A Direct-to-Consumer Study Investigating the Effect of Specific Cannabinoid Products on Motivation, Energy Level, Focus, and Appetite in Healthy Adults

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a rare cannabinoid and is a homologue of THC that differs only in the length of the alkyl side chain (3C vs 5C, respectively). Pre-clinical and clinical trials have shown that THCV has medical potential as a neuroprotectant, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and most notably as a therapeutic to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients. Several THCV products are available in states with recreational cannabis. Anecdotal reports from adult cannabis users indicate that THCV provides an energizing, focusing and euphoric high-while still creating a lucid, uplifting experience. Additionally, unlike THC-dominant products, THCV was not reported to increase appetite. Other anecdotal comments referring to increased ability to focus for long periods of time and being more active were common. Given anecdotal evidence, which shows that THCV is activating and improving focus, this provides rationale and justification to conduct a clinical research study to further test and understand whether THCV improves motivation, focus, level of energy, and does not stimulate appetite in healthy adults.