How Is THCv Different From THC?

Written by Joshua Sosin

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv) is a unique plant cannabinoid found in the cannabis Sativa plant, and it has some fascinating side effects that set it apart from THC.

Below, we’ll walk you through the basics of THCv, including how it’s used in different products and the effects you can expect from it.

Discover THCv gummies and more at Mood, an online dispensary delivering high-quality, 100% legal cannabis products to your doorstep.

Explore our categories

Shop All

Gummies

Flower

Edibles

Beverages

Vapes

Pre-Rolls

Concentrates

Bestsellers

Merch

Shop All

Table of Contents

• What Is Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv)?

  • How Does THCv Work?

  • THCv and THC

  • Is THCv Legal?

• What Are the Effects of THCv?

  • THCv and Appetite Suppression

  • Will THCv Show Up on a Drug Test?

• THCv Products: What To Try

  • Who Should Try THCv?

  • Morning Delta-9 THCv Gummies

  • Micro-Dose Delta-9 THC Gummies

  • Chillout 25mg Delta-8 THC Gummies

• FAQs About Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv)

• THCv: For a Gentler High

What Is THCv?

THCv is short for Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabivarin. It’s a phytocannabinoid — a naturally occurring cannabis-derived compound in the Cannabis Sativa plant, which puts it in the same group as cannabidiol (CBD), THC, THCp, and other naturally occurring chemicals found in cannabis.

THCv starts out as cannabigerovarin acid (CBGVA). This acid breaks down into another form, tetrahydrocannabivarin carboxylic acid (THCVA), with the help of the enzyme THCv synthase.

Once CBGVA becomes THCVA, professionals in a lab can use the acid to create THCv using heat or UV light.

How Does THCv Work?

This Cannabis Sativa extract interacts with your brain’s cannabinoid receptors in unique ways.

The cannabinoid acts as a CB1 receptor antagonist, which means it can reduce some of the psychoactive effects of THC. In other words, when you use cannabis products that contain both THCv and THC, you may end up experiencing a milder high.

In addition, THCv can make you feel more relaxed and at ease by acting as an agonist for the CB2 receptors in your endocannabinoid system. When these receptors are activated, it doesn’t get you high—you’ll need other cannabinoids to experience the psychoactive effects of cannabis.

THCv and THC: How They Compare

THCv is structurally similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but THCv’s molecular structure contains fewer carbon atoms. The small difference between the two—five carbon atoms in THC versus three in THCv—is what gives the minor cannabinoid its unique effects.

In addition, unlike THC, THCv appears to have only mildly psychoactive effects for most people. This is because the rare cannabinoid binds to the receptors in your endocannabinoid system less powerfully than THC's psychoactive effects.

Is THCv Legal?

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (also known as the Farm Bill) removed hemp from the federal government’s list of controlled substances.

The Farm Bill made it possible to get access to Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv) in some states.

This bill defines “hemp” as dry cannabis containing no more than 0.3 percent of Delta-9 THC by dry weight. “Marijuana” contains more than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC. Under the Farm Bill, hemp is lawful, and marijuana remains illegal.

All of Mood’s THCv products meet the Farm Bill’s compliance standards for hemp products and are always lab-tested for consistency, quality, and safety.

What Are the Effects of THCv?

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv), along with some other cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol), CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol), and CBC (cannabichromene), is non-psychoactive. This means it won’t get you high on its own. That’s why our products combine the perfect amount of THCv with Delta-8 or Delta-9 THC for a relaxing, mild high.

The combo of THC with THCv can make you feel focused, creative, and clear-headed, and you can expect to feel the effects THCv gummies and other products within 15 minutes or less.

THCv and Appetite Suppression

THCv is sometimes referred to as “diet weed” because many users report that it makes them less hungry and increases their feelings of satiety. However, further research is needed before cannabis consumption can be officially correlated with appetite stimulation or suppression.

The cannabinoid has a reputation in the cannabis community for stopping cravings, but its impact on appetite food intake varies from person to person. As more cannabis research emerges, we hope to find out more about how THCv might impact appetite and weight loss.

Will THCv Show Up on a Drug Test?

While Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv) isn’t psychoactive, using products that contain this cannabinoid can end you up with a failed drug test. That’s because most THCv products also contain some form of THC.

If you know you have a drug test coming up, make sure to avoid any cannabis products for 4-6 weeks; a urinalysis test can detect THC up to this point.

