THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin): a complete guide to this cannabinoid

THCV, or tetrahydrocannabivarin, is one of the most popular cannabinoids of cannabis. Structurally close to THC, it differs radically from it in its behavior: depending on the dose, it can sometimes amplify THC's effects, sometimes block them. It's what's known as a biphasic cannabinoid - a rare property that opens up unprecedented therapeutic prospects.

Where THC stimulates appetite, high-dose THCV suppresses it. Where THC can aggravate anxiety, THCV seems to reduce it. For these reasons, medical research is increasingly interested in THCV, particularly in the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.

Present in low concentrations in most cannabis varieties, THCV is found in significant quantities in certain African sativas. Its legal status in France, often a source of confusion due to its name, also needs to be clarified.

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The psychoactive effect of THCV

At low doses, THCV facilitates THC's access to CB1 receptors, intensifying and shortening the psychoactive effect. It increases the euphoric effect of THC during half of its action time, bringing the rapid rise and fall of THC as it is metabolized. It is often found in Sativa varieties which gives them more energetic and euphoric effects than varieties with low THCV levels.

It is said to be the origin of feeling of hunger of these varieties. THCV also blocks two notorious negative effects of THC: immediate memory loss and increased blood flow.

How does THCV interact with the endocannabinoid system?

THCV is a biphasic cannabinoid like CBD.

At low doses, THCV acts as a partial agonist of the CB1 receptor, meaning it can activate the receptor to some extent. At higher doses, however, it acts as an antagonist, blocking the receptor's activity.

This dual action can lead to various physiological effects, such as appetite suppression when it acts as an antagonist.

For the CB2 receptor, THCV functions as a partial agonist, activating this receptor but not to the same extent as other cannabinoids such as THC. Activation of CB2 receptors is generally linked to anti-inflammatory effects and immune modulation.

THCV also influences levels of endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), such as anandamide and 2-AG, by interacting with the enzymes responsible for their synthesis and degradation. This interaction can alter the balance and overall activity of the endocannabinoid system. Thanks to these mechanisms, THCV has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

A promising medical future

Research is focusing on the medicinal effects of THCV. In addition to treating obesity, it is thought to help regulate insulin and blood sugar levels for diabetics. Visit GW Pharmaceuticals laboratories has already launched obesity treatments based on cannabis with a high THCV content. The laboratory also markets anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant treatments with these varieties.

Added to this are a number of interesting avenues, such as the reduction of anxiety attacks due to post-traumatic stress syndromes. Trials are also underway for treatments of Alzeihmer's and Parkinson's disease, notably to reduce tremors. Still uncertain, it is thought to reduce psychotic disorders leading to the onset of schizophrenia. Some researchers see it as a stimulant for bone development, which could be effective in osteoporosis treatments.

Scientists are now seeking to isolate THCV from its THC cousin. This would enable patients to obtain near-similar treatments, but without the psychoactive effects.

Anticonvulsant : A review of 2015 published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics concluded that THCV may be able to reduce seizure activity in epileptic subjects.

Anti-inflammatory : A 2010 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology revealed that THCV reduced inflammation and associated pain in mice.

Appetite suppressant and glucose regulator: A review of existing studies published in 2020 by the Journal of Cannabis Research indicates that THCV can suppress appetite and control blood sugar levels. The studies reviewed concerned obesity and diabetes in humans and mice.

Bone growth stimulant : THCV is one of many cannabinoids that may promote bone health and healing, according to a study conducted on tissue samples and published in 2007 by Calcified Tissue International.

Neuroprotective : A 2020 study on mice, published in Neurobiology of Disease, concluded that THCV had neuroprotective properties that could be useful in treating Parkinson's disease. Another study from 2020, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, THCV has potential in the treatment of neuroinflammation and Huntington's disease.

Which cannabis varieties contain THCV?

The presence of THCV in cannabis is not uniform: it depends largely on the plant's genetics and geographical origin. In most Western hybrid or indica varieties, THCV represents less than 1 % of the total cannabinoid composition - concentrations too low to produce measurable effects.

The highest THCV levels are found in African landrace sativas, i.e. unhybridized native varieties grown for generations in their native environment. The reason is biosynthetic: these plants naturally produce more THCVA (the acid precursor form of THCV) due to enzymatic pathways specific to these genetic lines, probably shaped by centuries of climatic adaptation. Durban Poison (South Africa) and Red Congolese are the best-known representatives of this family.

Other varieties selected for their THCV content are now available:

• Doug's Varin, one of the few varieties specifically developed to maximize THCV, with levels that can exceed 6 %.
• GSC (formerly known as Girl Scout Cookies), a popular hybrid with moderate levels of
• Jack the Ripper,Pineapple Purps, Power Plant, Skunk #1, Tangie, sativa-dominant varieties with variable concentrations

Cultivars with a high THCV content are still rare on the European market, which partly explains why isolated products (oils, tinctures) are still relatively rare and expensive.

Why buy THCV products?

Buying THCV-based products can be attractive because of its unique effects and potential therapeutic benefits.

Various THCV-based products are available on the market. These include THCV tinctures and oils, which make it easy to control dosage and can be added to foods or drinks. THCV vaporization cartridges and pens offer a fast-acting method of consumption, appealing to those who prefer inhalation.

Edible THCV products, such as gummies and chocolates, offer a discreet and tasty way to consume THCV. There are also THCV capsules and tablets, which are convenient for those who prefer a more traditional form of medication.

Each of these products caters for different preferences and needs, making THCV available in a variety of forms to suit everyone's lifestyle.

Is THCV legal in France?

The question is legitimate: the name «tetrahydrocannabivarin» contains the term THC, which often leads to confusion. However, the legal status of THCV is distinct from that of THC.

In France, narcotics legislation specifically targets delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and substances explicitly included on classified product lists. THCV is not listed as such. Nor is it listed in the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

In practice, THCV from industrial hemp varieties meeting the legal threshold of 0.3% residual THC follows the same framework as CBD and CBG: it is tolerated for sale in the form of oils, supplements and cosmetics in most European countries.

The important nuance is this: a cannabis extract containing both THCV and THC in excess of the legal threshold (0.3% in France) would fall foul of narcotics regulations. It is therefore essential to ensure that any THCV-based product comes from certified industrial hemp, and is accompanied by a laboratory analysis attesting to the conformity of the levels.

If in doubt about a specific product, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional or specialist legal advisor.