THC-V has been a known cannabinoid since 1973. It is one of the hundred or so phytocannabinoids found in hemp. However, it took a while to gain traction because we didn’t have the knowledge or technology to extract it properly. THC-V doesn’t have the same biosynthesis process as other cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. CBGA is the mother of all cannabinoids in its acid form, the primary metabolic process. But THC-V has a different approach. The cannabinoid comes alive with a geranyl phosphate and divarinolic acid reaction, resulting in the acid form CBGVA. An enzyme creates THCVA (tetrahydrocannabivarin carboxylic acid) to go through the decarboxylation process.
Delta-8 THC is a 5-carbon atom like delta-9 THC. However, THC-V is a 3-carbon atom, separating itself from delta-8’s compound structure. THC-V only appears in a minimal quantity, making the extraction process extensive, and due to its 3-carbon structure, it requires a heavy dose to trigger any psychoactive effects. THC-V comes from both delta-8 and delta-9. There are differences in their bonds—delta-8’s THC-V is one carbon up from delta-9’s THC-V.