THCv Products: What To Try

THCv comes in multiple forms, and your experience with the cannabinoid can vary depending on how you choose to enjoy it. For example, if you choose edibles that include THCv, you might have a longer-lasting high and can enjoy your cannabis more discreetly than if you smoke or vape Indica or Sativa strains.

Our favorite way to experience THCv is with gummies. Fast-acting and delicious, Our Morning Delta-9 Gummies combine THCa and THCv for a balanced high that feels just right in the AM.

Who Should Try THCv?

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv) can make you feel relaxed and creative, so it’s one of our top recommendations for folks who want to take it easy and feel grounded, inspired, and peaceful.

The cannabinoid can help you have a mild, balanced high, which makes it an amazing starting point for first-time cannabis users. If you’re just getting started with hemp products, a combination of THC and THCv can help you ease into the experience comfortably and confidently.

When you get your first order of THCv gummies from the Mood Shop, don’t be afraid to start small! You can always enjoy half of a gummy at first, see how you feel, then try a full one next time.

THCv Gummies and More at The Mood Shop

If you want to experience the calming power of THCv and other incredible cannabinoids, make the Mood Shop your go-to. There’s something for every mood in our wide selection, including gummies infused with THCv.

Morning Delta-9 THC Gummies

Nothing starts the day off right like a THCv gummy.

Our Morning Delta-9 THC Gummies combine 5mg of Delta-9 THC with 2mg of THCv and 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 for a mild high, enhanced focus, and clean energy without the afternoon crash.

With three fruity flavors and effects that you’ll feel in 15 minutes or less, there’s plenty to love about these energizing gummies.

Visit the Mood Shop to grab a 30-count of Morning Delta-9 THC Gummies for just $65. Subscribe to save 15 percent.

Micro-Dose Delta-9 THC Gummies

If you want a mild, mellow high with a boost from calming CBD, our Micro-Dose Delta-9 Gummies are the way to go. They’re ideal for first-timers who want to dip a toe in the world of cannabis rather than dive in headfirst.

Head to the Mood Shop for a 10-count of Micro-Dose Delta-9 THC Gummies for just $29. Subscribe to save 15 percent.

Chillout 25mg Delta-8 THC Gummies

These calming gummies, with 25mg of CBD and 25mg of Delta-8 THC, will help you vibe out and relax. If you want a similarly subtle buzz to what you’d get from THCv but are ready for a bit more potency, these are for you.

Save $45 or more when you order a 60-count of Chillout Delta-8 THC Gummies for just $129. Subscribe to save 15 percent.

FAQs About THCv

Q: Is THCv safe for everyone?

A: We’re not a wellness resource, and we can’t offer you medical advice. The best person to ask about whether THCv is right for you is your doctor.

However, we go above and beyond to regulate all of our products, carefully testing them to ensure their safety and quality. Lower-grade THCv products that you might find at a convenience store may not meet the same standards.

Q: Do some varieties of cannabis contain more THCv?

A: The cannabis sativa variety tends to contain more THCv. However, THCv can also be derived from other cannabinoids in a lab by experts.

THCv is a minor cannabinoid, so it’s only found in very small amounts in cannabis plants. Because it’s not abundant naturally, creating THCv in a lab is a more practical way to produce the cannabinoid and make it more readily available to as many people as possible.

Q: What does it feel like to use THCv?

A: THCv can make you feel relaxed and content, which is why it’s one of our favorite cannabinoids to enjoy in the morning.

Taking a Morning Delta-9 THC Gummy is invigorating and calming at the same time, helping you find your feet in the AM and ease into the day.

Q: Will I get in trouble for using THCv?

A: The Farm Bill sets clear guidelines that separate hemp from marijuana.

THCv does not influence the classification of a hemp product. At the same time, you should always check your local laws and regulations to confirm what hemp-derived products you can buy.

You can order THCv online from a trustworthy source like Mood.

THCv: For a Gentler High

THCv can balance out your cannabis experience and give you a more soothing, relaxing high. Whether it's through gummies or other THCv-infused products, users can expect a gentle yet potent impact from this cannabinoid.

Whether it's through gummies or other THCv-infused products, users can expect a gentle yet potent impact from this cannabinoid. Discover more about THCv and other compounds in the wide array we have available at Mood. We combine Delta-9 THC with THCv and energizing vitamin B3 for a gentle buzz that will help you stay focused and mentally clear for hours.

Prices subject to change.