We have talked about CBD plenty of times but have we told you about another non-intoxicating cannabinoid with similar effects such as CBD?
Let us introduce you to CBDV. CBDV (Cannabidivarin) and CBD are almost the same but the differences between them are enough to study them separately.
While scientists believe that CBDV is effective in addressing issues that CBD isn’t able to, we take you through its concept, how it is different from CBD, and how it works with our bodies.
What is CBDV?
CBDV (Cannabidivarin) is similar to CBD but not the same. It was first isolated in 1969 and found to be a natural variant of CBD. Cannabidivarin is also found in cannabis plants but in much lower concentrations.
Scientists have discovered more than 100 unique cannabinoids in cannabis and hemp.
Like CBD, it doesn’t bind with cannabinoid receptors but influences their activities indirectly to induce intoxication-free therapeutic CBDV effects.
Most of these substances are simply variations of a few core compounds. There are a few different types of CBD and Cannabidivarin is one of the well-known types.
What is CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the most abundant cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It interacts with endocannabinoid receptors in the body to produce therapeutic results without causing any intoxicating effects.
As of 2018, CBD products are no longer controlled substances if they are made from hemp as hemp is a word used to describe any cannabis plant that has less than 0.3% THC.
Difference Between CBDV and CBD
There’s not a major difference between CBD vs CBDV. They are just distinguished from each other by comparing the side chains of both molecules.
Cannabidivarin has a shortened, three-carbon-long, propyl side chain whereas CBD has a longer, five-carbon-long, pentyl side chain.
CBDV might make some nerve cells less active, thereby relieving seizures, swelling, pain, and related conditions. Whereas CBD is used to treat certain seizure disorders and to reduce insomnia, anxiety, pain, and other conditions.
While both CBDV and CBD can offer non-intoxicating therapeutic benefits, CBD is more popular and researched, making it a no-brainer choice for those who seek a natural supplement to improve general wellness.
How Does CBDV Work in the System?
CBDV works in the system in almost the same way as CBD but has a greater affinity for certain neuroreceptors and lesser for others.
For example, CBDV mainly binds to the neuroreceptors TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPA1 – which are crucial for regulating body processes such as temperature sensing, inflammation, and pain perception.
Still, not a lot of research is available on the CBDV effects in the human body, to make any solid claims, regarding the exact pharmacodynamics of this cannabinoid.
How Does CBD Work in the Body?
CBD interacts with receptors in the central nervous system to induce a calming effect. It may also serve as an anti-inflammatory agent and produce pain-relieving effects.
Nowadays CBD is becoming more and more popular as an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs to relieve various symptoms.
People with anxiety, depression, or pain should include CBD in their routine instead of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) as they are highly addictive and have a lot of side effects.
What Are the Benefits of CBDV?
Let’s have a look at some of the current studies of CBDV cannabinoid benefits:
CBDV And Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
While still a lot of research is required, Cannabidivarin shows potential for supporting repetitive behavioral and communication problems in children suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
One study also found that CBDV could relieve acute anxiety in participants by boosting GABA levels in the brain and stimulating the neurotransmitter glutamate.
CBD has similar effects on the brain. However, prefrontal GABA systems responded in a different way in ASD than in ‘neurotypical’ participants, which prompted researchers to further explore CBDV effects on ASD.
CBDV And Intractable Epilepsy
Intractable epilepsy or drug-resistant epileptic seizures is a condition where seizures aren’t managed with medication easily.
Before Epidoliex was launched by GW Pharmaceuticals, the company supported clinical trials seeing Cannabidivarin as an anticonvulsant. The trials showed that CBDV matched the effects of CBD as an anticonvulsant.
The anti-epileptic working of CBDV and CBD are believed to be due to their desensitization of the TRPV1 (vanilloid) receptor.
This receptor gets involved in the onset and progression of several kinds of epilepsy. CBDV showed promise in managing chemically induced seizures. However, the next stage of these trials didn’t bring much success.
Since then, GM Pharmaceuticals has been concentrating on CBDV’s abilities towards ASD rather than as a treatment for seizures.
CBDV And Nausea Symptoms
You already know that nausea is one of the human body’s highly evolved defense mechanisms to rid it of potentially dangerous substances.
This mechanism often gets taken over by various lifestyle factors such as stress or side-effects from common medicines.
A study looked at THCV’s and CBDV effects at inducing nausea and concluded that it had the opposite effect in rats.
CBDV And Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
DMD (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) is a genetic issue that’s known by progressive muscle degeneration from dystrophin protein deficiency, which shields the integrity of muscle cells, leading to inflammation and irreversible skeletal muscle degeneration.
Currently, there is no cure for this condition, but steroidal medicine and physical therapy help to keep symptoms in check.
The National Research Council (Italy) investigated non-euphoric compounds from cannabis plants, specifically Cannabidivarin, CBD, and THCV to relieve inflammation and support muscle functioning.
