THCV

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a relatively abundant yet little-known cannabinoid. It is a compound that potentially provides people with an array of benefits and unique effects. Researchers discovered THCV in 1973, and while it isn’t as popular as CBD or THC, it is an extremely well-studied cannabinoid with multiple beneficial health effects.

In 2007, researchers found that THCV may directly antagonize THC, reducing its effectiveness and decreasing impairment. A 2008 study provided further evidence that THCV may act as a CB1 antagonist, and in 2010, researchers investigated the potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of this unique cannabinoid.

Also in 2010, a study was published detailing the potential anticonvulsant effects of THCV, and research into the potential benefits of this cannabinoid has accelerated dramatically over the last decade. THCV was first studied for its potential impact on insulin sensitivity in 2013, and in 2015, the British Journal of Pharmacology published a review detailing the research that had been conducted into THCV’s potential usefulness to regulate blood glucose levels.

Indicating increased interest in using THCV as a diabetes drug, a 2016 study examined the safety of this cannabinoid when administered to patients with type 2 diabetes. Research into the potential diabetes benefits of THCV has continued to gain momentum over the last several years, and in 2019, researchers examined the potential benefits of THCV for nicotine addiction. In 2020, a new review was published discussing the potential usefulness of THCV for diabetes, indicating that pharmaceutical companies are keenly interested in this cannabinoid as a potential antidiabetic medication.

The latest research indicates THCV can do many amazing things for the body. In a study just published February 2024, Phylos® and People Science® Announce Results of IRB-Backed Controlled Research Study on the Energizing Effects of THCV: THCV Efficacy Study: Abstract and Methods

Research Results
Research participants ingested unmedicated placebo gummies, THC-only gummies, and gummies infused with extract from Get Sh!t Done™ (GSD), a THCV-dominant plant bred by Phylos. The GSD gummies included distillate from the GSD plant with a roughly 2:1 ratio of THCV:THC. Detailed methodology can be found here.

The study’s core findings include:

• 20% more participants felt energized after consuming the GSD gummy compared to placebo.
• 40% more participants reported enjoying their daily activities after consuming the GSD gummy compared to placebo.
• Participants who consumed the THC-only gummy reported a 50% increase in hunger when taking full doses. Participants who consumed the GSD gummy did not report a statistically significant increase in hunger compared to placebo.
• Participants who consumed the THC-only gummy reported feeling fatigue three times more than the GSD group. Participants who consumed the GSD gummy reported significantly less fatigue than placebo.
• Both GSD and THC-only gummies increased activity, exercise performance, motivation, and well-being compared to placebo.