How four lesser-known cannabinoids move through the body and brain in rats and mice
All four phytocannabinoids tested (CBD, CBDV, THCV, CBG) readily crossed the blood-brain barrier, and CBD reduced obsessive-compulsive behavior in mice on a time course matching its brain levels.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Researchers mapped the pharmacokinetic profiles of four phytocannabinoids (CBD, CBDV, THCV, CBG) after single-dose administration in rats and mice by both oral and injection routes. All four compounds readily crossed the blood-brain barrier.
Absorption varied significantly by route and species. In mice, injection consistently produced higher plasma and brain concentrations. In rats, oral administration actually yielded higher brain concentrations for CBD and CBDV, but injection was better for THCV and CBG.
CBD at 120 mg/kg reduced obsessive-compulsive behavior (marble burying) in mice, with the behavioral effect timing matching its pharmacokinetic profile. This provided direct evidence linking CBD brain levels to a specific behavioral outcome.
Key Numbers
CBD: 120 mg/kg. CBDV: 60 mg/kg. THCV: 30 mg/kg. CBG: 120 mg/kg. All crossed blood-brain barrier. CBD reduced marble burying on a pharmacokinetic-consistent time course.
How They Did This
Pharmacokinetic study with single-dose administration of CBD, CBDV, THCV, and CBG to rats and mice via oral and intraperitoneal routes. Plasma and brain concentrations measured over time. CBD was also tested in the marble burying test for obsessive-compulsive behavior.
Why This Research Matters
Knowing how these compounds reach the brain and how long they stay there is essential for designing effective studies and, eventually, medications. The finding that oral CBD reached higher brain levels in rats than injection was counterintuitive and practically important.
The Bigger Picture
Most cannabis research has focused on THC and CBD. This study provided baseline pharmacokinetic data for CBDV, THCV, and CBG, enabling future studies on these less-studied cannabinoids to use appropriate doses and timing.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Animal study; human pharmacokinetics may differ substantially. Single-dose design does not capture effects of repeated dosing. The vehicle (solutol vs cremophor) affected brain penetration, meaning formulation matters. Only one behavioral test was used for CBD.
Questions This Raises
- ?How do these pharmacokinetic profiles translate to humans?
- ?Can CBDV, THCV, or CBG produce behavioral effects at achievable brain concentrations?
- ?Does CBD reduce OCD-like behavior through the same pathways as serotonergic medications?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- All four phytocannabinoids readily crossed the blood-brain barrier
- Evidence Grade:
- Animal pharmacokinetic study with practical pharmacological validation. Important reference data but animal pharmacokinetics have limited direct human applicability.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2012. These pharmacokinetic profiles have informed subsequent research on minor cannabinoids.
- Original Title:
- Plasma and brain pharmacokinetic profile of cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidivarine (CBDV), Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabigerol (CBG) in rats and mice following oral and intraperitoneal administration and CBD action on obsessive-compulsive behaviour.
- Published In:
- Psychopharmacology, 219(3), 859-73 (2012)
- Authors:
- Deiana, Serena, Watanabe, Akihito, Yamasaki, Yuki, Amada, Naoki, Arthur, Marlene, Fleming, Shona, Woodcock, Hilary, Dorward, Patricia, Pigliacampo, Barbara, Close, Steve, Platt, Bettina, Riedel, Gernot
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00555
Evidence Hierarchy
Tests effects in animals (usually mice or rats), not humans.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What are CBDV, THCV, and CBG?
These are lesser-known compounds from the cannabis plant. CBDV (cannabidivarin) and THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) are variants of CBD and THC. CBG (cannabigerol) is a precursor compound. All are being studied for potential therapeutic uses distinct from THC and CBD.
Can CBD help with OCD?
In this mouse study, CBD reduced obsessive-compulsive-like behavior (marble burying) at 120 mg/kg. The timing of the behavioral effect matched CBD brain levels. However, mouse behavior is not the same as human OCD, and clinical evidence is very limited.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00555APA
Deiana, Serena; Watanabe, Akihito; Yamasaki, Yuki; Amada, Naoki; Arthur, Marlene; Fleming, Shona; Woodcock, Hilary; Dorward, Patricia; Pigliacampo, Barbara; Close, Steve; Platt, Bettina; Riedel, Gernot. (2012). Plasma and brain pharmacokinetic profile of cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidivarine (CBDV), Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabigerol (CBG) in rats and mice following oral and intraperitoneal administration and CBD action on obsessive-compulsive behaviour.. Psychopharmacology, 219(3), 859-73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-011-2415-0
MLA
Deiana, Serena, et al. "Plasma and brain pharmacokinetic profile of cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidivarine (CBDV), Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabigerol (CBG) in rats and mice following oral and intraperitoneal administration and CBD action on obsessive-compulsive behaviour.." Psychopharmacology, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-011-2415-0
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Plasma and brain pharmacokinetic profile of cannabidiol (CBD..." RTHC-00555. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/deiana-2012-plasma-and-brain-pharmacokinetic
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.