Cannabis & Cannabinoids · Cannabinoids · Very minor cannabinoid; the propyl relative of CBG; laboratory and animal research only
CBGV (Cannabigerovarin)
2-[(2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienyl]-5-propylbenzene-1,3-diol (C19H28O2; PubChem CID 59444407) · also called CBGV, cannabigerovarin; its acid form is CBGVA (cannabigerovarinic acid)
CBGV is a compound found in tiny amounts in some cannabis plants. It looks like CBG but has a three-carbon side chain instead of five. Its acid form, CBGVA, is the version most often tested. All the research we found is on cells, in the lab, in computer models or in mice. No study in people was found, and no medicine contains CBGV.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About CBGV (Cannabigerovarin)
CBGV (cannabigerovarin) looks like CBG but has a shorter side chain. It is a very minor compound, and its acid form CBGVA is the version most studied. All the research we found is on cells, enzymes, computer models and mice: a mouse seizure screen, a mouse nerve-pain test, and cell tests on calcium channels, receptors, colon cancer cells and skin cells. No study in people was found, and no CBGV medicine is approved. This is a short page because the research is short.
What CBGV is, and how it differs from CBG
CBGV (cannabigerovarin) is a compound found in very small amounts in some cannabis plants. Its formula is C19H28O2. It has the same structure as CBG but a three-carbon (propyl) side chain where CBG has a five-carbon one, which is why one paper calls it the propyl variant of CBG. Its acid form, CBGVA, is the version found in the plant and the one most often tested.
CBG and its variants are described in a 2022 paper as the starting molecules that the plant quickly converts into other cannabinoids, so only small amounts remain in extracts. That is why researchers have built ways to make CBGV and CBGVA in the lab.
What the human studies show: none
We searched PubMed on 2026-10-25 for cannabigerovarin, CBGV, CBGVA and cannabigerovarinic acid. It returned 21 records, and none was a study in people. A search of the ClinicalTrials.gov registry found no trial. A 2026 review lists CBGVA among cannabis components but says human trials are needed for all of these compounds.
So there is no evidence that CBGV or CBGVA treats, prevents or causes anything in people. We rate every use insufficient.
Animal and laboratory research is not human evidence
In mice, a screen found CBGVA among three plant acids with new anticonvulsant effects against fever-triggered seizures, and a lab-made CBGV reduced chemotherapy-induced nerve pain at 10 mg/kg. In cells, CBGVA blocked T-type calcium channels and calmed calcium signals in brain immune cells, and CBGV reduced colon cancer cell numbers, changed oil production in skin cells and acted on several receptors.
These are single studies, most abstracts give no numbers for CBGV, and amounts that work on cells are not known to be reachable in a body. In mice, plant acids reached the brain poorly. Nothing here shows a benefit in any person.
Shop products, labels and the law
No CBGV medicine is approved, and the FDA's cannabis questions-and-answers page does not mention CBGV. CBGV is mostly met as an unlabelled impurity: in four commercial hemp-derived CBG samples it was one of the two main impurities, and the amounts differed between samples. A common lab method cannot tell CBGV from CBG, so labels may not show it.
A certificate of analysis for the exact batch is the only way to know what a product holds. How US hemp rules treat CBGV is not stated in the summary we carried over; this is not legal advice.
What the lab numbers show
Our lab data holds no measurement of CBGV in cannabis flower. None are in our data, so we cannot give a range or a ranking, and no strain page here has a CBGV number. We did not test anything ourselves.
CBGV is a very minor compound. The only place we found it measured is as a trace impurity in commercial CBG made from hemp, not in strain flower. A strain name is only a label: the same name can have very different chemistry from one sample to another. Lab numbers, where they exist for other compounds, measure what is in the flower and say nothing about effects.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Cannabis has a long history of use as a whole plant. No traditional use of isolated CBGV is described in the sources read; this page covers only the compound.
Studied for research
- Seizures (a mouse screening result for the acid CBGVA; blocks T-type channels in cells): insufficient
- Chemotherapy-induced nerve pain (one mouse study): insufficient
- Colorectal cancer cells, skin oil-gland cells, brain immune cells (cells in a dish): insufficient
- Receptor and channel tests, and a coronavirus computer model: insufficient
Main compounds
- CBGV itself (the neutral compound)
- CBGVA, the acid form
- CBG, the five-carbon relative it is often found beside
- CBDVA and CBDV, which are made from the same family of precursors
Common forms
- Lab-made CBGV and CBGVA, used in research
- CBG or CBD hemp products that contain traces of CBGV as an impurity, usually not on the label
- No CBGV medicine exists
Research links: FDA: cannabis and CBD questions and answers (does not mention CBGV) · PubMed: CBGVA and CBDVA block T-type calcium channels (2022) · PubMed: CBGA, CBDVA and CBGVA in mouse seizure models (2021) · PubMed: CBGV and CBGB as impurities in commercial CBG (2021) · PubChem: cannabigerovarin · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Name
- Cannabigerovarin (CBGV)
- Chemical name
- 2-[(2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienyl]-5-propylbenzene-1,3-diol
- Other names
- Cannabigerovarin; CBGV; Cannabigerivarin (spelling used in one paper); Cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA) is the acid form
- Common names
- CBGV (English); Cannabigerovarin (English)
- Formula
- C19H28O2
- Molecular weight
- 288.4
- PubChem ID
- 59444407
- Chemical class
- Phytocannabinoid, 'varin' type (a 19-carbon cannabinoid with a three-carbon propyl side chain); the propyl relative of CBG
- How the plant makes it
- Two sources read describe it. A 2022 paper says CBG and its side-chain variants are the precursors of other cannabinoids and are rapidly converted to them in the plant, so only small amounts are found in extracts. Lab enzyme work (2019 and 2020) makes CBGVA, like CBGA, by joining a prenyl unit to a ring compound, and one enzyme step converts these precursors into CBDVA and CBDA. Those are manufacturing methods, not proof of how the plant does it. The full plant pathway to CBGV was not in the abstracts read, and the decarboxylation of CBGVA to CBGV is described here only as general chemistry we did not verify.
- Where it is found
- A very minor cannabinoid. We found no measurement of CBGV or CBGVA in cannabis flower in the sources read. It has been detected as an impurity in commercial hemp-derived CBG (four samples, amounts differing between them) and was examined as a possible impurity in CBD. Our own lab dataset holds no measurement of CBGV.
- Related or similar compounds
- Name: CBG (cannabigerol); Note: Same structure with a five-carbon side chain instead of three. A common NMR method gives the same spectrum for both, so they can be confused in testing.; Name: CBDV and THCV; Note: Other 'varin' cannabinoids with the same three-carbon chain but different ring structures.; Name: CBGB (cannabigerobutol); Note: The butyl (four-carbon) relative, found with CBGV as an impurity in CBG.
