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Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick eligibility checker on our website.
If you’re interested in exploring medical cannabis as a possible treatment option, you may want to know a bit more about the plant itself. Below we’ll be exploring THCV, but you can head to our blog for lots more information if you’re looking for something else, or simply want to keep learning.
THCV vs THC: What's the Difference?
There are over 100 cannabinoids that can be found in the cannabis plant. They’re active compounds that can cause effects throughout the body. Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of these compounds that you’ve probably heard of. If you haven’t, you’ll see them often when researching medical cannabis. The main difference between THC and CBD is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
But what about THCV vs THC? Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and THC differ in chemical structure, effects, and potential therapeutic uses. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
- THC is psychoactive, whereas THCV may be non-psychoactive in low doses. But, unlike CBD which is completely non-psychoactive, if consumed in high doses THCV can be mildly psychoactive - but with a clearer, shorter-lived effect.
- THC may potentially increase appetite, whereas THCV may suppress appetite. We explore potential THCV benefits in a bit more detail later.
- THC can be found in most medical cannabis strains and is often prescribed by expert clinicians for 50+ conditions. There’s not a lot of research surrounding THCV, and it’s only found in the cannabis plant in trace amounts, so it’s unlikely you’ll find it being prescribed by clinicians in the UK. We just don’t know enough about it or its effects.
How Does THCV Work in the Body?
The endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, is a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. Research suggests that the ECS influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and much more. That’s why medical cannabis can potentially work for so many different conditions.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why cannabis works so positively on so many different conditions. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD, THC and even potentially THCV, it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body.
Effects of all cannabinoids can also depend on dose. Your clinician will work with you and advise based on your condition. Remember, you may not get it right the first time. It’s important to find a dose that’s suitable for your body and individual needs, so that you can get the most effective results and reduce the chance of side effects. And as always, we recommend you start low and go slow.
Some factors that may influence your ideal dosage include:
- Weight and body size
- Metabolism
- Your medical condition or symptoms
- The strength or ‘potency’ of the medical cannabis
- Whether you’re new to medical cannabis, or have built up some tolerance over time
- Your chosen/recommended method of consumption
Potential Medical Benefits of THCV
As we mentioned above, there’s not a lot of research surrounding THCV, so there isn’t a lot of evidence to back the potential medical benefits of THCV. But some early studies, and word of mouth, have led us to some possibilities:
THCV medical uses:
- May help with blood sugar regulation (potential in diabetes treatment)
- Appetite suppression
- Possible antipsychotic and anti-anxiety effects
- May promote bone growth
THCV side effects:
THCV is generally considered well-tolerated, but like all cannabinoids, it may have side effects. This can especially depend on the dose and individual biology. Some potential side effects include:
- Mild anxiety or jitteriness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Possible irritability
As it’s unlikely you’ll be prescribed THCV in the UK, you don’t need to worry about these too much. But when it comes to medical cannabis in general, if you experience any side effects, or if short-term side effects persist, stop taking your medication immediately, and speak to your clinician.
As with any other medication, it’s important to use safely and responsibly.
Who Can Benefit from THCV?
Early studies suggest use in obesity - thanks to the evidence that this cannabinoid may help suppress appetite.
THCV may also help people suffering from type 2 diabetes. The linked study was conducted on a random group of people with type 2 diabetes. The results showed excellent tolerability throughout.
It may also support people suffering from neurological disorders - although, at the time of writing, there are only animal studies to back this. THCV shows both symptom-relieving and neuroprotective effects in rodent Parkinson’s disease models.
Is THCV Legal and Available in the UK?
Currently there aren’t any forms of medical cannabis that contain significant amounts of THCV available in the UK. It’s currently just found in trace amounts. But who knows what the future holds. More research needs to be done, and how that goes will determine the future of whether or not THCV is legal in the UK.
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 1st November 2018, but it needs to be prescribed by a specialist doctor, usually from a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf. To be eligible, you’ll need a diagnosis for a qualifying condition, and to have been offered at least two conventional treatments for this condition. This can include medication, talking therapy, physiotherapy, surgery and anything else prescribed by your GP.
You may be looking at medical cannabis, as you found the above to be ineffective or poorly tolerated. But keep in mind you don’t need to have tried any of the above - we understand there are plenty of valid and fair reasons why you may turn down a prescription. So, as long as they’ve been offered, it’s enough to qualify.
Just because it’s legal in the UK, doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. It’s always a good idea to check if you’re travelling somewhere, what their rules and laws are around medical cannabis.
We prescribe for 50+ conditions at Alternaleaf, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD or autism. We offer expert guidance throughout your medical cannabis journey to ensure safe and effective use. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
Summary
Whilst THCV has been shown to have some potential benefits in early studies, there isn’t a lot of research on this cannabinoid at the time of writing, and it isn’t yet available for prescription in any form. So it’s not necessarily something you need to consider right now.
The best thing to do is speak to your clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.