In this study, researchers found that both CBDV and CBD enhanced myotube formation and relieved inflammation.
CBDV and Rett Syndrome (RTT)
RTT (Rett Syndrome) is a neurological disease that is found only in girls. It’s caused by a rare gene mutation and causes severe impairments such as loss of speech and muscle coordination.
Currently, there is no cure for Rett syndrome, so treatments are aimed at reducing anxiety and social deficit symptoms to enhance the quality of life of those dealing with RTT.
In clinical trials, researchers found that Cannabidivarin given to mice restored motor coordination and sociability.
CBDV has been researched for pain
In 2019, a study was published regarding the utility of CBDV for HIV-related neuropathic pain. This kind of pain is modulated by the 5-HT1A receptors, which epilepsy research has concluded may be lessened by Cannabidivarin.
Since CBD has also been extensively researched for pain, we can see these cannabinoids being added to analgesic drugs very soon.
What Are the Benefits of CBD?
We have talked about CBDV benefits now we will talk about the benefits of CBD. Although research is still in progress for CBD’s working and its efficacy in treating certain conditions, current research claims the following:
Insomnia
Research shows that CBD may improve the quality of sleep in people struggling with insomnia.
Substance use disorders
CBD may reduce alcohol, opioids, and stimulant cravings. It may also lessen opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Inflammation
CBD has a powerful effect on inflammation, making it a clinical choice for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Chronic Pain
CBD may also lessen chronic pain and enhance sleep and the quality of people struggling with it.
Nerve Pain
CBD improves nerve pain symptoms and also prevents it that may arise from certain types of chemotherapy treatment.
CBDV for Anxiety & Depression
CBD may reduce anxiety resulting from pain, social anxiety, performance-related anxiety, and more. It may also be helpful for depression as just like antidepressant medicines it has the ability to alter serotonin levels in the brain.
Psychosis
CBD may lessen symptoms of psychosis and that too without any THC. And unlike other antipsychotic medicines, it doesn’t have many side effects.
Epilepsy
CBD is great for managing seizures that come with certain forms of epilepsy. Lastly, CBD is being studied extensively for other issues as well such as Alzheimer’s disease, PTSD, cancer, etc.
Is CBDV Better Than CBD?
CBDV is not better than CBD and both are good at various things. In fact, they are more effective when used together.
However, CBDV offers more powerful results than CBD while being completely non-intoxicating at the same time.
Also, there have been several pieces of evidence on CBDV’s potential digestive and antibacterial advantages, two areas where CBD isn’t considered very effective.
Is CBDV and CBD Legal?
CBDV is legal in the U.S. under the 2018 Farm Bill, which states that hemp plants and their derivatives with no more than 0.3% THC are legal for sale and production.
Whereas CBD is not legal in all 50 states of the U.S. even if it is sourced from hemp as all states have their own Controlled Substances Acts (CSA) which reflect the federal CSA and the federal CSA and the Farm Bill allowed the states to regulate as they want.
However, when buying high-CBDV cannabis strains or CBDV-specific products, make sure that they are tested in independent labs, come from a legal hemp source, and are free from potential contaminants.
Final Thoughts on CBDV vs CBD
Both CBD and CBDV are extracted from the hemp or cannabis plant and can induce therapeutic effects.
As CBD is more abundant in the plant and is more widely studied, we are aware about it more than CBDV. Still, CBDV provides many promising benefits, especially for pain-related issues and seizures.
For those who use CBD to enhance daily functioning, we advise going for a product that uses MCT oil as a carrier. We also advise buying a distillate CBD product in place of CBD isolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CBDV Help With Anxiety?
Yes, CBDV may be useful in treating anxiety and various other psychiatric conditions as it impacts the production of the neurotransmitter GABA.
Is CBDV safe?
Yes CBDV is as safe and tolerable as CBD. However, not a lot of research has been done to make any solid claims.
Does CBDV help with autism?
No, CBDV is still being researched for its potential in managing symptoms of autism. However early studies show that it may alleviate anxiety and support communication in autistic children.
Can I Take CBDV and CBD together?
Yes, you can take CBDV and CBD together without any negative effects. In fact, combining them will give you a pleasant entourage effect.
Can CBDV Get You High?
No, CBDv (just like CBD) doesn’t get you high as it doesn’t have intoxicating CBDV effects. In fact, it may make you feel relaxed and a bit sleepy.
How does CBD make you feel?
CBD may make you feel happier, more comfortable, and experience less pain.
Does CBDV suppress appetite?
Yes, CBDV suppresses appetite in individuals to some extent. However, its effects on appetite vary from person to person. Some may feel hungry after its use while most experience a reduction in appetite.
Does CBDV have any side effects?
Yes CBDV has side effects such as diarrhea and drowsiness but they are quite mild and short-term.