The post What Is THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) And What Does It Do? appeared first on High Times.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a psychoactive cannabinoid that acts differently from THC. As of now, consumers only encounter tetrahydrocannabivarin in small amounts. You can find decent levels of tetrahydrocannabivarin in the popular African landrace strain: Durban Poison. Studies stumbled upon several therapeutic benefits from THCV that can help a wide variety of patients with debilitating conditions.

The Science Behind THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

What Is THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) And What Does It Do?

Many of the main cannabinoids like THC and cannabidiol (CBD) come from CBGA. However, THCV comes from THCVA which is the result of breaking CBGVA down with heat or UV light.

According to Steep Hill Labs, tetrahydrocannabivarin(THCV) is a psychoactive cannabinoid stronger than THC with a shorter duration. They describe the high as clear-headed and psychedelic. However, some studies on THCV fail to illustrate the stronger effects that others have reported.

Research has shown Tetrahydrocannabivarin to inhibit some effects of THC while enhancing others. Researchers recruited human volunteers for a within-subjects, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over pilot study. The researchers administered 10mg oral pure THCV or placebo daily for five days, followed by 1mg intravenous THC on the fifth day. Nine out of ten of the participants found THC to be subjectively weaker. However, the study was extremely small and we need more research before concluding anything definitive.

The reason for the contradicting results could be due to the fact that THCV acts as a CB1 receptor agonist like THC in higher doses. On the other hand, in lower doses, it acts as a CB1 antagonist which may kill your high. The subjects in the study may have only consumed enough Tetrahydrocannabivarin to provide the antagonist effects. Steep Hill Labs claims THCV

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