CBDA is a minor cannabinoid that has the potential to be used in major ways. CBDA just recently became available in a stable form to infuse into cannabinoid-based applications bringing CBDA to the market for consumers. Because of this, CBDA has gained more popularity both with consumers and in the field of science. But what exactly is CBDA? In this guide we will discuss what CBDA is, its benefits, and the advantages of CBDA compared to CBD.
What is CBDA?
CBDA or cannabidiolic acid is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid from hemp and cannabis plants. Most abundantly found in the glandular trichomes in the raw cannabis and hemp plants, CBDA is the precursor to CBD. Through the process of decarboxylation, a process where cannabinoids are exposed to heat, CBDA converts to CBD.
CBDA has demonstrated a host of therapeutic benefits, leading global solutions providers to develop ways to extract this powerful cannabinoid at a mass scale. The problem with extracting this unapparelled acidic cannabinoid comes from the process of extraction itself. Traditional extraction methods often utilize heat to extract cannabinoids. Unfortunately, this causes the conversion on CBDA to CBD to occur, losing most if not all of the acidic cannabinoids in the process. Essentia Scientific utilizes water-as-solvent technology to be able to extract acidic cannabinoids on a mass scale, delivering to the market CBDA products consumers can count on.
Benefits of CBDA
Though there is less research on CBDA when compared to CBD, research has demonstrated this acidic cannabinoid has a host of therapeutic benefits. Here are some of CBDAs most notable benefits.
CBDA interacts with the body’s serotonin, or 5HT1-A receptors making it a therapeutic option for those with anxiety disorders and depression, as well as reducing nausea and vomiting in an array of patients including those on chemotherapy.
CBDA has demonstrated itself as a powerful anti-inflammatory with the ability to reduce hyperalgesia, a hypersensitivity to pain caused by chronic pain conditions, opioid use, and more. CBDA reduces inflammation via its role as a COX-2 enzyme inhibitor. COX-2 has an anti-inflammatory effect that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, also inhibit. As a COX-2 inhibitor, studies have demonstrated CBDA as a safer option for anti-inflammatory effects than the current options available on the market today. Through the same inhibiting action, CBDA also reduces pain in those with both chronic and acute ailments.
CBDA has also shown to be beneficial for cancer via invitro studies and can also help reduce symptoms, such as pain and nausea, that patients may experience.
With many clinical trials underway, it is a matter of time before we discover even more benefits this acidic cannabinoid has to offer.
Advantages of CBDA compared to CBD
Through research CBDA has demonstrated many advantages in comparison to CBD. Though they are closely related, they have differences, and CBDA is taking the lead.
CBDA has been found to be 19x more bioavailable than CBD in a study published in the 24th Annual Symposium of the International Cannabinoid Research Society. What does this mean exactly? This means our bodies absorb more CBDA in comparison to CBD! When ingesting CBD, more is getting lost before the body can obtain the benefits.
CBDA also has a greater affinity to the 5HT1-A or serotonin receptor. In a 2013 study CBDA showed a 100-fold greater affinity to the serotonin receptor than CBD, allowing for lower doses of CBDA for a variety of instances. The bodies serotonin receptor is most commonly known for its role in controlling mood. However, it is also responsible for modulating dozens of critical processes in the body including pain signals, nausea and vomiting, and the cardiovascular system. Because CBDA has a greater affinity to the serotonin receptor, research has found it more powerful than CBD for a variety of instances including as a therapeutic for those with anxiety disorders and depression and helping those with nausea induced by chemotherapy.
Additionally, a patent filed by GW Pharma found CBDA was more effective at treating seizures than CBD and credited it to the higher bioavailability of CBDA. It was noted patients could then use less CBDA in comparison to CBD.
Products with CBDA
You may be thinking, how can I try CBDA? Finding a trusted supplier, with certified lab testing is a must. Below are a few products you can find with CBDA.
Tinctures
Tinctures are a great option to get the benefits of CBDA. Finding a product clearly labeled as a CBDA tincture is ideal, but few are available currently on the market, as CBDA only recently became available in a stable form suitable for infusing into products. A full spectrum or broad-spectrum tincture may have CBDA, dependent on the processing involved. It is important to always check the COA (certificate of analysis) on a product to verify it has CBDA.
Topicals
Topicals are a great way to absorb the pain relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits of CBDA. Always be sure to verify on the COA if the product has CBDA in it.
Inhalation Products
In the market today we often see hemp flower labeled as CBDA. The problem is though, this is not accurate. Remember we learned before when heated CBDA converts to CBD? As soon as the product is heated for inhalation, CBDA is converted. If you are looking for a CBDA product, inhalation products are not the way to go.
CBDA can be a great way to enhance your health and wellness. Always be sure to speak with your primary care physician before adding any supplements or wellness products into your routine.
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