Understanding Cannabidivarin (CBDV)

Discovered in 1969, cannabidivarin, or CBDV, is the varin version of the popular wellness molecule cannabidiol, or CBD. CBDV, a relatively minor phytocannabinoid, has been found to deliver a range of medicinal benefits, including potential anticonvulsant and neurological qualities and the ability to relieve nausea.

A variety of peer-reviewed research studies have indicted that CBDV provides a range of medicinal benefits. The following homework sample from the Higher Learning LV seminar Understanding Cannabinoids will get students started with understanding CBDV.

A 2019 study entitled "Effects of Cannabidivarin (CBDV) on Brain Excitation and Inhibition Systems in Adults With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)" that was published in the journal Translational Psychiatry explored the potential benefits of the use of CBDV in the treatment of autism.

The human trial study, which involved 34 adults, noted that "no effective pharmacological treatments for the core symptoms of autism" currently exist. Thus, phytocannabinoids from hemp such as CBDV are important based on their potential role in treatment of autism and related neurological disorders.

The study noted the subjective efficacy experienced by participants in the study. "Individual variation in response depended on baseline biochemistry," reported the study’s authors.

The study concluded, "We have demonstrated that a single acute dose of CBDV 'shifts' subcortical levels of Glx, the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter, in the living adult human brain."

The CBDV molecule

A 2019 study entitled "Cannabidivarin Completely Rescues Cognitive Deficits and Delays Neurological and Motor Defects" that was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology investigated the ability of CBDV to be "beneficial toward neurological and social deficits." The preclinical study, conducted on rodent subjects, concluded that "CBDV administration exerts an enduring rescue of memory deficit."

A 2019 study entitled "Effects of Non-Euphoric Plant Cannabinoids on Muscle Quality and Performance" that was published in the British Journal of Pharmacology explored the ability of CBDV to treat muscular dystrophy and employed rodent test subjects.

The preclinical research examined the use of three cannabinoids in the treatment of muscular dystrophy and overall improvements in muscle control: CBD, CBDV, and THCV. The study found that CBDV, in a dosage of 60 mg/kg, "prevented the loss of locomotor activity, reduced inflammation, and restored autophagy" (the ability of the body to clean out damaged or dead cells).

A 2018 study entitled "Chronic Treatment with the Phytocannabinoid Cannabidivarin (CBDV) Rescues Behavioural Alterations and Brain Atrophy" that was published in the journal Neuropharmacology investigated the potential therapeutic role of CBDV in the treatment of Rett syndrome.

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Rett syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that involves serious behavioral and physiological symptoms. It is caused by an X chromosome mutation and affects young females with “seizures, speech issues, and muscle spasticity.”

The study reported that its results "demonstrate that systemic treatment with CBDV (for 14 days) rescues behavioral and brain alterations" in rodent test subjects. It revealed that CBDV treatment "restored compromised general health status, sociability, and brain weight."

The report concluded that "Present findings highlight for the first time for Rett syndrome the translational relevance of CBDV, an innovative therapeutic agent."

A 2013 study entitled "Evaluation of the Potential of the Phytocannabinoids Cannabidivarin (CBDV) and Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) to Produce CB1 Receptor Inverse Agonism Symptoms of Nausea" that was published in the British Journal of Pharmacology explored the therapeutic application of these two varin cannabinoids for nausea.

The study concluded that both phytocannabinoids "may have therapeutic potential in reducing nausea."