Pubdate: Thu, 06 Feb 2014
Source: Westword (Denver, CO)
Copyright: 2014 Village Voice Media
Contact: http://www.westword.com/feedback/EmailAnEmployee?department=letters
Website: http://www.westword.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1616
Author: William Breathes

CAN THC-V HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS?

Dear Stoner: Is there any truth to the Internet rumor that some
strains that contain high levels of THC-V can actually help with
weight loss by reducing appetite? If so, do you know of anyone who
needs a subject for a long-term scientific study?
Big J

Dear Big J: We've done some digging, and, yes, there is some truth to
the tetrahydrocannabivarin (THC-V) claims. But we don't think that
bong rips will be replacing exercise on The Biggest Loser any time
soon. About ten years ago, scientists at Aberdeen University in
Scotland realized that THC-V caused the opposite reaction of THC in
the human body: It doesn't get you stoned, and it blocks the appetite
surge caused by THC. It was so good at the latter, actually, that GW
Pharmaceuticals announced in 2007 that it was starting research on the
compound as a potential treatment for obesity and obesity-related
disorders like diabetes.

Sounds promising, right? But the problem is that strains high in THC-V
aren't as easy to come by as they should be, having been inadvertently
weeded out of the gene pool. Certain levels of THC-V also kill the
buzz you get from THC by blocking the THC receptors in your body.
Since most cannabis breeders have been looking for ways to increase
the potency of their plants over the past three or four decades, they
probably weren't keeping plants high in THC-V. Now that we've got more
dedicated medical cannabis breeders, though, I can see this becoming
yet another cannabinoid like CBD that people will seek out
specifically. But it's going to take some time to identify strains
that regularly test high for THC-V, much like it has taken time to
find high-CBD strains. Anecdotally, hazes and African-sourced strains
like Durban Poison tend to be higher in THC-V than others. Subcool
Genetics also claims to regularly get high THC-V percentages from its
Jack the Ripper strain.

So while there may be a pot-derived weight-loss drug or specific
"skinny strains" down the line, currently our best advice on how to
use marijuana to lose weight is to get stoned, go to the gym, and zone
out on your iPod while ripping through reps on the
Stairmaster.

Dear Stoner: I just needed to know if I can purchase from y'all
without a red card.
Les (via the potline)

Dear Les: Despite the plethora of advertisements for dispensaries in
the back of our paper, we don't actually sell weed - red card or not.
For searchable listings of all recreational shops currently open in
Denver, click over to the MJ page at westword.com. 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D