🌿Hello cannabis enthusiasts! This week we're going to take a look at a really interesting cannabinoid to me, Tetrahydrocannabivarin, or THCV. In the medical cannabis realm, we often see the spotlight on the big cannabinoids like CBD or THC and not quite so often on the lesser known ones like THCV. However, unlike THC, THCV offers therapeutic benefits without the high, making it a compelling option for those seeking relief from various health conditions. From weight management to glycemic control, inflammation reduction to neuroprotection, THCV's diverse properties hold promise for a range of medical applications. Let's delve deeper into the intriguing world of THCV and explore its potential as a valuable addition to our medical cannabis toolkit.
THCV, a cannabinoid gaining attention for its potential medical benefits, offers a unique profile that distinguishes it from its well-known counterpart, THC. Unlike THC, THCV lacks psychoactive effects, making it an attractive option for those seeking therapeutic benefits without the high. Research suggests that THCV holds promise in multiple areas of healthcare, particularly in weight management and glycemic control. In rodent studies, THCV has shown the ability to decrease appetite, increase satiety, and regulate energy metabolism, making it a potential remedy for conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. As there are many reasons for taking a medicine for weight management, it should be noted that the same study that showed THCV's ability to decrease the appetite and regulate glycemic control also showed that THCV had no effect on overall weight of the subjects studied. So while it does decrease appetite and increase satiety, it is also not the worlds next diet pill. It could potentially be used for someone dealing with cravings who is also managing their weight with proper diet and exercise.
Additionally, THCV exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, down-regulating the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes and inhibiting multiple inflammation pathways. This aspect not only hints at its potential in alleviating inflammatory conditions but also suggests its role in combating cytokine storms, an immune response complication. Moreover, THCV has demonstrated efficacy in reducing inflammation and inflammatory pain in mice, pointing towards its potential application in pain management strategies. According to an article published by the University of Florida Health, about 34.6% of the US population deals with inflammation, that's a lot of people hurting from inflammation. Furthermore, ongoing research suggests that THCV may have neuroprotective effects, making it a candidate for therapeutic interventions in neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. Currently THCV is not a cannabinoid that is often seen in cannabis cultivars popular to our area. However, as cannabis growers continue to develop cultivars with higher THCV concentrations, its potential as a clinically useful therapy in various medical conditions remains an area of active investigation.
To summarize, THCV is a fascinating cannabinoid with immense potential in the realm of medical cannabis. Its distinct profile, devoid of psychoactive effects yet rich in therapeutic benefits, makes it a compelling avenue for those seeking relief from various health conditions. While it may not be the ultimate solution for weight management, its ability to regulate appetite and glycemic control offers promise for individuals managing their health through proper diet and exercise. Moreover, THCV's anti-inflammatory properties and potential neuroprotective effects open doors to addressing conditions ranging from inflammatory disorders to neurodegenerative diseases. With ongoing research and the development of cultivars with higher THCV concentrations, the future of THCV as a clinically useful therapy appears promising, offering hope for individuals seeking alternative treatments in their medical cannabis journey. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of THCV, it underscores the importance of exploring the diverse array of cannabinoids and their potential contributions to our medical toolkit.
References
Abioye, A. et al. (2020) ‘Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): A commentary on potential therapeutic benefit for the management of obesity and diabetes’, Journal of Cannabis Research, 2(1). doi:10.1186/s42238-020-0016-7.
Gojani EG, Wang B, Li D-P, Kovalchuk O, Kovalchuk I. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Minor Cannabinoids CBC, THCV, and CBN in Human Macrophages. Molecules. 2023; 28(18):6487. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28186487
professional, C.C. medical (no date) Cytokine release syndrome: Symptoms, what it is & treatment, Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22700-cytokine-release-syndrome (Accessed: 10 February 2024).
Walsh KB, McKinney AE and Holmes AE (2021) Minor Cannabinoids: Biosynthesis, Molecular Pharmacology and Potential Therapeutic Uses. Front. Pharmacol. 12:777804. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.777804
Chronic inflammation and poverty are a ‘double whammy’ for mortality risk (2024) UF Health. Available at: https://ufhealth.org/news/2024/chronic-inflammation-and-poverty-are-a-double-whammy-for-mortality-risk#:~:text=Another%20new%20study%20led%20by,U.S.%20adults%20have%20systemic%20inflammation. (Accessed: 10 February 2024).
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