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 to 2012 | Lab studies tested CBGV in cells against TRP channels, endocannabinoid enzymes and GPR55; it touched some of the same targets as CBG and CBD. | p21175579 |
| 2016 | A study of human skin oil-gland cells tested CBGV with CBC, CBDV, CBG and THCV. | p27094344 |
| 2019 to 2022 | Chemists reported ways to make CBGVA and CBGV, by enzymes and by chemical synthesis, because the plant makes only tiny amounts. | p30718485 |
| 2021 to 2026 | Mouse and cell work flagged CBGVA as an anticonvulsant-type plant acid and as a blocker of T-type calcium channels. | p34384142 |
History shows how a substance was used or discovered. It does not show that a product works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBGVA (cannabigerovarinic acid) PubChem 59444383 | Phytocannabinoid acid | Not read in the sources Not read | The acid form. It is the compound most of the seizure, T-type channel and microglia studies tested. Plant acids absorbed fast in mice but reached the brain poorly. 3 20 16 2 | Animal and lab |
| CBG (cannabigerol) | Phytocannabinoid | Not read in the sources Not read | The five-carbon-chain relative of CBGV. It is a precursor of other cannabinoids and is itself sold in products, where CBGV may appear as an impurity. 17 18 | Product analysis |
| CBDVA (cannabidivarinic acid) PubChem 59444387 | Phytocannabinoid acid | Not read in the sources Not read | Made from CBGVA by one enzyme step in a lab system. Like CBGVA it blocked T-type channels and showed a screening anticonvulsant effect in mice. 21 20 3 | Animal and lab |
| CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) | Phytocannabinoid acid | Not read in the sources Not read | The five-carbon-chain acid counterpart. It was studied in more depth in mice and gave mixed seizure results. 3 | Animal research |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-type calcium channels (Cav3.1, Cav3.2) and GPR55 | CACNA1G, CACNA1H, GPR55 | CBGVA inhibited human Cav3.1 and Cav3.2 channels (IC50 6 and 2 micromolar) and blocked GPR55 in cells. 20 | Lab |
| Cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 | CNR1, CNR2 | CBGV acted like an agonist alone and like an inverse agonist when a selective agonist was present, with higher potency than the other compounds in many tests and biased signalling. The abstract gives no binding numbers. 14 | Lab |
| GPR55 | GPR55 | CBGV was a potent inhibitor of GPR55 signalling triggered by LPI. 1 20 | Lab |
| TRP channels | TRPV1, TRPV3, TRPV4 | CBGV stimulated and desensitized human TRPV1, and desensitized TRPV3 and TRPV4 more than it activated them. 8 9 | Lab |
| Endocannabinoid enzymes and uptake | NAAA; anandamide uptake | A CBGV-rich plant extract, but not the pure compound, inhibited NAAA and anandamide uptake in test-tube assays. 8 | Lab |
| Calcium signalling in microglia | Store-operated calcium entry; purinergic receptors | CBGVA, CBGA and CBDVA strongly reduced store-operated calcium entry in human and mouse microglia cell lines. 16 | Lab |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- After injection into the abdomen of mice, plant acids including CBGVA were absorbed fast (peak blood level at 15 to 45 minutes). Nothing is known for people or for swallowed doses.
- Distribution
- Brain-to-blood ratios of the acids were 0.04 or less in mice in the standard vehicle.
- Metabolism
- Not studied in the sources read.
- Elimination
- Half-lives in mice were under 4 hours. No human data.
- Bioavailability
- Not measured in people or by mouth in the sources read.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
'CBGV' can mean the pure compound (lab-made in some studies), the acid CBGVA, a CBGV-rich plant extract (which behaved differently from the pure compound in two enzyme assays), or a trace impurity in a CBG or CBD product. Results from one form cannot be assumed for another.
Nutritional composition
CBGV is not a nutrient and has no nutritional claim.
8 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 8 benefits and uses checked for CBGV (Cannabigerovarin), each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Seizures (one mouse screening result for the acid CBGVA)Not enough evidence
- T-type calcium channels and GPR55 (cells in a dish)Not enough evidence
- Brain immune cells: calcium signals (two cell lines)Not enough evidence
- Chemotherapy-induced nerve pain (one mouse study)Not enough evidence
- Colorectal cancer cells in a dishNot enough evidence
- Skin oil-gland cells (dry skin and inflammation)Not enough evidence
- Cannabinoid receptors, GPR55 and TRP channels (cells in a dish)Not enough evidence
- Coronavirus protein in a computer modelNot enough evidence
Lab markers tracked in the studies
T-type calcium channel current (cells)Store-operated calcium entry in microgliaColorectal cancer cell viability (cells)Oil (lipid) production in skin oil-gland cells
What is CBGV (Cannabigerovarin) good for?
The uses researchers have looked at and how strong the evidence is for each. All of it is cell, computer or mouse work, with no human study, so every row is rated insufficient.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Seizures (one mouse screening result for the acid CBGVA)
Not enough evidenceA mouse screen for fever-triggered seizures picked CBGVA as one of three plant acids with new anticonvulsant effects. The detailed work was done on a different compound, CBGA, and no person has been tested.
2 studiesLab-made or plant-derived CBGV or CBGVA in cells or injected into mic…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human study of CBGV or CBGVA was found in PubMed on 2026-10-25.
Results
In mice that model Dravet syndrome, a screen against fever-triggered seizures identified CBGA, CBDVA and CBGVA as having new anticonvulsant properties. The abstract gives no CBGVA numbers. The follow-up work on CBGA found mixed effects, including one test where CBGA made seizures more likely and a high dose that raised spontaneous seizures; the authors say these liabilities would need to be overcome. Whether CBGVA shares them is not reported in the abstract.
Why this rating
One screening result in mice, reported in a single abstract. The more detailed work is on another compound. No human data.
Form and dose studied
Lab-made or plant-derived CBGV or CBGVA in cells or injected into mice. Amounts used are in the study records, not as advice. No amounts are advised here.
Who was studied
Scn1a+/- mice (a Dravet syndrome model).
Limits
Mouse screen; details for CBGVA not in the abstract; CBGVA has not been tested by mouth.
Why researchers looked
Parents use unregulated cannabis products for children with severe epilepsy. Researchers looked for compounds other than CBD in the plant that might calm seizures.
Traditional use
No traditional use of isolated CBGV is described in the sources read.
Proposed mechanism Lab and animal
In the same lab study CBGA, a different compound, hit many targets (GPR55, TRPV1, GABA-A). For CBGVA the abstracts read show effects on T-type calcium channels and GPR55 (see the next entry). How much any of this matters for seizures is not known.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Animal and cell results cannot be applied to people. See the Safety tab.
T-type calcium channels and GPR55 (cells in a dish)
Not enough evidenceIn cells made to carry human T-type calcium channels, CBGVA blocked two of them strongly. It also blocked the GPR55 receptor. This is a lab finding only.
2 studiesPure CBGVA applied to cells.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human study of CBGV or CBGVA was found in PubMed on 2026-10-25.
Results
At 10 micromolar CBGVA inhibited Cav3.1 and Cav3.2 by at least 80%. The IC50 (amount giving half the effect) was 6 micromolar on Cav3.1 and 2 micromolar on Cav3.2. CBGVA also antagonised GPR55. The authors say the compounds should be investigated further.
Effect sizes as reported
IC50 6 micromolar (Cav3.1) and 2 micromolar (Cav3.2); at least 80% inhibition at 10 micromolar.
Why this rating
Cell work from one study. It is not known whether blood or brain levels in a person could ever reach such amounts. Brain-to-blood ratios of plant acids in mice were very low (0.04 or less).
Form and dose studied
Pure CBGVA applied to cells.
Who was studied
Human cell line (HEK-293) with lab-made channels.
Limits
One study; no animal or human follow-up for this effect in the abstracts read.
Why researchers looked
T-type calcium channels help set how excitable nerve cells are, so blocking them is one way seizure medicines might work.
Traditional use
No traditional use of isolated CBGV is described in the sources read.
Proposed mechanism Lab and animal
CBGVA inhibited human Cav3.1 and Cav3.2 channels and shifted the voltage at which Cav3.1 becomes inhibited; it also blocked GPR55. These effects were measured in cells with channels made in the lab.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Animal and cell results cannot be applied to people. See the Safety tab.
