It is highly possible that cannabis can deliver lifestyle changes superior to its ability to deliver improved health. One under-served lifestyle research area is obesity. CBD and various terpenes have demonstrated their abilities to combat obesity in a multitude of ways. In fact, we believe the new terpene enhanced hemp-based weight loss products starting to appear in the marketplace are far superior to anything ever sold commercially into the consumer products market. Given one author has formulated two individual multi-billion dollar weight loss products in the past, there is reason for everyone to pay attention to this belief.

Today we want to focus in on a rarely discussed cannabinoid, THCV, and its role in regulating obesity.

What is Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)?

As the name might suggest, tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is very similar to the most famous cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Their chemical structure is nearly identical, but the process involved in their creation is slightly different. Unlike other cannabinoids like THC, cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabichromene (CBC), THCV doesn’t begin as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Instead of combining with olivetolic acid to create CBGA, the geranyl phosphate joins forces with divarinolic acid, which has 2 less carbon molecules. The result is cannabigerovarin acid (CBGVA). Once CBGVA is created, the process continues exactly same as it would for THC. CBGVA is broken down to tetrahydrocannabivarin carboxylic acid (THCVA) by the THCV synthase. At that point, THCVA can be decarboxylated with heat or UV light to create THCV.

The Benefits of THCV

The relationship between THC and THCV is obvious in the effects as well. Although both cannabinoids effect the same receptors, they do so in a different manner. THCV is actually an antagonist of the CB1 and CB2 receptors, and is being studied for its use as an appetite suppressant.

Researchers have already found a relation between the endocannabinoids and appetite. Expanding on these findings, they are interested in the potential for THCV to aid in fighting obesity. Many scientists believe that it blocks the rewarding sensations we experience when eating, often unhealthy, comfort foods.

High-THCV Strains are Considered to be Euphoric

Although tetrhydrocannabivarin does affect the same receptors in the brain as THC, it produces a much different high. THCV is intoxicating, but causes more of a psychedelic, clear-headed effect. It causes the effects of THC to hit you much faster, and some think it could be the reason for those “1 hitter quitter” strains. With that said, the THC effects also die off a bit more quickly with the presence of THCV.

A search for strains high in THCV at your local dispensary would certainly be rewarded. Some of the most beloved Sativas in the world are high in THCV. It is most prominent in African landraces, like Durban Poison,and the haze strains. Some breeders have started to focus on the production of more high-THCV strains, and more like TGA Genetics‘ Jack The Ripper would be a great addition.

Speaking of Durban Poison, the terpenes in that particular strain have been investigated by one of the authors who has found very fast, significant weight loss properties. Mixed with a hemp oil rich in CBD, Durban Poison terpenes has delivered on average of 4-6 pounds of weight loss per week when ingested. While these results are impressive in the overweight communities, it is not uncommon to see similar results in the first week or two of use in those simply trying to define and body shape. For example, when given to extremely fit women, i.e., a Utah Jazz halftime dancer and a leading female fitness influencer both women defined their physiques in less than 10 days, losing an average of 6 pounds.

THCV, CBD and many terpenes from THCV rich cannabis strains hold incredible promise for battling the epidemic of obesity and metabolic disorder plaguing much of the world while at the same time delivering fast, safe results for fitness oriented people looking to achieve the best shape of their lives.