CBDV: What It Is, Effects and Safety | PatientsCann UK

CBDV

CBDV, cannabidivarin

pronounced: kan-uh-bih-dih-VAIR-in

CBD’s slimmer cousin - non-intoxicating and studied for seizures.

Neutral cannabinoidFormula: C19H26O2Intoxicating: No
Type
Neutral
Formula
C19H26O2
Intoxicating
No
Key focus
Seizures

Cannabidivarin · 286.4 g/mol

The molecule

Chemical structure

This is the accurate skeletal structure of CBDV, drawn from PubChem data. Each corner and line-end is a carbon atom, and the red O marks oxygen. Its formula is C19H26O2 and it weighs 286.4 g/mol.

Anti-seizureCalmingAnti-sicknessAnti-inflammatory

About

What is CBDV?

Cannabidivarin, or CBDV, is the slimmer cousin of CBD, with a shorter carbon tail. Like CBD, it does not make you high.

It is usually a minor part of the plant, though some varieties, especially certain landrace plants from Asia, contain more of it.

In the body

How CBDV Works

CBDV has very little direct action at the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Instead it works mainly through the body's TRP channels, which are involved in pain, inflammation and the control of nerve excitability.

Its most studied use is as an anticonvulsant. Animal research has shown it can reduce seizures, and it has also been explored for behaviours linked with autism. Human research is still at an early stage.

Receptor snapshot

Where CBDV Acts

The endocannabinoid system has two main receptors. Here is how strongly CBDV acts on each.

CB1Brain & nervous system
None

Very little direct action at CB1, so no high.

CB2Immune system & body
Weak / indirect

Weak action at CB2.

Beyond CB1 and CB2: Acts on TRP channels. Being studied for epilepsy and for behaviours linked with autism.

In the plant

How CBDV is Made

CBDV is made from its acid, CBDVA, on the same "propyl" branch of the family tree as THCV, starting from the shorter-tailed mother acid CBGVA.

Heat turns CBDVA into CBDV.

Comes fromCBDVA→ add heat →CBDV

Good to know

Safety and Side Effects

CBDV has been well tolerated in the clinical trials done so far, with mild side effects such as stomach upset. As an experimental compound, its long-term safety is still being studied.

It is not a licensed medicine on its own, so only use it under the guidance of a prescriber.

Questions

CBDV: Common Questions

What is CBDV used for?
CBDV is being researched mainly as an anticonvulsant, for epilepsy, and for behaviours associated with autism. It is still experimental and not a licensed medicine on its own.
Does CBDV get you high?
No. Like CBD, CBDV is non-intoxicating and does not activate the CB1 receptor.
Back to full Cannabinoids Guide
Important: This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Cannabinoid research is still developing, and many studies have been done in cells or animals rather than people. Always speak to your prescriber before changing your treatment. PatientsCann UK does not recommend any specific cannabis product.

References

  1. Hill, A.J. et al. (2012) 'Cannabidivarin is anticonvulsant in mouse and rat', British Journal of Pharmacology, 167(8), pp. 1629-1642. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02207.x.
  2. Izzo, A.A., Borrelli, F., Capasso, R., Di Marzo, V. and Mechoulam, R. (2009) 'Non-psychotropic plant cannabinoids: new therapeutic opportunities from an ancient herb', Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 30(10), pp. 515-527. doi: 10.1016/j.tips.2009.07.006.
  3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025) PubChem Compound Database. Bethesda: U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (Accessed: 29 July 2026).
  4. Morales, P., Hurst, D.P. and Reggio, P.H. (2017) 'Molecular targets of the phytocannabinoids: a complex picture', Progress in the Chemistry of Organic Natural Products, 103, pp. 103-131. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-45541-9_4.