THCv & Weight Loss: New “Diet Weed”?

Year after year, thousands of people around the world seek effective weight loss solutions. And year after year, individuals hail products like trending slim teas or celebrated medications like Ozempic, as the new champion. THCv is a rare compound that’s been quietly growing interest in the cannabinoid industry. It’s been suggested that it can help with focus, and you guessed it- weight loss. THCv gummies and vapes, in particular, have emerged as a noteworthy product in this regard. But is this really the case? Whether it's in the forms of THCv gummies or vapes, can this cannabinoid really be helpful for weight loss? Read on as we answer questions like “what is THCv?”, explore THCv’s effects, and look into the science behind its potential effects for weight loss.

What is THCv?

Before we go any further, let’s address the first question: what is THCv? THCv, or tetrahydrocannabivarin, is a minor cannabinoid. One can typically find it in hemp and Sativa cannabis strains. These can commonly be found in products like THCv gummies, and also in blends with other cannabinoids. Contrary to other popular cannabinoids, it is non psychoactive- it does not make one “high”. So then, what are this compound’s effects? We’ll explain in the next section.

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THCv Effects

Now that we’ve gone over the initial question- “what is THCv?”, let’s explore THCv’s effects. Despite its lack of psychoactivity, it is said to provide users with an energizing, motivating effect. Other reported effects include:

• Improving cognitive function
• Boosting metabolism
• Reducing appetite
• Reducing inflammation

As this study puts it, “the uniquely diverse properties of THCV provide neuroprotection, appetite suppression, glycemic control, and reduced side effects, etc.; therefore, making it a potential priority candidate for the development of clinically useful therapies in the future.” With these unique characteristics, it’s easy to see why people are gaining an interest in this cannabinoid.

THCv For Weight Loss

Now that we’ve taken a look at its reported effects, is THCv a viable option for weight loss? As convenient products like THCv gummies and vapes, some consider it a groundbreaking solution for weight loss. Before drawing any conclusions, it’s important to examine the research and studies. It's also important to take into account how much THCv it take to get one's desired results. We mentioned earlier that this compound may be able to suppress appetite, but how?

Endocannabinoid System and Appetite Regulation

It all starts in the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a system in the brain that regulates and controls several bodily functions. These include processes like regulating mood, hunger, learning, sleep, temperature, and more. Within the ECS there are two cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. 

As this article by Frontiers in Neuroscience puts it, “The promotion of CB1 signaling can increase appetite and stimulate feeding, while blockade of CB1 suppresses hunger”. THC use is known to interact with CB1 receptors, which might ring a bell for those familiar with the notorious "munchies" phenomenon. If you've ever indulged in cannabis, you've likely experienced the sudden surge in appetite that accompanies it. It's that irresistible craving for snacks and treats that can be hard to resist. This happens because of THC's interaction with those CB1 receptors in our body.

ECS CB1 Receptors

Where does THCv fit into all of this? Well, according to pharmacological studies, their results “have fostered the view that CBD and THCV modulate the effects of THC via direct blockade of cannabinoid CB1 receptors''. In other words, this compound may turn off our CB1 receptors. So while THC typically increases appetite, these studies suggest that this cannabinoid may actually decrease appetite.

The studies mentioned before definitely explain why many believe that this cannabinoid can help with weight loss, with a study the Journal of Cannabis Research published stating that “THCV decreases appetite, increases satiety, and up-regulates energy metabolism, making it a clinically useful remedy for weight loss and management of obesity and type 2 diabetic patients.”

Final Thoughts

For years, people have cherished cannabis for various reasons. Some have turned to it to relieve pain and aid with sleep troubles. While others, of course, have used it for recreational purposes. Traditionally, cannabis has been associated with stimulating appetite. So it’s interesting to see the possibility that THCv may be helpful for weight loss. We’ve gone over questions like “what is THCv?” and explored THCv effects. We’ve also examined the research behind THCv’s properties. Whether it’s via THCv gummies or vapes, what do you think about the possibilities of using THCv for weight loss? Let us know in the comments. Stay Mellow.

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