Most people who have tried smoking or vaping marijuana at some point in their life have recalled how it causes them to immediately eat everything in sight. The fact that cannabis causes an increase in appetite is well-known. But did you know that there are cannabinoids that suppress appetite? A cannabinoid called THCV, or tetrahydrocannabivarin is sought after for it’s many benefits, including the fact that it works as a natural appetite suppressant, neuroprotectant, and anticonvulsant. If you’re looking for a natural way to lose weight or control your appetite, then this powerful cannabinoid is definitely worth a closer look.
Cannabinoids that suppress appetite can have a positive impact on people who are suffering from weight-related health issues such as high blood pressure or type two diabetes. This cannabinoid can be found in certain strains of marijuana, however, it’s very rare to find it in its pure form. Research shows that it can be used as an appetite suppressant, but it also offers a wide range of other health benefits and can be used as a natural treatment alternative for people diagnosed with epilepsy. As we continue to learn more, it’s clear that THCV has a role to play in the treatment of obesity, certain eating disorders, and can help to counteract the effects of THC by preventing that significant increase in appetite that many people experience right after smoking.
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Why this Cannabinoid is so Popular
At this time, THCV has not been as widely studied as other cannabinoids, such as CBD or THC. Because of this, you’re not likely to run into it when you’re shopping for cannabinoid products. We simply don’t know enough about this cannabinoid. But we do know is very promising. If you’re someone who’s struggled with weight gain or you’re experiencing a type of health-related problem that’s a direct result of your weight, then this cannabinoid can be the natural treatment you’re looking for. Fortunately, it can be found in certain strains of cannabis, but more research is needed before it becomes as widely available and as popular as CBD-based products.
Main Benefits
A person can benefit from THCV use for a variety of reasons. But one of the biggest reasons why this cannabinoid is so popular with people who are struggling with weight gain or have trouble losing weight is the fact that it’s a powerful appetite suppressant. Unlike THC, the main active compound in cannabis, which is known to cause a boost in your appetite, THCV has the opposite effect on people. This is why it’s so popular among people who are trying to lose weight and prevent binge eating after they’ve vaped or smoked marijuana.
Researchers also believe that this cannabinoid can be helpful in treating type two diabetes. One study conducted showed that this cannabinoid worked to significantly minimize the levels of fasting plasma glucose, which resulted in an improved pancreatic B-C function, apolipoprotein A and adiponectin. The scientists in this study found that THCV could potentially provide a new therapeutic option in terms of glycemic control.
This compound is also known as an anticonvulsant, which can make it an effective treatment for people with an epilepsy diagnosis. On a neuroprotectant level, this cannabinoid can also work to protect the brain, which means it has the potential to slow down the progression or even prevent the development of certain types of dementia. Some research has indicated that it can also support bone growth.
Use
Some people who take this compound will do so because it can provide both euphoric and energetic effects, unlike other types of cannabinoids that promote sleep or relaxation. People who are suffering from PTSD, anxiety, chronic stress, or depression often find that THCV can be very helpful in terms of an effective daytime treatment that won’t promote drowsiness like prescription medications or marijuana. This is because the cannabinoid works to naturally elevate the mood and energizes you, without the paranoia-inducing effects that are associated with some strands of marijuana.
Combining THCV with Other Cannabinoids
It can be difficult to find this cannabinoid in its pure form. Most strains of marijuana contain this cannabinoid in addition to a high level of THC. However, scientists have found that many of the benefits of THCV are still very apparent, even when it’s combined with THC. The reason behind this is that THCV works to minimize the effects of THC, which helps to eliminate some of the negative side effects associated with it, such as an increase in appetite or drowsiness.
One study involved combining THCV and THC use. While participants in the study who were given THC alone experienced certain unwanted side effects such as delayed verbal recall, drowsiness, impaired short-term memory, elevated heart rate, and delayed verbal recall, those that were given both THCV and THC did not experience these side effects.
Just like CBD, THCV seems to possess the ability to minimize the negative side effects of THC. Yet, it’s still able to maintain many of its benefits and powerful effects. However, unlike CBD, if you use THCV with THC, you’ll still experience a powerful mind high, but you won’t experience the same intense hunger cravings, and you’ll feel more clear-headed.
Are There Any Side Effects Linked to THCV?
While there are many benefits linked to THCV use, there are possible side effects. However, not every user will find the effects to be negative. The most notable side effect is the psychoactive high, which can leave some users feeling less functional. If you want to avoid experiencing any type of mental high, then you’ll want to avoid using THCV and use the best CBD drops or other types of CBD-based products instead. Products such as R And R Medicinals Hemp Oil can eliminate the mental high you experience when smoking or vaping marijuana, yet you’ll still experience many of the same benefits.
