THCV stands for tetrahydrocannabivarin. It is a chemical compound found inside the cannabis plant. There is much interest in THCV as an appetite suppressant and a treatment for weight loss and diabetes. For this reason, THCV has been nicknamed “diet weed.”
THCV(Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
THCV is a unique cannabinoid (cannabis chemical) because it has different effects at different dosages. THCV has both non-psychoactive effects and psychoactive effects, depending on the dosage. Low doses of THCV have an anti-psychoactive effect; larger doses have a psychoactive effect.
THCV has a biphasic effect, which means it has different effects at different dosages. Many cannabinoids have biphasic effects, including THC and CBD, but THCV displays the meaning behind biphasic.
Depending on the dosage and other factors, THCV may have the following effects:
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Appetite suppression and possibly reversing insulin resistance – low doses – beneficial for obesity and diabetes.
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Energizing – low doses – useful for depression.
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Antipsychotic – low doses.
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Psychoactive – high doses – a more “clear-headed” and less sedative effect than THC.
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Anti-inflammatory.
Furthermore, THCV may effectively manage other medical issues, both minor and major.
Blood Sugar Levels
Studies show that THCV may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. Therefore, a combination of THCV and CBD may benefit those with diabetes, whether it is autoimmune-related (Type I diabetes) or overweight (Type II diabetes).
PTSD
THCV could be of particular use for anxiety and PTSD. Moreover, for those who are prone to anxiety when using THC, a small amount of THCV may reduce the duration of the THC high. A higher dose, however, may increase THC’s psychoactive effects.
THCV does not seem to suppress emotions but does affect the emotions associated with flight or fight response (as do cannabinoids in general). This can be very useful for those who suffer from anxiety and/or PTSD but do not want to experience the flattening of emotions due to antidepressant and benzodiazepine use.
Alzheimer’s Disease
THCV may be used to minimize the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, where the combination of THC and THCV may help reduce inflammation, remove the plaque-causing protein beta-amyloid, and help reduce the anxiety associated with Alzheimer’s. THCV may also have brain-boosting effects combined with the cannabinoids CBD and CBC.
Pain
THCV’s ability to help treat conditions like diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease gives it an additional use – that of treating nerve pain. THCV’s broad range of effects on both CB1 and CB2 receptors can make it particularly useful for treating neuropathic (nerve) pain.
Cancer
THCV may be used for various kinds of cancer, particularly those where too much THC may be an issue (e.g., for estrogen-positive breast cancers). THCV may also be beneficial for treating glioblastomas that occur in the brain and/or spinal cord.
Bone Injuries
THCV can stimulate bone growth and nodule formation. Because of this ability, THCV is under investigation for the treatment of osteoporosis and arthritis, and THCV may also be useful for the treatment of broken and fractured bones.