EN
DE 
NL 
FR 
ES 
IT 
CS 
PL Cannabinoid index · Dose-dependent
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is a minor cannabinoid and the propyl analog of THC. Its effect is dose-dependent: at low doses it behaves more like a CB1 blocker and is not intoxicating, while at higher doses it can be mildly intoxicating, generally weaker and shorter than THC. It has drawn interest for appetite and metabolic research, with only small early human studies.
Decarboxylation & infusion
See the decarboxylation temperature chart.
Reviewed 2026-09-04. Not legal or medical advice.
What the published literature examined
THCV’s dose-dependent pharmacology at the CB1 receptor (antagonist at low doses, partial agonist at higher doses) is described in animal and cell studies. There is limited early human work: a small randomised study examined THCV and glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes (Jadoon et al., Diabetes Care, 2016). Appetite and metabolic effects are the main research angle, but the human evidence base is small.
What is established, and what is not
Established: that THCV is a real cannabinoid with dose-dependent CB1 activity, and that a small human study has been conducted. Not established: any approved use or robust clinical benefit; the human evidence is early and small. Marketing that frames THCV as a proven appetite suppressant or “diet weed” overstates it. This page describes the compound and summarises research; it is not medical advice.
Sources
- Jadoon KA, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabivarin on Glycemic and Lipid Parameters in Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2016;39:1777-1786. PubMed
- Pertwee RG. The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: THC, CBD and THCV. Br J Pharmacol. 2008;153:199-215. PubMed
- Registered human studies for tetrahydrocannabivarin. ClinicalTrials.gov
- World Anti-Doping Agency. Prohibited List (cannabinoids, CBD excepted). wada-ama.org
Frequently asked questions
Does THCV get you high?
It depends on the dose. At low doses THCV behaves more like a CB1 blocker and is not intoxicating; at higher doses it can be mildly intoxicating, generally weaker and shorter than THC.
Is THCV “diet weed”?
That nickname comes from appetite and metabolic research, but the human evidence is small and early. It is not a proven appetite suppressant.
Why is THCV rare?
Most cannabis contains only a trace. Meaningful levels appear in specific cultivars, which is why THCV-rich products are uncommon.
Part of the cannabinoid index.
Educational information about a compound. Not medical advice or guidance on use.
English