Cannabinoid guide
What is THCV?
A clear guide to THCV: what it is, what researchers have studied, how strong the evidence is, and what to know about safety.
The short answer
THCV, in simple terms
THCV, short for tetrahydrocannabivarin, is a plant cannabinoid with chemistry related to THC but a different research profile. Researchers study it for possible effects, safety, and how it works in the body. The source set includes human research as well as earlier-stage studies. The evidence does not turn this into one proven benefit, because studies can use different products, doses, routes, people, and outcomes. 1
Why people look into THCV
What THCV is commonly talked about for
These cards show the questions most represented in this source set. They are not a list of proven benefits, and the evidence label matters as much as the topic name.
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Mostly mechanism-focused
Receptor, target, metabolic, and pharmacology mechanisms
Researchers have looked at THCV in appetite or metabolism-related models. That does not show that it changes appetite, weight, or metabolism for people. 3
See research areas -
Human and early-stage research
Appetite and metabolic outcomes
Researchers have looked at THCV in appetite or metabolism-related models. That does not show that it changes appetite, weight, or metabolism for people. 4
See research areas -
Human and early-stage research
Pain-related outcomes
People look at THCV for pain because the literature includes pain models, sensory signaling, or related pharmacology. That does not establish pain relief in people. 3
See research areas -
Mostly mechanism-focused
Inflammation-related outcomes
Interest in THCV and inflammation comes from studies of inflammatory or immune signals. A change in a laboratory or animal model is not proof of a human treatment effect. 6
See research areas -
Human and early-stage research
Safety, tolerability, adverse-event, impairment, THC-interaction, or formulation-specific concerns
Safety research asks how THCV, its dose, route, formulation, and other medications may change risk. The available evidence may not answer the safety question for every product or person. 2
See research areas
Bottom line: Start with the exact question you care about, then check the study type, product, dose, and outcome before treating a research signal as a real-world effect.
Key takeaways
What to know first
- 1
Research on THCV covers Safety, tolerability, adverse-event, impairment, THC-interaction, or formulation-specific concerns, Receptor, target, metabolic, and pharmacology mechanisms, and Appetite and metabolic outcomes; those areas should not be combined into one claim. 1
- 2
The source set includes human research as well as earlier-stage studies. 2
- 3
Dose, formulation, route, study population, and outcome can change how closely a study applies to a real-world question. 3
Research areas
What has THCV been studied for?
These are the main questions represented in the current literature. Each link opens a source used to build the overview.
Human and early-stage research
Safety, tolerability, adverse-event, impairment, THC-interaction, or formulation-specific concerns
Researchers have examined THCV in connection with Safety, tolerability, adverse-event, impairment, THC-interaction, or formulation-specific concerns. The studies may differ in compound, formulation, dose, route, population, and outcome. 2
Mostly mechanism-focused
Receptor, target, metabolic, and pharmacology mechanisms
Studies connect THCV with Receptor, target, metabolic, and pharmacology mechanisms at the level of receptors, enzymes, signaling, or pharmacology. This helps explain how the biology might work, but it does not prove a health outcome. 3
Human and early-stage research
Appetite and metabolic outcomes
Researchers have examined THCV in connection with Appetite and metabolic outcomes. The studies may differ in compound, formulation, dose, route, population, and outcome. 4
Human and early-stage research
Pain-related outcomes
Researchers have examined THCV in connection with Pain-related outcomes. The studies may differ in compound, formulation, dose, route, population, and outcome. 3
Human and early-stage research
Neurobehavioral, cognition, mood, reward, or THC-interaction outcomes
Researchers have examined THCV in connection with Neurobehavioral, cognition, mood, reward, or THC-interaction outcomes. The studies may differ in compound, formulation, dose, route, population, and outcome. 5
Mostly mechanism-focused
Inflammation-related outcomes
Researchers have examined THCV in connection with Inflammation-related outcomes. The studies may differ in compound, formulation, dose, route, population, and outcome. 6
How strong is the research?
Not every study answers the same question
This page separates research in people, research reviews, and earlier-stage biology before interpreting the larger question.
Human studies
Research involving people is closest to everyday health questions. The product, dose, population, and outcome still determine what each study can show.
Reviews and evidence summaries
Reviews can compare several studies at once. Their conclusion is only as strong and as relevant as the studies they include.
