By now you’re probably familiar with the many CBD products on the market. You’ve most likely heard of, and maybe experienced, the health benefits of CBGA. Now a new wave of research is creating buzz around the medical potential of CBDV (cannabidivarin), a cannabinoid closely related to CBD.

So, what’s the difference between CBD and CBDV, and what does the research say?

 What is CBDV?

CBDV is a compound found in hemp plants with high levels of CBD. Regions across Asia and Africa, where cannabis plants have evolved naturally, and not crossbred with other species, often produce strains that are higher in these propyl cannabinoids.

Like CBD, CBDV is non-psychoactive, meaning non-intoxicating. But where CBD carries a five-carbon propyl chain, CBDV only carries three. This molecular difference makes CBDV unique enough for medical researchers to hope it can offer new uses.

Medical Research

Though CBDV was isolated and identified over 50 years ago, recent research is only starting to reveal its possible usefulness. This includes potential treatment in a range of disorders that have long confounded the scientific community.

There are a few potential areas already showing some promise, based on specific study data. However, there’s still a way to go to establish where CBDV can make a significant impact.

Epileptic seizures

Cannabinoids have been heavily researched for their possible anticonvulsant properties for years. A 2012 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology showed that CBDV was effective in reducing mEs, audiogenic, and PTZ-induced seizures in mice and rats. Scientists also showed that CBDV treatment did not disrupt motor function. They concluded CBDV, “is an effective anticonvulsant in a broad range of seizure models,” and that their findings merit further investigations.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Finding a reliable treatment for the damaging conditions related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has long been a goal of scientists. A 2019 study supported CBDV’s effectiveness in reversing or preventing behaviors linked with ASD.

Researchers also showed that CBDV helped male rats, “ameliorate [or make better] behavioral abnormalities resembling core and associated symptoms of ASD.” These included:

• Social impairments
• Social novelty preference
• Short-term memory deficits
• Repetitive behaviors
• Hyperlocomotion.

This is good news for anyone invested in the fight against ASD.

Rett Syndrome

Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder in children that causes:

Intellectual disability

• Loss of speech
• Irregular heartbeat
• Breathing difficulties
• Loss of other core functions

There is no cure for Rett syndrome. However, a study published in Neuropharmacology showed that a sustained CBDV treatment improved brain functioning, motor coordination, and, “general health in a mouse model for Rett syndrome.”

What’s next for CBDV?

Although CBDV is a relative newcomer to the cannabinoid conversation, evidence continues to come in hypothesizing that the compound can play a significant role in modern medicine. GW Pharmaceuticals, a major pharmaceutical brand, has been leading this charge. They’re actively pursuing investigations in the effectiveness of CBDV’s potential to treat seizures in epilepsy.

Both the EMA (European Medicines Agency) and the FDA have approved orphan designation to CBDV. Orphan designation is only granted to drug treatments that show promise in combating rare and serious disorders that lack viable remedies.

These findings offer hope to people across the world who struggle with these severe disorders. There’s also the likelihood that advancements in extraction and processing techniques will help CBDV transform into beneficial everyday products that consumers can easily access.

With interest in CBDV ramping up across the industry, you can bet that there will soon be a spike in demand.

Staying on top of the CBDV and other cannabinoid trends

This is what Arbor Vita8 is all about. We use our industry expertise and previous experiences to ensure we always know what’s new in hemp. This allows us to prepare for new developments and offer the best support to our farmers and manufacturers when it comes to selecting the right plant genetics and deciding what to extract. Let us help you get the most out of hemp. Contact Arbor Vita8 today to learn more.