NOT ALL WEED GIVES YOU MUNCHIES!
Just in time for summer! Get ready to have your mind blown… Ready? Ok!
What if I were to tell you that not all weed gives you munchies and that there are components in some marijuana strains that can promote weight loss and NOT give you munchies!?! Yes, it’s true! I would like to introduce you to an amazing cannabinoid called THCV
What is THCV?
THCV is very similar in molecular structure to THC but is derived from a different precursor chemical. (THC is derived from CBGA, or cannabigerolic acid, while THCV is derived from CBGVA, or cannabigerovarin acid.) THCV is most common in pure landrace sativas, like Durban Poison.
Cognitive Effects
THCV is often described as the “Cadillac” of cannabinoids because it offers a rapid onset of effects, and the effects wear off quickly as well. THCV is reported to be about 25% as intoxicating as THC and is said to offer an uplifting, clear-headed high. For these reasons, strains with high levels of THCV are often recommended for patients with PTSD or those who experience anxiety or paranoia when consuming cannabis. At high doses THCV acts more like THC, activating both the CB1 and CB2 receptors and enhancing psychoactivity.
Therapeutic Effects
Appetite-Suppressant THCV is mainly recognized for its unique appetite-suppressing properties. While THC is generally reported to increase food cravings (aka “the munchies”), THCV is reported to decrease cravings and the rewarding feeling caused by eating. This is because THCV blocks the CB1 receptor (which regulates the “hunger hormone” ghrelin) at low doses.
Anti-Inflammatory – THCV is a potent anti-inflammatory, reducing both inflammation and the pain caused by inflammation, most likely by blocking the CB1 receptor while activating the CB2 receptor. THCV also promotes bone formation, though additional research is needed to understand how this works.
Anticonvulsant Research has also shown that THCV is an effective anticonvulsant, reducing both the incidence and severity of seizures. Studies have found that THCV was effective regardless of whether it was applied as a preventative or after the onset of convulsions.
Neuroprotective THCV may also offer significant neuroprotective qualities. Research suggests that it inhibits both the progression of Parkinson’s disease and its symptoms while improving motor function because of its unique ability to block the CB1 receptor while activating the CB2 receptor [at low doses]. Further research indicates that because of this property and its antioxidant effects,
Diabetes Lastly, there is evidence that THCV can regulate glucose metabolism. Some studies found that THCV decreased fasting plasma glucose and improved pancreatic cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes, indicating that it can be used therapeutically for glycemic control. Other research found that THCV did not decrease body weight or the amount of food consumed but was effective at increasing energy expenditure and insulin sensitivity in obese mice—particularly those with insulin-resistance.
In conclusion, weed that has some THCV in it will motivate you and help keep your appetite under control, allowing you to be active, high, and NOT hungry anytime you want. You can find many kinds of products that contain THCV in the form of edibles, cartridges, tinctures, patches, trans-dermal creams, and many more. Ask your budtenders about this phenomenal cannabinoid that can change the way you think about weed.
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