Lab, animal, and mechanism research
Early-stage research can explain biological interest. It cannot, by itself, show that the same effect happens in people.
Another 6 of 63 research sources could not be placed cleanly into those three groups from the recorded study details.
What these studies actually looked at
The research on THCV is not one kind of study. This source set includes 19 animal studies, 13 narrative or expert reviews, 9 clinical studies in people, and 7 cell or laboratory studies. 3
The recorded populations or models include people or patients (24 sources), animal models (14 sources), and cells or tissue models (8 sources). A result from one group or model should not be assumed to apply to another. 4
The most common recorded outcome focus is safety, tolerability, adverse-event, impairment, THC-interaction, or formulation-specific concerns (24 sources), receptor, target, metabolic, or pharmacology mechanisms (23 sources), and appetite-related or metabolic outcomes (13 sources). Closely related outcome names can still describe different measurements. 5
The THCV source set also contains findings or reviews that remain too limited, indirect, or mixed for a broad answer. That uncertainty is part of the result, not an empty space to fill with assumptions. 6
Examples from the literature
What did the studies actually look at?
Each example names the research question and the study details recorded for that source.
systematic review or meta-analysis
Are cannabidiol and Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabivarin negative modulators of the endocannabinoid system? A systematic review.
On this page, this source examines THCV activity involving receptor, target, metabolic, or pharmacology mechanisms. 1
- Study type
- systematic review or meta-analysis
- Population or model
- cells or tissue models
- Outcome focus
- receptor, target, metabolic, or pharmacology mechanisms
- Evidence stage
- evidence still limited
narrative or expert review
The role of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) in metabolic disorders: A promising cannabinoid for diabetes and weight management.
On this page, this source examines THCV and appetite and metabolic outcomes and THCV and safety, tolerability, adverse-event, impairment, THC-interaction, or formulation-specific concerns. 2
- Study type
- narrative or expert review
- Population or model
- people or patients
- Outcome focus
- appetite-related or metabolic outcomes and safety, tolerability, adverse-event, impairment, THC-interaction, or formulation-specific concerns
- Evidence stage
- evidence still limited
narrative or expert review
It Is Our Turn to Get Cannabis High: Put Cannabinoids in Food and Health Baskets.
On this page, this source examines THCV and appetite and metabolic outcomes, THCV activity involving receptor, target, metabolic, or pharmacology mechanisms, and THCV and pain-related outcomes. 3
- Study type
- narrative or expert review
- Population or model
- people or patients
- Outcome focus
- appetite-related or metabolic outcomes and receptor, target, metabolic, or pharmacology mechanisms and other recorded details
- Evidence stage
- evidence still limited
clinical study in people
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): a commentary on potential therapeutic benefit for the management of obesity and diabetes.
On this page, this source examines THCV and appetite and metabolic outcomes. 4
- Study type
- clinical study in people
- Population or model
- people or patients
- Outcome focus
- appetite-related or metabolic outcomes
- Evidence stage
- human research
narrative or expert review
Phytocannabinoids as Novel SGLT2 Modulators for Renal Glucose Reabsorption in Type 2 Diabetes Management.
On this page, this source examines THCV and safety, tolerability, adverse-event, impairment, THC-interaction, or formulation-specific concerns, THCV activity involving receptor, target, metabolic, or pharmacology mechanisms, and THCV and neurobehavioral, cognition, mood, reward, or THC-interaction outcomes. 5
- Study type
- narrative or expert review
- Population or model
- cells or tissue models
- Outcome focus
- safety, tolerability, adverse-event, impairment, THC-interaction, or formulation-specific concerns and receptor, target, metabolic, or pharmacology mechanisms and other recorded details
- Evidence stage
- evidence still limited
Safety and limits
What should readers keep in mind?
Research on THCV should be read beside safety. A compound can be non-intoxicating or naturally occurring and still have pharmacologic effects, side effects, interactions, or product-quality concerns. 2
Research doses are descriptions of what a study tested. They are not personal dosing instructions. Questions involving medications, pregnancy, children, driving, liver health, heart health, or serious symptoms deserve professional medical guidance.
Common questions
Questions people ask
What is THCV?
