THCV Flowers Trending in 2022: Best Strains To Try

Before 2012, when California and Washington became the first states to legalize adult-use marijuana, THC and CBD were the only known cannabis compounds. 

However, marijuana legalization gave researchers much-needed access to the once illegal herb, leading to the discovery of other cannabinoids and their numerous therapeutic properties.  

THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is the latest THC discovery, enjoying a buzzword status. Getting the best THCV flower allows you to enjoy its purported health benefits like weight loss. But with many strains on the market, it can be hard to decide which one to choose.  

 
So, which are the best THCV-rich cannabis strains? Keep reading to find out the trendiest THCV strains and everything else you need to know about THCV. 

What is THCV or Tetrahydrocannabivarin? 

THCV is the latest cannabinoid compound that has caught the eye of many cannabis consumers. However, the compound is such a novel discovery, meaning its empirical research is preliminary at best. But here’s a breakdown of the up-to-date THCV findings. 
 

For starters, THCV is a Delta-9 THC (the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant) isomer or analog. Analogs in biology refer to organic compounds with a similar molecular structure yet different atom arrangement or positioning.  

In terms of atom positioning, the primary difference between THC and THCV is that the former features a five-carbon atom repeating side chain. In contrast, THCV features a three-carbon atom repeating side chain.  

The two different repeating side-chain sequences make THCV and THC homolog analogs. All that biological jargon aside, the molecular structural difference means the two THC analogs attach differently to the endocannabinoid system (ECS).  

The different attachment styles cause them to have distinct effects on the body. You can read more on how THCV works later in this article. 

Back to the star of the show (it’s not always about Delta-9 THC), THCV exists in both cannabis subspecies (marijuana and hemp). However, it only exists in trace amounts in most cannabis strains, and some Sativa strains originate in African and some parts of Asia.

Such strains may contain up to 53.7% THCV depending on the different harvests. Besides the strains from the above geographical regions, some breeders are also grafting THCV-rich cultivars to leverage the sudden interest in the once minor cannabinoid. 

THCV's sudden rise to fame is primarily due to its potential to tackle diet-induced and genetic obesity. Consequently, THCV's nicknames or street names include "diet weed" and "skinny pot.”  

Statistics show that 42.4% of American adults are obese- shedding pounds while getting “high” seems more fun than going low while doing burpees, squats, and bench presses. 

Despite THCV's surging popularity, its rarity makes it difficult for consumers to access it. Fortunately, this post has you covered on that aspect as it highlighted the top THCV-rich flowers available on the cannabis market today. 

Best THCV Flowers To Try In 2021 

Durban Poison 

Durban Poison is a pure Landrace Cannabis Sativa strain native to the city of Durban in South Africa and its environs. Unlike cultivars, landrace cannabis strains gain their distinct characteristics from centuries of adaptation to specific natural environments. 
 

The strain’s distinct physical identifiers include a sweet-smelling aroma, fusing decadent creamy vanilla flavors with bursts of orange/lemony citrus notes, and above-average size resin glands associated with the landrace strain.  

Although Sativa strains typically feature smaller buds, Durban Poison features an Indica-like dense bud with an equally thick milky-white, sticky resin layer, promising explosive flavor. 

Being a Sativa strain, Durban Poison delivers an energetic, uplifting, and slightly euphoric “high” with a slight stimulant buzz; hence, it is ideal for daytime use. Its most popular uses include anxiety relief, pain relief, mood elevation, creative enhancement, and focus. 

Durban Poison has a pretty high THCV content at 1% (over 100% more than in non-THCV-rich strains), although cannabinoid content in flowers typically varies with each harvest. 

Therefore, you should always look at products' certificates of analysis (COA) to determine their THCV strength before buying them.

Trustworthy cannabis vendors like CBD Genesis feature clear product images of the actual product and COAs in every product description, making shopping easy. 

Besides THCV, Durban Poison buds also have a substantial Delta-9 THC content and some CBD. So, consider the cannabinoid “entourage effect” when shopping for this Sativa strain for THVC consumption.  

