Does THCV Get You High? What Are the Benefits of THCV?

Medically reviewed by Alexander Tabibi, MD
July 24, 2021
weed joint in hand
weed joint in hand

Maybe you have never heard of THCV, but it is also possible that you have already taken advantage of some benefits of this fantastic substance. After all, you may already be familiar with its psychoactive cousin – delta-9 THC. But does THCV get you high

It might sound weird, but these two compounds are pretty different. Unlike THC, tetrahydrocannabivarin, or simply THCV, does not create a high. In fact, there is no such thing as a THCV high. But don’t let that fool you. THCV has a lot to talk about and a lot of advantages that may surprise you. Let’s dive in!

This post is intended as information and for general knowledge only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional before introducing cannabinoids into your daily routine, especially if you have been diagnosed with any medical conditions or are under any medication. It is not recommended to drive or operate any machinery when using cannabis- or hemp-derived products. Use responsibly!

What Is THCV and Why Is It Important?

THCV is a minor element found in hemp or cannabis, alongside with THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the primary compound “responsible” for getting you high. Their chemical structures are very much alike.

But that is where the similarities end. Some research has been conducted to study THCV’s therapeutic advantages – not only for the signs of glaucoma but also for medical states like Crohn’s disease, anorexia, arthritis, fibromyalgia, nausea, and vomiting.

In a nutshell, THCV helps to regulate your body’s natural inflammation response. Think about it. Chronic inflammation is a common problem in our modern, stressful lifestyles. It can lead to all sorts of health problems, from autoimmune disorders to heart disease.

And in many cases, this inflammation is induced by our own bodies. Think of it as a kind of “defense” mechanism. Our bodies innately respond to harmful stimuli by stimulating our defense cells with chemicals such as cortisol and cytokines.

While these responses are necessary, they are not always helpful. In fact, they can cause oxidative damage, age-related diseases, and even cancer.

What makes this substance so promising is that it appears to have natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help to regulate your own body’s inflammatory response. Yet more robust studies are necessary to be conducted; preliminary evidence claims this may be true.

So, Does THCV Really Get You High?

Unlike other cannabinoids, THCV high is not something that you might expect. This is because it does not impair with our endocannabinoid system, or ECS, in the same way as THC.

The endocannabinoid system is a biological system in our body with the help of which humans can respond to cannabinoids; it is a complex cell-signaling system that has various receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes reacting to all kinds of cannabinoids: be that THCV, or THC, CBD, CBN, or CBG. 

There is not yet enough evidence-based data and research on ECS; scientists are still learning how it works and what its roles in our bodies are. So far, it has been concluded that it influences our overall physical well-being, our appetite, mood, and sleep.

The Endocannabinoid system has two main receptors: CB1 and CB2. While THC interacts with the CB1 receptor, which results in high effects and certain hunger-related feelings, THCV does the opposite: like CBD, it blocks the CB1 receptor suppressing hunger as well.

Still, it is worth noting that most users report no psychoactive effects whatsoever. While some may experience a hint of dizziness or calmness, the majority report no changes in their mental state. All in all, there is no 100% certainty in this case.

Potential Benefits of THCV

There is a lot of potential in this substance, and since it is a hemp-derived substance, it has been federally legal since the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. However, certain states might apply their own regulations and restrictions, so check this information beforehand.

The High Is Likely Dose-Dependent

Believing that a high is dose-dependent, meaning that the more you consume, the higher the chances are that you will experience a greater high, can lead to some unwanted, overwhelming experiences or unpredictable results. Cannabinoids do have adverse effects, and you will not like experiencing them. 

If you are sensitive, you should start with a lower dose to check the effects on your body. If it is also your first time taking similar substances, you should also start with a lower dose to make sure that it will have the right effect on you. Get to know yourself and which dose is perfect to meet your needs – is what’s needed. 

At small doses, THCV is known for blocking CB1 receptors and thus acting like an appetite suppressor, but a higher dose may act completely the opposite. Unfortunately, there is not enough scientific research to back up this speculation, but just keep this in mind.

Is THCV Stronger Than Delta 8?

Even though there are some similarities between delta-8 THC and THCV (their chemical structures), they have different “behavior”: the feelings you get when using it are different. THCV is quite amazing: like CBD, it can lessen the effects that THC might have on you. It may make you feel energized, motivated, alert, and euphoric. 

Since these two compounds have pretty opposite effects, we might conclude that THCV is not stronger than Delta 8

Does THCV Have Any Side Effects?

Like any other substance, too much is never a good option, as it can lead to unwanted, overwhelming side effects. From some users’ experiences, it might be concluded that if you consume too much THCV, you could experience dry mouth and drowsiness. But overall, it is quite a safe compound with no major side effects ever reported in the few human studies that exist so far. 

Strains Containing High THCV Levels

Due to its low levels in cannabis plants, THCV is not commonly found in strains and often occurs in trace amounts. It is best to do your research before purchasing any cannabis products to determine which ones are most appropriate for your needs.

While there are a few high THCV strains known for their higher-than-usual levels of this cannabinoid: 

  • Durban Poison. This sweet strain will get you productive and make you sparkling with creativity. Its energetic and uplifting effects are something needed to go through a tough-rough day.
  • Doug’s Varin. A great choice to get mental stimulation with some earthy pines notes and citrus aroma.
  • Malawi Gold. Its latent fragrances of herbs and earth with floral aroma will get you uplifted and energetic.
  • Pineapple Purps. Having a TCH:THCV ratio of 3:1, this strain is perfect for blocking panic attacks, reducing Parkinson’s tremors, and suppressing appetite. 
  • Willie Nelson. Get euphoric and creative while staying clear-headed with this great sativa strain.
  • Jack the Ripper. This citrus-flavored strain with lemon notes will get you totally buzzed, energetic, and uplifted. 
  • AC/DC. Ease your pain, anxiety, or epilepsy with this wonderful high-in CBD and THCV strain. Its woody aroma will get you totally relaxed. 

As you can see, there is quite a variety to choose from. But one should take into consideration that strains go not only with THCV but also with other compounds, resulting in various effects.

It should also be kept in mind to check the lab results for each strain to be sure that this very flower is what you are looking for and will deliver what you need.

THCV — The Bottom Line

Our website has a wide range of THCV products, from concentrates of this substance to its combinations with other cannabinoids making those products for sure unique. THCV tinctures, gummies, and vapes are all waiting for you to be chosen. Whether you want an instant effect or not, whether you want it to last long or not, whether you want to ingest it or vape – no matter what, we have got you covered on that. 

Combinations of THCV and Delta 8 are the unique products on the cannabis-derived product’s market that have truly magical effects. Get the best from both cannabinoids from the best manufacturers who for sure deliver the best, top-quality products.

Overall, THCV is a very interesting cannabinoid that has a lot of potential for treating many different conditions and diseases. As a result, researchers are very interested in learning more about how it interacts with other substances like CBG, THC, CBD, and CBG. Hence more and more research is being conducted to provide each of us with updated information.

Until then, it is still highly recommended to contact your doctor or healthcare provider to consult on this issue, as some cannabinoids may have a negative impact on certain medical conditions or react badly to certain medications. It is also important to start a low dose to avoid unwanted experiences. Use wisely!