What is CBDV?

When we think of the medical CBD oil benefits of cannabis most of us think of CBD as being the main active ingredient. Other cannabinoids like CBDA, CBN and CBDV have their own unique benefits, but have you ever wondered what is CBDV?

Cannabidivarin, also known as CBDV, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. It is one of 113 cannabinoids that are found in cannabis plants, also known as phytocannabinoids. It is most commonly found in landrace indica strains which grow naturally in Pakistan and parts of northwest India. CBDV is also found in hashish grown in Nepal. It has been used throughout history for its healing properties, but it is only in recent years that scientists have studied CBDV closely. Numerous studies and clinical trials have taken place recently to try and specify the exact medical benefits of CBDV.

As a general rule of thumb, the higher the CBD levels of a plant, the more likely it is that you’ll find the presence of CBDV. If a plant has high levels of THC however, it is unlikely that there will be a significant level of CBDV.

How is CBDV different from CBD?

On a molecular level, CBD UK and CBDV are actually quite similar, they both have seven double bond isomers and 30 stereoisomers. It’s when we compare their real-world applications that we begin to see the differences. While CBD is frequently used to treat pain, anxiety and skin conditions, CBDV has unique effects on neurological disorders.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

This disease causes irreparable damage to the skeletal muscles. In 2019 the British Journal of Pharmacology examined the effect of CBDV on the disease. The study found that CBDV may reduce inflammation and even enhance muscle function.

What are the benefits of CBDV?

CBDV has been subject of numerous studies to discover its medical benefits. Its potential effects are unique compared to other cannabinoids and that’s why scientists are so excited by it. CBDV has been studied for its potential ability to help with seizures, nausea, eating disorders and more.

Seizures

CBDV has been researched for its potential benefits in helping people who suffer from seizures. Researchers have shown that CBDV is an effective anti-convulsant when applied to a broad range of seizures in mice and rats. Seizures occur in a wide range of illnesses including epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.

A seizure occurs when there is an abnormal level of electrical activity in the brain. Tests have shown that CBDV has an effect on the neurochemical pathway of the capsaicin receptors. Epidiolex was the first FDA approved prescription drug made from cannabis. It’s makers, GW Pharmaceuticals, are now making a CBDV based drug to treat seizures.

Nausea

Nausea may also be treated by CBDV. Initial studies are underway to investigate whether CBDV can block CB1 receptors to prevent the nausea response. It is thought that CBDV may be particularly effective in treating nausea caused by chemotherapy. CBDV may also have a wider appeal in helping people who suffer from nausea caused by motion sickness.

Appetite Suppressant

CBDV could also have applications as an appetite suppressant. Currently, prescription pharmaceuticals are used to treat the obesity epidemic. A study from 2012 has shown that CBDV can be used without the negative side effects associated with pharmaceutical treatments. The same study also noted its effects on glucose metabolisation.

Acne

CBDV might also help as an anti-acne agent. Acne occurs when there fat forms around inflamed human skin cells, tests have shown that CBDV can help decrease this build-up.

Bone Repair

Researchers have also noted that CBDV may help your stem cells repair bones. This could help people who suffer from life-changing illnesses like cystic fibrosis and Nail-patella syndrome.