Doug’s Varin 

Unlike Durban Poison, a landrace strain, Doug’s Varin is an exceptionally rare THCV cultivar. Its whole existence is shrouded in mystery as Doug Farms, the weed cultivator who first discovered it has no idea where the seeds came from, as they planted them by accident.  

Given the strain's mysterious existence, nobody knows its genetic history or the parent strains genetically modified to create it. 

Doug’s Varin’s rarity makes it a highly sought-after strain, not to mention that it features the highest THCV content ever recorded at 15%. Typical THCV-rich strains contain approximately 2% THCV, making Doug’s Varin a biological miracle and arguably the best THCV strain to try. 

The ultra-rare cannabis cultivar is a pure Sativa strain and typically induces a mental “high” or cerebral stimulation characterized by a clear head. However, its most popular effect remains appetite suppression, which helps facilitate weight loss.  

When shopping for Doug’s Varin, look out for a medium-sized bud- a typical Sativa physical trait. Also, look for buds with a thick, cloudy resin layer and purple trichomes. 

However, note that while Doug Varin’s effects kick off instantly, they wear off faster than the effects of THCV-rich strains with lower THCV content. 

Pineapple Purps  

Pineapple Purps is yet another mysterious Sativa-dominant strain featuring incredible THCV amounts. The cannabis strain features a standard 19% THC content and a 3:1 THC: THCV ratio, placing its THCV content at around 6.3% depending on the harvest.

The strain has a stimulating effect that uplifts happiness, mood and improves sociability (talkativeness). However, Pineapple Purps is among the most potent Sativa-dominant strains, so consider low doses, especially if you have a low cannabis tolerance.

Also, the cannabis varietal is best taken during morning hours to facilitate wakefulness, alertness, focus, and creativity. 

Besides its clean high, Pineapple Purps is famous for its therapeutic effects, including countering panic attacks, depression, pain, fatigue, and muscle spasm. Its outstandingly high THCV content makes it the ideal strain if you want to buy THCV for weight loss.

However, any cannabis flower consumer knows that a weed strain’s flavor profile is as important as its final effects. Although Pineapple Purps features typical Sativa airy buds, it is big on flavor.  

As the name suggests, it features a straightforward sweet pineapple nose that replicates on the palate alongside berry notes, hints of citrus, and earthy undertones. 

Jack the Ripper (JTR) 

Most cannabis consumers think that the Jack the Ripper (JTR) strain gets its name from the 1800 Serial Killer. However, such a correlation is non-existent because the weed strain gets its name from one of its parent strains.  

Therefore, JTR is among the handful of non-landrace THCV-rich cultivars with known genetic origins. 

Jack the Ripper came to be after the fusion of Jack's Cleaner strain with the Space Queen strain's male version called Space Dude. JTR has an incredible 5% THCV content, and although it is a Sativa-dominant hybrid, it also showcases Indica influences. 

For instance, although the weed varietal typically delivers an energetic, uplifting effect characterized by happiness, hopefulness, and overall wellbeing, it is also pretty relaxing. It results in energy boost, mood elevation, mild euphoria, and pain relief. 

JTR's THCV levels help counter THC's typical "munchies'' by curbing cravings. Given its known origins, it is arguably the most available THCV-rich cannabis flower. 

God’s Green Crack (GGC) 

God's Green Crack is a 55% to 45% hybrid strain grafted by combining two top-grade strains, God Bud (Indica) and Green Crack (Sativa). The strain delivers a uniquely balanced head and body "high' facilitating deep physical and mental relaxation.  

Besides euphoria and an energy boost, GGC is ideal for anxiety relief and insomnia. Some of its popular uses include combating migraines, ADD, and ADHD symptoms. 

However, despite being an almost 1:1 ratio Sativa: Indica hybrid, GGC has quite the THC concentration, reaching up to 22%. Therefore, the strain is not ideal for individuals with psychosis and panic disorders. 

God's Green Crack is more readily available than most of these THCV-rich strains. You can identify it by its dark green, almost purplish color, and spade-like bud. The strain delivers sweet woody, earthy notes, leaving a rich-buttery mouthfeel. 

