Yo, what’s good my peeps? When we talkin’ ’bout weed, we usually focus on THC and CBD, amirite? But there’s way more to the herb than just those two. There are hundreds of compounds in weed that can have a major impact on how it affects us, even if they’re only present in small amounts. One such compound is cannabidivarin, or CBDV.
What Is CBDV?
CBDV is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the dank herb we all know and love. It’s usually present in smaller amounts than THC and CBD, and is more commonly found in strains with low levels of THC, like hemp. Unlike THC, CBDV won’t make you feel high or sleepy. It’s a homolog to CBD, meaning it has a similar chemical structure and mechanism of action.
How Does CBDV Work?
We still don’t know everything there is to know about CBDV and how it works in our bods. One thing we do know is that CBDV doesn’t bind strongly to cannabinoid receptors CB1 or CB2, which is why it won’t get you stoned like THC does. Instead, studies suggest that CBDV acts on other chemical pathways and interacts with the endocannabinoid system in an indirect way. For example, clinical trials have shown that CBDV can activate and desensitize TRPV1 receptors, which play a role in our ability to sense pain and temperature. Other studies have shown that CBDV may act on TRPV2 and TRPA1 receptors.
What Does CBDV Do?
CBDV has been the subject of many studies over the years, but we still don’t know as much about it as we do about other cannabinoids like THC and CBD. However, here’s what we do know so far:
CBDV and Epilepsy
Research has shown that CBDV has potential as an anticonvulsant, which means it could help reduce seizures caused by epilepsy. A study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology showed that CBDV-rich extracts were effective at reducing seizures in rats and mice without acting on CB1 receptors.
CBDV and Autism
Some studies have looked into the therapeutic potential of CBDV for treating symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One study published in Translational Psychiatry found that CBDV had an effect on glutamate levels in the brains of both healthy individuals and ASD patients. However, the effects were not consistent across all individuals.
CBDV and Nausea
Cannabinoids are often used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or other medical treatments. A study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that CBDV had potential as an antiemetic (anti-nausea) treatment for lab rats.
CBDV and Rett Syndrome
Rett syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that impacts brain development, particularly in women. Researchers have investigated the effectiveness of cannabinoids for treating Rett syndrome symptoms. A study published in Neuropharmacology found that treatment with CBDV improved the health status of mice with Rett syndrome.
Does CBDV Have Side Effects?
So far, research has not shown any major side effects from using CBDV. However, more research is needed to determine its safety profile.
What’s the Difference Between CBD and CBDV?
While they have similar names and come from the same plant, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidivarin (CBDV) are different compounds with unique properties and effects. They have similar mechanisms of action in the body and may have a stronger effect when taken together.
Which Strains Have High CBDV Content?
While some preliminary research suggests that indica strains from certain regions may have higher levels of CBDV, there isn’t much concrete evidence to support this yet. If you’re looking for high-CBDV strains, check out options like Seedsman’s CBDV 1:1 Automatic cultivar.
In conclusion, there’s still a lot we don’t know about cannabidivarin (CBDV) and its potential therapeutic benefits. However, as more research is conducted on this compound and others like it, we may unlock even more possibilities for how cannabis can help us live our best lives. Stay lifted, my friends!