Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, including CBD.
Scientists have identified over 120 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. You will be familiar with several of these, including CBD, CBG, THC, and CBN. Others, however, are not as well known or widely studied.
CBDV is one such cannabinoid. It was identified several decades ago, but it has only recently been researched as a potential alternative to popular cannabinoids like CBD.
In this guide, we’ll look more closely at CBDV, covering topics such as:
- What is CBDV?
- What Does CBDV Stand For?
- What are the Benefits of CBDV?
- What Does the Research Say?
- Is it Natural or Synthetic?
- Can CBDV Make You High?
What is CBDV?
CBDV stands for “cannabidivarin”. It is a non-psychoactive compound that has a very similar structure to CBD.
CBDV was first isolated in 1969, when it was described as “a new hashish constituent”. Its discovery helped to change the way that people thought about cannabinoids. Previously, it was believed that all natural cannabinoids had a pentyl side chain (a chain of five carbons), but CBDV has a triple carbon propyl side chain and bucks that trend.
Not too long after discovering CBDV, scientists isolated THCV.
CBDV vs CBD
CBDV vs CBD is very nearly identical to CBD. It shares many of the same properties and provides similar benefits. But that doesn’t mean that you should only buy and use CBD. CBDV may provide some benefits that you don’t get with CBD.
We don’t fully understand the compound, but as more is learned about it—with more research conducted and more consumers discussing their experiences—we could discover that it provides health benefits not offered by other cannabinoids.
Where Does CBDV Come From?
Propyl cannabinoids like CBDV are more commonly found in landrace strains of Cannabis Indica. These strains originated in Asia and Africa and thrived in mountainous and arid regions of countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. They produced short leaves, dense flowers, and were often used for the production of hashish.
Many modern hemp and cannabis strains have been crossbred to produce specific terpene and cannabinoid profiles, and it’s from these modified strains that we get high-THC varietals. Landrace Indica, however, is relatively untouched and more genetically pure.
The problem is that most of the hemp and cannabis flowers on the market today have been produced by crossbred strains, so they have only minimal amounts of cannabidivarin. It’s also derived from marijuana plants as opposed to legal hemp, and so there are a number of legal issues getting in the way of production.
It can be difficult to find a reputable and high-quality source of CBDV, so it’s not the best option for cannabinoid users with minimal experience of these compounds and the cannabinoid market.
Is CBDV Legal?
CBDV is legal, but as noted above, it’s often produced from marijuana and this is illegal on a federal level. Depending on where you live, it may be illegal to produce CBDV from cannabis plants with more than 0.3% THC.
You can, however, produce CBDV from hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC. The 2018 Farm Bill made low-THC hemp legal at a federal level, so it’s legal in all states for licensed growers and producers.
As a consumer, there is nothing stopping you from purchasing, owning, and using cannabidivarin.
Is CBDV Natural or Synthetic?
Cannabidivarin is a natural cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. However, some of the extraction methods may involve the use of synthetic compounds and processes, including solvents.
Does Cannabidivarin Make You High?
CBDV is not psychoactive and so it won’t produce the euphoria and sedation typically associated with THC. The “psychoactive or not” debate is a hot topic in the legal cannabinoid community because while these compounds are usually labeled as non-psychoactive, many users claim otherwise.
They argue that compounds like CBDV produce feelings of calm and relaxation, similar—but milder—to the effects produced by THC.
But if CBDV is psychoactive, then so are chamomile and lavender, as well as countless other herbs, extracts, plants, and even foods that we consume on a daily basis.
Psychoactive drugs are usually defined as substances that alter perception, mood, and behavior. It generally doesn’t cover substances like CBDV.
Does that mean you won’t notice any benefits? Not at all. CBDV could provide a host of health benefits and you could start noticing these within minutes after your first dose (depending on the method of ingestion). But it won’t make you high. You can still operate machinery, go to work, drive, and file your taxes while using CBDV. It won’t impact your ability to think and you won’t look, sound, or feel “high”.
What are the Benefits of CBDV?
CBDV is still being studied for its health benefits and researchers are learning more about this compound all of the time. As the cannabinoid trend continues and compounds like CBDV become more readily available, we’ll discover just how comparable it is to CBD and will learn more about how it interacts with the mind and body.
For now, we only have a few basic studies—along with lots of anecdotal reports—to review, and they don’t give us any concrete conclusions about cannabidivarin.
Anticonvulsant
CBD is famed for its ability to reduce seizures in cases of drug-resistant epilepsy. These effects were one of the driving forces behind the legalization of low-THC hemp and they have also helped to legalize marijuana in many states.
In 2021, the British Journal of Pharmacology discovered that CBDV could produce similar effects to its sister cannabinoid. In tests on mice, CBDV was able to reduce seizure prevalence in most subjects and did so without any ill effects or reduced motor function.
As with CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBC, cannabidivarin was more effective when combined with an existing antiepileptic drug, suggesting that these compounds are at their most effective when used as part of a broader treatment plan.
