What is CBDVA: Effects, Benefits, Uses, & Legality
Hidden within cannabis is a molecule that many doctors are only beginning to recognize: cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA). This compound challenges traditional possibilities in medicine and shows significant promise in treating conditions like seizures, inflammation, and brain disorders.
What You'll Learn
- The origin story of CBDVA and why it was overlooked by experts for so long
- How CBDVA differs from well-known compounds like CBD
- Recent discoveries revealing CBDVA's potential therapeutic applications
- Why pharmaceutical companies are racing to synthesize this molecule
- The current legal status and availability of CBDVA products
What is Cannabidivarinic Acid (CBDVA)?
Cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA) is a naturally occurring compound found in Cannabis sativa, serving as the precursor to cannabidivarin (CBDV). Like other cannabinoid acids, CBDVA exists in raw cannabis and is converted into different forms through heat or light exposure.
CBDVA acts as the foundational building block that can potentially lead to powerful medicinal applications. While there are over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis, CBDVA stands out due to its unique structure. Though it shares similarities with CBD, its distinct features allow it to interact differently with the body.
CBDVA was first discovered by Japanese researchers in 1977 while studying a rare Thai cannabis strain known as "Meao." After its discovery, the molecule was largely overlooked as attention shifted to more well-known cannabinoids like CBD and THC. However, recent breakthroughs have brought renewed interest in CBDVA, with researchers eager to explore its potential.
What makes CBDVA special lies in its molecular structure. It features a shorter carbon chain than CBD - three carbon atoms instead of five. This small difference significantly alters its effects on the body. CBDVA is part of the "varin" family of cannabinoids, which have the potential to transform medical treatments.
What are the Impacts of Cannabidivarinic Acid (CBDVA)?
CBDVA doesn't produce psychoactive effects like THC. Instead, it seamlessly interacts with your body's natural system to support healing.
When you consume CBDVA, your body absorbs it quickly, reaching peak levels within just 15 minutes, and it clears from your system in about an hour (Anderson et al.). This fast-acting nature makes it ideal for providing quick relief when needed
CBDVA also has a unique property- it barely crosses into the brain, with only about 2% of what's absorbed reaching that area. This selectivity helps CBDVA target brain-related issues without affecting the rest of your body, unlike many conventional drugs.
What is Cannabidivarinic Acid (CBDVA) Used For?
As a Research Breakthrough
In 2020, a significant advancement in cannabinoid research occurred using yeast and cannabis enzymes, scientists were able to create CBDVA without relying on the plant itself. This breakthrough could revolutionize how we produce cannabinoids for medicinal use.
To Fight Seizures
CBDVA's potential to treat seizures was first identified in 1988, and recent studies continue to support its effectiveness in managing severe conditions like Dravet Syndrome. Unlike traditional seizure medications, which broadly suppress brain activity, CBDVA works with greater precision to target the underlying issue.
To Protect Brain Cells
A 2020 study (Stone et al.) revealed an exciting benefit of CBDVA: its ability to protect neurons more effectively than many cannabis compounds. Due to its unique structure, CBDVA targets brain cells specifically, avoiding unwanted effects in other parts of the body.
Unlike other cannabinoids that are metabolized into different compounds in the body, CBDVA remains in its original form when consumed. This allows it to have a direct impact, without the need for conversion into other substances.
What's the Difference Between CBDV & CBDVA?
Picture CBDVA as raw coffee beans and CBDV as roasted ones. While both come from the same source, they have distinct properties. According to Gulk and Moller (2020), CBDVA is naturally found in cannabis plants with an extra molecular group (a carboxyl group) that makes it unstable. When heated to around 100°C, CBDVA transforms into CBDV.
Here are four key differences that set them apart:
- CBDVA is more sensitive to heat and light, breaking down easily.
- Your body absorbs CBDVA more quickly than CBDV.
- CBDV enters the brain more effectively.
- Only CBDVA is present in raw cannabis.
These differences are important because each molecule offers unique benefits. CBDVA's rapid absorption makes it ideal for quick results, while CBDV's ability to reach the brain more effectively suggests it may have different therapeutic applications.
What are the Benefits of Cannabidivarinic Acid (CBDVA)?
CBDVA unlocks many healing pathways in your body, working in ways that differ from common pain medications and anti-seizure drugs.
Anti-inflammatory Power
Most pain medications target just one pathway, but CBDVA interacts directly with your body's natural inflammation control system. Think of it as a control panel for flare-ups, allowing you to dial down inflammation without upsetting your stomach.
For individuals with arthritis, CBDVA addresses joint pain at its source. Rather than simply masking the pain, it helps reduce the inflammation causing it. The best part? It starts working in as little as 15 minutes (Anderson et al.).
When you experience injury-related swelling, CBDVA's rapid action makes a difference. Your body absorbs it quickly, utilizes what it needs, and clears it naturally- without lingering side effects.
Seizure Control Breakthrough
Studies in mice with severe epilepsy have found that:
- CBDVA reaches the brain in 15 minutes
- It targets specific brain areas responsible for controlling seizures
- It functions differently from traditional seizure medicines
- It may cause fewer side effects since it doesn't affect the entire brain
Think of it as a precision tool rather than sledgehammer – CBDVA targets the problem directly, without causing widespread disruption.
