Can Cannabis (Weed) Help You Loose Weight?

Cannabis is stereotypically and most often associated with the munchies, not with weight loss.  However, in the most recent years, various studies have demonstrated that, on the average, cannabis users have a lower body mass index than non cannabis users and that certain cannabis cultivars/strains can aid in weight loss.   Cannabis that causes you to food binge is definitely not going to help you loose weight, but certain strains high in THCV may help damper hunger, boost energy, loose weight and lower your body mass index.

As we further our scientific knowledge and understanding of cannabis, we obtain a greater understanding of how our bodies and minds respond to different cultivars/strains and weed’s complex chemical and molecular composition.  From cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, we are learning that even the smallest molecules can have a big impact on how a particular cannabis strain makes us feel, along with the health benefits it can provide. A perfect example of this is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). THCV is a minor cannabinoid usually found in trace amounts in many cannabis strains, or “cultivars.”  THCV is associated with hunger suppression and potential weight loss.  Cultivars high in THCV may help damper hunger, boost energy, loose weight and lower your body mass index.

What is a Cannabinoid?

Let’s do a deeper dive and first start with what is a cannabinoid? As per google “cannabnoids are a class of compounds found in the cannabis plant or made synthetically that can have mental and physical effects. The most famous cannabinoid is delta-9 or THC, which is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, while others, like cannabidiol (CBD), do not have a strong psychoactive effect.  Over 100 different phytocannabinoids have been identified in cannabis plants.” 

What is THCV?

THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin or C19H26O2) is one of the 100 phytocannabinoids found most often in Sativa cannabis strains. “Sativa is known for its energizing and uplifting effects, often described as a “head high” that boosts focus, creativity, and mood. It typically increases mental clarity and energy levels, making it popular for daytime use, but can also cause anxiety or racing thoughts, especially in high doses.”  Sativa strains are often used to combat fatigue, enhance productivity, and is known to promote creativity.  It produces a more alert, energizing and motivated feeling of euphoria.  If you have ever consumed weed and then detail cleaned your abode, you probably consumed a sativa strain.

Is THCV the same as THC?

THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is similar to THC molecule, but with a shorter propyl side chain instead of a pentyl one. This difference makes it non-psychoactive at low doses and has shown potential benefits such as appetite suppression, glycemic control, and neuroprotection. Unlike THC (known for its euphoric effects), THCV appears to have a different effect profile, potentially offering therapeutic applications for conditions like obesity and diabetes.  Cannabis strains, such as Pink Boost Goddess, Durban Poison, Doug’s Varin, Pineapple Purps, and Jack the Ripper, with higher percentage of THCV, are most often recommended for daytime use, hunger suppression, or any time when function and alertness is important.

Studies on THCV?

A study published in National Study of Medicine found that “unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), THCV exhibits an antagonistic function on the CB1 receptor and a partial agonist function on the CB2 receptor, thus enabling appetite suppression, enhanced glucose regulation, and increased energy expenditure. Preclinical studies demonstrated that THCV improves insulin sensitivity, promotes glucose uptake, and restores insulin signaling in metabolic tissues.  Animal models further revealed THCV’s potential to suppress appetite, prevent hepatosteatosis, and improve metabolic homeostasis. Preliminary human trials support these findings, thereby showing that THCV may modulate appetite and glycemic control, though larger-scale studies are necessary to confirm its clinical efficacy and safety.”

In a separate studies of rodents, THCV caused a decrease of appetite, increase in energy and metabolism, increased feeling of fullness; suggesting that it is a clinically useful remedy for weight loss and may potentially aid with type 2 diabetes.  Another study showed that the “use of the THCV/CBD strip was associated with statistically significant weight loss, decreases in abdominal girth, systolic blood pressure, and total and LDL cholesterol.”  It also showed that a higher daily dose (16 mg THCV/20 mg CBD) was found to be superior for weight loss compared to the lower dose.

• Appetite Suppression: THCV has earned the nickname of “diet weed” because pre-clinical studies suggest it may act as an appetite suppressant, increase feelings of fullness, and boost metabolism, unlike THC which typically stimulates appetite.
• Energy and Focus: Users and other sources report that THCV may provide an energizing, clear-headed experience that enhances alertness and concentration without the brain fog associated with THC.
• Glycemic Control: Research indicates THCV shows potential for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance.

Which Cannabis/Weed Strains are high in THCV?

There are a few stand out cannabis cultivars (strains) that are naturally high in THCV.  “Almost all of them stem from landrace sativas originating in Africa.”  If THCV and its ample benefits appeal to you, here are five THCV rich strains you may want to try.

