Is THCV the best?
The cannabis plant is a powerhouse of cannabinoids, and more than 100 have been identified so far. But to date, most research has focused on just one: THC. While THC has been shown to have major health benefits, there are other lesser-known cannabinoids that may be even better for you. In fact, researchers are only now beginning to study these lesser known compounds—and it's turning out that some of them might actually be more effective than THC itself.
THCV - A Cannabinoid Gaining Popularity
We’re big fans of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, but there are a number of other lesser-known cannabinoids – including tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) – that have the potential to be just as powerful.
"While THCV is growing in popularity, can it keep up with some of the new acidic kids on the block?"
THCV is a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis and has been shown to have some interesting properties. THCV is known for increasing mood and energy levels, reducing appetite and helping users stay focused on their tasks at hand. While THCV is growing in popularity, can it keep up with some of the new acidic kids on the block?
CBNA, CBDA, & CBGA - What Are They?
Three popular acidic cannabinoids in cannabis are CBNA, CBDA, and CBGA (cannabigerolic acid). What is the "A" at the end of these seemingly recognizable compounds? Neutral cannabinoid compounds (CBD, CBN, CBG...) are all found in the plant and are made from their corresponding acid precursor. For example, THC is produced from THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) that has been decarboxylated. As you might guess from their name, these stated compounds all have an acidic chemical structure.
"Acidic cannabinoids may be far more bioavailable if they are taken orally - meaning that the body can absorb them better."
Because acidic cannabinoids are are best ingested orally, they may be more bioavailable than THC. What does this mean for you? It means that it could be possible to get the same effects from a small amount of acid-derived cannabinoids as you would from a large dose of their neutral counterparts. These compounds have similar chemical structures but different biological activities.
Acidic cannabinoids may be far more bioavailable if they are taken orally - meaning that the body can absorb them better. This has been demonstrated in several studies where subjects given an oral dose of acidic cannabinoids (THCA) achieved higher blood levels than those who smoked a similar amount.
Neutral Minor Cannabinoids
CBD - Cannabidiol
CBG - Cannabigerol
CBN - Cannabinol
THC - Tetrahydrocannabinol
These are examples of neutral cannabinoids that have been decarboxylated. This means you can use them in any form of preparation to create an edible or topical product. They won't be as bioavailable, but they may still make you feel relaxed and comfortable due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
CBD vs THCV vs CBG vs CBN Oil! Which is better?
When we talk about the different cannabinoids, it’s important to understand the difference between THCV and CBD. The main differences are that THCV is more effective in some areas than CBD. THCV can also be more effective than CBG. In fact, it can be even more effective than CBN! Why? - It all comes down to your body's chemical balance, and what effects you are seeking.
"Why? - It all comes down to your body's chemical balance, and what effects you are seeking."
This lack of understanding makes sense when you consider that THCV has only recently been discovered and studied in depth; as such, the research that exists on its effects are new compared to other cannabinoids such as CBD or CBG (which have been researched a little longer).
However, there are still some questions left unanswered: Why is THCV said to be so much more effective for focus, increasing energy, and decreasing appetite? And do these differences make it better?
THCV & Health Benefits in Epilepsy
THCV has been shown to reduce seizure activity in animal models and humans. THCV is also a promising tool for those looking for an alternative treatment option for conditions like epilepsy.
In a study conducted by scientists at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, researchers found that THCV was effective in reducing seizures in mice that were given a drug-induced convulsion. These results suggest that THCV may be helpful in treating epilepsy.
A later study published in 2018 looked at how certain cannabinoids affected people with different types of epilepsy, including Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Both conditions cause severe childhood epileptic seizures but differ from each other genetically. The researchers found that CBD reduced seizure frequency by 39 percent among children with Dravet syndrome, while LGS patients experienced a 40 percent drop when taking CBD oil containing both cannabinoids THCA and CBDA (THC-A).
Where to Buy Minor Cannabinoid Oils
If you want to try these lesser-known cannabinoids, there are a few places where you can go. The first is your local dispensary or head shop. Although not recommended as most of them will be outdated, there is a chance that they will have some of these minor cannabinoid oils for sale. However, if you don't see any or would like to try a more reliable source, Spyglass Wellness has what you're looking for!
Spyglass Wellness has THCV oil, CBG oil, CBGA oil, CBDA oil, CBN oil, THCA oil, CBT oil and even the newly developed CBDP!
THCV and other minor cannabinoids are emerging as some of our favorites.
THCV is rapidly emerging as one of the healthiest cannabinoids. THCV has been shown to have many health benefits. It's a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It can lower blood sugar levels and boost metabolism, making it an effective weight loss aid. THCV may also help treat glaucoma and other eye disorders that cause blindness in some people.
THCV is not psychoactive like THC so you don't feel the same type of high from it—but what makes it even more special is that it actually acts as an antagonist for many other cannabinoids including CBD! This means that by using products containing both THCV and CBD together, you'll receive some great benefits without experiencing any negative side effects caused by excessive consumption such as anxiety or paranoia due to increased activation of CB1 receptors in your brain (like with using too much regular marijuana). This would also apply if you take more than one type of tincture with different ratios between cannabinoids like CBG:CBD or CBN:CBD.
Is THCV the best cannabinoid? The jury is out...
For many years, THC has been the most popular cannabinoid in the world. That is about to change as more people look for alternatives. Many consumers are looking for a strain that will give them pain relief without reaching THC's high. Other people may want something that works on a specific ailment without having any side effects from THC at all. This is where THCV and other minor cannabinoids come into play.