THCV is a cannabinoid-related compound studied across Safety, tolerability, adverse-event, impairment, THC-interaction, or formulation-specific concerns, Receptor, target, metabolic, and pharmacology mechanisms, Appetite and metabolic outcomes, and Pain-related outcomes. This page separates those research questions so they are not mistaken for one broad claim. 7
What has THCV been studied for?
The current source set includes Safety, tolerability, adverse-event, impairment, THC-interaction, or formulation-specific concerns, Receptor, target, metabolic, and pharmacology mechanisms, Appetite and metabolic outcomes, and Pain-related outcomes. Each area may use different doses, products, routes, populations, and outcome measures. 8
How strong is the research on THCV?
The source set includes human research as well as earlier-stage studies. 9
Is THCV safe?
Safety cannot be answered for THCV without context. Dose, route, formulation, medications, and the person using it can all change risk. 10
Sources
Read the research
The numbered sources below support the main overview. Links open the PubMed record or DOI in a new tab.
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1
Are cannabidiol and Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabivarin negative modulators of the endocannabinoid system? A systematic review. systematic review or meta-analysis; evidence still limited PubMed 25257544 DOI 10.1111/bph.12944
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2
The role of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) in metabolic disorders: A promising cannabinoid for diabetes and weight management. narrative or expert review; evidence still limited PubMed 40270953 DOI 10.3934/neuroscience.2025003
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3
It Is Our Turn to Get Cannabis High: Put Cannabinoids in Food and Health Baskets. narrative or expert review; evidence still limited PubMed 32899626 DOI 10.3390/molecules25184036
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4
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): a commentary on potential therapeutic benefit for the management of obesity and diabetes. clinical study in people; human research PubMed 33526143 DOI 10.1186/s42238-020-0016-7
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5
Phytocannabinoids as Novel SGLT2 Modulators for Renal Glucose Reabsorption in Type 2 Diabetes Management. narrative or expert review; evidence still limited PubMed 40872492 DOI 10.3390/ph18081101
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6
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Minor Cannabinoids CBC, THCV, and CBN in Human Macrophages. cell or laboratory study; mechanism-focused research PubMed 37764262 DOI 10.3390/molecules28186487
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7
Pure Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin and a Cannabis sativa extract with high content in Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin inhibit nitrite production in murine peritoneal macrophages. animal study; mechanism-focused research PubMed 27498155 DOI 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.07.045
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8
A Two-Phase, Dose-Ranging, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Safety and Preliminary Test of Acute Effects of Oral Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabivarin in Healthy Participants. clinical study in people; human research PubMed 37721990 DOI 10.1089/can.2023.0038
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9
Delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin as a marker for the ingestion of marijuana versus Marinol: results of a clinical study. clinical study in people; human research PubMed 11599601 DOI 10.1093/jat/25.7.565
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10
Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabivarin on Glycemic and Lipid Parameters in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Pilot Study. clinical study in people; mechanism-focused research PubMed 27573936 DOI 10.2337/dc16-0650
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11
Medical use of cannabis. Cannabidiol: a new light for schizophrenia? clinical study in people; evidence still limited PubMed 23109356 DOI 10.1002/dta.1425
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12
Neural effects of cannabinoid CB1 neutral antagonist tetrahydrocannabivarin on food reward and aversion in healthy volunteers. clinical study in people; evidence still limited; mechanism-focused research PubMed 25542687 DOI 10.1093/ijnp/pyu094
See all 63 research sources
This complete source list is the deeper research layer for the page. Study type and evidence context are shown when they are available in the current record.
- Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): a commentary on potential therapeutic benefit for the management of obesity and diabetes. clinical study in people; human research / 1 linked research note PubMed 33526143
- The role of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) in metabolic disorders: A promising cannabinoid for diabetes and weight management. narrative or expert review; evidence still limited / 2 linked research notes PubMed 40270953
- It Is Our Turn to Get Cannabis High: Put Cannabinoids in Food and Health Baskets. narrative or expert review; evidence still limited / 3 linked research notes PubMed 32899626
- Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabivarin on Glycemic and Lipid Parameters in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Pilot Study. clinical study in people; mechanism-focused research / 2 linked research notes PubMed 27573936
- CB₁-independent mechanisms of Δ⁹-THCV, AM251 and SR141716 (rimonabant). narrative or expert review; evidence still limited / 2 linked research notes PubMed 21740450
- SKNY-1, a THCV Analog, Produces Weight Loss, Lipid Normalization and Attenuation of Reward-Associated Behaviors in an mc4r(G894C) Zebrafish Model of Obesity. cell or laboratory study; mechanism-focused research / 3 linked research notes PubMed 42196303
- In vitro and in vivo pharmacological activity of minor cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa. animal study; mechanism-focused research / 2 linked research notes PubMed 33230154
- Weight Loss and Therapeutic Metabolic Effects of Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)-Infused Mucoadhesive Strips. clinical study in people; mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 39968488
- The Impact of Major and Minor Phytocannabinoids on the Maintenance and Function of INS-1 β-Cells Under High-Glucose and High-Lipid Conditions. cell or laboratory study; mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 40363798
- Delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin as a marker for the ingestion of marijuana versus Marinol: results of a clinical study. clinical study in people; human research / 1 linked research note PubMed 11599601
- Pure Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin and a Cannabis sativa extract with high content in Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin inhibit nitrite production in murine peritoneal macrophages. animal study; mechanism-focused research / 4 linked research notes PubMed 27498155
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Minor Cannabinoids CBC, THCV, and CBN in Human Macrophages. cell or laboratory study; mechanism-focused research / 3 linked research notes PubMed 37764262
- Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) Protects Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ASC) against Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Development and Reduces Inflammation during Adipogenesis. cell or laboratory study; mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 37108282
- High fat-fed GPR55 null mice display impaired glucose tolerance without concomitant changes in energy balance or insulin sensitivity but are less responsive to the effects of the cannabinoids rimonabant or Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabivarin on weight gain. animal study; mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 32904155
- Investigational cannabinoids in seizure disorders, what have we learned thus far? narrative or expert review; evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 29842819
- Ultrafast, Selective, and Highly Sensitive Nonchromatographic Analysis of Fourteen Cannabinoids in Cannabis Extracts, Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Synthetic Mixtures, and Edibles by Cyclic Ion Mobility Spectrometry-Mass Spectrometry. evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 38862388
- Phytocannabinoids as Novel SGLT2 Modulators for Renal Glucose Reabsorption in Type 2 Diabetes Management. narrative or expert review; evidence still limited / 3 linked research notes PubMed 40872492
- Therapeutic Potential of Minor Cannabinoids in Dermatological Diseases-A Synthetic Review. narrative or expert review; evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 37630401
- Toxicological Evaluation and Pain Assessment of Four Minor Cannabinoids Following 14-Day Oral Administration in Rats. animal study; preclinical research / 1 linked research note PubMed 37721989
- A Two-Phase, Dose-Ranging, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Safety and Preliminary Test of Acute Effects of Oral Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabivarin in Healthy Participants. clinical study in people; human research / 1 linked research note PubMed 37721990
- Effect of cannabinol, tetrahydrocannabivarin and cannabidiol on voluntary alcohol consumption. animal study; mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 41947574
- Effect of cannabidiol, cannabinol and tetrahydrocannabivarin in managing inflammatory pain. animal study; preclinical research / 2 linked research notes PubMed 42151379
- Prevalence of ∆8-tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid in workplace drug testing. evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 37697897
- Examining impairment and kinetic patterns associated with recent use of hemp-derived Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol: case studies. evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 35799289
- Neural effects of cannabinoid CB1 neutral antagonist tetrahydrocannabivarin on food reward and aversion in healthy volunteers. clinical study in people; evidence still limited; mechanism-focused research / 3 linked research notes PubMed 25542687
- The effect of five day dosing with THCV on THC-induced cognitive, psychological and physiological effects in healthy male human volunteers: A placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover pilot trial. clinical study in people; mechanism-focused research / 2 linked research notes PubMed 26577065
- Hair Regrowth with Novel Hemp Extract: A Case Series. case report or case series; mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 37305187
- Differences in Online Descriptions and Marketing of Derived Intoxicating Cannabis Products. evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 40131178
- Role of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabivarin on Paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in rodents. animal study; evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 35303507
- The cannabinoid Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) ameliorates insulin sensitivity in two mouse models of obesity. animal study; mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 23712280