Durban Poison

“Durban Poison originates from the port city of Durban, South Africa and was first imported to the U.S. in the late 1970s by one of America’s first international strain hunters, Ed Rosenthal. This award-winning medical sativa has been at the center of the newfound interest in high-THCV strains. With a naturally occurring THCV concentration of nearly 1%, Durban Poison excels at suppressing appetite while inducing energizing and focusing effects of a pure sativa.” 

Doug’s Varin

“The cultivation of Doug’s Varin, appears to have been a happy accident. David Lampach, co-founder of Doug’s Varin (now owned by Oakland, California-based California Cannabinoids), said the original cultivar stemmed from a Harlequin parent. When the company identified the cultivar’s high THCV content, it began using it to develop a family of THCV-rich strains ranging from 3% to 6% THCV.  Today, Doug’s Varin is the strain of choice for many concentrates and extract manufacturers producing products such as tinctures and vape pens with very high levels of THCV.“  According to users, Doug’s Varin strain has a woody, citrus taste and earthy, pine scent.

Pink Boost Goddess

In July of 2019, another California-based cannabis flower brand Flow Kana released Pink Boost Goddess, which is a rare THCV-rich cultivar developed by Emerald Spirit Botanicals.  This strain was specifically bread by Emerald Spirit Botanicals for its THCV qualities.  According to Flow Kana, Pink Boost Goddess (a two-time Emerald Cup Winner and California State Fair gold medalist) contains up to 10.63% THCV along with up to 10.59% THC.  Emerald Spirit Botanicals grows its high-THCV cultivar outdoors to increase sun exposure and stimulate THCV production. Unlike other high-THCV strains, which tend to be pure sativas, Pink Boost Goddess is an indica-dominant hybrid with a vanilla flavor and an intense floral aroma. When smoked, the effects include an uplifting motivation and is often described as focusing and joyful. The flower often smells like floral strawberry mint with a hint of peppery gas. Pink Boost Goddess is also known for its therapeutic and medicinal potential as it’s known to suppress appetites and provide neurological benefits like reducing anxiety, due to its unique cannabinoid and terpene profile.

There are few other studies that have been conducted on cannabis and weight loss.  For example, a 2018 study published by National Library of Medicine showed a lower BMI (Body Mass Index) for cannabis users versus non-cannabis users and concluded that “(f)or many patients, Cannabis may be a better option for weight loss than surgery or pharmaceuticals.” This study goes on to say that “(o)nce patients become aware that the side effects of medical Cannabis may include weight loss and reduced risk of obesity-associated medical conditions, this shift toward (medical) Cannabis (versus other drugs) is likely to accelerate.  Interestingly, the study demonstrated that although cannabis users actually consume more calories than non-users, they still have a lower BMI.  It suggests that cannabis may inhibit appetite after users are done consuming and causes a reduction in CB1R, a hunger receptor and thus may decrease appetite after consumption has stopped.

Another study conducted by US Irvine and published in Cell Metabolism in 2023, stated that one of cannabis’ most iconic effects is the stimulation of hedonic high-calorie eating—the “munchies”—yet habitual cannabis users are (on average) leaner than non-users.  This study also hinted that marijuana use in adolescence could mess with your body’s energy balance and ability to store fat and suggests that using weed when you’re young could alter your fat cells on a molecular level.

Abby Langer, R.D., author of Good Food, Bad Diet, stated, “Cannabis may indirectly help with weight loss… for example, in people whose mobility increases with cannabis, or in those who switch from alcohol use to cannabis use.” Meaning, replacing alcohol with weed may lead to reduced calorie intake. More research and studies are necessary on this issue to fully comprehend how cannabis reacts with our bodies.

Cannabis that causes you to food binge is definitely not going to help you loose weight.  However, few studies have show that cannabis users on the average have lower body mass index than non users and that THCV cannabinoid, found in sativa flower, has been shown to help curb hunger, provide extra energy, help loose weight and lower your body mass index.   High THCV testing strain is an attractive choice for consumers seeking a high-functioning and hunger suppressing experience. For those who use cannabis as part of their workouts and wellness regimes, THCV’s ability to provide energy and quiet the munchies yearnings makes it a worthy companion to diet and exercise.  It’s important to point out that cannabis is not a prescription for weight loss.  If you don’t eat healthy and exercise, then cannabis is probably not going to aid you in loosing weight.  As limited research exists on this topic, further studies are necessary.