If you’re not trying to lose weight, or your doctor has recommended weight gain, then you’ll also want to avoid using this cannabinoid. Marijuana is often used to treat patients who are diagnosed with certain conditions such as digestive problems, anorexia, or cancer, and other conditions that cause a loss in appetite. For these conditions, a patient will smoke or vape marijuana for the appetite-inducing effects. If THCV is used, it can work to further decrease their appetite, thus worsening their condition. While you can moderate the effects of THC using terpenes for sleep in order to increase the sedative effects, THCV will not be affected by terpene profiles that are designed to promote sleep. This is why it can make it difficult for people who suffer from sleep issues to comes back down to a drowsy state after using this cannabinoid. Unfortunately, THCV is best suited for daytime use only. To learn more about terpenes and how they can help you rest better at night, click here to read my terpenes buyer’s guide.
How THCV and THC are Similar
While both these cannabinoids may share some similarities, they work very differently, especially when it comes to how they affect the user. In terms of their chemical structure, these cannabinoids are very similar. But the process of creating both cannabinoids is very different. THCV undergoes a process that turns it into a cannabigerovarin acid, also referred to as a CBGVA. The CBGVA breaks down into tetrahydrocannabivarin carboxylic acid. Next, the THCVA undergoes a type of decarboxylation process that involves using heat or UV light to create THCV. Additionally, THCV and THC both activate specific receptors in the body. These receptors are known as the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Both cannabinoids will have an impact on these receptors, however, this response acts as a type of antagonist. THCV is an antagonist for both of these receptors, which means that it will block THC, which is how it can prevent users from experiencing a boost in their appetite.
Appetite Suppressing Properties
The endocannabinoid system is very complex and works by regulating the different functions within the body. One of its functions is regulating the appetite. Research has indicated that the boost in appetite that many people experience when they smoke marijuana is a response in the endocannabinoid system. Over a period of time, other studies have found that it’s due to THC’s ability to increase the appetite and act as an appetite stimulant.
While it’s true that THC is known to cause an increase in appetite in most users, as you know by now, THCV causes the opposite effect to occur. But why? Instead of stimulating the appetite is suppresses it because it blocks THC from interacting with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Because of this, some users will not experience that significant increase in their appetite that they normally would, if they have consumed THCV prior to smoking. Other research has found that THCV removes the pleasing or satiating feeling that tends to occur after eating something that tastes delicious. Because of this, people who have been diagnosed with certain types of eating disorders or people who have struggled with obesity for years and need to reduce their food intake can be a great candidate for THCV use.
Related Questions
What Does THCV Help With?
Aside from working as a natural appetite suppressant, this cannabinoid shows anticonvulsant properties that can help with seizure, neurodegenerative, and spasticity-related disorders. It can also help to combat panic attacks and anxiety, and may also be beneficial to people who are suffering from PTSD. Some studies have shown that it is also a very potent anti-inflammatory agent.
What Does CBG Do to Your Body?
CBG, also known as cannabigerol, is a type of non-psychoactive cannabinoid. Its antibacterial effects can have an impact on the effects of marijuana. It’s known for it’s ability to slow or kill bacterial growth, works to reduce inflammation, and can even help to inhibit cancer/tumor cells while promoting bone growth.
Will CBD Make Me Feel Tired?
Research has shown that it can help people who are suffering from certain sleep disorders, such as insomnia, relax, which can allow them to easily fall asleep at night. It also has the potential to help a person who suffers from broken sleep to stay asleep. However, CBD that’s derived from hemp will not possess any type of intoxicating properties, which means it does not cause any type of true sedating effects, it simply helps the user to feel more relaxed, which may be enough to help them to easily fall asleep, or stay asleep.
Can CBD Help with Anxiety?
Yes. It can help you feel more relaxed, without causing any sedating effects, which is why many people who suffer from anxiety tend to use CBD during the day. Unlike THC or some types of prescription anxiety medication, CBD will not leave you feeling tired or less motivated. In fact, you won’t feel any real type of mental change at all, so it’s a perfect treatment option if you need a type of natural anti-anxiety treatment that you can use at work.
Final Thoughts
THCV can often be found in cannabis strains that are sativa dominant. Some of the best strains contain very high levels of THCV. This includes popular strains such as Jack the Ripper or Face Off OG. In the future, as researchers learn more about how this cannabinoid can affect the user in the long term, you can expect cannabinoid manufacturers to come out with their own pure THCV extracts, marketing them towards people who are struggling to lose weight.
If you’re looking for cannabinoids that suppress appetite, then a strain with a high THCV content is your best bet. It will work to counteract the effects of the THC in terms of preventing the after smoke munchies that most people struggle with. Overall, this cannabinoid plays a significant role in appetite suppression and can positively impact the life of the person who is suffering from obesity, or other types of eating disorders that are causing certain health issues such as type two diabetes or high blood pressure.