Natural Nausea Fighter
Early studies suggest that CBDVA may help combat nausea without causing drowsiness. Unlike some treatments that force changes in the body, CBDVA works in harmony with your natural systems.
It could be helpful for:
- Cancer patients struggling with chemotherapy-induced nausea
- Individuals who experience motion-sickness
- Anyone suffering from medication side effects
Brain Protection
In 2020, scientists became excited about CBDVA's potential brain benefits (Stone et al., 2020). Think of it as a bodyguard that selectively allows only beneficial substances to reach your brain cells.
The research highlights three key benefits:
- Brain Inflammation Control: CBDVA reduces inflammation without interfering with your brain's natural defenses.
- Cell Protection: Like a protective shield, CBDVA may help guard brain cells from damage.
- Brain Function: Since CBDVA clears the body quickly, it could provide benefits without causing brain fog.
While researchers are still uncovering the full scope of CBDVA’s effects, current studies mark the beginning of an exciting journey with much more to discover.
Are There Health Risks to Consider with Cannabidivarinic Acid (CBDVA)?
While CBDVA shows promise, scientists are still working to fully understand its safety profile. Early findings indicate that it is generally well-tolerated, with some unique characteristics.
CBDVA is processed quickly by the body, clearing from your system within 90 minutes (Anderson et al.). This rapid clearance prevents it from building up in your system, and unlike THC, it won't cause a high or impair your thinking.
CBDVA also has minimal impact on the brain. With a brain-plasma ratio of just 0.02, it stays mostly outside the central nervous system, which helps explain why users can experience its benefits without mental side effects often associated with other cannabinoids.
However, there are still gaps in our understanding. Much of the current data comes from animal studies, leaving unanswered questions about the long-term effects on humans. Additionally, more research is needed to understand how CBDVA interacts with other medications – a key piece of the safety puzzle.
Another consideration is product quality. Without standardized production processes, the quality of CBDVA products can vary significantly. Consumers should carefully research product sources and lab testing to ensure safety and consistency.
Is Cannabidivarinic Acid (CBDVA) Legal?
CBDVA's legal status shifted with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which removed hemp-derived compounds containing less than 0.3% THC from the controlled substance list. This opened the door for expanded research and development of CBDVA.
Under federal law now, hemp-derived CBDVA is now permitted, although specific
regulations governing its use are still in development. The DEA no longer restricts laboratory research, allowing scientists to study CCBDVA without significant barriers. However, state laws vary, with each state having its own rules regarding cannabis, which can impact CBDVA's legal status.
With this legal clarity, scientists are diving into CBDVA research. Universities and pharmaceutical companies are actively exploring its therapeutic potential, signaling a promising future for CBDVA in medicine.
That said, challenges remain in bringing CBDVA products to market. Limited reference materials make quality control difficult, and while new synthetic methods are helping, companies must still navigate complex regulations.
Wrapping Up Cannabidivarinic Acid (CBDVA)
CBDVA's journey spans five decades, from its discovery in 1977 to the recent breakthroughs in its therapeutic potential. We now have a clearer understanding of how this molecule forms and why it’s so important for human health.
CBDVA rapidly enters your bloodstream, targets specific regions in the brain, and activates unique pathways. This precision holds the potential to transform treatments for seizures, inflammation, and brain-related disorders.
The CBDVA revolution is already underway:
- Scientists have unlocked the ability to synthesize CBDVA, paving the way for broader accessibility
- New therapeutic applications are being uncovered regularly Advanced research is mapping how CBDVA interacts with other cannabinoids for enhanced effects
For those curious about CBDVA, raw cannabis juicing provides direct access to CBDVA in its natural form. Verified products from reputable companies also provide another option. If you’re considering CBDVA for specific health conditions, consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended.
We are on the brink of a breakthrough. While more well-known compounds have garnished the spotlight, CBDVA has quietly been building its case for therapeutic power. Each new study brings us closer to understanding its full potential. The next few years will likely reveal the true extent of CBDVA's impact. The question is not if it will change medicine, but how profoundly it will do so.
Sources
Anderson, L. L., Low, I. K., Banister, S. D., & Arnold, J. C. (2019). Pharmacokinetics of Phytocannabinoid Acids and Anticonvulsant Effect of Cannabidiolic Acid in a Mouse Model of Dravet Syndrome. Journal of Natural Products.
Shoyama, Y., Hirano, H., Makino, H., Umekita, N., & Nishioka, I. (1977). Cannabis. X. The isolation and structures of four new propyl cannabinoid acids. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 25(9), 2306-2311.
Stone, N. L., Murphy, A. J., England, T. J., & O'Sullivan, S. E. (2020). A systematic review of minor phytocannabinoids with promising neuroprotective potential. British Journal of Pharmacology, 177(19), 4330-4352.
Gulk, T., & Moller, B. (2020). Phytocannabinoids: Origin and Biosynthesis. Feature Review, 25(10), 985-1004.