Can THCV Support Weight Loss? A New Study Takes a Closer Look

A 2025 placebo-controlled trial explores a lesser-known cannabis compound and metabolic health.

A new study suggests that tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) — a lesser-known compound found in cannabis — may have a role to play in weight loss and metabolic health. Published in the journal Cannabis in early 2025, the 90-day placebo-controlled trial gave participants oral strips containing THCV and cannabidiol (CBD), and measured changes in body weight and several key metabolic markers.

The trial involved 44 adults — 31 women and 13 men, with an average age of about 52. Participants were split into three groups: a lower-dose strip (8 mg THCV / 10 mg CBD), a higher-dose strip (16 mg THCV / 20 mg CBD), and a placebo. Each took one mucoadhesive strip daily — a thin strip that dissolves against the inside of the cheek — for 90 days. Notably, participants were not asked to change their diet or exercise habits, which makes the results easier to attribute to the strips themselves.

Use of the THCV/CBD strip was associated with statistically significant weight loss, along with decreases in abdominal girth, systolic blood pressure, and total and LDL cholesterol. The higher-dose group saw greater weight-loss benefits than the lower-dose group, and both active groups differed meaningfully from the placebo group. Reduced waist measurement is a particularly useful sign, since it points to less visceral fat — the type most closely linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Why THCV Is Different from THC

THCV works differently from THC, the well-known psychoactive compound in cannabis. It is not intoxicating and doesn’t produce a “high.” Instead, it acts on the body’s endocannabinoid system — specifically the CB1 receptor — in a way that researchers believe may help curb appetite and support fat metabolism. Paired with CBD, which has anti-inflammatory properties, the two cannabinoids appear to complement one another in supporting metabolic health. Metabolic syndrome — the cluster of obesity, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance — affects millions of people, and researchers are increasingly interested in whether cannabinoids can offer support alongside traditional approaches like diet, exercise, and medication.

One Important Practical Note

The study also examined whether THCV use would affect drug testing — a real concern for anyone in a job that requires it. This is worth discussing with a healthcare professional before starting any THCV product, particularly if you may be subject to workplace drug screening.

Promising, but Early

These findings are encouraging, but it’s worth keeping them in perspective. This was a small study, and it was conducted by a researcher affiliated with the company that produces the strips — both reasons to view the results as a promising early signal rather than the final word. Larger, independent trials will help clarify how useful THCV-based products can be for weight management and metabolic health. Still, for anyone exploring cannabinoid-based wellness options, it adds to a growing and genuinely interesting body of research.

Reference: Smith GL. Weight Loss and Therapeutic Metabolic Effects of Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)-Infused Mucoadhesive Strips. Cannabis, 2025;8(1):109–120. DOI: 10.26828/cannabis/2024/000206.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any cannabinoid product, especially if you take other medications or may be subject to drug testing.