CBDV: WHAT IT IS, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS, AND WHERE IT'S FOUND.
What is CBDV?
There are hundreds of compounds found in cannabis, some well-known and studied, others less so. CBDV (cannabidivarin) is one of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant that we are still learning more about. CBDV has therapeutic benefits because of the way it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in our bodies. From the research conducted so far, CBDV may be helpful for nausea, inflammation, muscle function, seizures, neurological conditions, and autism spectrum disorder.
Potential Therapeutic Benefits
A study conducted in 2019 tested the effectiveness of CBDV on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a disease characterized by chronic inflammation and skeletal muscle damage and degeneration. The results show that CBDV may improve locomotion, reduce inflammation, and restore and possibly enhance muscle function.
There are currently a few studies testing the benefits of CBDV for autism spectrum disorder, but the results are still unclear. A few studies have suggested that CBDV could be a promising treatment for seizures and immune dysfunction. More research is needed to understand if and how CBDV could help people with autism spectrum disorder.
Like CBD, CBDV may help reduce and prevent seizures. CBDV is thought to interact with the capsaicin receptors, which are involved in the onset and progression of some types of epilepsy. The anticonvulsant properties of CBDV are still being studied, but from what we know so far, it may be beneficial for patients with seizures and/or epilepsy.
There was a study conducted on mice that tested the effectiveness of CBDV on Rett syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. It found that CBDV helped improve overall health, sociability, brain weight, and it restored some motor coordination. Similarly, another study tested the effectiveness of CBDV in treating Rett syndrome. In this study, CBDV was found to rescue memory deficits and helped neurological defects. These studies show that CBDV may help with Rett syndrome and possibly other neurological conditions.
Where is CBDV Found?
Like other cannabinoids, the plant produces the acid form, CBDV-A. When the plant is heated, such as when you smoke the flower, it converts into CBDV. CBDV is usually found in hemp plants (cannabis with less than 0.3% THC). A study on the cannabinoids in cannabis found that CBDV was more present in indica cultivars than in sativa cultivars. With the rise of therapeutic cannabis, breeders have selected cultivars with specific cannabinoids, like CBDV, that may be useful for various conditions. There are a few cultivars that have significant amounts of CBDVA/CBDV that typically have CBD as well. Now that there are CBDV dominant products available, we will hopefully learn more about its therapeutic benefits.
Disclaimer: This is an educational document and is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Please consult your medical provider if you have questions related to your healthcare.
Updated July 15, 2024
