THCV for Sleep
Ever went to bed but couldn’t sleep no matter what you tried? If this gives you some solace, just know that sleep problems are pretty common. Incidentally, research findings show that insomnia is the most prevalent. So, if you find it difficult to fall or stay asleep, you may be among 30-40% of Americans with this disorder.
Other sleep issues are equally troublesome but not as widespread as insomnia. These include early morning awakening and non-restorative sleep.
Luckily, most sleep problems are short-term. Roughly 10% of the American population have short-term insomnia. However, about 1 in 5 cases progress to chronic levels and can persist for years. But with data showing that insomnia is growing in the US, the need for more effective sleep aids has never been greater.
Considering the many downsides of OTC sleep medications, natural aids have become more popular in recent years. From yoga to meditation to physical therapy, there are several relatively effective options that exist for people seeking better sleep.
Then, there are also cannabinoids. Obtained predominantly from cannabis, these compounds exhibit a broad pharmacological profile with potential beneficial effects. Research on the health benefits of the popular CBD and THC is advanced, so we have a good idea of what they can do.
Now, another novel cannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is touted to have properties that may improve sleep quality. Let’s see what science says.
Key Takeaways
- THCV is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that resembles THC.
- Despite the semblance, THCV displays a unique pharmacological profile that separates it from THC.
- THCV is mainly acknowledged as an appetite suppressant. There is little evidence supporting its ability to promote sleep.
An Introduction: What is THCV?
THCV is a cannabinoid that closely resembles THC, with the key difference being the length of its alkyl side chain. While THC has a 5-carbon side chain (pentyl), THCV’s side chain contains three carbon atoms (propyl). For this reason, THCV is considered a propyl analog of THC.
THCV is a minor cannabinoid as it occurs in low concentrations compared to the likes of CBD and THC. Some growers claim to have strains with around 6-8% of THCV, but these are hard to prove. Regardless, any variety with over 4% THCV is easily a THCV-rich strain.
Superficially, it may appear as if THCV and THC exert similar effects. Actually, they don’t. This difference in their action mechanisms comes down to how they interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Briefly, the ECS is a vast network of receptors, endogenous molecules (or neurotransmitters), and enzymes spanning the entire body. This system is regarded as the “master regulator” of various bodily functions such as:
- Sleep
- Pain processing and perception
- Mood regulation
- Appetite
- Learning and memory
- Immune system functioning
As you can tell, a dysfunctional ECS is likely to cause health complications. So, keeping the ECS in top working condition is vital.
There are several ways of stimulating the ECS. Adaptogens like ginger, lavender, sage, etc., and foods/drinks like dark chocolate and red wine can activate the ECS. Low to medium-intensity exercises are also a great way to supercharge this master regulator.
Cannabinoids are also known to get the ECS working like a well-oiled engine. So, to understand better what is THCV, and the effects of THCV, we look at how it interacts with the ECS.
back to menu ↑What Are the Effects of THCV?
The ECS gets its name from the discovery that cannabinoid-like molecules (endocannabinoids) were responsible for its activity. These endocannabinoids have been identified as anandamide (AEA) and 2-Arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG).
The effects of phytocannabinoids on the ECS have been narrowed down to how they influence the expression of AEA and 2-AG. That’s because these endocannabinoids are the primary lipid mediators at the receptors.
Anandamide is the preferred mediator ligand at the CB1 receptors, while 2-AG displays a dual affinity for both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
The activation of these receptors is shown to induce wide-ranging physiological effects in the following areas:
- Food intake and metabolism
- Neuroinflammation
- Anxiety
- Addiction
- Pain
As it is, a pertinent question that arises is, why do cannabinoids exert different effects if they can all stimulate the ECS?
Well, our investigations reveal new insights. We found that within these receptors, there are numerous sub-sites. Each site triggers a physiological effect that coincides with the binding mode of the endogenous ligand.
Anandamide, for example, has 15 rotatable bonds. In effect, this means it can bind to CB1 receptors in several different bonding conformations (docking poses). In its case, this study showed that AEA prefers binding to the hydrophobic channel of the CB1 receptor.