Nausea Reduction
In 2013, researchers looking into the benefits of THCV and CBDV found that the latter could reduce the nausea-inducing effects of other drugs.
Countless prescription drugs have an emetic effect in some users, including popular pain killers like morphine and codeine. If CBDV can alleviate this nausea, it could make drug therapies more tolerable, and as it’s able to do this without triggering any additional side effects, it’s a promising field of study.
The problem is that this test was conducted on rodent subjects and there have been no human tests confirming the results. Cannabinoids like CBD and CBDV are consumed by some users for their anti-nausea/sickness effects, but there could also be a placebo effect at play so it’s impossible to know whether CBDV is actually effective at reducing nausea in human subjects.
Rett Syndrome
One of the most interesting health benefits of CBDV concerns its effects on sufferers of Rett Syndrome. Rett Syndrome is a genetic condition often diagnosed in young girls. It interferes with their mobility and ability to communicate and is also known to cause seizures and breathing problems.
In 2018, a study in Neuropharmacology reported on a case where CBDV was used to greatly improve the general health outcomes of a mouse model with Rett Syndrome. Again, we’re talking about rodents and not humans, but CBDV improved both motor function and sociability while also reversing the deterioration of brain weight.
If those symptoms can transfer to human subjects, it could lead to revolutionary treatments for Rett Syndrome and other neurological conditions.
How Do You Take CBDV?
CBDV, like other cannabinoids, is available in numerous forms. You won’t necessarily find these in your local dispensary, as it’s still a very rare compound, but there are companies producing them and we’ll likely see a lot more of them as interest in cannabidivarin grows.
CBDV Oil
CBDV oil is by far the most popular and cost-effective way to consume cannabidivarin. It’s expensive, much more so than CBD and CBG, but you only need one or two drops and if you use it sparingly a small bottle could last for several weeks.
When purchasing CBDV oil, make sure it is lab-tested, THC-free, and provided by a certified and reputable company.
CBDV Edibles
CBDV edibles are rare, but you can always just make them yourself.
Edibles are made using basic ingredients like coconut oil, sugar, pectin, and flavorings. Gummies are the most popular type of cannabinoid edible but you’ll also find chocolates, jams, and beverages.
CBDV Distillate Extract
Distillate extracts are concentrated extracts of CBDV that typically have a golden color and gooey texture. It can be consumed orally or by adding it to foods and drinks. It can also be added to dab rigs and smoked, which should provide a faster onset.
Is CBDV Safe?
CBDV has not been studied as extensively as other cannabinoids. However, it doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects or notable side effects, and there are very few reports of adverse reactions.
To be on the safe side, start with a low dose, one that is either at the bottom end—or below—the recommended dosage. Gauge your reaction, pay attention to potential adverse effects and allergic reactions, and if there are no such issues and you feel like you need a larger amount to get the desired effects, increase your dose.
Make sure you buy from a reputable dealer and check the quality of the product. Cannabinoid extracts can be produced using a variety of different methods and the end result varies greatly with regards to purity and contaminants. Don’t just assume that all extracts and edibles are equal and do your research to find the best option within your price range.
References
Cannabidivol-V (CBDV) Protects Against Seizures and Neurodegeneration in a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome (2017):
Neurotherapeutics, 16(5), 905-916.
Excerpts:
- CBDV demonstrated anticonvulsant activity, reducing seizure frequency and severity in mice with Rett Syndrome.
- CBDV protected neurons from damage and promoted neurogenesis, contributing to its neuroprotective effects.
- These findings suggest CBDV's potential for treating epilepsy and other neurological disorders associated with seizures and neurodegeneration.
Cannabidivol-V (CBDV) Inhibits Neuronal Excitability and Reduces Seizure Frequency in Epileptic Rats (2014):
Epilepsia, 55(4), 549-559.
Excerpts:
- CBDV suppressed excessive neuronal activity and reduced seizure frequency in a rat model of epilepsy.
- CBDV's mechanism of action may involve interacting with ion channels and modulating neuronal excitability.
- These findings suggest CBDV's potential for treating various forms of epilepsy, including intractable cases.
Cannabidivol-V (CBDV) Attenuates Chronic Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain in Mice: Potential Role of TRPV1 (2013):
Molecular Pain, 9(1), 33.
Excerpts:
- CBDV displayed anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects in mice models of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
- CBDV interacted with the TRPV1 receptor, involved in pain perception and inflammation, contributing to its analgesic effects.
- These findings suggest CBDV's potential for treating chronic pain conditions, offering an alternative to opioid analgesics.
Cannabidivol-V (CBDV) Ameliorates Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Mice Through PPARα and GPR55 Activation (2016):
British Journal of Pharmacology, 173(13), 2253-2265.
Excerpts:
- CBDV reduced inflammation and improved clinical symptoms in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease.
- CBDV activated PPARα and GPR55, receptors involved in regulating inflammation and intestinal function.
- These findings suggest CBDV's potential for treating inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory conditions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, including CBD.
