There are many health benefits of THCV, but for those wanting to consume cannabis in other ways, edibles are a good option. Here, we break down what THCV is and we talk about how THCV edibles might be the perfect option you're looking for.
What is THCV?
THC and CBD are also cannabinoids but if you’re like most people, you may have never heard of this specific cannabinoid.
While it is similar in chemical structure to THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol, the effects it can have on the body are much different.
THCV has a less psychoactive release in the brain than THC.
People who use THCV report having more energy, less appetite, and feeling less lethargic than consuming something with higher THC.
This is because the way our bodies are able to process cannabinoids is through our own Endocannabinoid system or (ECS).
THCV, THC, and CBD all innervate with receptors in the ECS differently which produces the different reactions we have to consume them. The ECS helps to regulate our physical and mental well-being, appetites, sleep schedules, even hormones can be affected.
Where is THCV Found?
Certain strains have more THCV than others.
Most of those strains that possess this unique Cannabinoid come from long-grown, native or landrace, sativa strains found near and around Africa and the Middle East.
Through strain selective breeding and more advanced growing techniques, growers today have been able to isolate and enhance the levels of THCV in plants today.
This is great news for weed science and those that can use THCV for health benefits!!
By being able to isolate individual compounds such as THCV we are able to better explore the different health benefits they can offer from one another.
Here's a list of some strains to check out with potent levels of THCV:
- Durban Poison
- Doug’s Varin
- Pineapple Purps
- Durban Cheese
- Skunk #1
What Are the Health Benefits of THCV?
THCV is being explored to help treat many different treatments for different health issues.
THCV has different effects on the body than those of other members of the cannabinoid family.
Decreased Appetite
Unlike THC, THCV is proven to suppress one's appetite. When taken in small doses (5-10 mg) THCV has been shown to decrease the want to eat food.
In one study by the Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology the results showed a consistent decrease in appetite. This could be used for people trying to lose weight or control urges to eat.
Diabetes and Glucose Control
THCV has also been shown in early tests to help with the body’s ability to control and manage glucose absorption through a study done on mice with Type Diabetes 2.
Seizures and Epilepsy
With the wider acceptance of Cannabis use to treat serious medical issues in the recent decades, one prominent use has been the treatment of tremors and seizures due to diseases such as ALS, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
THCV has also been shown to help reduce and control seizures associated with epilepsy. In this study THCV was looked at independently to treat seizures. There has been much promising research in the field in the past 10 years.
Here is another study on cannabinoids that looks at multiple cannabinoids working together to treat seizures and uncontrolled tremors.
Inflammation
The list just keeps growing in positive medical benefits with THCV. This study shows how THCV can be effective in relieving inflammation in mice.
With the health benefits of THCV, add those to some of the healthiest ways to consume marijuana and you're set!
Options for Consuming THCV
As mentioned earlier in the blog, there are certain strains that have higher levels of THCV than others.
But what if you aren’t able to find those stains at your local dispensary or your local grower decided to grow a different crop this run than your favorite THCV strain?
Fear not! There are other methods for consuming THCV!
One of our favorites is through edibles. Yes, THCV EDIBLES!
We love this method because the effects you’ll experience will last longer and be more sustained than just smoking.
Check out our deals on edibles in your area on our homepage.
If you want to check out THCV in its purest form, we recommend a full THCV exclusive extract.
While THCV is much more expensive to extract due to lower levels of it found in plant biomass, the process is largely the same.
Like other cannabinoids, THCV is extracted through a chromatography process that uses superfluid liquid solvents such as CO2 or ethanol to separate the compounds from the plant.
The solution is then evaporated with heat under a vacuum to remove all the gas and leave a high-purity THCV concentrate behind. Once extracted, THCV products should be stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight to preserve potency.
THCV Edibles
While it may take more flower to extract a good amount of THCV, the process of isolating this cannabinoid for edibles has a great perk.
The boiling point of THCV is 428 degrees F with the boiling point of THC being 315 degrees F. That’s a full 113 degrees F difference between the two cannabinoids.
Essentially, you just have to boil off your unwanted THC and you’ll be left with a higher THCV end result.
The downside to this is that most terpenes are boiled off at far lower levels than either THC or THCV so you won’t really be left with any of those tasty treats.
If what you’re after is pure THCV though, you’re in luck.
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