The holidays are fun and full of family, activities, and food. But does marijuana have a natural secret weapon to help you at least not gain weight this season?
The holidays are here – turkeys, pie, and family favorites. Along with Christmas cookies, holiday cocktails, everything adds up and starts to make a difference in how clothes fit. On average, people gain between 1-2 pounds in November and December. Some studies suggest people gain more, with an average of 2–5 pounds. But is marijuana’s THCV your natural holiday weight loss plan? While Ozempic has been the wonder drug of weight loss, cannabis – a natural plant used for thousands of years in medicine – can also help you look good this holiday season.
The most famous cannabinoids are THC and CBD. Legal to over 50% of the country and used by millions, while they are the most commonly used cannabinoids, the cannabis plant contains many other medically beneficial cannabinoids including THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin). Although THCV is similar to THC, it contains its own unique benefits.
Research points to THCV’s ability to block the body’s rewarding sensations while eating different foods. If you’re looking to keep your food cravings at bay or prevent the munchies, check out strains high in THCV, which will suppress your appetite, especially during the holidays.
It has also been found that THCV in its purest form can calm the unreasonable urge to overeat while also reducing hunger cravings. Thus, consumption of THCV can be beneficial for those who struggle with weight gain and/or food cravings. Since THCV can help curb one’s appetite, researchers believe there’s a potential for THCV helping people fight obesity and other related health issues.
It is important to manage the dosage. Start with a low dose of 5-7.5mg of THCV for appetite suppression effects. Options for taking THCV include gummies, tinctures, vapes, or THCV-rich cannabis strains. Take THCV in the morning to help with focus and energy. Start on the weekend so you can make sure it works in a way that feels comfortable. Consume it with food to increase absorption.
Gummies and tinctures/oils are the easiest ways to consume it to manage the dosage. Start with half a gummy or one full gummy (typically 10mg) and adjust based on your response. You can increase to two gummies per day if needed. For tinctures, start with half a dropper or less and adjust as needed. Take THCV about an hour before you normally start feeling hungry.
THCV should be part of a healthy routine including exercise and proper rest. Research on cannabis continues, and while using THCV is not a long-term solution, consider it for the holidays. As usual, consult your health professional to make sure it doesn’t interact poorly with any prescribed medications. Start low and grow so you can pay attention to how your body and mind react.
Source: East Bay Times