For almost a year now we have been dedicated to minor cannabinoid innovation at Kush Queen. Like us, you may have fallen in love with the benefits of using different cannabis molecules like CBN, CBG, and Delta 8 recently.  

We are excited to announce our team has been testing a new molecule, soon to be a new favorite, THCV. Of the 140+ cannabis molecules, THCV has some surprising and really exciting potential benefits.

Spoiler alert, THCV’s effects and benefits are unique and the opposite of typical THC/stoner effects! 

Have you heard of THCV? Let’s cover the basics!

THCV, or tetrahydrocannabivarin is a molecule predominantly found in sativa dominant strains. Like it’s name suggests THCV is similar to THC in molecular structure and psychoactive properties at high doses. But most importantly at lower doses, THCV provides a variety of pronounced and altogether different effects.

Users of THCV describe the effects as:

• Euphoric
• Uplifting
• Energetic
• Motivating/Focus Inducing 
• Appetite Suppressing

Those who have used THCV have reported stress relief and a reduction in panic attacks. Additionally, THCV is known as a neuroprotective, so it’s ideal for neurological conditions, which we’ll dig into a little later. 

Unlike THC, THCV works to suppress the appetite, so it is not recommended for those with eating disorders or people looking for an appetite stimulator. 

Sure, that all sounds amazing, but what about science? Everything we do at KQ has to be rooted in scientific evidence, and surprisingly, there is actually medical research when it comes to THCV. 

Not All THCV is created equally

Just like CBD and Delta 8 THC are having their moment in the spotlight, you'll be seeing THCV products popping up on the internet. One major thing to note is there are different types of THCV, delta 8 THCV and delta 9 THCV. 

The research and exciting benefits specifically point to delta 9 THCV not delta 8 THCV. When it comes to choosing a product that is going to deliver actual benefits and the effects described above, delta 9 THCV needs to be used. 

So when you are shopping for THCV products, it's important to read and understand the lab tests. 

You’ll be looking for 2 things when reading THCV product lab tests:

• The type of THCV. The medical research Kush Queen is referencing specifically mentions the use of, effects, and benefits of delta 9 THCV.  
• The amount of THCV. With any product, you want to make sure you are getting the molecule as advertised, not a watered down product or a product with high amounts of THCV. Look at the total mgs of THCV used compared to the total mg of the product. 

Let’s unpack the research on THCV

It’s not often we get much medical research on a cannabis molecule, so it’s very exciting to see delta 9 THCV already having a number of notable studies. 

The first 2 studies are both from the British Journal of Pharmacology. These studies are exploring THCV’s impact on the body.

Neuroprotective Effects

The first study explores the symptom-reliving neuroprotective effects of delta 9THCV in animal models. The study implicated and concluded, “given its antioxidant properties and its ability to activate CB2 but to block CB1 receptors, Δ9‐THCV has a promising pharmacological profile for delaying progression of symptoms.” 

The second study, also on mice explored THCV’s relieving powers. The conclusion states, “THCV has therapeutic potential for the relief of neuropathic symptoms.”

Appetite Suppressant and Weight Loss

The next notable study tackled THCV and obesity. Researchers explored how THCV could be a possible treatment for obesity. THCV is often associated with appetite- suppressing qualities. In his new book The African Roots of Marijuana, cannabis researcher and scholar, Chris S. Duvall repeatedly refers to THC as an “ appetite suppressant” with the capability of contributing to weight management and weight loss. 

Going back to the beginning when we were budtenders, this was always the reason cannabis users were trying to find “ high THCV” strains. Citizen science has taught us about THCV’s powerful ability to suppress the appetite instead of stimulating it like THC. 

Now we are seeing research to support the effects and benefits of THCV.

Conclusion

Of course we have some incredible new THCV creations coming soon! Stay tuned and get ready for another incredible Kush Queen product.