What Is CBDv? The Rare Cannabinoid with Big Wellness Potential
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
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What Is CBDv? Exploring the Benefits of This Rare Cannabinoid
When it comes to hemp and cannabis wellness products, you’ve likely heard of CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). But the cannabis plant is home to over 100 unique compounds—known as cannabinoids—each with its own effects and potential benefits. One of the most intriguing and underexplored? CBDv, or cannabidivarin.
CBDv (cannabidivarin) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in trace amounts in certain cannabis and hemp strains. Structurally similar to CBD, CBDv interacts with many of the same systems in the body—but with unique mechanisms of action that make it stand out in terms of therapeutic potential.
Though it was first isolated in 1969, CBDv has only recently gained momentum as researchers begin to uncover its potential neurological, anti-inflammatory, and digestive benefits.
Unlike THC, CBDv doesn’t cause a “high,” making it especially attractive for those seeking therapeutic benefits without intoxication.
CBDv vs. CBD: What’s the Difference?
Both CBD and CBDv are non-psychoactive cannabinoids, meaning they won’t get you high. But they have distinct differences in how they interact with your body:
Feature | CBD | CBDv |
Common Uses | Anxiety, sleep, pain relief, inflammation | Neurological support, mood regulation, anti-nausea |
Mechanism | Acts on CB1, CB2, serotonin receptors, and TRPV1 | Stronger interaction with TRP channels (pain, inflammation, sensory processing) |
Availability | Widely available | Rare and emerging cannabinoid |
Research | Extensive | Promising but early-stage |
CBD is more of a general wellness all-rounder, often used for stress relief, pain management, and sleep support. CBDv, on the other hand, is showing potential as a targeted support tool for mood, mental clarity, and neurological regulation—especially where CBD alone may not provide full relief.
What Are TRP Channels, and Why Do They Matter?
TRP channels (short for Transient Receptor Potential channels) are a family of ion channels found on the surface of cells, especially in sensory neurons. Think of them as the body’s internal sensor grid, they play a crucial role in how we perceive:
Temperature (hot/cold)
Pain
Pressure
Inflammation
Itch
Gut sensations (like bloating or cramping)
There are several types, but the most relevant ones for cannabinoids are:
TRPV1 (vanilloid receptor 1) – detects heat and pain (also activated by capsaicin from chili peppers)
TRPA1 – responds to irritants, oxidative stress, and inflammation
TRPM8 – responds to cold and menthol
How Does CBDv Interact With TRP Channels?
CBDv, like some other non-intoxicating cannabinoids, doesn’t rely heavily on CB1 or CB2 receptors (the “classic” cannabinoid receptors). Instead, it acts on TRP channels — particularly:
Activates TRPV1 and TRPA1
CBDv activates TRPV1, which can initially increase sensitivity, but with repeated activation, these receptors desensitize, leading to a reduction in pain and inflammation. This mechanism is similar to how capsaicin creams work for nerve pain.
It also modulates TRPA1, which is involved in sensing chemical irritants and may play a role in inflammation, especially in the gut and nervous system.
Helps Regulate Sensory Balance
By targeting these channels, CBDv may rebalance how the body processes external and internal stress, including things like:
Chronic pain
Digestive discomfort
Nerve hypersensitivity
Overreaction to temperature or pressure
Certain types of anxiety or irritability linked to sensory overload
In Summary
TRP channels are like the body’s sensory volume knobs, and CBDv helps adjust them when they’re turned up too high. This could explain why CBDv may help:
Reducing seizures
Modulating mood and overstimulation
Easing nerve pain or inflammation
Supporting gut-brain balance
What Makes CBDv Different from CBD?
Both are non-intoxicating and share many similarities—but CBDv’s unique molecular structure means it interacts with different sets of receptors in the body. CBDv tends to focus more on TRP channels and neuronal pathways, which could explain its specific potential for neurological and inflammatory conditions.
Also worth noting: CBDv is much rarer and harder to extract in significant quantities, which is why it hasn’t been widely available—until recently.
Why CBDv Matters for Everyday Wellness
While most CBD products on the market today aim to provide general balance, CBDv may offer a more targeted effect—especially for those seeking support with mood, focus, inflammation, or neurological sensitivity. For people who’ve tried CBD and want to explore more of what the cannabis plant has to offer, CBDv represents a new frontier in plant-based wellness.
References:
Epilepsy & Anti-Seizure Potential
Hill, A. J., et al. (2013). Cannabidivarin is anticonvulsant in mouse and rat. British Journal of Pharmacology, 170(3), 679–692. Preclinical study showing CBDv reduces seizure severity in animal models.
CBDv in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Pretzsch, C. M., et al. (2019). Effects of Cannabidivarin (CBDV) on Brain Excitation and Inhibition Systems in Adults With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Single Dose Trial During Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Neuropsychopharmacology, 44(8), 1398–1405. First study to examine CBDv in humans with ASD, showing effects on brain excitability.
Pain, Inflammation, and TRP Channels
De Petrocellis, L., et al. (2011). Effects of cannabinoids and cannabinoid-enriched Cannabis extracts on TRP channels and endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1479–1494. Details how CBDv modulates TRP channels involved in pain and inflammation.
CBDv for Nausea and GI Issues
Rock, E. M., & Parker, L. A. (2013). Cannabinoids as potential treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Journal of the National Cancer Institute Monographs, 2013(46), 84–89. While not CBDv-specific, this paper discusses the anti-nausea effects of cannabinoids like CBD and suggests related compounds (including CBDv) could play a role.
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