- Potential of Cannabinoid Receptor Ligands as Treatment for Substance Use Disorders. narrative or expert review; evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 31549358
- Cannabinoids and terpenes for diabetes mellitus and its complications: from mechanisms to new therapies. narrative or expert review; evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 36280497
- Indeterminacy of cannabis impairment and ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) levels in blood and breath. evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 35585089
- Analysis of cannabis seizures in NSW, Australia: cannabis potency and cannabinoid profile. evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 23894589
- The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin. narrative or expert review; evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 17828291
- Effects of cannabinoids and cannabinoid-enriched Cannabis extracts on TRP channels and endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes. animal study; mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 21175579
- Molecular Pharmacology of Phytocannabinoids. narrative or expert review; evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 28120231
- Are cannabidiol and Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabivarin negative modulators of the endocannabinoid system? A systematic review. systematic review or meta-analysis; evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 25257544
- Evidence that the plant cannabinoid Delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin is a cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonist. animal study; mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 16205722
- Pharmacology of cannabinoids in the treatment of epilepsy. narrative or expert review; evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 28087250
- Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) Dose Dependently Blocks or Substitutes for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a Drug Discrimination Task in Rats. animal study; mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 41008636
- Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin impairs epithelial calcium transport through inhibition of TRPV5 and TRPV6. mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 30170189
- Δ8 -Tetrahydrocannabivarin has potent anti-nicotine effects in several rodent models of nicotine dependence. animal study; mechanism-focused research / 2 linked research notes PubMed 31454413
- The plant cannabinoid Delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin can decrease signs of inflammation and inflammatory pain in mice. animal study; mechanism-focused research / 2 linked research notes PubMed 20590571
- The psychoactive plant cannabinoid, Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is antagonized by Delta8- and Delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin in mice in vivo. animal study; mechanism-focused research / 2 linked research notes PubMed 17245367
- Evaluation of the potential of the phytocannabinoids, cannabidivarin (CBDV) and Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), to produce CB1 receptor inverse agonism symptoms of nausea in rats. animal study; mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 23902479
- The phytocannabinoid Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabivarin modulates inhibitory neurotransmission in the cerebellum. animal study; mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 18311186
- TRPV3 activation by different agonists accompanied by lipid dissociation from the vanilloid site. mechanism-focused research / 2 linked research notes PubMed 38691614
- Loratadine, an antihistaminic drug, suppresses the proliferation of endometrial stromal cells by inhibition of TRPV2. animal study; mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 35714693
- Cannabinoid actions at TRPV channels: effects on TRPV3 and TRPV4 and their potential relevance to gastrointestinal inflammation. animal study; mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 21726418
- An Evaluation of Understudied Phytocannabinoids and Their Effects in Two Neuronal Models. mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 34500785
- Effects of non-euphoric plant cannabinoids on muscle quality and performance of dystrophic mdx mice. animal study; mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 30074247
- Cannabis compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in vitro in COVID-19-related inflammation in lung epithelial cells and pro-inflammatory activity in macrophages. cell or laboratory study; mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 33446817
- Phytocannabinoids Act Synergistically with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Reducing Inflammation in 2D and 3D In Vitro Models. cell or laboratory study; mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 36559009
- Neuroimaging studies towards understanding the central effects of pharmacological cannabis products on patients with epilepsy. narrative or expert review; evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 28109780
- Medical use of cannabis. Cannabidiol: a new light for schizophrenia? clinical study in people; evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 23109356
- The CB1 Neutral Antagonist Tetrahydrocannabivarin Reduces Default Mode Network and Increases Executive Control Network Resting State Functional Connectivity in Healthy Volunteers. clinical study in people; human research / 1 linked research note PubMed 26362774
- Molecular pathway and structural mechanism of human oncochannel TRPV6 inhibition by the phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin. cell or laboratory study; evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 37532722
- Exploring Cannabis sativa L for Anti-Alzheimer Potential: An Extensive Computational Study including Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, and ADMET Assessments. mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 40525419
- Evaluation of prevalent phytocannabinoids in the acetic acid model of visceral nociception. mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 19679411
- Cannabivarin and tetrahydrocannabivarin modulate nociception via vanilloid channels and cannabinoid-like receptors in Caenorhabditis elegans. mechanism-focused research / 1 linked research note PubMed 41135090
- Quantification of Eight Cannabinoids Including Cannabidiol in Human Urine Via Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry. human research / 1 linked research note PubMed 30350275
- The endocannabinoid system and plant-derived cannabinoids in diabetes and diabetic complications. narrative or expert review; evidence still limited / 1 linked research note PubMed 22155112