THCV Oral Strips Produced Significant Weight Loss and Metabolic Improvements Over 90 Days | Research

The takeaway

In a placebo-controlled trial of 44 subjects, THCV/CBD mucoadhesive strips taken daily for 90 days produced statistically significant weight loss, reduced abdominal girth, and improved cholesterol and blood pressure.

metabolic researchers, weight management clinicians, cannabinoid pharmacologists

What the researchers found

THCV/CBD oral strips produced statistically significant weight loss, decreased abdominal girth, reduced systolic blood pressure, and lowered total and LDL cholesterol compared to placebo. The higher dose (16 mg THCV/20 mg CBD) was superior to the lower dose (8 mg THCV/10 mg CBD) for weight loss, and both differed significantly from placebo.

Why it matters

THCV is a CB1 neutral antagonist, and this is among the first human trials testing whether its proposed metabolic effects translate to actual weight loss and metabolic improvements in a controlled setting.

The numbers in context

44 subjects, 90 days. Low dose: 8 mg THCV/10 mg CBD. High dose: 16 mg THCV/20 mg CBD. Both doses: significant weight loss vs. placebo. High dose superior to low dose for weight loss. Significant decreases in abdominal girth, systolic BP, total and LDL cholesterol.

How the study worked

Placebo-controlled study of 44 subjects (31 females, 13 males, average age 51.75) evaluating two doses of THCV/CBD via mucoadhesive oral strips taken once daily for 90 days. Outcomes included weight, abdominal girth, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

What this study cannot tell us

Very small sample size (44 total, even smaller per group). No details on randomization or blinding methodology. Combined THCV with CBD, so individual contributions are unclear. 90-day follow-up does not address long-term sustainability. Limited demographic diversity.

How to read the evidence

Placebo-controlled design is a strength, but very small sample size, combined formulation, and limited methodological detail keep evidence at preliminary.

When this study was published

Recently published clinical trial.

The bigger picture

The CB1 antagonist approach to weight loss was previously explored with rimonabant, which was withdrawn due to psychiatric side effects. THCV's neutral antagonism (rather than inverse agonism) may offer a safer profile, but much larger trials are needed to confirm both efficacy and safety.

Questions still open

How much weight loss is attributable to THCV vs. CBD?
Would the effects persist beyond 90 days or reverse after stopping?

Common questions

What is THCV?

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a cannabinoid that acts as a neutral antagonist at CB1 receptors, which are involved in appetite and energy regulation. Unlike THC, it does not produce intoxication at these doses.

Can THCV help with weight loss?

This small trial suggests it may, with significant weight loss observed over 90 days. However, the study combined THCV with CBD and had only 44 participants, so larger trials are needed to confirm.

Read the original research

Weight Loss and Therapeutic Metabolic Effects of Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)-Infused Mucoadhesive Strips.

Cannabis (Albuquerque, N.M.), 8(1), 109-120

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Smith, Gregory L. (2025). Weight Loss and Therapeutic Metabolic Effects of Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)-Infused Mucoadhesive Strips.. Cannabis (Albuquerque, N.M.), 8(1), 109-120. https://doi.org/10.26828/cannabis/2024/000206