Tetrahydrocannabivarin

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) Overview

• THCV is a cannabinoid found in certain central Asian and southern African strains of Cannabis.
• It has 7 possible double bond isomers and 30 stereoisomers.
• THCV acts as a cannabinoid receptor type 1 antagonist or, at higher doses, a CB receptor agonist and cannabinoid receptor type 2 partial agonist.
• THCV interacts with various receptors and channels, showing therapeutic potential in conditions like schizophrenia and epilepsy.
• THCV inhibits the activity of fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacyl glycerol lipase, enhancing the endocannabinoid system.

THCV Chemistry and Biosynthesis

• THCV has 7 possible double bond isomers and 30 stereoisomers.
• The alternative isomer Δ-THCV is a synthetic compound with a code number of O-4395.
• THCV is synthesized from geranyl pyrophosphate joining with divarinolic acid to create CBGVA, which is then converted to THCV.
• O-4395 (Δ-THCV) has not been isolated from Cannabis plant material.

THCV Research and Therapeutic Potential

• THCV shows potential in treating obesity-associated glucose intolerance.
• GW Pharmaceuticals is studying plant-derived THCV for type 2 diabetes.
• THCV acts as a CB1 antagonist, reducing appetite.
• In vitro studies show THCV’s anti-cancer properties on various cell lines.
• Research on THCV’s in vivo effects is limited.

Legal Status of THCV and Cannabinoids

• THCV is not scheduled by the Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
• In the United States, THCV is not listed as a Schedule I drug, but Marijuana Extract is.
• THCV could be prosecuted under the Federal Analog Act if considered an analog of THC.
• THCV is legal in the US if derived from hemp compliant with the 2018 farm bill.

Cannabinoid Pipeline, Hypophagic Properties, and Antineoplastic Properties

• GW Pharmaceuticals provided an update on their cannabinoid pipeline.
• Synthetic and plant-derived cannabinoid receptor antagonists have hypophagic properties.
• THCV and HHC demonstrate antineoplastic properties, showing anti-proliferative effects on pancreatic cell lines.
• Understanding these properties can lead to the development of new medications and potential cancer therapies.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin Data Sources