Moreover, the researchers also found that AEA prefers the Helix 2 and 3 regions of the CB1 receptor over the Helix 7 region. In total, AEA is shown to have up to 8 docking poses at the CB1 receptor. For the first time, this opens our eyes to the complex ways endocannabinoids work.
It may also explain, for instance, why both AEA and 2-AG activate the CB1 receptor yielding different physiological effects.
Now, back to THCV.
Unlike THC, THCV exhibits a mix of agonistic and reverse agonistic tendencies at the CB1 receptors. At the CB2 receptor, it displays both agonistic and antagonistic behavior. The critical determinant of how THCV behaves at a receptor appears to be its concentration.
Essentially, this means it modulates AEA and 2-AG activity within the endocannabinoid system. What are the consequences of this?
THCV as an appetite suppressant
For starters, it means that THCV is hugely unconventional. Indeed, one of its most studied effects is appetite reduction. Studies show that THCV can antagonize the CB1 receptor suppressing appetite. This can lead to reduced food intake and body weight loss. This is why it is commonly referred to as “diet weed.”
There are proposals that THCV could help manage obesity due to its effect on appetite and ability to increase energy expenditure.
Anti-inflammatory and pain relief
THCV’s anti-inflammatory effect is mediated via the CB2 receptors. This is not surprising because we know that the CB2 receptors are implicated in numerous anti-inflammatory responses and immune system functioning.
Indeed, a rat study found that THCV suppressed inflammation and hyperalgesia (pain sensations). As always, there is a need to replicate such findings on human subjects.
Anti-convulsant
This study showed that THCV also displays potent anti-convulsant activity in rats. Though its mechanism of action is unclear, THCV could have therapeutic potential in combating brain diseases such as epilepsy.
back to menu ↑Can THCV Be Used As A Sleep Aid?
Looking at the effects of THCV, it is hard to say whether it can be used as a sleep aid. Be that as it may, we know that cannabinoids rarely directly affect a body’s function. Instead, they achieve their effects indirectly.
For instance, on the issue of sleep, several factors may contribute to your inability to sleep well. Pain, anxiety, stress, hunger, etc., are all potential sleep disruptors.
But as studies herein indicate, THCV has pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects that may help. With minimal pain and inflammation, you can find it easier to fall and stay asleep.
back to menu ↑Other Potential Uses for THCV
Besides the health benefits we have discussed in the previous section, other areas THCV may have therapeutic potential are:
THCV as an anti-anxiolytic drug
On its own, there is no sufficient evidence that THCV can reduce anxiety.
However, a study investigating its tolerability and effects on THC-induced symptoms showed it suppressed THC’s well-known effects, e.g., paranoia, high heart rate, short-term memory, and psychosis.
THCV to Stimulate Bone Growth
Several cannabinoids, including THCV, are reported to have significant benefits in bone formation.
THCV, for example, is thought to promote the formation of bone nodules. However, as a CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonist, THCV is ideally expected to reduce bone formation as depicted in these studies; 1, 2, and 3.
But THCV can act as an antagonist and antagonist at these receptors. This explains how it may support bone growth.
THCV to Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
THCV’s effects on plasma insulin and glucose levels may underline its therapeutic potential in managing diabetes and obesity. As a result, its ability to enhance glycemic control and regulate energy and glucose metabolism is thought to be clinically valuable in promoting weight loss and managing obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Nevertheless, more research is needed to elucidate how THCV achieves these effects. Such promising findings provide hope that THCV therapy could be a potential treatment alternative for life-threatening diseases.
back to menu ↑Conclusion
More research is undoubtedly needed on THCV. It would deepen our understanding of how this cannabinoid exerts its pharmacological effects.
That said, cannabinoids mainly influence the body via the ECS. They stimulate the ECS and enable it to perform its functions better. However, for cannabinoids on which little is known, like THCV, we recommend consulting a certified cannabis expert before using them.
A major selling point of THCV is its non-psychoactivity. You do not need to worry about getting “high” or “stoned” when you consume THCV. It is also known to mitigate the psychoactive effects of THC.
back to menu ↑Where to buy THCV gummies online
With that in mind, THCV may have properties that are beneficial to the body. So, check out our choices below for products with THCV.
