Key Findings:

A recent study suggests that daily use of two cannabis compounds—THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) and CBD (Cannabidiol)—may aid in weight loss and improve heart health. The research, published in the journal Cannabis, was led by Dr. Gregory Smith, CEO of NeX Therapeutics, a Florida-based plant medicine company. Participants who used a combination of THCV and CBD experienced noticeable weight loss, a slimmer waistline, and improvements in key heart health markers, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Study Overview:

The study included 44 participants (31 women and 13 men) with an average age of 52 years. The participants were divided into groups and given mucoadhesive oral strips containing different doses of THCV and CBD or a placebo. The study lasted for 90 days, during which participants were required to take one strip daily on an empty stomach. Importantly, no changes were made to their diet or exercise routines, allowing researchers to analyze the direct impact of the cannabinoids.

 Dosage Groups:

• Lower Dose Group: 8mg THCV + 10mg CBD per strip
• Higher Dose Group: 16mg THCV + 20mg CBD per strip
• Placebo Group: A neutral strip with no active cannabinoids

Participants were instructed to refrain from using any other cannabis products during the study to ensure the accuracy of the results.

 Results and Observations:

1. Weight Loss:
   • Lower Dose Group: 16 out of 24 participants (66.7%) experienced weight loss, with an average reduction of 2.6 kg (5.7 lbs).
   • Higher Dose Group: 7 out of 10 participants (70%) in this group lost weight, with an average weight reduction of 4.1 kg (9.0 lbs).
   • Placebo Group: Minimal weight changes were observed, with an average loss of just 0.1 kg (0.2 lbs), indicating that THCV and CBD had a significant effect on weight management.
2. Reduction in Waist Size:
   • 95.8% of participants in the lower-dose group and 70% in the higher-dose group saw a noticeable decrease in abdominal girth, suggesting that the combination of THCV and CBD helped target visceral fat.
3. Heart Health Improvements:
   • Both dosage groups experienced improved cardiovascular health, with a drop in systolic blood pressure and a reduction in total and LDL cholesterol levels. These results suggest that beyond aiding in weight loss, THCV and CBD may contribute to better heart health.

Higher Dose Showed Better Results:
The higher-dose combination of 16mg THCV + 20mg CBD proved to be more effective in promoting weight loss and improving health outcomes compared to the lower dose. Participants in this group achieved greater reductions in both body weight and waist size.

 THCV and Drug Testing: A Potential Concern
One concern highlighted by the study is that THCV may trigger a false positive in urine drug tests for THC. Among participants in the higher-dose group, 7 out of 9 people (77.8%) tested positive for THC, despite not using THC products. This suggests that THCV metabolites may be misidentified as THC by standard drug tests, raising concerns for individuals who may be subject to routine testing.

 Additional Insights: Cannabis and Metabolic Health
This study aligns with previous research that explored the effects of other cannabinoids on metabolic health:

• THCV, CBDV, and CBD Combination: Earlier studies on a product called Hempson Oil, which contains THCV, CBDV (Cannabidivarin), and CBD, showed similar positive outcomes for weight management and metabolism.
• CBG (Cannabigerol) and Metabolic Benefits: Another study highlighted the potential of CBG to aid in managing metabolic syndrome, a condition linked to heart disease, liver disease, and diabetes. CBG may help reduce appetite, boost fat metabolism, and prevent weight gain.

Conclusion:
The combination of THCV and CBD shows promising potential for aiding in weight management and improving overall health. With further research, these cannabinoids could emerge as a natural solution for people looking to maintain a healthy weight and support heart health. However, individuals concerned about drug testing should be cautious when using products containing THCV.