When the US government banned marijuana in the 20th century, most tokers weren’t super picky about which cannabinoids were in their pot. Indeed, the only cannabinoid cannasseurs were concerned about was the high-inducing delta 9 THC. To satiate this “high” demand, most cannabis cultivators focused all of their attention on making strains with significant traces of delta 9.
While delta 9 is still trendy in recreationally legal states, there’s a growing demand for exotic hemp-based cannabinoids. Interestingly, many secondary cannabinoids that are causing a “buzz” are relatives of delta 9 THC. For instance, tetrahydrocannabivarin (aka THC-V) is a natural cannabinoid that shares many features with its more infamous cousin.
Although we’re still learning the particularities of THC-V, this cannabinoid seems to have many promising features. As more people hear about THC-V’s fascinating properties, chances are they will start clamoring for this cannabinoid.
On a microscopic level, the difference between THC-V and delta 9 THC is slight. In fact, recent research suggests the key distinction between these cannabinoids has to do with a few carbon side chains: THC-V has three of these chains, while delta 9 THC has five.
When you look at the chemical composition of THC-V versus delta 9 THC, you’ll also notice minor differences in hydrogen and carbon numbers. Officially, the formula for THC-V is C19H26O2, while delta 9 THC is C21H30O2.
Although these differences are minuscule, they are significant enough to put THC-V in a separate category. Just how much they affect THC-V’s effects, however, is up for debate.
The evidence on THC-V’s clinical effects is virtually non-existent. Until there’s more scientific research, we can’t say anything with certainty about how this cannabinoid impacts the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Despite this lack of data, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence on THC-V’s standard effects. For instance, most cannabis fans who try THC-V claim it isn’t as potent as delta 9 THC. Some people also say THC-V has mostly uplifting, sativa-like effects, which makes it a good choice for use early in the day. These euphoric effects may make THC-V similar to the up-in-coming THC isomer delta 10 THC.
Interestingly, a few anecdotal reports suggest THC-V has strong “anti-munchies” effects on users. This fascinating effect could make THC-V a candidate for further research in the weight management industry. Some people have also suggested THC-V has positive effects on bone health and diabetes, but it’s way too early to make definitive claims in these fields.
THC-V is nowhere near as prevalent as delta 9 THC, CBD, or delta 8 THC. Therefore, it’s no surprise THC-V products are some of the most difficult to come by in today’s cannabis market.
But that doesn’t mean THC-V products are non-existent. Indeed, the famous seed bank Dutch Passion recently unveiled a revolutionary THC-V-rich strain called THC-Victory. Many people in the hemp industry are also investigating ways to cultivate THC-V-rich strains for easy extraction.
At this point, the simplest way to try THC-V is to purchase a strain that frequently has high traces of this cannabinoid. Interestingly, sativa strains from Africa tend to have the highest concentration of THC-V, which may account for this cannabinoid’s uplifting effects.
For instance, the celebrated sativa Durban Poison often has high traces of THC-V. Hybrids like Willie Nelson and Jack the Ripper are also often listed as “THC-V strains.”
Just be sure to ask for a third-party lab analysis for accurate info on your strain’s THC-V levels.
Legally speaking, THC-V is in the same boat as other THC hemp cannabinoids like delta 8 or delta 10. While all of these chemicals are distinct from delta 9 THC, they carry the dreaded THC label, hence they could face heightened scrutiny. Whether THC-V is legal in your state will depend on local regulations regarding recreational and medical cannabis.
Per the 2018 US Farm Bill, DC only has an issue with the sale and production of delta 9 THC. So, as long as hemp flowers and extracts have ≤ 0.3 percent delta 9 THC, there should be no problem buying, selling, or using them at home. If you could prove your THC-V extract comes from legit hemp flowers, it technically fits the US federal law.
That being said, many states have put forward bans on other popular THC products, especially delta 8 THC. If you live somewhere with restrictive recreational cannabis policies, there’s a strong chance legislators may enact laws against the sale of THC-V or other THC analogs. Please keep a close eye on your local hemp statutes before deciding to purchase any THC-related goods.
Whenever you use a compound with “THC” in its name, you should assume it will end up on a drug screening test. Sure, THC-V may have a few different carbon cross chains, but standard drug analyses aren’t that nuanced. If you have any THC-related product in your blood during your test, there’s a high chance you won’t pass.
The only way to avoid this scary scenario is to abstain from THC products, hemp flowers, and full-spectrum CBD before your screening. Unfortunately, since everyone metabolizes cannabinoids at different rates, it’s hard to say when you should stop taking products like THC-V. In most cases, you should refrain from using any item with a THC analog for at least one week before your screening.
THC-V is one of the most intriguing “alt cannabinoids” in the cannabis plant. If the rumors are true, this THC analog may have dozens of potential applications for MMJ patients and recreational consumers. Plus, as cannabis legalization spreads, it’s more likely cannabinoids like THC-V will be easier to find in various forms.
If you are interested in THC-V’s supposed sativa high and appetite suppressant effects, it’s best to start with the lowest dose possible. Unlike CBD or CBG, THC-V seems to have psychoactive properties, so you should reserve this cannabinoid for at-home use. Also, you should never take THC-V before driving or when you need to be productive. For the best results, please write down your THC-V dosage and any related effects in a journal.
Craving more info on rare cannabinoids? If so, be sure to follow this link to Industrialhempfarms’s Cannabis Blog. You could also catch up on all the latest news in the hemp industry by signing up for Industrialhempfarms’s e-newsletter.
