Daily combination of THCV and CBD linked to weight loss and metabolic health, study finds

A recent study published in Cannabis revealed that a daily combination of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabidiol (CBD) can make a significant contribution to weight loss, the reduction of waist circumference, the decline in blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels.

Gregory Smith, CEO of NeX Therapeutics, examined the effects of these cannabinoids in a controlled clinical setting.

THCV and CBD: A promising combination for weight loss

The study involved 44 participants, who were given either a placebo or mucoadhesive oral strips containing THCV and CBD at two different dosages. Over a 90-day period, people using the cannabinoid-infused strips showed measurable weight loss with no change in their diet or their exercise program.

Participants in the low-dose group (8 mg THCV and 10 mg CBD) lost an average of 2.6 kilograms, while those in the high-dose group (16 mg THCV and 20 mg CBD) lost an average of 4.1 kilograms. In contrast, the placebo group lost virtually no weight, with an average of 0.1 kilograms (0.2 pounds). In addition, 95,8% in the lowest dose group and 70% in the highest dose group reported a decrease in abdominal circumference.

Dr. Smith noted that the results were statistically significant, particularly for weight loss and reductions in systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.

«Use of the THCV/CBD band was associated with statistically significant weight loss, a decrease in abdominal circumference, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol,» he said.

Role of THCV and CBD in metabolism

The results of the study are in line with previous research concerning minor cannabinoids and their impact on metabolic function.

In particular, a 2023 study highlighted the cannabigerol (CBG) as a potential therapy for metabolic syndrome, a condition linked to the’obesity, at diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Research has noted that CBG activates the adrenergic receptor, reduces appetite and increases the activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT), a key factor in calorie burning.

A other study has shown that people who regularly consume cannabis are significantly less likely to be obese, confirming a link between cannabinoids and weight regulation.

«People who had used cannabis in the previous month were 31% less likely to be obese than non-users, after adjustment,» the study says. This trend was even more pronounced among daily users, who were 32% less likely to be obese.

Although the study on the THCV and CBD is relatively small, its results contribute to the growing body of evidence suggesting that cannabinoids may play a role in weight management and metabolic health.

One of the study's observations was that THCV consumption triggered false positives in the THC testing, 77.8 % of high-dose testers tested positive even though they did not consume THC.

If the search continues, the THCV and CBD could become a viable plant-based alternative for people looking for natural weight-loss solutions.