Can THCV Help You Lose Weight
In recent years, the cannabis plant has become a surprising ally in the fight against excess weight, and some strains are showing promise. The focus mainly being on tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) due to its potential to help with weight loss and appetite control.
CBD has long been a buzzword in the cannabis industry and is now getting more attention than THC, a previously known psychoactive substance. Another cannabinoid that has been talked about more recently is CBG. The entire intricate mandala of cannabis' active ingredients is slowly but surely taking shape, and one of the most exciting new features is THCV or tetrahydrocannabivarin.
Discovered in the 1970s, THCV is a cannabinoid, a compound in cannabis that has a unique array of medicinal effects and benefits.
What are the effects of THCV?
THCV, a compound found in cannabis, differs from THC in its effects on appetite and metabolism. Unlike THC, which is known to stimulate appetite, THCV has been observed to reduce appetite and increase energy metabolism in rodent models.
This unique property of THCV makes it an attractive option for weight management and the treatment of obesity and diabetes.
The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors found throughout the body, including the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells. The main function of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain homeostasis, or biological harmony in response to environmental changes.
The endocannabinoid system is comprised of two main types of receptors: CB1 and CB2. THCV is known to act as a CB1 receptor antagonist and a partial agonist of the CB2 receptor, blocking the action of cannabinoids on the CB1 receptor, particularly in the central nervous system. This action is crucial because CB1 receptors are largely involved in regulating appetite and eating behaviour. By blocking CB1 receptors, THCV can potentially reduce hunger and prevent overeating.
According to Forbes magazine, a recent study from 2024 found that taking a product containing THCV and CBD helped people in the early stages of metabolic syndrome lose weight and improve metabolic markers.
The idea that THCV may be helpful for those trying to lose weight is not new, however, the study is one of the few to test whether THCV does its job.
Appetite suppression and weight loss
THC is known for its ability to induce strong food cravings. It "makes you hungry" and is also used by cancer patients to stimulate their appetite. In contrast, THCV can suppress hunger and promote weight loss by blocking the receptor that triggers hunger.
Blood Sugar Regulation
THCV could be good news for people with type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that this cannabinoid can improve glucose tolerance and help regulate insulin levels to stabilize blood sugar. However, everything needs to be carefully examined in further medical studies.
Bone Protection and Growth
By acting on cannabinoid receptors located in the bone endocannabinoid system, THCV has been found to slow or prevent some forms of bone degeneration and may even promote the growth of new bone cells. For this reason, THCV is increasingly being researched for its potential in treating osteoporosis and other degenerative bone conditions.
Where to Find THCV
THCV is not a very abundant cannabinoid. Most strains contain only trace amounts of THCV, which makes it difficult to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. If you want to find the strains with the highest content, you have two options today. You can look for native African sativa strains, such as Durban Poison, or its hybrids.
The second option is to opt for the new THC-Victory strain from Dutch Passion. The downside is the price of the seeds, which are among the most expensive of the strains commonly offered on the market.
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L
Liz Filmer
