Tetrahydrocannabivarin

Tetrahydrocannabivarin, also known as tetrahydrocannabivarol, THCV, or THV, is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. It is an analog of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with the sidechain shortened by two CH₂ groups. THCV can be used as a marker compound to differentiate between the consumption of hemp products and synthetic THC (Dronabinol, Marinol).

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THCV is found in largest quantities from Indica strains. It has been shown to be a CB1 antagonist, i.e. blocks the effects of THC.^[1]

Some varieties that produce propyl cannabinoids in significant amounts, over five percent of total cannabinoids, have been found in plants from South Africa, Nigeria, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Nepal with THCV as high as 53.69% of total cannabinoids.^[2] They usually have moderate to high levels of both THC and CBD and hence have a complex cannabinoid chemistry representing some of the worlds most exotic cannabis varieties.^[3]

See also

• Cannabinoids
• Cannabis
• Medical marijuana

Notes

1. ^ Pertwee RG, Thomas A, Stevenson LA, et al (2007). "The psychoactive plant cannabinoid, Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is antagonized by Delta8- and Delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin in mice in vivo". Br. J. Pharmacol. 150 (5): 586–94. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707124. PMID 17245367.
2. ^ Turner, C.E., Hadley, K.W., and Fetterman, P. 1973. Constituents of Cannabis Sativa L., VI: Propyl Homologues in Samples of Known Geographical Origin. J. Pharm. Sci. 62(10):1739-1741
3. ^ Deluxe Marijuana Grower's Guide, by Mel Frank [revised edition 1997] pg.37