The cannabinoid could be an excellent way to regulate food intake
There are more than 400 chemical compounds in cannabis, of which 60 are cannabinoids. This is based only on the research that has been conducted to date, but there is still much more to be done. One of the many cannabinoids to be identified is Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), which is similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but offers different medicinal properties. Most notably, THCV is being shown to be an effective appetite suppressant.
THCV, like THC, can activate specific receptors in the body, mainly CB1 and CB2. However, THCV is an antagonist of the receptors, meaning that it can prevent “the munchies,” which is associated with THC consumption.
THCV has also been shown to remove the “pleasing” feeling that sometimes results from eating one’s favorite treat. This means that the cannabinoid could be used to help those suffering from certain eating disorders or those struggling with obesity to regulate their food intake and could help to suppress the urge to run for a snack every hour.
The compound could also be an effective anti-convulsive, which could possibly allow it to be used to treat epilepsy and seizure disorders. Additionally, recent studies have shown that THCV has benefits in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes by helping the body normalize its glycemic levels.
While THCV is found in different sativa-dominant strains, some of the strains provide greater amounts than others. Most notably, Girl Scout Cookies, Cherry Pie, Pineapple Purps, Face off OG, Jack the Ripper and Durban Poison contain the highest concentrations of THCV.
The discovery of the benefits to THCV is just one of the many positive characteristics of the cannabis plant. It is the latest in a long line of advantages to Mother Nature’s wonder drug and will certainly give substantial weight to allowing the plant to gain the place it deserves in the world of medicine.
