by the mind-altering effects of certain cannabinoids, don’t worry—THCV won’t get you high.
What exactly is THCV?
THCV is a natural analog of THC, meaning that it has a similar structure to that of THC. THVC is different from THC (the component of cannabis that produces that “high” feeling) because it lacks the psychoactive properties that are attributed to THC. This can be great for people who want to experience the medical benefits of THCV and not the mind-altering effects that traditional cannabinoids like THC are known for.
So… What’s the difference between THCV and THC?
THC is an agonist, which combined with a receptor, produces a physiological effect. THC is typically bound with the CB1 receptor found in the central nervous system, which causes the “high” that cannabis is typically known for. THCV, on the other hand, is a reverse agonist, which produces effects that are the opposite of that of THC; many scientists actually believe that THCV outright prevents the psychological effects of THC, which is beneficial to those who want the benefits of cannabis without the inhibition of other physical functions. Both of these cannabinoids share similar structures but interact with the ECS (endocannabinoid system) in slightly different ways, which causes the different effects you might receive from each. Though they are not the same, they both help with homeostasis and regulate your glucose and lipid metabolism. By regulating your glucose and lipid metabolism, THCV can potentially help you lose weight.
Rodent Study
In a study done by the British Pharmacological Society, researchers placed four mice each with either diet-induced diabetes (DIO) or genetic diabetes (GO) in two groups. Both groups were given a solution of THC and sesame oil every day for 30 days and observed. The results were compared with another study done with AM251, another CB1 inverse agonist. Researchers discovered that the AM251 significantly reduced the mice’s body weight and total food intake, while the THCV did not. However, both THCV and AM 251 notably decreased fat contents among the rats. Though THCV did not have identical effects to that of AM251, researchers concluded that binding to the CB1 receptors characteristic of both THCV and AM251 suggests that they share the benefits in metabolism. These researchers also discovered that while CBD and THC have no effect on weight loss, THCV could be great for it because of its ability to bind to other receptors.
How does THCV help us lose weight?
The researchers found that the THCV was most effective in decreasing plasma glucose and insulin levels, which could be a great tool for treating DIO, or Type 2 diabetes. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for homeostasis and appetite, is where different cannabinoids like THCV interact with the body. So when THCV is bound with CB1, we see a decrease in our body weight and food intake. From a metabolic standpoint, THCV also increases your FFA suppression index, which is what suppresses your appetite and therefore helps you lose weight. Additionally, THCV will help increase your satiety when eating food, so you might not have to eat as much in order to feel full. THCV has also been shown to reduce fasting plasma glucose, or FPG, a test that is conducted to determine your blood sugar levels, a reliable indication of better weight management.
Conclusion
Many people who want to try cannabis for their medical benefits cannot do so because THC has classically been identified as a Schedule I drug under the 2018 Farm Bill due to its psychoactive effects. But because THCV lacks psychoactive effects, it is NOT classified as a Schedule I drug and therefore legal in many states where other cannabinoids like THC are illegal. So, if you’re looking for weight loss benefits without the mind alteration, THCV could be a great alternative to THC. The potential benefits of THCV in Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders make THCV a great asset to pharmacotherapy and can potentially aid scientists in discovering new treatments for other diseases. From increased metabolism and appetite suppression to increased satiety, the weight loss benefits of THCV are endless and there is still so much to learn about it.
