CBDV
Also known as: Cannabidivarin, CBDV
Overview
Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is a naturally occurring, non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid found in certain Cannabis sativa strains. It is structurally similar to cannabidiol (CBD) but features a propyl side chain instead of a pentyl chain. CBDV has garnered research interest for its potential therapeutic applications, particularly in neurological and psychiatric disorders. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system and other molecular targets, influencing neuronal excitability and inflammation. While research is ongoing, the evidence base for CBDV is still emerging, with a limited number of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews specifically focused on CBDV. Further research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and mechanisms of action. CBDV is available in various forms, including oils and capsules, similar to other cannabinoids.
Benefits
Current evidence does not strongly support definitive clinical benefits of CBDV for any specific indication. While preclinical and early clinical studies suggest potential in areas like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neuropathic pain, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have not conclusively demonstrated efficacy. For neuropathic pain, one RCT showed no improvement and a slight increase in pain intensity with CBDV. Systematic reviews of cannabis-based medications for chronic neuropathic pain suggest some pain improvement with cannabinoids generally, but do not isolate CBDV effects specifically. Similarly, for psychiatric disorders, systematic reviews and meta-analyses have found limited evidence for acute symptom relief and no evidence supporting mid- to long-term effectiveness of cannabinoids, including CBDV.
How it works
CBDV interacts with the endocannabinoid system, including cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, and other molecular targets involved in neuronal excitability and inflammation. It is believed to modulate neurotransmitter release and neuroinflammation, potentially impacting neurological and behavioral symptoms. While the exact mechanisms are still under investigation, CBDV's interaction with these systems suggests a potential role in regulating neuronal activity and inflammatory responses. Its bioavailability and pharmacokinetics are not fully characterized but are presumed similar to other phytocannabinoids.
Side effects
CBDV appears to be generally safe and well-tolerated in clinical trials, with no serious adverse events reported. Mild side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort or headache, but these are not well-quantified due to limited data. Potential interactions with other CNS-active drugs are possible but not well-studied. Due to the limited data available, contraindications have not been established. Safety in special populations such as pregnant women, children, or those with severe comorbidities is also not established. Further research is needed to fully characterize the safety profile of CBDV, especially with long-term use.
Dosage
Due to the lack of conclusive efficacy data, a minimum effective dose for CBDV has not been established. Clinical trials have used various doses; for example, one study used doses up to 800 mg/day without efficacy. A maximum safe dose has also not been definitively established, although doses up to 800 mg/day have been tolerated in trials. There are no specific recommendations regarding timing considerations due to limited data. Oral formulations have been used in clinical studies. Absorption factors are likely similar to other cannabinoids, with low oral bioavailability and first-pass metabolism. More research is needed to determine optimal dosage ranges and safety thresholds.
FAQs
Is CBDV psychoactive?
No, CBDV is non-intoxicating and does not produce the 'high' associated with THC.
Can CBDV treat chronic pain?
Current evidence does not support the efficacy of CBDV for treating neuropathic pain.
Is CBDV effective for autism or psychiatric disorders?
Evidence is preliminary and insufficient to recommend CBDV for autism or psychiatric disorders.
Is CBDV safe?
CBDV appears safe in short-term studies, but long-term safety data is currently lacking.
How long before effects are seen?
The onset of effects for CBDV has not been established due to limited research.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34909469/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined cannabis-based medications for chronic neuropathic pain. It included multiple RCTs comparing these medications to placebo and found some evidence of pain improvement with cannabinoids generally. However, the study did not isolate CBDV effects, and the quality of evidence was variable, making the results not definitive for CBDV specifically.
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2338251 – This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed multiple cannabinoids for various medical conditions, including pain. The study found that cannabinoids may improve pain measures, but often without statistical significance in individual studies. CBDV was not specifically isolated, and the overall cannabinoid evidence was mixed, indicating the need for more targeted research.
- https://ascpt.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/cpt.2016 – This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated CBDV for HIV-associated neuropathic pain. The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with an adequate sample size found that CBDV was safe but did not reduce neuropathic pain. In fact, a slight increase in pain intensity was noted, demonstrating a lack of efficacy for this indication despite a good safety profile.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34119912/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis included 31 RCTs on various cannabinoids for psychiatric conditions. The study found limited acute benefits and no mid- to long-term efficacy. The quality of evidence was low to moderate, and CBDV-specific data was lacking, leading to no endorsement for cannabis flower or cannabinoids for psychiatric treatment.
- https://realmofcaring.org/research_keyword/cannabidivarin-cbdv/ – This page provides a summary of research related to Cannabidivarin (CBDV). It highlights studies exploring CBDV's potential therapeutic effects, particularly in neurological and psychiatric conditions. The information is intended to provide an overview of the current state of research on CBDV.
