Last updated: October 2026
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is a minor cannabinoid found in some cannabis plants, closely related to THC. It’s studied for appetite and blood sugar, but human research is small and early. In the UK, THCV is a controlled drug, so THCV oils, gummies and vapes can’t be legally sold as food supplements, even if they’re on sale online.
This guide covers what THCV is, how it differs from THC and CBD, what the research shows, UK law, and what to know before you buy anything labelled THCV.
What is THCV?
THCV is one of over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis. Its structure is very similar to THC’s, with a slightly shorter side chain. It’s usually found in small amounts, though some African landrace strains contain more. At low doses it seems to block the CB1 receptor rather than activate it, which is why it’s been studied for appetite.
THCV vs THC vs CBD
| THCV | THC | CBD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intoxicating? | Not at low doses in studies; possibly at high doses | Yes | No |
| Effect on CB1 receptor | Blocks it at low doses | Activates it | Doesn’t activate it |
| Appetite | Studied for reducing appetite | Increases it | Little effect at supplement doses |
| UK status | Controlled drug | Controlled drug | Legal as a food supplement if free of controlled cannabinoids |
See also CBD vs THC, CBG vs CBD and what is CBC?
What the research shows
| Study | What it found |
|---|---|
| Type 2 diabetes, 2016 (62 adults, UK) | 5mg THCV twice a day for 13 weeks lowered fasting blood glucose compared with placebo |
| Food reward brain scans, 2014 (healthy adults) | A single 10mg dose changed brain responses to food images, but didn’t change how pleasant people rated food |
| THCV with THC, 2016 (10 healthy men) | 10mg THCV a day for five days felt no different to placebo and reduced some of THC’s effects |
These are small, early studies. THCV isn’t a proven weight-loss or diabetes treatment, and products marketed as “diet weed” or “skinny THC” go well beyond the evidence. See CBD for weight loss.
Is THCV legal in the UK?
No, not in consumer products. The Home Office lists THCV alongside THC as a controlled cannabinoid, and its guidance notes that CBD products must not contain controlled cannabinoids such as THC and THCV. Possessing or selling THCV without a Home Office licence is illegal, unless a product meets the strict “exempt product” rules. Researchers can work with it under licence.
Can I buy THCV oil in the UK?
You may see THCV oils, gummies or vapes advertised online, but they can’t be legally sold as food supplements in the UK. Products like these are often unregulated, may contain THC or synthetic cannabinoids, and aren’t on the FSA’s public list of CBD products. Buying them carries legal and safety risks. If you’re looking for a legal cannabinoid product, choose a THC-free CBD product with a batch lab report. See how to choose a CBD oil and delta-8 THC in the UK.
FAQs
Is THCV legal in the UK?
No. The Home Office treats THCV as a controlled cannabinoid, like THC, so it can’t be legally sold in food supplements.
Does THCV get you high?
At low doses in studies it didn’t feel different to placebo. Higher doses may be intoxicating, and many THCV products also contain THC.
Does THCV help with weight loss?
It’s been studied for appetite, but there’s no good evidence it causes weight loss in people.
Can I buy THCV oil in the UK?
Not legally as a food supplement. Products sold online are unregulated and may contain THC or synthetic cannabinoids.
What is the difference between THCV and CBD?
CBD is legal as a food supplement and isn’t intoxicating. THCV is a controlled cannabinoid closely related to THC.
Sources
- Home Office. Drug licensing factsheet: cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids.
- Jadoon KA et al. Efficacy and safety of cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabivarin on glycemic and lipid parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care, 2016.
- Tudge L et al. Neural effects of tetrahydrocannabivarin on food reward and aversion in healthy volunteers. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol, 2014.
- Englund A et al. The effect of five day dosing with THCV on THC-induced effects in healthy male volunteers. J Psychopharmacol, 2016.
This guide is general information, not legal advice.
