What is CBDV? Cannabidivarin differs significantly from CBD
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When we talk about the cannabinoids present in cannabis, and there are many, we tend to think of CBD and THC. Yet CBDV also belongs to the large cannabinoid family. CBDV has its own scientific potential. What is CBDV? Let's discover the lesser-known benefits of cannabidivarin.
What is CBDV (Cannabidivarin)?
CBDV or cannabidivarin is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found naturally in the hemp plant. It is one of 120 cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis.
Its chemical structure is very similar to that of CBD or cannabidiol: CBDV's side chain is shorter (two carbon atoms less).
The cannabidivarin molecule is not present in all cannabis plants. It is found in wild cannabis indica populations (northwest India, Pakistan and a little Mexico). CBDV is generally found in CBD-rich, THC-poor plants.
CBDV is the result of a chemical reaction between CBGA (cannabigerovarinic acid) and selected enzymes. CBDV is synthesized in the trichomes of cannabis plant flowers. Trichomes are the tiny teardrop-shaped structures that cover the plant's flowers and leaves.
Effects and properties associated with CBDV
The CBDV molecule was discovered around 1970, and then seems to have fallen into oblivion, until relatively recent research has highlighted its potential benefits. Indeed, according to this research, CBDV could produce certain health benefits, but to date studies on CBDV applications are still limited and incomplete.
Based on the current state of research, it's safe to say that the potential benefits of this molecule include epilepsy, neurological disorders and inflammation.
American laboratories GW Pharmaceuticals are focusing on CBDV. They are working on a CBDV-based drug to treat epilepsy.
Some studies have investigated the impact of CBDV on the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. The Albert Einstein College of Medicine and GW Pharmaceuticals conducted a collaborative review testing CBDV in children with autism spectrum disorder. Further research is needed to refine CBDV's potential for ASD.
A 2019 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology details the effects of certain cannabinoids on animals with muscular myopathy. According to these researchers, CBDV “prevented loss of locomotor activity, reduced inflammation“.
CBDV or CBD: understanding the significant differences
CBDV acts on the endocannabinoid system, like other molecules such as CBD. The endocannabinoid system functions as a large network of receptors scattered throughout the body, keeping physiological functions in balance.
Many people confuse CBD and CBDV, yet they are two distinct molecules with their own effects, even though they share many common features: the same plant origin and a very similar chemical structure. Like CBD, CBDV has no psychoactive effect. It therefore doesn't produce the high associated with THC.
The molecular structure of CBDV means that this cannabinoid will function in the body in a different way to CBD. Both molecules interact with the endocannabinoid system as we've said, but CBDV will bind to cannabinoid receptors, whereas CBD blocks or interacts with them. The fact that CBDV binds to the receptors leads to faster but shorter results than those induced by CBD. Thus, the different reaction of these molecules in the body results in divergent benefits.
For example, CBDV is said to improve bone health and limit feelings of nausea. Cannabidiol and cannabidivarin are thus said to target various ailments in the human body.
CBDV research and future applications
Although the discovery of the cannabidivarin molecule dates back to 1969, far from everything is known about CBDV, its mechanism of action and potential benefits.
In recent years, GW Pharmaceuticals has been investigating the potential applications of CBDV. Their research, which dates back to the early 2000s, focused primarily on a treatment for epilepsy.
It's safe to say that clinical research is still ongoing for CBDV. We can expect further advances in the near future. Indeed, as the legal cannabis sector expands, so does the need for research and studies, as the market reaches out to other cannabinoids that were not previously commercialized. What is certain, however, is that the potential of the CBDV molecule in the treatment of neurological conditions such as epilepsy is of great interest to the scientific community.
Is CBD available in stores?
CBDV generally goes unnoticed in legal terms, as it is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid that is contained in low proportions in the cannabis plant.
Regulations governing CBDV are currently linked to those governing cannabinoids more generally, which are more explicit for CBD or THC, for example. As a result, the legal status of CBDV is more uncertain. However, in the absence of psychotropic effects, CBDV appears to be a legal molecule in countries that allow CBD. Legality seems to be influenced by whether or not the cannabinoid in question is psychotropic, and by its potential benefits.
Today, in most European countries, cannabidivarin is not considered illegal.
To date, CBDV has not been found in food products, supplements, gum, etc. However, the range of CBDV products is rapidly expanding. However, the range of CBDV products is rapidly expanding.
CBDV is a cannabinoid with many promises
CBDV appears to be a cannabinoid with promising horizons. The more CBDV research progresses, the more new perspectives will open up, in the medical field of course, but also in other fields of application such as well-being, care products, food… Although clinical research has not yet developed much around CBDV, the potential of this cannabinoid in the treatment of epilepsy seems very encouraging.
Its significant therapeutic potential is motivating the scientific community to step up its research. The aim? To achieve a deeper, more complete understanding of the cannabidivarin molecule's various capacities.
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