CBDV (cannabidivarin): CBD with two fewer carbons
CBDV, or cannabidivarin, is a non-intoxicating hemp cannabinoid with the structure of CBD and a side chain shorter by two carbon atoms. The plant builds it from another precursor, divarinic acid, and only certain lines accumulate much of it. In humans, the largest published trial, in 162 adults with epilepsy, found no difference from placebo.
Key takeaways
- The side chain separates CBDV (C19H26O2) from CBD (C21H30O2): 3 carbons against 5.
- The first precursor fixes the chain length, and the enzymes downstream are those of CBD.
- A "CBDV flower" claim needs a certificate that measures CBDV, and not every test panel includes it.
- In the 2021 phase 2 trial in 162 patients, seizures fell by 40.5% on CBDV and by a comparable amount on placebo.
- France does not class CBDV as a narcotic; it falls under the hemp framework at 0.30% Δ⁹-THC.
Definition: a cannabinoid from the "varin" family
Varin cannabinoids are homologues of the classic cannabinoids. They share the same skeleton and carry a three-carbon (propyl) alkyl chain where the classic ones have five (pentyl). A review published in 2026 in the Journal of Cannabis Research describes them as structurally homologous compounds with a three-carbon tail. CBDV is the varin counterpart of CBD, as THCV is of THC.
The formula shows the difference. PubChem gives CBDV as C19H26O2, with a molar mass of 286.4 g/mol, against C21H30O2 and 314.5 g/mol for CBD. Losing two CH2 groups is enough to change how the molecule binds to its targets, which is why researchers study it separately.
CBDV is no more intoxicating than CBD and gives none of the THC high. Our page on THCV covers the other major varin cannabinoid.
How the plant makes CBDV
The first building block decides the outcome. For CBD, the plant combines olivetolic acid, which has a five-carbon chain, with geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) to form CBGA. For CBDV, it starts from divarinic acid, with a three-carbon chain, and forms CBGVA. The 2026 review summarises the next stage: cannabinoid synthases accept either substrate. They cyclise CBGVA into THCVA, CBDVA and CBCVA in the same way as they cyclise CBGA into THCA, CBDA and CBCA.
The plant first produces the acidic form, CBDVA, as it does for every cannabinoid. Heat then strips a carboxyl group to give the neutral form, CBDV. This step, decarboxylation, is explained in our page on CBG, the mother molecule of CBD.
CBDV flowers: what to check
The chain is fixed before the enzymes act, so CBDV content depends mainly on genetics. An analysis of 157 cannabis populations, published in 2004 in the American Journal of Botany, found plants relatively rich in THCV or CBDV only in populations the authors assign to Cannabis indica. At the far end, the 2026 review reports selected lines in which varins make up 69% or more of the cannabinoids.
Only one document can back a flower sold as "rich in CBDV": a certificate of analysis measuring CBDV and CBDVA on the lot sold. Check three points:
- A CBDV line must appear, and not every panel includes one. The pages of our CBD flowers, read on 23 September 2026, show CBD, CBDA, CBG, CBN, THC and THCA with no CBDV line, so we sell no flower presented as rich in CBDV.
- The acidic and neutral forms must be combined correctly. CBDVA (330.4 g/mol) loses about 13% of its mass on becoming CBDV, so total CBDV = CBDV + 0.867 × CBDVA. Adding the two lines without that correction inflates the total.
- Δ⁹-THC must be at 0.30% or less, and the certificate must bear the same lot number as the product.
Our guide to the certificate of analysis explains each line. The laboratory page lists the catalogue products; none of them has a laboratory certificate published as of 18 October 2026.
What research has measured in humans
Most research has looked at CBDV as a possible antiepileptic, and the strongest result is negative. A randomised phase 2 trial, published in 2021, compared CBDV with placebo in 162 adults with poorly controlled focal seizures, 81 per group. The dose was raised to 800 mg twice a day. Seizures dropped by 40.5% on CBDV and almost as much on placebo, and the difference was not significant. Diarrhoea, nausea and drowsiness occurred more often on CBDV. In three participants, liver enzymes rose above three times the upper limit of normal.
A 2026 review in Drugs places cannabidivarin among the compounds whose development for epilepsy was abandoned, since it did no better than placebo.
Two other lines of research are still preliminary:
- In Rett syndrome, a phase 1 trial in Australia followed five girls without a placebo group. Monthly seizures decreased, and CBDV was judged well tolerated at 10 mg/kg a day. Five patients with no comparison group cannot support any conclusion on efficacy.
- In autism, a 2021 imaging study gave one 600 mg dose to 28 adult men and observed changes in brain connectivity. Its authors describe it as a preliminary proof of concept; symptoms were not measured.
CBDV is therefore not a medicine. Epidyolex, the only authorised cannabidiol medicine, contains CBD and no CBDV.
Legal status of CBDV in France
The ANSM has not classified CBDV as a narcotic. Its listings targeted HHC in 2023, then H4CBD, THCP and other derivatives from 3 June 2024. CBDV follows the hemp framework: the order of 30 December 2021 authorises Cannabis sativa L. varieties whose Δ⁹-THC content does not exceed 0.30%, and caps products made from them at the same threshold.
Like CBD extracts, a CBDV extract meant to be swallowed also comes under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods. Our overview of CBD regulation in 2026 describes the situation in France.
Athletes face a stricter rule. As the US Anti-Doping Agency notes, the World Anti-Doping Agency exempted only CBD. Every other cannabinoid, natural or synthetic, CBDV included, remains prohibited in competition. Our article on CBD and the 2026 WADA list covers this in detail.
Frequently asked questions
No. CBDV, like CBD, lacks the intoxicating effect of THC. The risk comes from the product itself, if its Δ⁹-THC exceeds 0.30% or a semi-synthetic cannabinoid has been added.
Their side chain, with five carbons for CBD and three for CBDV. The plant makes both through the same pathway, starting from two different precursors: olivetolic acid and divarinic acid.
Yes, from lines bred for varin cannabinoids. You can check their content only on a certificate that measures CBDV on the lot sold. The Phytogrammes catalogue has none.
No. The largest published trial, in 162 adults, found no difference from placebo, and development for epilepsy has been abandoned. No CBDV product may claim a therapeutic effect.
The acidic form of CBDV, which is what the plant actually produces. Heat converts it into CBDV by removing a carboxyl group.
Written by the Phytogrammes team
Each journal article draws on cited primary sources: ANSM, EFSA, EUR-Lex and peer-reviewed publications. Product profiles are distinguished from documented laboratory results. Our approach.
Article published on . CBD is not a medicine.