Overview

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a cannabinoid that comes from Cannabis sativa (cannabis). It is psychoactive, which means it has brain-altering effects and may make you feel “high,” especially with higher doses. There is interest in using tetrahydrocannabivarin for various reasons, but it is poorly studied and its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects include diarrhea or a reduced appetite. Serious side effects are less common but may include hallucinations or a condition called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). Before taking tetrahydrocannabivarin, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) used for?

Tetrahydrocannabivarin may be used for weight loss, to lower blood sugar levels, and for various other reasons, but its benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed tetrahydrocannabivarin for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does tetrahydrocannabivarin work (mechanism of action)?

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabis contains over 100 different cannabinoids, some of which have psychoactive effects. This means that they can cause brain-altering effects that can make you feel “high.” Tetrahydrocannabivarin seems to be a psychoactive cannabinoid, although these effects may only happen with higher doses.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin is available in dietary supplements that are used for various reasons. But very little research has been done to understand how this cannabinoid may work in the body. There is currently no clear evidence that it is helpful for any use.

How should I store tetrahydrocannabivarin?

You should store tetrahydrocannabivarin according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of tetrahydrocannabivarin?

The most common side effects of tetrahydrocannabivarin are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Diarrhea
• Hallucinations (especially with high doses, see below)
• Reduced appetite

There may be other side effects of tetrahydrocannabivarin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of tetrahydrocannabivarin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of tetrahydrocannabivarin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Tetrahydrocannabivarin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking tetrahydrocannabivarin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).Some people who use tetrahydrocannabivarin, cannabis, or other cannabinoids may develop a condition called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). This condition can happen at any time while using tetrahydrocannabivarin and may be more likely in people who have regularly used it for more than a year. CHS causes severe nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. This can lead to dehydration and changes in electrolyte levels that can be life-threatening. If you have severe nausea or vomiting that does not go away, get medical help right away. If you think you may have CHS, speak to your health care provider. Stopping all use of tetrahydrocannabivarin, cannabis, or other cannabinoids is the only known cure for CHS.

Hallucinations. Tetrahydrocannabivarin may cause hallucinations. This risk may be higher in people who use high doses of tetrahydrocannabivarin or people who also use street drugs. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, or if you have been told by others you have these symptoms.

• Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise perceiving things that others do not
• Delusional thoughts, such as false beliefs that you are being controlled

Precautions

Who should not use tetrahydrocannabivarin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take tetrahydrocannabivarin.

• Delta-9-THCV
• Tetrahydrocannabivarin
• THCV
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Ask your health care provider if you are not sure what ingredients are in a tetrahydrocannabivarin product.

What should I know about tetrahydrocannabivarin before using it?

Tetrahydrocannabivarin is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep tetrahydrocannabivarin out of the reach of children and pets.

Research on tetrahydrocannabivarin is very limited and its safety and benefits are not well understood. It is possible that tetrahydrocannabivarin may affect your alertness or coordination. It may be best not to drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how tetrahydrocannabivarin affects you.

The chemical structure of tetrahydrocannabivarin is very similar to THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). Taking products that contain tetrahydrocannabivarin may cause a drug test (urine or blood) for cannabis, marijuana, or THC to come back positive.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin products may be contaminated with other cannabinoids, such as THC. As the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis, THC can cause unwanted effects and side effects. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, THC could cause unwanted effects and side effects for your baby. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. This plant is a phytoremediator, which means that it is able to pull toxins and heavy metals out of the soil where it grows. These toxins and heavy metals are pulled into the plant and may be found in products made from the plant. This means that tetrahydrocannabivarin products may be at a high risk of contamination with heavy metals and other harmful chemicals.

The FDA has not tested tetrahydrocannabivarin products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using tetrahydrocannabivarin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if tetrahydrocannabivarin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Mental health problems, such as depression, a past suicide attempt, anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia, or psychosis
• Substance use disorder, including cocaine, methamphetamine, or opioid use disorder
• History of misusing prescription medicines or street drugs

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how tetrahydrocannabivarin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Some tetrahydrocannabivarin products may be contaminated with THC, the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis. This could cause unwanted effects and side effects for you and your baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if tetrahydrocannabivarin passes into breast milk. Some tetrahydrocannabivarin products may be contaminated with THC, which passes into breast milk and can cause harm to your baby. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does tetrahydrocannabivarin interact with foods or drinks?

There is not enough research to know if tetrahydrocannabivarin interacts with foods or drinks, including alcohol.

Does tetrahydrocannabivarin interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between tetrahydrocannabivarin and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with tetrahydrocannabivarin is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking tetrahydrocannabivarin with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much tetrahydrocannabivarin?

If you or someone else has used too much tetrahydrocannabivarin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take tetrahydrocannabivarin safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.