CANNABIDIVARIN

What is cannabidivarin? 

Cannabidivarin, or CBDV, is a cannabinoid product derived from the cannabis plant that is closely related to CBD but has a slight difference in its chemical structure. This change in chemical structure allows CBDV to have unique effects on the body that are not found with CBD. CBDV can be used for similar indications as CBD, such as epilepsy and nausea; however, it should not be expected to have the same effects as CBD.

How can cannabidivarin help alleviate certain long COVID symptoms?

Interestingly, out of the cannabinoids, only cannabidiol is a potent inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Despite its structural similarity, CBDV has not been found to inhibit COVID infection as potently as CBD.¹ In addition, while researchers at the University of Chicago conducted an analysis demonstrating that patients taking CBD tested positive for COVID at significantly lower rates, this finding did not extend to CBDV or other closely related cannabinoids of CBD.² Thus, the use of CBDV for long COVID symptoms is uncertain.

CBDV also does not activate cannabinoid receptors, making it less effective in pain relief compared to CBD. On the other hand, CBDV blocks a receptor called toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), which regulates the activation of immune cells and is a target for treating inflammation.³ The SARS-CoV-2 virus can directly infect the brain and cause inflammation in the central nervous system. Thus, CBDV may have beneficial effects on reducing neuroinflammation caused by long COVID with potential downstream impacts on cognitive symptoms of long COVID.

What evidence supports the use of cannabidivarin for long COVID?

CBDV is currently being studied to determine its potential use for various conditions. A study in children with autism spectrum disorder is looking to assess the effects of CBDV on mood, social, and cognitive functions.⁴ CBDV has also been studied for neuropathic pain in HIV patients and was not found to have beneficial effects on pain relief when given at 400 mg per day for four weeks.⁵ Other studies have also not found significant reductions in pain with CBDV.⁶

However, an in vitro and in vivo study found that CBDV can block pro-inflammatory factors activated by downstream effects of TLR4 signaling and specifically improves pain relief in the setting of morphine use.³ This suggests that CBDV may reduce neuroinflammation in long COVID, but further human studies are needed to assess its efficacy.

What are some things to watch out for with cannabidivarin?

No serious adverse events have been reported from trials. CBDV is often well-tolerated but can cause side effects such as diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and nausea.⁷ It is important to remember that the FDA does not approve CBDV products, and the quality and purity of these products may vary. CBDV can also have drug interactions with many medications, including blood thinners, anti-epileptic drugs, antidepressants, opioids, statins, certain blood pressure medications, and more. It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking CBD regularly to see if there are any potential drug interactions with your other medications.

References:

1)      Nguyen LC, Yang D, Nicolaescu V, et al. Cannabidiol Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Promotes the Host Innate Immune Response. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2021 Mar 10:2021.03.10.432967. doi: 10.1101/2021.03.10.432967

2)      Reyer M. Researchers recommend clinical trials for CBD to prevent COVID-19 based on promising animal data. UChicagoMedicine. January 20, 2022. Accessed November 10, 2023. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/research-and-discoveries-articles/researchers-recommend-clinical-trials-for-cbd

3)      Wang X, Lin C, Wu S, et al. Cannabidivarin alleviates neuroinflammation by targeting TLR4 co-receptor MD2 and improves morphine-mediated analgesia. Front Immunol. 2022 Aug 10; 13. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.929222

4)      Hollander E. Cannabidivarin (CBDV) versus placebo in children with autism spectrum disorder. Defense Technical Information Center. August 1, 2020. Accessed November 10, 2023. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/AD1113593

5)      Eibach L, Scheffel S, Cardebring M, et al. Cannabidivarin for HIV-Associated Neuropathic Pain: A Randomized, Blinded, Controlled Clinical Trial. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2021 Apr;109(4):1055-1062. doi: 10.1002/cpt.2016

6)      Sainsbury, B, Bloxham J, Pour MH, Padilla M, Enciso R. Efficacy of cannabis-based medications compared to placebo for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Dent Anesth Pain Med. 2021 Dec;21(6):479-506. doi: 10.17245/jdapm.2021.21.6.479

7)      Bauer BA. What are the benefits of CBD – and is it safe to use? Health Lifestyle Consumer Health. Mayo Clinic. December 6, 2022. Accessed November 10, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700#:~:text=Though%20it%27s%20often%20well%2Dtolerated,dosage%20of%20CBD%20in%20products