What is THCV?

The internet bulletin is stuffed with details of THC and CBD, studies regarding them, and all the speculation hovering over their possible potencies. Much like THC and CBD, one of the most-studied components of the cannabinoids is Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).

Dual-Behavior Of THCV

THCV is known to possess contrasting effects based on the total dosage engulfed. At lower doses, it is believed to behave as an antagonist of the cannabinoid receptors. Contrary to it, when the total dosage is high, it may behave as an agonist, giving similar psychoactive effects like THC. Researchers have found it really difficult in discovering the correct reason for its dual-nature. However, recent studies have settled a lot of doubts in the scientific field.

What Exactly Is THCV?

The 3D like structure of THCV was discovered in 1973. Structurally, the atoms of Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) are arranged in a similar fashion as that of THC. The major difference lies in the shortened side chain. It is comprised of the side chain in the form of propyl(-C3) rather than pentyl(-C5). The scientific world has labeled it as a young brother of THC, which affirms similar properties like it. The nature of its behavior is dependent on the doses, although the mechanism of complete action is yet to be understood.

Where Is THCV Found?

It is a lipid present in the cannabis plant and is assumed to protect plants from insect predators and environmental stress. The population of Cannabis Sativa L. has those plants which have a high level of propyl cannabinoids. These propyl cannabinoids are known to include THCV. The level of THCV as a cannabinoids component is so high that it touches the figure up to 54% of the total cannabinoids.

It is mainly found in the countries of subcontinents like India, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, and Afghanistan.

Chemical Formula And Its Chemistry

1. Repeatedly like THC, THCV has many isomers. It possesses seven double bond isomers and thirty stereoisomers. The most available isomer is Δ9-THCV.
2. The molecular formula of THVC is C19H26O2. Evidently, it ismade up of 19 atoms of carbons, twenty-six atoms of hydrogen, and just two units of oxygen.
3. Since it is like an oily lipid, its solubility is very poor in water whereas remarkable in lipid-based solvents.

How Does Cannabis Plant Produce It?

We are well aware of the method by which THC and CBD are produced. The reaction between two compounds i.e., olivetolic acid and geranyl pyrophosphate gives birth to the precursor called as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). It is a handful precursor for the production of different cannabinoids.

However, the mechanism to spawn THCV is slightly different from the mentioned process.

1. The same geranyl pyrophosphate is allowed to react with divarinolic acid (a molecule almost same as olivetolic acid but has 2 carbon units less) instead of olivetolic acid.
2. This reaction is responsible for the production of precursor cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA), which in the later process is allowed to react with a catalyst known as THCV synthase.
3. THCV synthase raises the rate of reaction forming tetrahydrocannabivarin carboxylic acid (THCVA).
4. THCVA undergoes a process of decarboxylation where the carboxyl group is removed from the acid and THCV is formed with carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

CBD manufacturers are also assigning scientists to discover more about cannabinoids. Apart from regular hemp oil CBD and CBD muscle rub, they are also focusing on veterinary aid by making CBD oil for dogs.