The cannabis plant contains more than 100 different cannabinoids. One of them is tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), which differs from other, better-known drugs such as THC and CBD because of its unique effect.

 

Although cannabidiol is becoming more and more popular, many people still think of cannabis primarily as psychoactive THC. The drug has great medicinal potential and can help us fall asleep or influence the concentration of neurotransmitters so that pain is less intense.

 

Unfortunately, ingesting too much THC is also associated with negative effects such as anxiety, an increased risk of developing psychosis or depression and, of course, increased hunger. In addition, researchers now believe that long-term use may reduce attention, weaken short-term memory, and limit motor skills.

 

Although each active substance of the hemp plant has its own medically valuable properties, the various cannabinoids provide for their individual effect through their interaction. For example, by balancing the psychoactive THC. In addition, organisms seem to benefit most from the effects of as many cannabinoids as possible.

 

THCV is considered relatively rare and difficult to extract. The boiling point of cannabinoids is about 220 ° C, so it must be heated more than THC. In the human body, THCV has a psychoactive effect that can increase the effect of THC. However, in contrast to the main psychoactive substance, THCV is only half as long.

 

THCV can suppress appetite. The potentially appetite-suppressing effect could be of interest to overweight patients. Patients who have problems with food intake, for example due to chemotherapy, should be advised to abstain from using it. In addition, it has been found that THCV has a stimulating effect and can sharpen the mind.

 

Scientists are currently investigating the properties of THCV in the treatment of diabetes - with promising results. THC appears to have beneficial effects on the regulation of blood sugar levels and the reduction of insulin resistance.

 

THVC is found in almost all cannabis strains, sometimes even in a very high concentration. In tests it could be proven that some varieties from the Asian region or African landrace sometimes even have a THCV content of more than 50%. In the breeding of most varieties, however, the content of THCV does not play a major role.

 

Research into the medical potential of THCV is still in its infancy. The results so far, however, give a promising insight into the properties of the cannabinoid and give hope that in the future even more evidence for the effectiveness of the targeted application of the drug can be collected.