For years, medical cannabis users and advocates have lauded the plant’s potential to alleviate symptoms for a variety of conditions.
However, the side effects of THC – including fatigue, increased appetite, and impaired focus – have also been well-documented. Now, early research shows that THCV may help unlock cannabis’ full medical potential while avoiding the unwanted side effects that can accompany THC alone.
A first-of-its-kind double-blinded, placebo-controlled study with 78 participants recently demonstrated that THCV taken with THC boosted energy, activity, exercise performance and wellbeing compared to placebo.
Even more remarkably, THCV also appeared to counteract fatigue and hunger issues associated with THC. As medical cannabis continues its march into the mainstream, THCV could prove to be the key that unlocks the full power of the cannabis plant as a therapeutic remedy.
An Inside Look at the Cutting-Edge THCV+THC Study
In this trailblazing study conducted by Phylos Bioscience and People Science, participants took THCV+THC, THC alone or a placebo across three different weeks.
Both the THC only and THCV+THC interventions increased subjective energy, activity, exercise performance and overall wellbeing compared to placebo.
However, the THC only group reported almost triple the fatigue adverse events of the other two groups. These remarkable findings suggest THCV could mitigate THC side effects like fatigue.
The study also uncovered tantalizing early evidence about THCV’s potential impact on hunger and appetite. For participants who regularly consumed higher THC doses, taking THC alone increased hunger.
However, adding THCV appeared to counteract THC’s appetite boosting effects. As the medical cannabis community strives to develop balanced treatments that avoid unwelcome side effects, THCV could prove to be a game changing ingredient.
Demystifying This Rare, Powerful Cannabinoid
Unlike the more abundant THC, THCV normally occurs in cannabis plants at very low levels. However, early research into this rare compound suggests it could have powerful therapeutic effects on energy, focus, motivation and appetite control.
THCV appears to act as an antagonist blocking CB1 receptors, which could counterbalance some of the intoxicating effects of THC if combined properly.
The unique psychopharmacology of THCV gives it enormous potential as a supplemental ingredient to fine tune and balance cannabis treatments.
While THC alone carries side effects that some users wish to avoid, early findings suggest small doses of THCV may act as an “antidote” mitigating these issues. As a non-intoxicating compound that seems to alter THC activity, THCV opens new doors for cannabis breeding and formulation.
What the Future Holds for Medical Cannabis
This research marks just the first step in elucidating THCV’s therapeutic mechanisms and potential.
However, these early findings set the stage for a new generation of precision cannabis treatments with customizable effects.
Much as terpene profiles allow cannabis breeds to take on different aromatic qualities, safe non-intoxicating compounds like THCV could enable exquisitely calibrated cannabinoid formulations.
Blazing a Trail Towards Better Treatments
The medical cannabis landscape continues evolving at lightning speed post-legalization. However, the full potential of cannabis likely remains untapped without crucial remedies like THCV entering the picture.
This research ushers in a new era emphasizing minor cannabinoids that can balance and augment cannabis treatments. Instead of a wild west of experimentation, cannabis users can look forward to scientifically calibrated, personalized treatments offering optimal results without adverse effects.
The latest chapter of the cannabis story makes one thing clear: the most exciting developments still lie ahead.
