You may have heard about CBD by now. It’s become increasingly popular over the years as a natural supplement to support daily functioning. CBD is just one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and one of many that don’t cause intoxicating effects. A lesser-known non-intoxicating cannabinoid with similar effects is called CBDV. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the different effects of CBDV vs. CBD.

What is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It’s one of the most abundant cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, next to THC. Unlike THC though, CBD does not cause intoxicating effects. CBD indirectly interacts with endocannabinoid receptors in the body to produce therapeutic effects without getting people high.

What is CBDV?

CBDV is similar to CBD, but not the same. It’s short for cannabidivarin and has a very similar chemical structure to CBD. This naturally occurring compound is also found in cannabis plants but in much lower concentrations. Like CBD, it doesn’t bind with cannabinoid receptors, but indirectly influences their activities to produce therapeutic effects without intoxication.

The differences: CBDV vs. CBD

CBDV and CBD are very similar, especially in their chemical structures. The only difference in their chemical structure is that CBDV has a propyl side chain whereas CBD has a pentyl side chain.

Preliminary research indicates that CBDV might make some nerve cells less active, potentially reducing swelling, seizures, pain, and related conditions. Likewise, CBD is used to treat certain seizure disorders and may also improve anxiety, insomnia, pain, and other conditions.

While both CBDV and CBD can provide non-intoxicating therapeutic effects, CBD is more widely used and studied, making it a top choice for many looking for a natural supplement to improve daily functioning.

Not all CBD is the same

While CBD is more widely studied, used, and available, it’s not a one-size-fits-all product. CBD comes in a variety of forms, including oils and tinctures, edibles, drinks, and more. Additionally, CBD is available as an isolate or full-spectrum distillate.

What’s the best carrier oil for CBD?

The best CBD products contain a carrier oil that improves the bioavailability of the product, making it easier for your body to absorb more CBD. Oils are used because CBD is fat-soluble. 

Common CBD carrier oils include MCT, hemp, olive, and avocado oils. Commonly derived from coconut oil, MCT oil is one of the best carrier oils for CBD. This is because it offers many health benefits, such as improved brain and memory function as well as positive impacts on energy levels.

CBD distillate vs. isolate

CBD is available as both an isolate and a distillate. What’s the difference between CBD distillate and isolate? It all comes down to how it’s processed and what remains in the final product.

CBD isolate is made by isolating CBD from all of the other compounds found in the cannabis or hemp plant. The final product only contains CBD. On the other hand, CBD distillate contains mostly CBD, but it doesn’t filter out the other cannabinoids and beneficial compounds found in the plant. This can produce a stronger therapeutic effect as the compounds all interact synergistically to boost one another’s effects.

Final thoughts on CBDV vs CBD

Both CBDV and CBD come from the cannabis or hemp plant and can produce therapeutic effects. CBD is more abundant in the plant and is also more widely studied, so we are aware of more potential therapeutic uses for CBD vs. CBDV. Still, CBDV offers many promising benefits, especially for seizures and pain-related conditions.

For those who opt to use CBD to support daily functioning, we recommend selecting a product that uses MCT oil as a carrier. We also suggest going for a distillate CBD product instead of a CBD isolate.