If you’re familiar with the world of hemp and CBD products, you may have come across CBDA, a lesser-known cannabinoid that’s making waves in the wellness industry. While CBD has taken the spotlight in recent years, CBDA is starting to gain recognition for its unique properties and potential health benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between CBDA and CBD, their respective benefits and effects, and what you need to know before using CBDA products.
What is CBDA?
CBDA, or cannabidiolic acid, serves as the precursor to CBD and is found in raw hemp plants. When exposed to heat, CBDA is converted into CBD through a process called decarboxylation. Because CBDA is found in raw, unheated hemp plants, it’s often present in full-spectrum hemp products that retain the plant’s natural compounds.
How Does CBDA Differ from CBD?
The chemical structures of CBDA and CBD are very similar, with only a slight variation in their molecular makeup. However, this slight difference makes a big impact on their properties and effects. CBDA has been found to be 19x more bioavailable than CBD. This means when an equivalent amount of CBD and CBDA are ingested, the body can absorb much more CBDA. This makes CBDA a more potent therapeutic for a variety of instances, including reducing anxiety, depression, and the frequency and duration of seizures.
Methods of Consumption and Absorption
CBDA is often consumed in the form of raw hemp or full-spectrum hemp products that contain CBDA along with other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. These products may include raw hemp flower, hemp juice, and raw hemp extract. CBDA can also be consumed by using a CBDA isolate. This is the purest form of CBDA, typically having 99% or higher purity.
CBD, on the other hand, is available in a wide range of products, including tinctures, edibles, topicals, and more. CBD products are typically made with CBD isolate or full-spectrum CBD oil.
Effects on the Body
The effects of CBDA and CBD are similar in many ways. Both CBD and CBDA have been found to have potential anti-inflammatory properties, making them a promising option for those with inflammatory conditions like arthritis or Crohn’s disease. They also have anti-nausea properties, and anti-anxiety as well as anti-depressant effects. However, in many cases CBDA demonstrates a greater affinity to receptors, making it a more potent therapeutic. This is the case for its anti-anxiety, anti-nausea, and anti-depressant effects, as CBDA has a greater affinity to the 5-HT1A or serotonin receptor.
Benefits of CBDA
Though there is less research on CBDA compared to CBD, research has found it has the potential to deliver a wider range of therapeutic benefits. Here are some of the benefits of CBDA:
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: CBDA has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising option for those with inflammatory conditions like arthritis or Crohn’s disease.
- Potential for use in Cancer Treatment: It may contain anti-cancer properties, with some studies suggesting that it may inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
- Anxiety and Depression Relief: Some studies have suggested that CBDA may have anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, making it a potential option for those with anxiety or depression.
- Other Potential Benefits: CBDA may have a variety of other potential benefits, including anti-seizure properties.
Benefits of CBD
CBD also offers a wide range of potential health benefits that can help its users in many ways.
- Pain Relief: CBD has been found to help relieve pain and inflammation, making it a promising option for those with chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or multiple sclerosis.
- Anxiety and Depression Relief: Studies suggest that it may have anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, making it a potential option for those with anxiety or depression. CBD may also help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Neuroprotective Properties: It has neuroprotective properties, which could make it a promising option for those with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.
CBDA for Sale
If you’re interested in trying CBDA products, there are a few options available. Raw hemp flower and hemp juice are two of the most popular ways to consume CBDA, but they may not be readily available in all areas.
You can also find CBDA in full-spectrum hemp products like oils, tinctures, and capsules. However, the amount of CBDA can be limited depending on the extraction and manufacturing processes. The purest form of CBDA comes in the form of CBDA isolate. CBDA isolate typically has 99% or higher purity and can be a great addition to one’s wellness routine to gain the benefits of CBDA. When shopping for CBDA products, be sure to look for reputable brands that use high-quality hemp and third-party lab testing to ensure the purity and potency of their products.
While both CBDA and CBD are generally safe, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using CBDA or CBD products, especially if you’re taking other medications. With the growing interest in CBDA and CBD, we’ll likely continue to learn more about these cannabinoids and their potential health benefits in the years to come.