It’s a quarter past 4PM and you’re relaxing on the beach after a long summer day. You gulp down water from your bottle, adjust your sunglasses and reach for your favorite snack. Unfortunately, in your haste to hang out with your buds, you forgot to bring the Funyuns. What’s odd is, you don’t mind – in fact, you aren’t even in the mood to snack on all things sweet and salty. Instead, you turn up the music and talk to that girl who has been giving you “the look” since you got here.
Enter: THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) the appetite-suppressing compound in certain cannabinoids that’s making weed “skinny”.
For as long as there has been pot to smoke, getting “the munchies,” has been a problem. While consumers of cannabis have often had the leg up on beer drinkers and shot takers, that caloric advantage declines sharply as soon as you’re finishing off a wedge of your roommate’s cheese you found in the back of the vegetable crisper drawer.
Are the munchies just something enthusiasts have to deal with? Maybe not.
How it works:
If you’re familiar with cannabis you already know the differences between THC and CBD (and if you don’t, click on those links and read up.). Simply, THC is famous for its intoxicating psychoactive effects while CBD is known for having hardly any.
THC activates the CB1 receptors in your brain, providing you with that sensation of being intoxicated. THCV is THC’s little brother (A few carbon atoms smaller than THC) and effects the CB1 receptor in the opposite way. In simple terms, THCV probably won’t get you high.
Losing weight with THCV:
Fret not stoners, early studies suggest that “the behavior of the molecule seems to change depending on the dose”.
In simple terms, if you increase the amount you intake, it will flip the script and begin to provide psychoactive effects similar to those found in THC.
Ghrelin is the hormone in your body and drives you to eat and is partially activated through endocannabinoids (a natural part of your brain which loves fatty foods). Certain compounds found in cannabis activate these cell receptors and drive you to eat when stoned. THCV doesn’t play by those rules and is proving to be successful in blocking cravings for snacks.
In mice, THCV has been shown to decrease food consumption and body weight of the participants. When the CB1 receptor is blocked, food is craved less. The trick to skinny weed is high amounts of THCV found in CBD strains (Sativa).
Research and intoxicating effects:
THCV is still being studied by independent researchers in southern England, who have been continually investigating this compound specifically. While this type of smoke seems to curb appetite, it also shows a lot of appeal for other medical uses.
- Shorter buzz: In higher doses, THCV will mimic the effects of THC, but for about half the time. Making it perfect for a quick pick me up that won’t linger.
- Energetic: Finish your work and get outside. Have some fun in the sun!
- Appetite suppressant: Perfect for after the gym, or shopping at the grocery store when you want to avoid raiding the entire snack aisle.
- No panic attacks: Relax and pass it to the left with no fear of impending social doom.
- Continued research: New studies indicate it may help with Alzheimer’s related symptoms such as: Tremors, motor control loss, and brain lesions. Similarly, THCV promotes the growth of new bone cells and is being studied to help with osteoporosis. Furthermore, studies indicate that THCV helps regulate blood sugar and reduces insulin resistance for the diabetic.
Finding THCV:
This compound is found in greater volume in African strains. Ask your budtender for that variety and avoid many of the hybrids available. For best results, ask for lab results and genetics to ensure you are getting exactly what you want.
One of the easiest strains to find with the high amounts of THCV is Durban Poison, which is often used for concentrates such as oils, waxes, and resins.
Tip: If you enjoy vaping, THCV has a boiling temperature of 428 °F – so make sure you turn your heat up higher than normal.
A review from Leafly describes Durban Poison it this way:
“Durban Poison is like the “espresso” of cannabis. The raciest sativa I know of, it’s a stimulating and clearheaded high with no trace of numbing or “stoning.” It wakes you up, cuts through the bleary fog and leaves you clearheaded and bright, gives you energy to go and seize the day. Gives tons of energy and also an intense emotional euphoria… where everything is vibrating and you can’t take the smile off your face…”
Switching to a THCV heavy strain may, in fact, be the next level buzz you are looking for. Save money on snacks, and reduce wasted calories from your waistline. Give it a try this weekend, and let us know what you did!
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