Brain immune cells: calcium signals (two cell lines)
Not enough evidenceCBGVA was one of three minor acids that strongly reduced a calcium signal in brain immune cells (microglia) from humans and mice. It did not clearly lower inflammatory messengers in the abstract.
1 studiesLab-made or plant-derived CBGV or CBGVA in cells or injected into mic…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human study of CBGV or CBGVA was found in PubMed on 2026-10-25.
Results
Store-operated calcium entry was strongly reduced in both cell lines by CBGA, CBGVA and CBDVA. In the mouse cells the calcium response to ATP was suppressed most by CBDVA, CBGVA and CBGA. CBGVA is not named among the seven compounds that lowered nitric oxide and TNF-alpha in the mouse cells, and none of the compounds lowered inflammatory cytokines in the human cells.
Effect sizes as reported
Not given in the abstract.
Why this rating
One 2026 cell study; the abstract names effects but gives no numbers for CBGVA.
Form and dose studied
Lab-made or plant-derived CBGV or CBGVA in cells or injected into mice. Amounts used are in the study records, not as advice. No amounts are advised here.
Who was studied
Human and mouse microglia cell lines.
Limits
Cell lines are a crude model; the cell results differed between human and mouse.
Why researchers looked
Over-active microglia are linked to inflammation in brain disease, and their calcium signals help control that.
Traditional use
No traditional use of isolated CBGV is described in the sources read.
Proposed mechanism Lab and animal
CBGVA reduced store-operated calcium entry in the human HMC3 and mouse BV2 cell lines and weakened the calcium response to ATP in the mouse cells.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Animal and cell results cannot be applied to people. See the Safety tab.
Chemotherapy-induced nerve pain (one mouse study)
Not enough evidenceA lab-made version of CBGV reduced nerve pain caused by chemotherapy in mice, as did the other side-chain variants of CBG. No person has been tested.
1 studiesLab-made or plant-derived CBGV or CBGVA in cells or injected into mic…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human study of CBGV or CBGVA was found in PubMed on 2026-10-25.
Results
All the side-chain variants, CBGV included, were similarly capable of reducing neuropathic pain in mice at 10 mg/kg. The abstract gives no numbers and no separate result for CBGV.
Effect sizes as reported
10 mg/kg in mice (not a human amount); no numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
One mouse study; CBGV is one of several variants and is not singled out.
Form and dose studied
Lab-made or plant-derived CBGV or CBGVA in cells or injected into mice. Amounts used are in the study records, not as advice. No amounts are advised here.
Who was studied
Mice given chemotherapy.
Limits
Abstract only; lab-made compounds; a single dose.
Why researchers looked
Nerve pain from chemotherapy is hard to treat, and CBG-type compounds were tried because CBG is itself being studied.
Traditional use
No traditional use of isolated CBGV is described in the sources read.
Proposed mechanism Lab and animal
Not established. The compounds in the study are made in the lab by a new method.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Animal and cell results cannot be applied to people. See the Safety tab.
Colorectal cancer cells in a dish
Not enough evidenceIn human colon cancer cells, lab-made CBGV reduced how many cells stayed alive, more than the longer-chain variants did. Another study saw CBGV slow growth in similar cells. No patient has been treated.
2 studiesLab-made or plant-derived CBGV or CBGVA in cells or injected into mic…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human study of CBGV or CBGVA was found in PubMed on 2026-10-25.
Results
Lab-made CBGV and CBGB (the shorter side chains) were better than the longer-chain CBG variants at reducing colorectal cancer cell viability. A second study that was mostly about CBD reports anti-proliferative activity for CBGV too. Neither abstract gives numbers for CBGV.
Effect sizes as reported
Not given in the abstracts.
Why this rating
Cell lines only, two abstracts, no numbers. Cancer cell work very often fails to carry over to people.
Form and dose studied
Lab-made or plant-derived CBGV or CBGVA in cells or injected into mice. Amounts used are in the study records, not as advice. No amounts are advised here.
Who was studied
Human colorectal cancer cell lines.
Limits
Cells in a dish; amounts in cell studies are not amounts a person would reach. This is not a cancer treatment.
Why researchers looked
Cannabinoids such as CBD slow the growth of cancer cells in a dish, so related compounds were tried.
Traditional use
No traditional use of isolated CBGV is described in the sources read.
Proposed mechanism Lab and animal
Not established for CBGV. In the CBD study the effect depended on the CB2 receptor, but this was not shown for CBGV.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Animal and cell results cannot be applied to people. See the Safety tab.
Skin oil-gland cells (dry skin and inflammation)
Not enough evidenceIn human oil-gland skin cells, CBGV increased oil production and showed anti-inflammatory signs. The authors suggest it might one day suit dry skin. No skin test in people exists.
1 studiesLab-made or plant-derived CBGV or CBGVA in cells or injected into mic…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human study of CBGV or CBGVA was found in PubMed on 2026-10-25.
Results
Up to 10 micromolar CBGV barely changed cell survival, while 50 micromolar or more caused cell death. CBG and CBGV increased basal sebaceous lipid (oil) production, which the authors read as a possible role in dry skin. All the compounds had anti-inflammatory actions on the cells.
Effect sizes as reported
Not given as numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
One cell-line study. A rise in oil production in cells says nothing about dry skin in a person.
Form and dose studied
Lab-made or plant-derived CBGV or CBGVA in cells or injected into mice. Amounts used are in the study records, not as advice. No amounts are advised here.
Who was studied
Human SZ95 sebocytes in a dish.
Limits
One cell line; high amounts killed cells.
Why researchers looked
Skin oil glands matter in acne and dry skin, and the authors wanted to see which non-psychotropic plant compounds change their behaviour.
Traditional use
No traditional use of isolated CBGV is described in the sources read.
Proposed mechanism Lab and animal
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Animal and cell results cannot be applied to people. See the Safety tab.
Cannabinoid receptors, GPR55 and TRP channels (cells in a dish)
Not enough evidenceIn cell tests CBGV touches several of the body's signalling proteins. This is how researchers learn what a compound does in a dish. It is not a health benefit.
4 studiesLab-made or plant-derived CBGV or CBGVA in cells or injected into mic…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human study of CBGV or CBGVA was found in PubMed on 2026-10-25.
Results
On human CB1 and CB2 receptors made in cells, CBGV showed higher potency than the others in many tests and a biased signalling pattern. CBGV was a potent inhibitor of GPR55 signalling triggered by LPI. CBGV stimulated and desensitized human TRPV1, and desensitized TRPV3 and TRPV4 more than it activated them. A CBGV-rich plant extract (not the pure compound) inhibited NAAA and anandamide uptake in test-tube assays.
Why this rating
Cell and test-tube work from five abstracts, with no whole-animal or human test of these effects.
Form and dose studied
Lab-made or plant-derived CBGV or CBGVA in cells or injected into mice. Amounts used are in the study records, not as advice. No amounts are advised here.
Who was studied
Cells carrying lab-made human or rat receptors and channels; plant extract in tube assays.
Limits
Binding in a dish does not mean an effect in a body.
Why researchers looked
Understanding which receptors a compound reaches is the first step in guessing what it might do.
Traditional use
No traditional use of isolated CBGV is described in the sources read.
Proposed mechanism Lab and animal
CBGV acted on CB1 and CB2 (agonist-like alone, inverse-agonist-like with an agonist present), blocked GPR55 signalling, activated then desensitized TRPV1, and desensitized TRPV3 and TRPV4.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Animal and cell results cannot be applied to people. See the Safety tab.
