THCV: an enigmatic and divisive cannabinoid

What is THCV?

Tetrahydrocannabivarin, or THCV, is a cannabinoid often described as "minor", in that it is found in very small quantities in the cannabis plant. It is largely dominated by molecules such as CBD and THC, which are both more present in hemp and more widely publicised in the media. Let's analyse this substance from a chemical point of view.

Chemical composition and structure of THCV

Overall, and as its name clearly implies, the chemical structure of THCV is very similar to that of THC, the main (and psychoactive) component of cannabis.

The THCV molecule is made up of 19 carbon atoms, 26 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms (C₁₉H₂₆O₂). The main difference with THC lies in the molecule's side chain. While THC has a pentyl chain (five carbon atoms), THCV has a propyl chain (three carbon atoms), which alters the molecule's properties and its interaction with the receptors in our endocannabinoid system. More concretely, THCV's shorter propyl chain reduces its affinity for the "CB 1" and "CB 2" receptors, resulting, for example, in a significantly less marked psychotropic effect, as we shall see later.

The spatial configuration of THCV

The spatial configuration of the THCV molecule is intrinsically linked to its propyl side chain composed of three carbon atoms, unlike THC's pentyl chain. This difference in three-dimensional structure is not insignificant. It will have a decisive influence on the way the THCV molecule interacts with the 'CB 1' and 'CB 2' receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Reducing the length of the side chain alters the shape of the molecule, allowing THCV to bind to the receptors without necessarily activating them, particularly at low concentrations.

It is this specific arrangement of atoms in three-dimensional space that makes THCV quite different not only from THC but also from other cannabinoids, promising distinct pharmacological properties that have yet to be explored.

How was THCV extracted?

THCV: for the record...

THCV was first identified in the 1970s, but for a very long time this discovery remained a mere footnote in cannabinoid research. It was only with advances in cultivation and extraction techniques that research into THCV resumed, motivated by several factors:

• The desire to go even further in the management of chronic and/or intractable pain that is resistant to available pharmaceutical treatments;
• The need to find alternatives to existing analgesic drugs such as opioids which, it should be remembered, are responsible for several hundred deaths each year due to self-medication, not to mention the pronounced addictive effect;
• The promising results of scientific studies into the benefits of hemp in the treatment of patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis.

ThCV was originally identified in certain strains of cannabis from Africa and Asia, where levels of the molecule were slightly higher than in other varieties found in South America or Europe. The five decades that elapsed between the discovery of the molecule and its actual chemical isolation can be explained by two factors: the complexity of its extraction and its very low levels in the hemp plant.

The extraction of THCV: the use of cutting-edge methods

The rapid development of extraction techniques enabled researchers to isolate THCV at the end of the 2010s by mobilising cutting-edge techniques, in particular liquid chromatography and supercritical CO₂ extraction. This exercise has also led to the isolation of other cannabinoids such as THCP and HHCP.

Liquid chromatography is the least "expensive" method for extracting THCV. This technique uses a solvent and a chromatography column to separate the different cannabinoids. To isolate THCV specifically, a reversed-phase packing column is preferred, such as a C18 column. As for the solvent, a mixture of water, methanol and acetonitrile in varying proportions is generally used. The pH and solvent composition will probably need to be adjusted until THCV elution is favoured.

Supercritical CO₂ extraction is a "premium" method that results in a purer THCV molecule. Supercritical CO₂ is a state of matter where CO₂ is maintained at a pressure and temperature above its critical point, giving it both liquid and gaseous properties. The result: supercritical CO₂ diffuses through solids like a gas while dissolving compounds like a liquid.

In the extraction process, supercritical CO₂ therefore passes through the plant material dissolving the cannabinoids, including THCV. Specific separation of THCV is then carried out using a reverse phase packed column (C18 column), which allows efficient separation of THCV from other cannabinoids.

This technique has definite advantages, such as cleaner separation and reduced margin of error, but it requires specialist equipment and advanced technical expertise.

How does THCV interact with our bodies?

