Get to Know the CBDV Benefits According to Science

There are at least 113 known cannabinoids that have been isolated from the cannabis plant. The most notable cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another major constituent of the plant. These are the most common and heavily-studied cannabinoids, but have you heard of CBDV? In case you haven’t, we’re about to tell you about this less famous cannabinoid, with emphasis on its benefits.

What Is CBDV?

Cannabidivarin, better known as CBDV, is one of the compounds that has only been researched recently. CBDV is a homolog of CBD, which means they are closely related in terms of chemical structure.

CBDV was identified for the first time in 1969 by
Vollner et al. Research demonstrated that CBDV is found mainly in C. indica landrace strains sourced from Mexico, Asia and Africa, as well as strains naturally lower in THC. Strains that are high in CBD also typically tend to be higher in CBDV.

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What is CBDV

Where Does CBDV Come From?

As mentioned, CBDV is most commonly found in landrace indica strains from India, Pakistan and Mexico, and it occurs more often in plants that have higher levels of CBD than THC in them. Landrace strains mean that the marijuana plant developed over time in its natural habitat and was not crossbred with other plants of the same species.

Landrace cannabis plants have developed unique characteristics as a result of isolation from other marijuana strains. Also, because landrace strains are specific to a geographical area, they’re named after their home. Landrace strains have been found all over the world, but they’re becoming rarer for a variety of reasons, from political programs eradicating crops to the natural loss of land.

If you’re looking for strains with high CBDV content, indicas such as Medical Mass Euphoria is one of those. Sativas like Painkiler XL, Royal Medic, and Dance World has high amounts of CBDV too.

It’s not common to find CBDV in strains available at dispensaries, because most strains of marijuana are bred to be high in THC. However, due to CBDV’s notable anticonvulsant and anti-nausea properties, scientists are finally taking the substance more seriously.

There are several techniques used to extract cannabinoids, like CBDV, from hemp or marijuana plants. Some notable methods involve the use of dried plants, while others employ advanced techniques to extract chemicals from a fresh crop. Extracts allow users to consume marijuana for the desired effect without inhaling dangerous smoke from excessive plant material itself.

CBDV occurs in small amounts in pure strains, and traditional farming methods would not produce enough CBDV for medicinal purposes. Nowadays, scientists are turning to cellular agriculture to produce CBDV or creating it synthetically.

Read more:
CBDV Strains

What Are CBDV’s Medical Benefits?

Although CBDV appears to have similar health benefits to CBD, this less popular cannabinoid especially shines in specific areas. It could potentially work as an anticonvulsant, meaning that it could reduce seizure activity. Researchers also think it has the potential to relieve nausea. Breakthrough research also stated that CBDV could even help your stem cells rebuild bones when they break or fracture.

CBDV May Help in Seizures

Most research about CBDV is centered around its potential effect on seizures. GW Pharmaceuticals, a global leader in cannabis-based medicines, developed the first
FDA-approved CBD drug called Epidiolex. It is a prescription medicine that is used to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex in patients 1 year of age and older.

The research done by GW Pharmaceuticals showed that CBDV affects the neurochemical pathway of the capsaicin receptors involved in both the onset and the progression of several types of epilepsy. In addition, GW reported that CBDV has shown anti-epileptic results “across a range of in vitro and in vivo models of epilepsy.”

CBDV May Help with Rett Syndrome Patients

According to a
2019 CBDV rodent study published in National Center for Biotechnology Information Journal, it has shown promise in helping the neurobehavioral issues associated with Rett syndrome. Rett syndrome is caused by an X chromosome mutation that affects girls with seizures, speech issues, and muscle spasticity. CBDV seems to help with both the genetically determined and chemically-induced forms of this and similar diseases.

CBDV Can Potentially Reduce Inflammation and Enhance Muscle Function

In a
2019 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, CBDV showed potential for patients struggling with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). This muscle disease is characterized by chronic inflammation and irreversible skeletal muscle damage and degeneration. CBDV can potentially reduce inflammation and restore and even enhance muscle function. CBDV is also shown to improve locomotion, highlighting the compound’s potential as a new therapy for DMD.

CBDV as a Potential Anti-Nausea Agent

A rodent
CBDV study published in 2013 showed that the cannabinoid may also be a powerful anti-nausea agent. Initial research on rodents shows that CBDV likely acts as an agonist to the CB1 receptors, thereby blocking the nausea response.

What Are the Side Effects of CBDV?

Research about CBDV is still at its infancy, and there is still a lot to be discovered about its side effects. In a 2014 study, GW Pharmaceuticals did not find any significant side effects in a trial which studied 66 healthy subjects, even when they administered the highest dose. Generally speaking, no serious side effects were observed, and subjects did not experience symptoms of withdrawal from CBDV.

As of this writing, there’s no record of the marijuana plant causing an overdose death, despite it being classified as a Schedule I drug. Considering the molecular similarities of CBD and CBDV, it is safe to assume that CBDV has similar side effects. Based on current research, we know that CBD is typically tolerated well and considered safe. However, some potential side effects of CBD, which might be expected of CBDV, include:

• Dry mouth
• Low blood pressure
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness

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CBDV Effects

CBDV Benefits: In Summary

The cannabinoid CBDV offers potential medical benefits we should all watch out for. Much of the researches surrounding CBDV revolves around its anticonvulsant properties, which could reduce seizures. Although more research needs to be done around CBDV, it shows therapeutic potential in treating epilepsy, nausea, DMD and patients with Rhett Syndrome.

As CBDV doesn’t have psychoactive effects, this cannabinoid is good for those seeking the therapeutic effects of cannabis without its psychoactive effects, especially if you have the conditions above. Fair warning, always consult your doctor before taking any cannabis supplement.