Coronavirus protein in a computer model
Not enough evidenceIn a computer docking study, CBGVA ranked among the top three of 42 cannabinoids for fitting a coronavirus protein complex. This is a prediction, not a result in any cell, animal or person.
1 studiesLab-made or plant-derived CBGV or CBGVA in cells or injected into mic…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human study of CBGV or CBGVA was found in PubMed on 2026-10-25.
Results
CBGVA, luteolin and CBNA had the best predicted binding to the SARS-CoV-2 RBD-ACE2 complex (a virus protein bound to its human receptor). The authors say lab and animal tests are still needed.
Effect sizes as reported
Not given in the abstract.
Why this rating
A computer prediction. It must not be read as a sign that CBGVA treats or prevents any infection.
Form and dose studied
Lab-made or plant-derived CBGV or CBGVA in cells or injected into mice. Amounts used are in the study records, not as advice. No amounts are advised here.
Who was studied
Computer model.
Limits
Predictions often do not hold in the lab.
Why researchers looked
Researchers screened many natural compounds by computer for possible fit to virus proteins.
Traditional use
No traditional use of isolated CBGV is described in the sources read.
Proposed mechanism Lab and animal
Predicted binding energy only.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Animal and cell results cannot be applied to people. See the Safety tab.
Connections to the rest of health
How CBGV (Cannabigerovarin) connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brain Health | Not enough evidence | Seizures (one mouse screening result for the acid CBGVA): A mouse screen for fever-triggered seizures picked CBGVA as one of three plant acids with new anticonvulsant effects. The detailed work was done on a different compound, CBGA, and no person has been tested. T-type calcium channels and GPR55 (cells in a dish): In cells made to carry human T-type calcium channels, CBGVA blocked two of them strongly. It also blocked the GPR55 receptor. This is a lab finding only. | 3 2 20 16 | |
| Inflammation Balance | Not enough evidence | Brain immune cells: calcium signals (two cell lines): CBGVA was one of three minor acids that strongly reduced a calcium signal in brain immune cells (microglia) from humans and mice. It did not clearly lower inflammatory messengers in the abstract. Cannabinoid receptors, GPR55 and TRP channels (cells in a dish): In cell tests CBGV touches several of the body's signalling proteins. This is how researchers learn what a compound does in a dish. It is not a health benefit. | 16 14 1 8 9 | |
| Pain Relief | Not enough evidence | Chemotherapy-induced nerve pain (one mouse study): A lab-made version of CBGV reduced nerve pain caused by chemotherapy in mice, as did the other side-chain variants of CBG. No person has been tested. | 17 | |
| Cellular Protection | Not enough evidence | Colorectal cancer cells in a dish: In human colon cancer cells, lab-made CBGV reduced how many cells stayed alive, more than the longer-chain variants did. Another study saw CBGV slow growth in similar cells. No patient has been treated. | 17 11 | |
| Healthy Skin | Not enough evidence | Skin oil-gland cells (dry skin and inflammation): In human oil-gland skin cells, CBGV increased oil production and showed anti-inflammatory signs. The authors suggest it might one day suit dry skin. No skin test in people exists. | 15 | |
| Immune Support | Not enough evidence | Coronavirus protein in a computer model: In a computer docking study, CBGVA ranked among the top three of 42 cannabinoids for fitting a coronavirus protein complex. This is a prediction, not a result in any cell, animal or person. | 5 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nervous System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Seizures (one mouse screening result for the acid CBGVA) Studied for: T-type calcium channels and GPR55 (cells in a dish) | 3 2 20 16 17 14 1 8 9 |
| Pain Inflammation | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Chemotherapy-induced nerve pain (one mouse study) Studied for: Cannabinoid receptors, GPR55 and TRP channels (cells in a dish) | 17 14 1 8 9 |
| Cells | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Colorectal cancer cells in a dish | 17 11 |
| Digestive System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Colorectal cancer cells in a dish | 17 11 |
| Integumentary System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Skin oil-gland cells (dry skin and inflammation) | 15 |
| Immune System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Coronavirus protein in a computer model | 5 |
C. Body parts and organs
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nervous system | Not enough evidence | Screening hit in a mouse seizure model; blocks T-type calcium channels and GPR55 in cells. No human data. Screening hit in a mouse seizure model; blocks T-type calcium channels in cells. No human data. Preparation or compound: CBGVA in mouse screen and cell tests |
3 20 | |
| Digestive system (colon cancer cells) | Not enough evidence | Reduced cell viability in a dish. No animal or human test. Preparation or compound: Lab-made CBGV on colorectal cancer cell lines |
17 11 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-type calcium channel current (cells) | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: lowered in cells by CBGVA. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 20 |
| Store-operated calcium entry in microglia | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: lowered in cells by CBGVA. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 16 |
| Colorectal cancer cell viability (cells) | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: lowered by CBGV in cell lines. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 17 |
| Oil (lipid) production in skin oil-gland cells | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: raised by CBGV in cells. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 15 |
J. Genes, receptors and enzymes
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cav3.1 and Cav3.2 (T-type calcium channels) | Preliminary mechanism | Lab | CBGVA inhibits these channels in cells. | 20 |
| GPR55 | Preliminary mechanism | Lab | CBGV and CBGVA block GPR55 signalling in cells. | 1 20 |
| TRPV1, TRPV3, TRPV4 | Preliminary mechanism | Lab | CBGV activates then desensitizes TRPV1 and desensitizes TRPV3 and TRPV4 in cells. | 8 9 |
| CB1 and CB2 receptors | Preliminary mechanism | Lab | CBGV shows agonist-like and inverse-agonist-like behaviour with biased signalling in cells. | 14 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBGVA (cannabigerovarinic acid) | Biological association | Animal and lab | The acid form. It is the compound most of the seizure, T-type channel and microglia studies tested. Plant acids absorbed fast in mice but reached the brain poorly. Preparation or compound: Not read in the sources |
3 20 16 2 |
| CBG (cannabigerol) | Biological association | Product analysis | The five-carbon-chain relative of CBGV. It is a precursor of other cannabinoids and is itself sold in products, where CBGV may appear as an impurity. Preparation or compound: Not read in the sources |
17 18 |
| CBDVA (cannabidivarinic acid) | Biological association | Animal and lab | Made from CBGVA by one enzyme step in a lab system. Like CBGVA it blocked T-type channels and showed a screening anticonvulsant effect in mice. Preparation or compound: Not read in the sources |
21 20 3 |
| CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) | Biological association | Animal | The five-carbon-chain acid counterpart. It was studied in more depth in mice and gave mixed seizure results. Preparation or compound: Not read in the sources |
3 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).
Evidence at a glance: what the research found for 8 outcomes
Each outcome below is one thing researchers measured. Certainty is how far the evidence can be trusted, not how well it works. The full studies are on the next tab.
The evidence
The research centre for CBGV (Cannabigerovarin). Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We searched PubMed (21 records for cannabigerovarin, CBGV, CBGVA or cannabigerovarinic acid on 2026-10-25, two of them unrelated) and read the abstracts of the studies cited, searched the ClinicalTrials.gov registry, and read the FDA cannabis questions-and-answers page. Compound identity was checked in PubChem. Our lab data holds no CBGV measurement.