THCV is a bit like a chameleon in the world of cannabinoids. In high doses, it behaves in a similar way to THC, acting as an agonist on the "CB 1" receptors that are mainly found in the brain, producing psychotropic or "intoxicating" effects, although they are less marked than with THC.

When taken in low doses, THCV changes colour, so to speak. It then becomes an antagonist of the same "CB 1" receptors, attenuating the psychotropic effect (though not completely eliminating it).

These opposite "behaviours" of THCV can be explained by the biphasic effect of cannabinoids. It's a bit as if these compounds had a dual personality, capable of causing completely opposite effects depending on the dose consumed, the receptivity of the endocannabinoid system, genetics, etc.

Is THCV (really) of therapeutic interest?

The chemical structure of THCV, which is both familiar (close to THC) and different (side chain in particular), makes it an exciting research topic for scientific teams wishing to explore new avenues.

ThCV, although present in low concentrations in the cannabis plant, has already shown promising results in applications such as regulating metabolism, controlling appetite and treating certain neurological disorders. However, the complexity of extracting it, combined with the constant development of cutting-edge techniques, suggests that research will only progress if it is taken in hand by large-scale pharmaceutical groups.

Therapeutic interest no. 1: THCV, an appetite suppressant?

The interest in THCV as an appetite suppressant stands out clearly in cannabinoid research in view of the size of the market for weight loss and obesity treatment products, particularly in the United States and some European countries. Unlike THC, which can stimulate the appetite, THCV appears to have the opposite effect, reducing the sensation of hunger. As explained above, at low concentrations, THCV acts as an antagonist of the "CB 1" receptor, thus blocking the appetite-stimulating effect associated with activation of this receptor.

This appetite suppressant role makes THCV an attractive therapeutic target for the development of treatments for obesity and associated eating disorders. In addition, its action on the "CB 1" receptor could have beneficial effects on glycaemic regulation and lipid metabolism, offering a multidimensional approach to weight management.

This is one of the main reasons why THCV is being investigated.

Research into the use of THCV as an appetite suppressant is still in its infancy, and further studies are needed to fully understand its mechanism of action and potential therapeutic applications.

Therapeutic benefit #2: the management of schizophrenia

The number 2 therapeutic interest of THCV is undoubtedly its potential in the treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Research in this area is relatively recent, but has already revealed encouraging results on how THCV modulates alleviate some symptoms of schizophrenia.

Recall that schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder characterised by heavy symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganised speech and more or less marked cognitive dysfunction. Treating these symptoms represents a major challenge for modern psychiatry.

The dual agonist-antagonist role of THCV (depending on concentration) makes it a substance of interest for modulating neurotransmitters and influencing neuronal behaviour. Preliminary studies suggest that THCV can effectively reduce dopaminergic hyperactivity, often associated with schizophrenia. As an antagonist of the "CB 1" receptor, it would contribute to the release of dopamine, thereby reducing psychotic symptoms.

In practical terms, THCV could provide a new therapeutic route for managing the symptoms of schizophrenia without the side effects traditionally associated with the antipsychotic drugs available today. Finally, THCV's anti-inflammatory properties could contribute to the alleviation of neuroinflammation phenomena, a factor that exacerbates schizophrenia.

Therapeutic interest #3: THCV and type 2 diabetes

This chronic metabolic disease, characterised by hyperglycaemia due to insulin resistance and the inability of the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin, affects millions of people worldwide.

THCV has shown promising signs in regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity. In animal studies, researchers have observed that THCV can reduce insulin resistance and promote improved glucose tolerance under certain conditions. Markable fact: THCV appears to influence the β cells of the pancreas, responsible for insulin secretion. Dysfunctions in these cells are often at the root of type 2 diabetes. Today, the hypothesis that THCV can stimulate β cells, improve insulin secretion and help regulate blood sugar levels is credible.

In addition, as an antagonist of the "CB 1" receptor, THCV could have an effect on appetite reduction and weight management, a factor often linked to type 2 diabetes.

