THCA vs THCV: Key Differences, Effects, and Benefits Explained

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THCA and THCV are both cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis, but they have distinct effects, benefits, and uses. THCA is highly anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and non-psychoactive in its raw form, but it becomes mind-altering when heated. THCV, on the other hand, is mildly psychoactive at high doses and energizing and appetite-suppressing at lower doses. 

Learn how THCA vs THCV compare in terms of psychoactivity, legality, and more.

What are THCA and THCV?

THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) and THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) are cannabinoids with unique therapeutic benefits and psychoactive potential depending on the dose and use method. 

• THCA is the inactive, non-psychoactive precursor to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in hemp and cannabis. It is abundant in young and freshly harvested plants and exhibits powerful therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-nausea, and anti-cancer.  THCA itself doesn’t produce a high in its raw form. However, once heated through smoking, vaping, or baking, THCA undergoes a chemical conversion process called decarboxylation and transforms into psychoactive THC.

• THCV is a minor cannabinoid found mainly in strains from regions like Africa and Asia. Chemically, THCV looks similar to THC, but it does not elicit a powerful high. THCV is only mildly psychoactive at large doses, providing mild, clear-headed experience. At lower doses, THCV has appetite-suppressing properties, leading some to call it “diet weed.”

Explore Puffy’s range of THCA and THCV products to experience the full spectrum of benefits these cannabinoids offer.

Key Differences Between THCA and THCV

THCA vs THCV have very distinct psychoactive profiles, mechanisms of action, and effect profiles. 

Psychoactivity

THCA is non-psychoactive in its raw form. It only produces mind and sensory-altering effects when heated, turning into THC through decarboxylation. Heated THCA, or THC, delivers euphoric, soothing, and mind-altering effects. 

THCV delivers a mildly psychoactive, short-lived high at concentrated doses. At low doses, it does not produce an altered state and may even counteract some of THC’s psychoactive effects, like the munchies.

Interaction with Receptors

THCA affects key receptors like those in the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels to help regulate pain perception, inflammation, oxidative stress, and temperature sensitivity at the cellular level. It also weakly binds with endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors (CB1) in peripheral tissues. This mechanism further bolsters immunity and reduces inflammation without eliciting psychoactive effects. 

However, once decarboxylated, everything changes. Heated THCA, or THC, binds powerfully to CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system to elicit a euphoric high and alter cognitive and sensory processing.

THCV At low doses, THCV can selectively block CB1 receptor activity, which can reduce the intoxicating effects of THC. It activates CB1 receptors at higher doses, providing a mild psychoactive experience.

Effects on Appetite, Energy, and Mood

THCA’s mechanisms allow it to provide powerful anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits. It helps reduce pain, alleviate nausea, and protect the brain. However, raw THCA does not significantly affect appetite or energy levels until it is heated and converted to THC. 

THCV is known for its appetite-suppressing effects at 5 to 7.5 mg doses, making it a potential aid for weight management. At higher doses, THCV can increase energy and focus, offering a mildly stimulating psychoactive experience without the “foggy” feeling often linked to THC.

Benefits and Uses of THCA

Raw THCA is a powerful wellness ally for its anti-inflammatory, brain-boosting, and nausea-relieving properties. Unheated cannabis products like THCA flower, cold-pressed juices, and tinctures are reliable sources of THCA. THCA flower can be ingested directly or mixed in smoothies. 

• Anti-Inflammatory: Pre-clinical THCA research shows it helps reduce inflammation and pain in arthritis, IBD, and Crohn’s disease without the intoxicating effects. THCA’s antiinflammatory properties also ma
• Neuroprotective: THCA has shown potential in protecting the brain from degeneration. Its neuro-strengthening mechanisms could slow the progression of diseases like Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.
• Nausea Relief: Studies show THCA can reduce nausea potentially more effectively than THC. This benefit makes THCA a potential supplemental therapy for chemotherapy patients or those suffering from motion sickness.

Benefits and Uses of THCV

THCV offers unique weight-managing and mildly euphoric effects depending on the dose. The best consumption methods include tinctures, edibles, and vapes. Vaping offers a fast-acting experience, while tinctures and edibles provide longer-lasting effects.

• Appetite Suppression: THCV can suppress the appetite and improve metabolism at low doses, which may benefit those managing weight or metabolic health. It helps control hunger and may support those with obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
• Energy Boost: Higher doses of THCV are linked to mild psychoactive effects characterized by increased energy and mental clarity. 
• Research on Diabetes and Bone Health: Emerging scientific commentary suggests that THCV may help regulate insulin sensitivity and manage diabetes. Additionally, THCV shows potential for promoting bone growth, which could benefit conditions like osteoporosis.

Want to explore how THCA and THCV fit into your wellness routine? Discover our wide range of Qwin products featuring these cannabinoids and more.

THCA vs. THCV: Comparison Table

Legality of THCA and THCV

Both THCA and THCV are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill when derived from hemp, as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. However, THCA’s legality has been questioned due to its potential to convert into psychoactive THC when heated. Some states, like Idaho, have strict regulations that ban THC-A products. Other states include THC-A in the total THC calculation, which complicates its legality. 

On the other hand, THCV does not undergo conversion into THC, making it less controversial and easier to access. As long as THCV is hemp-derived, it remains legal under federal law, with fewer state-specific restrictions.

FAQs

Can THCA turn into THCV?

No, THCA cannot convert into THCV. THCA and THCV are distinct cannabinoids with separate chemical structures. THCA turns into THC when heated, while THCV remains a separate compound.

Which is better for medical use: THCA vs THCV

THCA and THCV both serve therapeutic purposes. THCA is ideal for anti-inflammatory effects, neuroprotection, and nausea relief, while THCV is more suitable for appetite suppression, energy, and metabolic health. 

Does THCV show up on drug tests?

THCV typically does not show up on drug tests. Most standard drug tests are designed to detect THC-COOH, the main metabolite of THC, not THCV. Since THCV has different metabolites, such as THCV-COOH, it is unlikely to cause a positive result unless the test is specifically designed to detect it.

Learn more about THCA, THCV, and other fascinating cannabinoids, like Delta-8 and Delt-9 THC, and their potential benefits for health and wellness.