Study library: every study we checked 22
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anavi-Goffer S et al. 2012 Modulation of L-alpha-lysophosphatidylinositol/GPR55 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling by cannabinoids. J Biol Chem · PMID 22027819 |
Lab lab |
Cells expressing GPR55 | Many cannabinoids including CBGV |
THCV, CBDV and CBGV were potent inhibitors of the signal triggered by LPI, the body's own GPR55 activator. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: ERK1/2 signalling after LPI Limitations: Cells in a dish. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
| Anderson LL et al. 2019 Pharmacokinetics of Phytocannabinoid Acids and Anticonvulsant Effect of Cannabidiolic Acid in a Mouse Model of Dravet Syndrome. J Nat Prod · PMID 31686510 |
Animal research animal |
Mice | Six plant acids including CBGVA, injected into the abdomen |
All the acids tested, CBGVA among them, were absorbed fast (peak in blood at 15 to 45 minutes) and had short half-lives (under 4 hours). Brain-to-blood ratios were very low (0.04 or less) in the standard vehicle. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Blood and brain levels over time Limitations: Injection in mice, not swallowed, and not people. Results for CBGVA are not given separately in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
| Anderson LL et al. 2021 Cannabigerolic acid, a major biosynthetic precursor molecule in cannabis, exhibits divergent effects on seizures in mouse models of epilepsy. Br J Pharmacol · PMID 34384142 |
Animal research animal |
Scn1a+/- mice (a model of Dravet syndrome) and electroshock seizure tests | Plant acids screened against fever-triggered seizures; CBGA studied further |
An initial screen found three phytocannabinoids with new anticonvulsant properties: CBGA, CBDVA and CBGVA. CBGA was then studied in more depth: it made clobazam work better in mice, but it was proconvulsant in one test and a high dose raised spontaneous seizure frequency. The authors say several liabilities would need to be overcome. The abstract gives no further CBGVA results. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Seizure temperature threshold; spontaneous seizures; survival Limitations: Only the screening result is reported for CBGVA in the abstract. The detailed work and the worrying result were for CBGA, a different compound. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
| Brighenti V et al. 2024 A new HPLC method with multiple detection systems for impurity analysis and discrimination of natural versus synthetic cannabidiol. Anal Bioanal Chem · PMID 38940871 |
Product analysis product |
Natural and synthetic CBD samples | CBGV among several minor cannabinoids examined as possible impurities |
Besides CBDV and others, CBGV, CBG, CBCV and CBC were examined as potential impurities that could help tell natural from synthetic CBD. The abstract does not report CBGV amounts. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Impurity profile by HPLC Limitations: A method paper; CBGV is a side mention. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
| Chen C et al. 2022 Analysis and Identification of Bioactive Compounds of Cannabinoids in Silico for Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV. Biomolecules · PMID 36551156 |
Computer model in silico |
Computer docking of 42 cannabinoids to a coronavirus protein complex | CBGVA among 42 compounds |
Luteolin, CBGVA and CBNA were the top three molecules for the SARS-CoV-2 complex in the computer model. The authors say lab and animal work is still needed. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Predicted binding energy Limitations: A computer prediction only. It is not evidence that CBGVA affects a virus. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
| Congressional Research Service 2026 Changes to the Statutory Definition of Hemp and Implications for Agricultural Policy (CRS In Focus IF13136), updated September 28, 2026 CRS In Focus · Source |
Authoritative guidance n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Says P.L. 119-37 changes the US hemp definition to total THC including THCA at no more than 0.3% dry weight; excludes hemp-derived cannabinoid products containing cannabinoids that are not capable of being naturally produced by the plant, or that were synthesized or manufactured outside the plant; and limits final products to 0.4 mg per container of total THC and other cannabinoids with similar effects. Parts are delayed to December 11, 2026 (some take effect November 12, 2026). As of September 28, 2026 the FDA lists of cannabinoids required by the law had not been published. The summary does not name CBGV. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: n/a Limitations: A three-page summary; it does not say how CBGV products are treated. We did not re-read this document for this page; the wording is carried from another compound page that read it on 2026-10-25. Funding and conflicts: US Congress research service (nonpartisan). Read: carried over from another page of this site; not re-read for this page |
| Dadiotis E et al. 2022 Direct Quantitation of Phytocannabinoids by One-Dimensional 1H qNMR and Two-Dimensional 1H-1H COSY qNMR in Complex Natural Mixtures. Molecules · PMID 35566314 |
Product analysis product |
Hemp plants, extracts, oils and cosmetics | qNMR method for 10+ cannabinoids |
The abstract says CBGV gives the same 1H-NMR spectrum as CBG, so this method cannot tell them apart. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Method performance Limitations: A method paper. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
| De Petrocellis L et al. 2011 Effects of cannabinoids and cannabinoid-enriched Cannabis extracts on TRP channels and endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes. Br J Pharmacol · PMID 21175579 |
Lab lab |
Cells and tissue preparations carrying TRP channels and enzymes of the endocannabinoid system | 11 pure cannabinoids (CBGV among them) and CBGV-rich plant extract |
CBGV, like CBD, CBG and THCV, stimulated and then desensitized human TRPV1. In the plant-extract tests, the CBGV-rich extract (not the pure compound) inhibited an enzyme called NAAA and the uptake of anandamide. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: TRP channel activation; enzyme and anandamide-uptake inhibition Limitations: Cells and test-tube assays; an extract contains other compounds too. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
| De Petrocellis L et al. 2012 Cannabinoid actions at TRPV channels: effects on TRPV3 and TRPV4 and their potential relevance to gastrointestinal inflammation. Acta Physiol (Oxf) · PMID 21726418 |
Lab lab |
Cells carrying rat TRPV3 or TRPV4 channels | Several cannabinoids including CBGV |
CBGV (and CBGA) were clearly better at desensitizing TRPV3 than at activating it; CBGV, CBGA, CBN and CBG did the same for TRPV4. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Calcium rise in cells; channel desensitization Limitations: Cells in a dish; the gut link is only a suggestion of the authors. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
| Gasmi A et al. 2026 Cannabinoids: Therapeutic Applications, Mechanisms, and Challenges in Modern Medicine. Curr Med Chem · PMID 42163693 |
Review review |
General review of cannabinoids | n/a |
The abstract lists CBGVA among important components of the cannabis plant, notes in vitro and preclinical studies, and says human trials are needed to set standard formulations, doses and safety profiles. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Overview Limitations: The abstract says nothing specific about CBGV or CBGVA. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
| Lee HS et al. 2022 Cannabidiol exerts anti-proliferative activity via a cannabinoid receptor 2-dependent mechanism in human colorectal cancer cells. Int Immunopharmacol · PMID 35598400 |
Lab lab |
Human colorectal cancer cell lines | CBD mainly; CBDV, CBG, CBL and CBGV also tested |
The study was mainly about CBD. The abstract adds that anti-proliferative activity was also seen for CBDV, CBG, CBL and CBGV. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cell viability Limitations: CBGV is mentioned in one sentence. Cells in a dish. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
| National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) 2026 PubChem: Cannabigerovarin (CID 59444407) PubChem · Source |
Database record n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Name Cannabigerovarin; formula C19H28O2; molecular weight 288.4; IUPAC name 2-[(2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienyl]-5-propylbenzene-1,3-diol; InChIKey YJYIDZLGVYOPGU-XNTDXEJSSA-N. Retrieved through the PubChem REST API on 2026-10-25 (name search 'cannabigerovarin'). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: n/a Limitations: A database record; it says nothing about safety or effects. Funding and conflicts: Public database. Read: REST API read 2026-10-25 |