The possibility of using THCV in the treatment of type 2 diabetes therefore offers an innovative therapeutic avenue that could complement existing treatments. Nevertheless, as with other therapeutic applications, research into THCV in the context of diabetes is in its infancy. The potential is there, but the path to clinical application still requires rigorous and methodical scientific exploration that will undoubtedly take at least a decade or more.

Therapeutic interest #4: THCV and neurodegenerative disorders

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system, with typical symptoms such as tremors, rigidity and difficulties with movement in the broadest sense. Research into THCV has highlighted its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory action, which could be beneficial in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In fact, THCV appears to act on the 'CB 2' receptors of the endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation in the brain. This anti-inflammatory action appears to be coupled with an ability to protect dopaminergic neurons, the loss of which is associated with the progression of Parkinson's disease.

THCV is also showing promising signs for the management and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, which is characterised by progressive memory loss and a deterioration in cognitive abilities. In principle, THCV could play a role in reducing inflammation and oxidation in the brain, two factors that contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's disease. It could also help modulate the production and aggregation of beta-amyloid proteins, which are associated with the plaques characteristic of this neurodegenerative disease.

Here again, it should be remembered that research into the therapeutic value of THCV in the treatment of neurodegenerative pathologies is still in its infancy. In France, the Ministry of Health is due to publish the results of its major clinical trial on the efficacy of cannabinoids, in particular CBD and THC, in the treatment of a number of diseases and disorders, in the second half of 2024. For the sake of completeness, it should be remembered that the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM) had selected the following applications for CBD and THC as part of this experiment:

• Refractory neuropathic pain, which is resistant to available analgesic treatments;
• Painful spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other central nervous system (CNS) pathologies;
• So-called "drug-resistant" epilepsies;
• Recalcitrant pain associated with certain forms of cancer and other chronic pathologies;
• In a palliative care situation;

Please note: the 4 therapeutic interests we have presented are in the context of scientific research and from a perspective where THCV is used as an active component in a medicine. THCV sold over the counter is not intended to treat any disease. In fact, the THCV you can consume in flowers, oils or any other legal hemp product is a dietary supplement, with relaxing, analgesic and anti-inflammatory virtues, like CBD, CBG, CBC and CBN, but with a psychotropic effect.

Is THCV legal in France?

Short answer: yes, THCV is indeed legal and freely available in France, unlike THC, to which it is nonetheless closely related. But make no mistake: THCV is in a legal grey area, like other recently discovered cannabinoids such as H4CBD and THCP. Its legal status could change at any time, as was the case for HHC in June 2023, which was banned in France (along with its derivatives). The least we can say is that THCV is on an ejector seat.

But France is not alone in wavering over the legal status of THCV. In the United States, the molecule is not on the list of controlled substances, but the FDA has not yet given the go-ahead for its medical use.

In Canada, THCV is not on the list of controlled substances.

In Canada, THCV is welcomed with open arms, provided it is purchased from authorised sources. In Europe, the legislation is not yet aligned between different countries, as some countries approve the use of medical cannabis (and therefore indirectly the use of THCV), while others prohibit it outside of any state-sponsored experimentation (as in France).

Today, THCV is mainly found in full-spectrum hemp products, including hemp flowers, resins, concentrates and CBD oil.

Why doesn't Famous CBD offer THCV-based products?

At Famous CBD, we are not simply a supplier of cannabidiol and legal hemp products. Our ambition is to become your everyday quality of life partner, with quality, traceable and safe products.

We are also here to decipher the latest news on cannabinoids, where the very good (CBD, CBC, CBN, CBG) can sometimes rub shoulders with the not so good (THCV) or the dangerous (THC, HHC, etc.). Our approach to choosing which products to include in our offer is simple: no psychoactive product will have a place in our catalogues, even when the intoxicating effect is 'light'. It is for these reasons that we do not offer hemp products concentrated in THCV, even though the law allows us to do so for the time being.

We make it a point of honour to follow best practice, to inform you through rigorous content designed by experts in the field of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system, and above all to provide you with hemp products of impeccable quality. Putting your trust in Famous CBD means you can treat your body and mind to the best hemp products with complete peace of mind... and at the best price!