What Is CBDv?
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis Jassey
CBDV Cannabidivarin (CBDv) is structurally similar to CBD, but isn’t exactly the same genetically — you might think of them as cousins.
As with CBD, CBDV has anticonvulsant effects. Enhanced levels of CBDv have been found in Cannabis indica varities hailing from northwest India.
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What Is CBDv?
It’s believe that CBDv offers similar effects to CBD because they’re structurally similar. CBDv has the same molecular composition and arrangement as CBD, except it has fewer carbons on the side chain.
CBD is already known for a range of effects, including:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Immunomodulation
- Anti-convulsant
- Anti-anxiety
- Muscle relaxation
- Anti-nausea
- Slowing gastrointestinal motility
When comparing the effects of CBD with the already known effects of CBDv, some do appear to cross over.
That aside, this compound might offer benefits that CBD doesn’t or could be an alternative for people who have had limited success with other cannabinoids.
Research into CBDv began in the 1970s as a potential treatment for autism spectrum disorders and focal seizures.
One study that used CBDv to treat seizures linked to Rett syndrome demonstrated that 10 mg of CBDv a day significantly reduced seizures. Rett syndrome is a genetic disease that falls within the spectrum of autism disorders. Therefore, CBDv was proven to work, and it is also safe at this dose.
Besides ASD, promising results have shown that CBDv could reduce nausea. Despite this, investigation continues into the effects of CBDv since clinical trials are ongoing. Perhaps with more testing, the list of possible uses could expand.
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How It Works
To some extent, CBDv will work similarly to other phytocannabinoids such as delta-9-THC and CBD. CBDv has demonstrated that it can bind to receptors outside the endocannabinoid system. For example, it can bind to transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. This particular receptor pathway has been linked to ASD, which provides insight into how CBDv treats seizures linked to Rett syndrome.
As with CBD, there is no evidence to suggest that CBDv binds with cannabinoid receptors 1 or 2 (CB1 and CB2), although it may modulate cannabinoid receptor activity, inhibit cannabinoid signaling, and affect anandamide and THC uptake.
Potential Uses and Benefits
Some promising studies show that CDBv could potentially treat Retts syndrome (which is linked to ASD). And other studies have proven that CBDv could be used to reduce nausea.
If CBDv was prescribed for Retts syndrome and used daily, it would potentially reduce the number of seizures. In comparison, Epidiolex is a CBD treatment already used to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome. As a result, the number of seizures per day decreases, and the severity also decreases. Based on this, CBDv could potentially treat Rett syndrome seizures, just like Epidiolex treats other types of seizures.
Risks and Side Effects
So far, there have been no adverse side effects reported for CBDv. However, this does not mean that there are no side effects. These findings reflect the fact that CBDv is still in clinical trials. Some researchers have suggested that CBDv could be better tolerated than other cannabinoids. But it is still early days and any adverse effects are yet to be determined.
Since the current research is limited, this is a considerable risk for anyone trying CBDv recreationally since the full range of effects remains unknown.
How to Use CBDv
Because CBDv is not available via prescription yet, there are no medicinal guidelines on using CDBv specifically. However, since CBDv is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid, cannabis users who opt for raw products have undoubtedly encountered this compound before. CBDv will be present in plant products or within the oil extracted from cannabis plants.
Suppose you were to opt for plant products with a higher CBDv content. In that case, it’s worth noting that this compound has a low oral bioavailability. This means that consuming CBDv orally would have a lesser effect. CBD is also similar to CBDv in this aspect. However, CBD oil is taken orally, which has an effect.
Strains High in CBDv
Indica-dominant genetics from Africa and Asia are thought to contain high levels of CBDv, but many sativas may also contain high levels of CBDv. Some varieties high in CBD may also be high in CBDv. The following cannabis strains (cultivars) have been bred with CBDv in mind, or have tested high in CBDv:
- Royal CBDv
- CBDv Auto
- Euphoria
- Royal Medic
- Dance World
The Bottom Line
Scientists have known about CBDv for some time, yet clinical trials are still ongoing. With more research, the potential for CDBv could expand, but for now, evidence suggests CBDv could be useful for treating ASD. If CBDv becomes an approved medicine, more will be known about its effects.
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