| National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) 2026 PubChem: Cannabigerovarinic acid (CID 59444383) PubChem · Source |
Database record n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Name search 'cannabigerovarinic acid' returned CID 59444383; formula C20H28O4; molecular weight 332.4; IUPAC name 3-[(2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienyl]-2,4-dihydroxy-6-propylbenzoic acid; InChIKey FAVCTJGKHFHFHJ-GXDHUFHOSA-N. Retrieved through the PubChem REST API on 2026-10-25. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: n/a Limitations: A database record; it says nothing about safety or effects. Funding and conflicts: Public database. Read: REST API read 2026-10-25 |
| Navarro G et al. 2020 Pharmacological data of cannabidiol- and cannabigerol-type phytocannabinoids acting on cannabinoid CB1, CB2 and CB1/CB2 heteromer receptors. Pharmacol Res · PMID 32470563 |
Lab lab |
Human CB1 and CB2 receptors made in cells | CBG, CBDA, CBGA, CBDV and CBGV |
All the plant compounds tested, CBGV included, acted like agonists on their own but like inverse agonists when a selective agonist was present. CBGV showed higher potency in many of the signalling tests, and the compounds produced different (biased) signalling patterns. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Binding and signalling (cAMP, ERK, mass redistribution, arrestin) Limitations: Cells with made-in-the-lab receptors; the abstract gives no numbers. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
| Olah A et al. 2016 Differential effectiveness of selected non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids on human sebocyte functions implicates their introduction in dry/seborrhoeic skin and acne treatment. Exp Dermatol · PMID 27094344 |
Lab lab |
Human SZ95 sebocytes (oil-gland skin cells) in a dish | CBC, CBDV, CBG, CBGV and THCV |
Up to 10 micromolar the compounds barely changed cell survival, while 50 micromolar and above caused cell death. CBG and CBGV increased the cells' basal oil production, and all the compounds showed anti-inflammatory actions. The authors suggest CBG and CBGV may have potential for dry skin. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cell survival, oil (lipid) production, inflammatory signals Limitations: One cell line in a dish; no skin trial. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
| Pilchova I et al. 2026 Calcium signaling in human and mouse microglia exhibit differential susceptibility to phytocannabinoids. Cell Commun Signal · PMID 42421050 |
Lab lab |
Human (HMC3) and mouse (BV2) microglia cell lines | More than 22 cannabinoids, CBGVA among them |
Calcium entry (store-operated calcium entry) was strongly reduced in both cell lines by three minor acids: CBGA, CBGVA and CBDVA. The calcium response to ATP in mouse cells was suppressed most by CBDVA, CBGVA and CBGA. CBGVA is not in the abstract's list of compounds that lowered nitric oxide and TNF-alpha; in the human cells the compounds did not lower inflammatory messengers. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Calcium entry into cells; inflammatory messengers Limitations: Two cell lines in a dish; no animal or person. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
| Raup-Konsavage WM et al. 2022 Efficient Synthesis for Altering Side Chain Length on Cannabinoid Molecules and Their Effects in Chemotherapy and Chemotherapeutic Induced Neuropathic Pain. Biomolecules · PMID 36551296 |
Animal and lab animal-and-lab |
Mice with chemotherapy-induced nerve pain; colorectal cancer cell lines | Laboratory-made CBGV and other CBG side-chain variants (10 mg/kg in mice) |
Side-chain variants of CBG, including CBGV, were similarly able to reduce chemotherapy-induced nerve pain in mice at 10 mg/kg. The shorter-chain molecules (CBGV and CBGB) were better at reducing colorectal cancer cell viability. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Nerve pain in mice; colorectal cancer cell viability Limitations: The compounds were made in the lab, not taken from the plant. Mice and cell lines only; abstract gives no numbers. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
| Tolomeo F et al. 2021 HPLC-UV-HRMS analysis of cannabigerovarin and cannabigerobutol, the two impurities of cannabigerol extracted from hemp. J Pharm Biomed Anal · PMID 34153935 |
Product analysis product |
Four commercial CBG samples extracted from hemp | CBGV and CBGB measured in 'pure' CBG |
CBGV (the propyl relative of CBG) and CBGB (the butyl relative) were identified as the two main impurities in 'pure' commercial CBG, and confirmed against lab-made standards. The four commercial samples differed in their impurity profile, which the authors link to the hemp variety. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Impurity levels by HPLC Limitations: Four samples; the abstract gives no concentrations. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
| US Food and Drug Administration 2024 FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD): Questions and Answers FDA web page (content current as of 07/16/2024) · Source |
Authoritative guidance n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Says FDA has not approved a marketing application for cannabis for the treatment of any disease or condition, and has approved one cannabis-derived and three cannabis-related prescription drug products (including Epidiolex, which contains purified CBD, for seizures with Lennox-Gastaut or Dravet syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex). Apart from Epidiolex, Marinol and Syndros, no product containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds has been approved as safe and effective for any patient population, whether children or adults. It warns that untested drugs can have unpredictable and unintended consequences, and that cannabis products containing THC may cause adverse effects in pregnancy and are discouraged in breastfeeding (ACOG). A text search of the page found no mention of CBGV, CBGVA, cannabigerovarin or any cannabigerol-type name (checked again 2026-10-25). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: n/a Limitations: A general page on cannabis and CBD; it does not discuss CBGV. Content last updated 07/16/2024, and later changes were not checked. Funding and conflicts: US government agency. Read: full page read 2026-10-25 |
| Udoh M et al. 2022 The anticonvulsant phytocannabinoids CBGVA and CBDVA inhibit recombinant T-type channels. Front Pharmacol · PMID 36386164 |
Lab lab |
Human T-type calcium channels (Cav3.1, Cav3.2, Cav3.3) and GPR55 made in HEK-293 cells | CBGVA and CBDVA at 10 micromolar in a screen, then concentration-response tests |
At 10 micromolar CBGVA and CBDVA inhibited Cav3.1 and Cav3.2 by at least 80%. For CBGVA the IC50 (the amount giving half the effect) was 6 micromolar on Cav3.1 and 2 micromolar on Cav3.2. CBGVA shifted the voltage at which Cav3.1 channels become inhibited. CBGVA and CBDVA also blocked GPR55. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Channel inhibition (fluorescence and patch-clamp); GPR55 blocking Limitations: Cells in a dish, with channels made in the lab. Concentrations are not amounts a person would reach. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
| Valliere MA et al. 2019 A cell-free platform for the prenylation of natural products and application to cannabinoid production. Nat Commun · PMID 30718485 |
Enzyme engineering lab |
Cell-free enzyme system | Enzymes making CBGA and CBGVA |
The system made CBGA and CBGVA, the precursors of the CBD-type and THC-type acids, at over 1 g per litre, and one enzyme step converted the precursors into CBDA and CBDVA. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Product yield Limitations: A manufacturing method, not a plant study. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
| Xia W et al. 2024 Rational Design and Modification of NphB for Cannabinoids Biosynthesis. Molecules · PMID 39339449 |
Enzyme engineering lab |
Engineered NphB enzyme | Enzyme variants making CBG, CBGA, CBGV and CBGVA |
Engineered versions of the enzyme NphB made CBG, CBGA, CBGV and CBGVA; one mutant raised CBGV production efficiency about 20-fold and another raised CBGVA activity about 9-fold. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Product yield and catalytic efficiency Limitations: Enzyme work in the lab; says nothing about the plant. Funding and conflicts: Funder and conflicts were not read (abstract only). Read: abstract |
What we do not know yet
- What the evidence supports: nothing at any useful level. There is no human study of CBGV or CBGVA.
