Cannabidivarin (CBDV) for Migraine
CBDV is a cannabinoid that is structurally similar to CBD, and similar to CBD, CBDV’s medicinal properties come without a high: it’s non-psychoactive. CBDV also shares some of the traits that make CBD a potent migraine treatment.
CBDV may become a standalone migraine treatment, or it may combine with CBD to amplify its effects. Luckily, many hemp extracts contain both CBD and CBDV, so you won’t need to choose between the two.
3 Reasons Why CBDV May Benefit Migraine Sufferers
3. Anti-seizure is Anti-migraine
According to several animal studies, CBDV has anti-seizure properties.[1] [2] [3] A case study found increased CBDV blood levels correlated with reduced seizures and the absence of CBDV resulted in the return of seizures.[4] Clinical trials are currently underway to test CBDV’s efficacy as an epilepsy treatment, and if successful, will likely be used as a treatment for migraine. [5]
Doses of CBDV activate the TRPV1 channel and desensitize it, which is a leading theory behind why CBDV may reduce seizures in animals.[6] The TRPV1 channel has also been found to activate migraines, and migraine treatments such as capsaicin or sumatriptan desensitize it just like CBDV.[7]
CBD helps control migraines and epilepsy, and CBDV may do the same.
2. Anti-inflammatory
CBDV was recently found to have anti-inflammatory effects when applied topically to mice.[8] Anti-inflammatory treatments are common migraine treatments and can help reduce the horrid pain that comes with migraine attacks.
CBDV’s ability to reduce inflammation may work with CBD to reduce migraines by reducing inflammation in the body. In addition, CBDV may work well with a topical CBD, which is applied to soothe the nerves that directly trigger migraines.
1. Anti-Nausea
Research shows that CBDV may be a treatment for nausea.[9] Your body’s natural endocannabinoid system controls your gut health. While most people don’t think of CBD as a treatment for nausea, CBD’s anti-nausea effects led to the development of the powerful anti-nausea treatment called Zofran, which is used in emergency medicine across the globe.[10]
A happy and healthy gut is required for migraine prevention. CBD and CBDV may combine to heal the gut and migraines. Likewise, CBD and CBDV may help control one of the most common symptoms of a migraine: nausea.[11]
Sum it Up
CBDV is similar to CBD and may control migraines with anti-seizure, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nausea properties. CBDV may be one reason why hemp extracts show additional benefits when compared to isolated CBD alone. Here’s a CBD product that I tested recently, which contains CBDV.
Is CBDV a must-have in your hemp extract for migraines? Will CBDV eliminate migraines? The preliminary research that I referenced is not enough to say for sure. This is just the beginning, and we need more research before coming to a conclusion. However, CBDV is looking good for migraine sufferers.
If you liked this article, check out my book Hemp for Migraine.
References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3792004/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5767492/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5719834/#epi412015-bib-0007
[5] http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2015/05/06/732705/10132893/en/GW-Pharmaceuticals-Initiates-Phase-2-Clinical-Study-of-Cannabidivarin-CBDV-in-Epilepsy.html
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25029033
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3342425/
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20450962
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3792004/