CBDV (cannabidivarin) is a lesser-known cannabinoid starting to get some attention. This non-psychoactive compound offers several benefits and could be helpful for several conditions.
One study found that it alleviated anxiety in participants by boosting GABA levels and stimulating glutamate. It also has the potential to help with autism spectrum disorder and drug-resistant epilepsy.
Mood Enhancement
Mood enhancement is one of the many CBDV benefits. It can help you overcome mood swings and other negative feelings by stimulating the production of serotonin in your brain, which is often low in people who are depressed or suffering from anxiety.
It can also boost your energy levels, which will help you accomplish more in a day. It is especially beneficial if you’ve recently started a new job or been busy with other responsibilities.
CBDV can also reduce amygdala activation, responsible for processing fearful emotions in your brain. Studies show that CBDV may inhibit this process, which can be particularly helpful for people with bipolar and other mood disorders.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
CBDV is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with similar effects to CBD. It has many therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-seizure effects.
The effects of CBDV on inflammation are primarily due to its ability to modulate the body’s neuroreceptor networks. Specifically, it has a high affinity for 5HT1A and TRP receptors, critical to the immune system and inflammatory response.
It can reduce the production of small molecular ab-unsaturated aldehydes and PUFA cyclization products, thereby protecting the body against oxidative stress. It also increases anandamide, a natural anti-inflammatory agent that promotes brain and nervous system health.
Its effect on Glx in the BG is thought to be mediated via the pyramidal neurons that are densely surrounded by TRP receptors. However, there still needs to be more understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of this effect. Nevertheless, it is worth exploring further how CBDV may shift Glx in this specific brain region and whether this could be a valuable tool for treating ASD.
Anti-Seizure Effects
CBDV (Cannabidivarin) has shown anti-seizure properties in pre-clinical studies. Its mechanism of action involves CB1 and CB2 receptor activation.
Interestingly, a subgroup analysis of responders (criterion seizure severity 3.25; CBDV + PTZ group) and non-responders (criterion seizure severity > 3.25; CBDV + PTZ group) revealed that the increases induced by PTZ in Fos (A), Egr1 (B), Arc (C), Bdnf (D) and Ccl4 mRNA expression were significantly suppressed in brain regions examined from the CBDV responder subgroup. This shift in mRNA expression indicates CBDV’s anti-seizure effect and could predict a long-term (clinical) treatment response.
Anxiety Relief
CBD has been shown to reduce participants’ anxiety in several studies. This is because it interacts with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system, which regulates physiological functions such as pain, appetite, sleep, and stress.
In addition, CBD has been shown to help people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder. It also has anti-anxiety effects when used in combination with other psychiatric medications.
CBD’s anxiolytic actions are mediated through the activation of 5-HT1ARs and CB1Rs and the central nervous system. It reduces autonomic arousal, reduces conditioned fear expression, enhances fear extinction, prevents the long-term anxiogenic effects of stress, and facilitates reconsolidation blockade.