How Does THCV Work? 

THCV and Delta-9 THC are analogs sharing a molecular structure but different atom arrangements. Another common factor between THCV and Delta-9 THC is that both analogs exert their effects through the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

The ECS is an intricate neural transmission system with most cells located in the central nervous system, peripheral and brain. It functions as the body’s primary self-regulation mechanism, helping modulate various functions to achieve homeostasis.  

Homeostasis refers to an equilibrium state where all body systems work optimally to achieve and maintain physical and mental health. The ECS utilizes its primary receptors (CB1 and CB2 receptors) in its modulatory effect.   

Therefore, exogenous cannabinoids like THCV and THC can manipulate the ECS’s receptors to deliver various effects. Delta-9 THC exerts its psychoactive functions by binding to the ECS’s CB1 receptors because it is a full CB1 receptor agonist. 

In contrast, THCV's three-carbon repeating side-chain structure limits its potential function as a CB1 receptor agonist, making it a CB1 receptor antagonist. Remember, agonist molecules promote a reaction while antagonist molecules reverse the same reaction. 

CB1 receptor activation is what typically facilitates THC's psychoactive effect. Therefore, THCV's antagonistic effect neutralizes THC's psychoactive impact to some degree, enabling various therapeutic benefits in the process, including appetite suppression. 
 

Research-Backed Health Benefits Of THCV 

THCV is popular because of its purported therapeutic effects like weight loss, anxiety relief, pain relief, depression management, and overall wellness.  

However, the cannabinoid is a recent discovery, meaning most people using it therapeutically rely on anecdotal evidence from friends and other sources. 

So, is THCV scientifically proven to deliver the mentioned health benefits, or is it just another overrated herbal elixir? Here is what science has to say about the said THCV health benefits. 

Weight Loss 

The general belief is that THCV helps facilitate weight loss by curbing appetite suppression. In one study conducted using rats, it was discovered that THC dose administration increased sucrose ingestion frequency.  

In contrast, THCV administration caused decreased food intake and body weight in fasted and non-fasted test subjects. The research concluded that THCV has the potential to treat obesity, although more research is necessary. 

Diabetes and Blood Sugar 

One placebo-controlled study conducted among type II diabetes test subjects concluded that THCV significantly improved the pancreatic B-cells' insulin-producing function.  

The study also established that THCV-dosed test subjects posted better fasting glucose test (FGT) results. FGT is the standard test for type II diabetes.  

Promoting Bone Health 

Bone cells disintegrate and regenerate throughout the human life cycle, and one study shows that cannabinoids, including THCV, are crucial for the bone regeneration process. 

According to the research, selective CB2 receptor agonists induce mitosis (cell division for growth) in cytoblasts or the cells that facilitate bone regeneration and strengthen collagen. 

Another study shows that although THCV is a CB1 receptor antagonist, it is a potent CB2 agonist. Therefore, it can help improve bone regeneration among healthy individuals and people with degenerative bone diseases like osteoporosis.  

However, the research is also at its preliminary stages. 

Seizure and Tremor Control 

Research study conducted on mice showed THCV’s anticonvulsant capacity. Although plenty more research is necessary before researchers can make declarations, THCV may help manage conditions that cause seizures and tremors in the future. 
 

What Types of THCV Products Are Available? 

THCV flowers may be the hottest cannabis trend, but the cannabinoid is available in other consumable forms. THCV processors use its extracts in processing full-spectrum and broad-spectrum hemp products like oils and isolates for edibles and CBD vapes. 

 
If you are looking for non-smokable vape products, then CBD Genesis is the right choice. However, ensure that you buy from a reputable seller to get premium products and a great experience.  

Conclusion 

THCV flowers and products are here to stay and are worth trying due to their exhilarating recreational effects and therapeutic benefits. This quick guide provides you with all you need to know about trendy THCV Flowers.  

With clearance from your doctor, go ahead and try these incredible strains for guaranteed satisfaction.