- No safety, side-effect, liver, interaction, pregnancy or driving data in people.
- Most abstracts give no CBGV numbers; no study follows up the mouse seizure screen on CBGVA.
- No survey of CBGV in cannabis flower or in finished products beyond a four-sample CBG impurity study.
- The plant pathway to CBGV was not described in the abstracts read.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and are placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating or safety wording.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Other 4
T-type calcium channel current (cells)
Lowered in cells by CBGVA in trials
How much current flows through T-type calcium channels (Cav3.1, Cav3.2) in cells made to carry them.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
These channels help set how excitable nerve cells are.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A lab marker, not a symptom or a patient outcome.
Safety implication
Not applicable.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | At 10 micromolar CBGVA cut Cav3.1 and Cav3.2 currents by 80% or more; IC50 6 micromolar (Cav3.1) and 2 micromolar (Cav3.2). | Human channels in HEK-293 cells | CBGVA in a dish |
Store-operated calcium entry in microglia
Lowered in cells by CBGVA in trials
Calcium entering immune cells of the brain after their internal calcium stores are emptied.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
It helps control how microglia react to inflammation.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A lab marker only.
Safety implication
Not applicable.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | SOCE was potently inhibited by CBGVA (with CBGA and CBDVA) in both human HMC3 and mouse BV2 cell lines; no number in the abstract. | Human and mouse microglia cell lines | CBGVA in a dish |
Colorectal cancer cell viability (cells)
Lowered by CBGV in cell lines in trials
The share of cancer cells in a dish that stay alive after treatment.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
The usual first test of whether a compound slows cancer cell growth.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A lab marker; not a clinical outcome.
Safety implication
Not applicable.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | CBGV and CBGB reduced colorectal cancer cell viability more than the longer-chain variants; no numbers in the abstract. | Human colorectal cancer cell lines | Lab-made CBGV |
Oil (lipid) production in skin oil-gland cells
Raised by CBGV in cells in trials
How much fat the cultured oil-gland cells make.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Linked to dry skin (too little) and acne (too much).
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A lab marker; it does not show any benefit for skin.
Safety implication
50 micromolar and above caused cell death.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | CBG and CBGV increased basal sebaceous lipid synthesis in human SZ95 sebocytes; no number in the abstract. | Human SZ95 sebocytes | CBGV in a dish up to 10 micromolar |
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 5
- No human safety data exist for CBGV or CBGVA. A PubMed search on 2026-10-25 found no study in people, and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry search returned no trial. So no one knows the side effects, the safe amount, or what happens with other medicines. All safety statements on this page are therefore either gaps or borrowed from lab and animal studies. Gap 10
- No CBGV or CBGVA medicine is approved. The FDA's cannabis questions-and-answers page says the agency has not approved a marketing application for cannabis for any disease or condition. It lists one cannabis-derived medicine, Epidiolex (purified CBD). A text search of that page found no mention of CBGV, CBGVA or cannabigerol-type names. Authoritative guidance 19
- A related acid made seizures worse in one mouse test. In the mouse study that flagged CBGVA as anticonvulsant, the related acid CBGA was anticonvulsant in some tests but proconvulsant in another, and a high dose raised spontaneous seizures. The abstract does not say whether CBGVA behaves this way. This is mouse work on a different compound, and it is a reason for care, not a finding about CBGVA. Animal research 3
- At high amounts CBGV killed skin cells in a dish. In human oil-gland skin cells, 50 micromolar and above caused cell death. This is cell work only and its meaning for people is unknown. Lab 15
- Products sold as CBG may contain CBGV, unlabelled. In four commercial 'pure' CBG samples made from hemp, CBGV was one of the two main impurities, and the amounts differed between samples. So a person buying a CBG product may get some CBGV without it being on the label. Product analysis 18
Side effects 3
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side effects in people No human study. Nothing can be said about how common or serious any effect is. | Not established | unknown unknown | Not studied 10 |
| Seizure-related effects of the related acid CBGA (not CBGVA) In mice with a Dravet-type condition, CBGA made one seizure test worse and a high dose increased spontaneous seizures. Not reported for CBGVA in the abstract. | Not established | unknown unknown | Animal research 3 |
| Cell death in skin oil-gland cells at 50 micromolar or more Cells in a dish; the human meaning is not known. | Not established | unknown unknown | Lab 15 |
Liver
No study of CBGV or CBGVA and the liver was found, in people or animals. Nothing can be said. For cannabis products in general, ask a doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have liver disease or take medicines that affect the liver. 10
How often. No data.
Monitoring. No regulator guidance on liver tests for CBGV or CBGVA was found, because no medicine containing them is approved.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that CBGV (Cannabigerovarin) supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 3
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any prescription medicine prescription | No interaction study of CBGV or CBGVA exists. In mice, the related acid CBGA made the seizure medicine clobazam work better, which shows that cannabinoids can change how other medicines act. Whether CBGVA does so is not known. | Unknown. | Animal research Not enough evidence 3 | Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any cannabis product you use, and never stop or change a prescribed medicine, particularly a seizure medicine, because of a cannabinoid. |
| Medicines that CBD is known to interact with (clobazam, valproate, warfarin and others) prescription | CBD products are known from drug labels to interact with several medicines through liver enzymes. We did not read those labels for this page, and nothing links that to CBGV. Because products labelled CBG or CBD can carry minor cannabinoids, an interaction through a mixed product cannot be excluded. | Unknown for CBGV. | Not read Not enough evidence | If you take any of these medicines, ask a pharmacist before using any cannabis-derived product. |
| Alcohol, sedatives and opioids other | No study of CBGV or CBGVA with alcohol, sedatives or opioids exists. Cannabis products that also contain THC can add to sleepiness; this is general information that we did not verify for this page. | Unknown. | Not studied Not enough evidence | Ask a doctor or pharmacist about combinations, and avoid driving until you know how a product affects you. |
Who should check first 6
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy | No data for CBGV or CBGVA. The FDA says it is aware of potential adverse health effects of THC-containing cannabis products in pregnant or lactating women. Talk with a health care provider. | Authoritative guidance 19 |
| Breastfeeding | No data for CBGV or CBGVA. The FDA page, citing ACOG, says there are insufficient data on cannabis use and breastfed infants and that use is discouraged while breastfeeding. | Authoritative guidance 19 |
| Children and teens | No data. The FDA says that, apart from Epidiolex, Marinol and Syndros, no cannabis-containing or cannabis-derived product has been approved as safe and effective for any patient population, and that untested drugs can have unpredictable and unintended consequences. Keep products out of reach of children. | Authoritative guidance 19 |
| People with epilepsy or taking seizure medicines | The only seizure results for CBGVA are in mice, and a related acid made one seizure test worse. Do not use any product in place of a prescribed seizure medicine, and do not stop a seizure medicine because of a cannabinoid. | Animal research 3 |
| Older adults, liver disease, kidney disease | No data. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cannabis-derived product. | Not studied 10 |
| Mental health, dependence, driving and drug testing | CBGV and CBGVA have not been studied for these. Risks such as psychosis, dependence, cannabis hyperemesis syndrome and driving impairment are linked to THC-containing cannabis, not shown for CBGV, and we did not verify them for this page. A product sold as CBG or CBD can contain THC and other compounds, so read the lab report for the exact batch. | Not studied 18 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. No toxic amount is established for people. The only toxicity-type finding is cell death in skin oil-gland cells at 50 micromolar and above.
