THCV: Everything To Know About The So-Called ‘Diet Weed’

THCV is a unique cannabinoid that has potential therapeutic benefits for both appetite control and providing a focused, energetic effect.

CBDA, CBG, CBN, CBC, THC-A, THCV, THCP, and THC-A are a few of what are considered to be minor cannabinoids.

Incorporating minor cannabinoids into CBD product formulas complements each other and improves efficacy and health benefits.

THCV, the so-called “diet weed” is actually fantastic for losing weight. Not only does it curb your appetite and helps you manage cravings.

But it also increases satiety (the satisfied feeling of being full), and boosts your energy metabolism, helping you burn off more calories with your daily activities.

This cannabinoid has some other benefits as well. It may be able to help regulate glucose in patients who have glucose resistance.

THCV may be able to stabilize these glucose levels, decreasing the chances of getting type 2 diabetes.

How does THCV compare to THC?

Compared to THC, THCV is non-psychoactive on the user in small and moderate doses, and it would take massive amounts to offer the same stoning effects as THC.

Plus it moderates the intoxicating effect of delta-9 or delta-8 when taken together.

Also, it is the least potent of all cannabinoids, with around 25% of THC's potency.

Does THCV get you high?

THCV can only get you high when consumed in large amounts. This is considered one of the main reasons for its popularity since you can obtain all its benefits without getting high.

THCV is quite weak in terms of potency compared to THC, and someone using small doses daily is likely to get health benefits from the compound without getting too high to interfere with their daily activities.

THCV for weight loss

THCV shows some impressive potential benefits for healthy weight loss. In fact, THCV is often referred to as “diet weed” because of its weight loss potential.

Reduced appetite

While most people associate cannabis THC with increasing appetite, THCV might have the opposite effect.

Still, the majority of the evidence around THCV and appetite is mostly based on mouse models.

The theory behind this is that THCV can block the CB1 receptor. [The CB1 receptor] is well known for reducing body weight and food intake, so blocking this receptor could [reduce appetite and result in weight loss].

This idea is backed by a few animal studies. For example, a 2018 study suggested that THCV may reduce food intake and weight gain.

Boost metabolism

The main advantage of THCV over THC is the lack of psychoactive effects. Rodent studies have given us insight into its ability to increase metabolism and help you to lose weight more easily.

The endocannabinoid system is known to play a key role in regulating metabolism. 

Research tells us that THCV is able to up-regulate energy metabolism, meaning that it may prove a clinically useful remedy for weight loss and management of obesity and type 2 diabetic patients.

Metabolism plays a key role in weight, the faster your metabolism, the more calories that you will burn at rest.

Regulate blood sugar levels

Another potential weight-reducing benefit of Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) lies in its ability to reduce blood sugar levels.

High blood sugar increases insulin levels, resulting in fat storage. Having high blood sugar may prevent you from losing weight. As a result, blood sugar control is essential for weight management.

Also, high blood sugar levels can also increase your risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.

Research backs up THCV’s blood sugar-reducing properties. One rodent study involving obese mice found that the minor cannabinoid reduced glucose intolerance, increased insulin sensitivity, and restored insulin signaling. 

This is a new potential treatment against obesity-associated glucose intolerance.

Other THCV benefits 

As well as possibly helping you to lose weight, THCV can also offer a few other potential therapeutic benefits such as: 

Reducing inflammation

One important health benefit is that you might experience a reduction in inflammation. Research has found that THCV has demonstrated impressive anti-inflammatory effects, reducing both inflammation and inflammatory-related pain in mouse models.

Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, or psoriasis can be painful, and debilitating, and make it harder to complete everyday tasks.

The inflammatory potential of THCV means that it could have the ability to offer some relief from these symptoms.

Bone growth stimulation

Interestingly, it seems that THCV may also stimulate bone growth thanks to its ability to promote the production of new bone cells.

Studies have found that THCV can stimulate bone nodule formation and collagen production, meaning that it may meaningfully contribute to bone growth.

Because of this, it shows a lot of promise in the treatment of bone-degenerative diseases like osteoporosis, although human research is needed.

THCV may have Antipsychotic effects

Antipsychotic drugs are a class of psychiatric medications that are used to treat psychosis—a mental condition that causes an individual to lose touch with reality.

Symptoms of psychosis include hallucinations, delusions, panic attacks, and disordered thinking. Antipsychotics work by reducing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin. This action helps to stabilize mood and improve symptoms.

Most antipsychotic drugs focus on interactions with 5-HT1. Serotonin receptors are an antagonist that will decrease the proteins in the body which will result in less communication between different areas of the brain.

A study found that THCV enhanced some 5-HT1A receptor activation, which has the potential for mitigating some of the symptoms of psychosis.

THCV side-effects

Unlike THC and CBD, there isn't much research on THCV as of yet. So far, it's generally considered to be non-toxic and well-tolerated.

Like THC, it has some psychoactive effects when taken in high doses, but it's not as potent.

However, some people do report feeling dizzy, anxious, or nauseous after taking too much.

Luckily, these effects are usually temporary.

If you're thinking of trying THCV, it's always a good idea to start with a very low dose and increase gradually until you find the amount that works best for you.

Cannabinoids like THCV can lead to drug interactions, whether your medication is prescription or over-the-counter.

Be sure to consult with your doctor before starting a cannabis regimen to ensure that any other drugs you are taking are compatible with the plant. 

Where to buy THCV for weight loss online

THCV products are sometimes hard to find online. Their potential health benefits and weight loss ability make them worth searching for, however.

Luckily, you don’t have to with this article on  The best THCV gummies that work in 2023. These are some of the most popular THCV gummies online.

The weight loss gummies recommended here are derived from hemp plants grown in the United States and undergo testing by a third-party lab to ensure quality and safety.

The Bottom Line On THCV

THCV shows impressive potential as a weight-loss aid. Containing a range of therapeutic benefits, this cannabinoid may also reduce inflammation, help reduce blood sugar levels, stimulate bone growth, and even prevent panic attacks.

The effects have been described by consumers as being similar to those of THC, but without any psychoactive effects.

This makes THCV perfect for anyone looking for clear-headed relief, or weight loss without any sedation, munchies, or otherwise 'adverse' effects that often come from consuming THC products.

It's important that you seek professional medical advice if you're on medication or have a health condition as your doctor will be able to provide you with more guidance.