Cannabis contains 80-100 active chemicals known as cannabinoids that react with receptors in the body and provide various effects ranging from improving appetite to alleviating symptoms of nausea.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive cannabinoid that alters mood and gets users high, and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two most widely-used cannabinoids because they occur in large enough quantities to harness directly from the plant.

Unlike these two cannabinoids, THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) needs to be synthesized but similarly may offer therapeutic benefits for users. However, as it isn’t psychoactive in lower doses, this cannabinoid will most likely be preferred by people who aren’t looking for a “high” but for its medicinal properties. 

What is THCV vs. THC?

THC is the most recognizable cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. This psychoactive compound binds to CB1 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, releasing dopamine and getting users “high.”

THCV, on the other hand, can act as an antagonist with the CB1 receptor rather than binding to it, blocking it and creating a different effect on the body.

This compound does not have any psychoactive effects in low to moderate doses, and the psychoactive effects in larger doses are very different, with users describing a euphoric feeling, increased focus, and an energetic feeling. 

What is THC?

THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, binding to the CB1 receptor and giving users a "high" while also providing various therapeutic benefits like increased appetite, pain relief, and relaxation, along with less appealing side effects like anxiety and paranoia. THC is legal in all 24 states that have legalized recreational cannabis. 

What is THCV?

THCV provides a moreenergetic and clear-headed high in higher doses and little recognizable psychoactive properties in lower or moderate doses. Chemically, THCV has a smaller side chain than THC, which means it binds to the CB1 receptor differently and has different therapeutic properties than most other cannabinoids.

Instead of binding to CB1 receptors to increase their effects on the body, it acts as an antagonist. It can block certain aspects, including providing stimulation instead of sedation, suppressing appetite instead of increasing it, and giving users a clear-headed feeling instead of a hazy one.

These unique properties make it an intriguing prospect for people looking to manage weight, regulate diabetes, and for its anti-inflammatory properties. In states where recreational cannabis is permitted, THCV products are also sold. Like most cannabinoids, the legal status in other states is a gray area.

The 2018 Farm Bill made it federally legal to buy and sell hemp and naturally occurring derivatives, as long as they contain under 0.3% Delta-9 THC. However, THCV isn't found naturally in cannabis plants, which means the DEA would consider it illegal at a federal level. 

Key Differences Between THCV and THC

THCV may sound similar to THC, but it’s actually very different. Here are the key ways this lesser-known cannabinoid differs from THC. 

Psychoactive effects

THC is known for producing strong psychoactive effects, while THCV is typically less intoxicating or may even have anti-psychoactive properties at lower doses. 

Impact on appetite

THC tends to increase appetite (“the munchies”), whereas THCV is an appetite suppressant. 

Duration and intensity of effects

THC produces longer-lasting effects; THCV tends to have a shorter duration and a more clear-headed high. 

Therapeutic potential

THC is widely used for pain relief and symptom management, while THCV is being studied for its potential to aid in weight loss and metabolic health. 

How THCV and THC Work Together

The entourage effect is when multiple cannabinoids, terpenes (the compounds that provide a plant with smell, taste, and color), and other compounds interact to enhance or change their effect on a person.

Due to THCV acting as a CB1 antagonist, it has the potential to reduce THC’s psychoactive effects and provide a more clear-headed high, reducing the amount that THC increases appetite. It may even reduce adverse side effects from THC, like anxiety.

Some popular cannabis strains that are high in both THCV and THC include Doug’s Varin, Durban Poison, and Girl Scout Cookies. 

Practical Considerations for Consumers

The perfect mixture of THC and THCV will differ depending on a consumer’s desired outcomes and tolerance. If you’re looking for energy and euphoria and want to avoid the munchies and a hazy head feeling, look for products high in THCV.

However, if you’re searching for relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, and more of a psychoactive effect, THC-dominant products will be better suited. On the medical side, THCV works well for weight management as it suppresses appetite, while THC will increase it.

Look out for products that are lab-tested, and if you’re buying from a dispensary, ask your local budtender for help deciding on a product. 

The Future of THCV and THC Research

While studies into THCV are still in their infancy, more and more are finding positive results regarding the compound's benefits. One study concluded "that the cannabinoid THCV is a promising compound that counters the harmful effects of ER stress in the adipose tissue.

This work paves the way for developing new therapeutic means based on THCV and its regenerative properties to create a favorable environment for the development of healthy mature adipocyte tissue and reduce the incidence and clinical outcome of metabolic diseases such as diabetes."

THCV may also help with anxiety, especially when paired with THC products. It's essential to keep an eye on the federal laws surrounding cannabis and its legality, as this may affect the future of THCV. 

Conclusion

THC is a psychoactive compound that binds to CB1 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, releasing dopamine and getting users “high.”

THCV, on the other hand, can act as an antagonist with the CB1 receptor rather than binding to it, blocking it and creating a different effect on the body.

This compound needs to be synthesized and has different psychoactive effects in higher doses that consumers can use in conjunction with THC to create a more favorable “high."

With the world of cannabinoid research expanding daily, check out our other articles on some lesser-known cannabinoids to get to know some better.