Animal. Mouse work looked at blood and brain levels of CBGVA after injection but gave no toxicity result for CBGVA in the abstract read. The related acid CBGA raised spontaneous seizures at a high dose in one mouse model.
High dose or long term signals. No long-term data in any species.
Overdose response. Not studied.
Genotoxicity. Not studied in the sources read.
CBGV is not usually sold on its own. It turns up as a minor impurity in hemp-derived CBG and possibly in CBD products. Methods exist to measure it, but some common methods cannot tell it apart from CBG.
CBGV in commercial CBG. CBGV and CBGB (the propyl and butyl relatives of CBG) were the two main impurities in four commercial 'pure' CBG samples extracted from hemp, and the amounts varied between samples. The authors link this to the hemp variety. 18
CBGV in CBD. CBGV was one of several minor cannabinoids examined as possible impurities when telling natural from synthetic CBD. The abstract gives no amounts. 4
Testing can mistake CBGV for CBG. A 1H-NMR quantitation method gives the same spectrum for CBGV and CBG, so it cannot separate them. Labels based on such a method may not report CBGV. 7
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| US Food and Drug Administration (United States) | Its cannabis and CBD questions-and-answers page says the FDA has not approved a marketing application for cannabis for the treatment of any disease or condition, and has approved one cannabis-derived drug (Epidiolex, purified CBD) and three cannabis-related drugs. A text search of the page found no mention of CBGV, CBGVA or cannabigerol-type names. source | 2026-10-25 |
When to get medical help
- A child has swallowed any cannabis, hemp, CBG or CBD product, or an adult took far more than intended: call a poison center (in the US, 1-800-222-1222) or local emergency services.
- A seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes, repeated seizures without recovery, or a new type of seizure: call emergency services.
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain or unusual tiredness: possible liver problem; stop the product and get medical help.
- A new skin rash, especially with fever, blistering or swelling of the face: stop the product and get medical help.
- Extreme sleepiness, trouble waking, slow breathing or confusion: get emergency help.
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is CBGV?
What is the difference between CBGV and CBG?
What is CBGVA?
Has CBGV been tested in people?
No. A PubMed search on 2026-10-25 found no human study of CBGV or CBGVA, and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry search found no trial. All findings are from cells, computer models or mice.
Does CBGV help with seizures?
Does CBGV help with pain?
Only one mouse study exists: a lab-made CBGV, with other CBG variants, reduced chemotherapy-induced nerve pain at 10 mg/kg in mice. No human data, so we cannot say it helps people.
Does CBGV fight cancer?
How does CBGV work in the body?
Is CBGV safe?
Is CBGV in my CBG or CBD product?
Is CBGV legal or approved?
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-25
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-25
- How we research
- We searched PubMed (21 records for cannabigerovarin, CBGV, CBGVA or cannabigerovarinic acid on 2026-10-25, two of them unrelated) and read the abstracts of the studies cited, searched the ClinicalTrials.gov registry, and read the FDA cannabis questions-and-answers page. Compound identity was checked in PubChem. Our lab data holds no CBGV measurement.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown, and none will be added for CBGV. This page is information, not a recommendation to use any product.
Sources 22
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Anavi-Goffer S et al.. Modulation of L-alpha-lysophosphatidylinositol/GPR55 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling by cannabinoids.. J Biol Chem. 2012. PMID 22027819. (abstract)
- Anderson LL et al.. Pharmacokinetics of Phytocannabinoid Acids and Anticonvulsant Effect of Cannabidiolic Acid in a Mouse Model of Dravet Syndrome.. J Nat Prod. 2019. PMID 31686510. (abstract)
- Anderson LL et al.. Cannabigerolic acid, a major biosynthetic precursor molecule in cannabis, exhibits divergent effects on seizures in mouse models of epilepsy.. Br J Pharmacol. 2021. PMID 34384142. (abstract)
- Brighenti V et al.. A new HPLC method with multiple detection systems for impurity analysis and discrimination of natural versus synthetic cannabidiol.. Anal Bioanal Chem. 2024. PMID 38940871. (abstract)
- Chen C et al.. Analysis and Identification of Bioactive Compounds of Cannabinoids in Silico for Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV.. Biomolecules. 2022. PMID 36551156. (abstract)
- Congressional Research Service. Changes to the Statutory Definition of Hemp and Implications for Agricultural Policy (CRS In Focus IF13136), updated September 28, 2026. CRS In Focus. 2026. (carried over from another page of this site; not re-read for this page)
- Dadiotis E et al.. Direct Quantitation of Phytocannabinoids by One-Dimensional 1H qNMR and Two-Dimensional 1H-1H COSY qNMR in Complex Natural Mixtures.. Molecules. 2022. PMID 35566314. (abstract)
- De Petrocellis L et al.. Effects of cannabinoids and cannabinoid-enriched Cannabis extracts on TRP channels and endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes.. Br J Pharmacol. 2011. PMID 21175579. (abstract)
- De Petrocellis L et al.. Cannabinoid actions at TRPV channels: effects on TRPV3 and TRPV4 and their potential relevance to gastrointestinal inflammation.. Acta Physiol (Oxf). 2012. PMID 21726418. (abstract)
- Gasmi A et al.. Cannabinoids: Therapeutic Applications, Mechanisms, and Challenges in Modern Medicine.. Curr Med Chem. 2026. PMID 42163693. (abstract)
- Lee HS et al.. Cannabidiol exerts anti-proliferative activity via a cannabinoid receptor 2-dependent mechanism in human colorectal cancer cells.. Int Immunopharmacol. 2022. PMID 35598400. (abstract)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). PubChem: Cannabigerovarin (CID 59444407). PubChem. 2026. (REST API read 2026-10-25)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). PubChem: Cannabigerovarinic acid (CID 59444383). PubChem. 2026. (REST API read 2026-10-25)
- Navarro G et al.. Pharmacological data of cannabidiol- and cannabigerol-type phytocannabinoids acting on cannabinoid CB1, CB2 and CB1/CB2 heteromer receptors.. Pharmacol Res. 2020. PMID 32470563. (abstract)
- Olah A et al.. Differential effectiveness of selected non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids on human sebocyte functions implicates their introduction in dry/seborrhoeic skin and acne treatment.. Exp Dermatol. 2016. PMID 27094344. (abstract)
- Pilchova I et al.. Calcium signaling in human and mouse microglia exhibit differential susceptibility to phytocannabinoids.. Cell Commun Signal. 2026. PMID 42421050. (abstract)
- Raup-Konsavage WM et al.. Efficient Synthesis for Altering Side Chain Length on Cannabinoid Molecules and Their Effects in Chemotherapy and Chemotherapeutic Induced Neuropathic Pain.. Biomolecules. 2022. PMID 36551296. (abstract)
- Tolomeo F et al.. HPLC-UV-HRMS analysis of cannabigerovarin and cannabigerobutol, the two impurities of cannabigerol extracted from hemp.. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2021. PMID 34153935. (abstract)
- US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD): Questions and Answers. FDA web page (content current as of 07/16/2024). 2024. (full page read 2026-10-25)
- Udoh M et al.. The anticonvulsant phytocannabinoids CBGVA and CBDVA inhibit recombinant T-type channels.. Front Pharmacol. 2022. PMID 36386164. (abstract)
- Valliere MA et al.. A cell-free platform for the prenylation of natural products and application to cannabinoid production.. Nat Commun. 2019. PMID 30718485. (abstract)
- Xia W et al.. Rational Design and Modification of NphB for Cannabinoids Biosynthesis.. Molecules. 2024. PMID 39339449. (abstract)
