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Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) Cannabinoid Research

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Overview - Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

Description of Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ-9-THCV) was discovered in 1969 (F. Merkus 1971).


THCV belongs to the THC group but produces significantly different effects than THC. This difference in effect is largely due to their different effects at CB1. THC is an agonist at CB1, while THCV is an antagonist at the same receptor and, as such, induces opposing effects. For instance, while THC can induce euphoria, THCV can produce dysphoria. THC increases appetite ("the munchies"), while THCV decreases the desire for food.


A lot of attention has been given to THCV of late due to the observation that it may be able to induce several therapeutic effects in patients challenged by metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes. This is especially true in the context of the failed approach with Rimonabant (a full CB1 antagonist with a Ki of ~2nM) used extensively to induce weight loss but pulled from the EU market due to associated mood disorders, including suicidal ideations.


In one of the most recent clinical trials (2025), healthy obese adults in the early stages of developing metabolic syndrome received a once-daily dose of THCV and CBD-infused mucoadhesive strips. The resulting data revealed clinically significant weight loss and decreases in abdominal girth, systolic blood pressure, and total and LDL cholesterol (G. Smith 2025) thus confirming earlier pre-clinical trial results.


Δ(8) -THCV (is a synthetic analog of the plant cannabinoid Δ(9) -THCV.


Here we focus primarily on Δ-9-THCV.

Other Names:

Delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin

THCV, THC-V, Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin, Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin, plus numerous other supplier-based synonyms.


IUPAC Name: (6aR,10aR)-6,6,9-trimethyl-3-propyl-6a,7,8,10a-tetrahydrobenzo[c]chromen-1-ol


Molecular Formula: C19H26O2


Source–PubChem

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) Properties and Effects

Δ-9-THCV may induce the following properties and effects: 



  1. Analgesia 

    1. Inflammatory pain (reduction) (D. Bolognini et al., 2010)

    2. Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (reduction) (A. Kavala et al., 2022) 



  2. Anti-addictive (cannabis) (E. Galaj et al., 2019)

  3. Anti-addictive (opioids) (E. Galaj et al., 2019)

  4. Anti-diabetic

    1. Adiponectin (improved function of this natural hormone that helps to regulate glucose levels) (K. Jadoon et al., 2016)

    2. Insulin sensitivity (improved) (E. Wargent et al., 2013)

    3. Glucose levels (decrease plasma glucose concentrations) (K. Jadoon et al., 2016)

    4. Pancreatic beta-cell (improved function) (K. Jadoon et al., 2016)



  5. Anti-cancer (A. Neuberger et al., 2023)

  6. Anti-dyskinesia (Δ-9-THCV reduced L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia) (I. Espadas et al., 2020)

  7. Anti-epileptic (A. Hill et al., 2010)

  8. Anti-nausea (E. Rock et al., 2013)

  9. Anti-obesity (E. Wargent et al., 2013)

  10. Antioxidant (C. Garcia et al., 2011)

  11. Anti-psychotic (potentially beneficial effects via serotonin receptor site activation) (M. Cascio et al., 2015)

  12. Appetite-suppressant (A. Abioye et al., 2020)

  13. Dysphoric (full antagonists at CB1 have been shown to induce dysphoric effects-see SR-141716A) (R. Christensen et al., 2007; F. Akbas et al., 2009)

  14. Neuroprotective (C. Garcia et al., 2011)

  15. Antimicrobial (i.e., effective against MRSA)


Δ-8-THCV may:



  1. Anti-addictive (nicotine) (Z. Xi. et al., 2019)


Adverse Effects of THCV:


THCV is an antagonist at CB1, which has led some researchers to remain concerned about its possible dysphoric effects (especially when administered as a stand-alone).


 

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) Receptor Binding

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and THCV: 


  1. CB1 antagonist with a mean Ki of ~84nM using data from 5 trials (J. McPartland et al., 2015); in contrast, Rimonabant (aka SR-141716A) is a full CB1 antagonist with a Ki of ~2nM (M. Rinaldi-Carmona et al., 1994).

  2. THCV is an inhibitor of CB1 agonists (e.g., reduced THC-associated increases in heart rate, decrease in THC-associated psychoactivity) while increasing others, i.e., significantly increased memory intrusions

  3. CB2 agonist with a mean Ki of ~125nM using data from 3 trials (J. McPartland et al., 2015)


Endocannabinoidome (eCBome) and THCV: 


  1. GPR-55 (Mixed results, THCV acted as an agonist/antagonist (E. Wargent et al., 2020)

  2. TRPV6 (potential inhibitor) (A. Neuberger et al., 2023)

  3. Serotonin receptor sites

    1. 5-HT1A (may act as a positive allosteric modulator) (M. Cascio et al., 2015)





Ki legend:



  • Full/strong agonist Ki ~1-9nM

  • Moderate agonist Ki ~10-99nM

  • Weak agonist Ki ~100-999nM

  • Very weak agonist Ki ~1,000-up nM


(The reader is reminded that a smaller Ki is associated with the strongest effects.)

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Information on this site is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally oriented health care practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.