You may be familiar with THC and CBD in cannabis, but have you considered CBDA? We all know that THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive component in weed and CBD or cannabidiol is the therapeutic compound but what is CBDA and what does it do?

CBDA Explained

CBDA is cannabidiolic acid and is also a cannabinoid compound. It is found in marijuana as well as in hemp plants and is closely related to CBD. CBDA is known as the acidic precursor to CBD. But despite their close relationship, CBD and CBDA have many differences. We’ll look at these differences later in this guide.  

CBDA was first discovered in 1996 and was isolated in hemp and raw cannabis. It is the acidic precursor of CBD as this compound undergoes many changes as weed plants are dried and then exposed to heat. When cannabis is raw and in fresh leaves and buds that are not yet dried and cured, all the compounds are still in their acidic forms. This is what happens to CBDA. 

The inactive acids have a carboxyl ring in their molecular chain. And when weed is heated the acids lose this acidic carboxyl group and start to break down to active components. CBDA becomes CBD through heat or when weed is decarbed (the process of decarboxylation).

But cannabis is consumed in other forms, not just smoked or vaped. People who juice up cannabis get a healthy dose of CBDA. Aside from juicing, CBDA is also in raw hemp oil such as CBD oils which were made from weed that has not undergone decarboxylation.  CBDA is also present in tinctures, cannabis capsules, and in many types of uncooked edibles.

Which is Better, CBDA, or CBD?

Indeed, CBDA and CBD are cannabinoids. There are actually around 113 known cannabinoids in marijuana and the amounts of each cannabinoid vary depending on the type of plant and whether the plants have been decarbed. 

CBD is available in very small amounts in vegging cannabis plants while CBDA is in abundance. Only when weed is harvested, dried, and heated will CBDA become CBD.  And similar to CBD, CBDA is not psychoactive and will never cause any kind of euphoric effect when it is consumed.

CBDA and CBD will interact with the endocannabinoid system of the body. This is a system or network that affects the production of neurotransmitters found in the brain to keep different bodily functions in check. But CBDA and other acidic cannabinoids may also affect the endocannabinoid system in other ways that decarboxylated cannabinoids like THC and CBD. 

How Can CBDA Help Cannabis Users?

CBDA benefits are still being studied and this is the same as CBD despite this cannabinoid getting a lot of attention from the medical industry. Experts say that CBD may have different benefits from CBD but they agree that this compound may also promote overall wellness and health. 

CBDA’s benefits that have been unlocked by experts are related to its effects on the endocannabinoid system and the body’s 5-HT receptors. Instead of binding with the ECS receptors, this compound will interact with the ECS system through the COX-2 enzyme. Also, CBDA is thought to affect the serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors or 5-HT receptors. 

When your serotonin levels are at the ideal level, you will experience improved health. The ECS is important in the promotion of homeostasis and keeps several bodily functions well balanced. 

Sadly, studies regarding CBDA are not as many as CBD and THC but almost all the research made regarding this compound is coming back with extra-ordinary results. 

Some CBDA Facts to Consider

According to some studies, this cannabinoid may have the following properties

1. CBDA is an Anti-inflammatory 

CBDA may help people with inflammatory conditions like arthritis and infections. There may be no human or any animal studies about CBDA but cell cultures were discovered to work similar to how NSAIDs treat inflammation. CBDA is better than NSAIDS since the later causes stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, kidney problems, bleeding, and headaches. 

2. CBDA is Good for Nausea and Vomiting

In a study about the effects of CBDA against nausea and vomiting in rats, CBDA was seen as better than CBD in relieving symptoms of nausea and vomiting. CBDA may activate a cell receptor in the brain of the rodent. 

3. CBDA Can Block Out All Kinds of Pain

CBDA may be similar to CBD as this can put an end on different kinds of pain. It can help with headaches, migraines, muscle pain, arthritis pain, joint pain, back pain, and digestive system pain. You can count on CBDA to ease chronic pain with no known side effects, unlike traditional pain medications.  

4. CBDA Has Anti-bacterial and Anti-microbial Properties

CBDA can help ease inflammation due to its anti-bacterial properties and the best thing about it is that CBDA has no known side effects and thus is not harmful to health even when regularly used. 

5. CBDA has Anti-cancer Effects

Studies about CBDA can prevent cancer cell movement in aggressive types of cancers. CBDA treatment may help prevent breast cancer cells from moving around the body; this is a good factor in cancer treatment. 

Another similar study was released in 2014 and showed that CBDA also can treat cancer. In the most recent study, the cannabinoid can suppress the DNA associated with cell metastasis. This is when cancer cells move to other parts of the body. Metastasis is the reason for death in people with breast cancer. 

The first research is promising however, it is too early to say that CBD is an effective anti-cancer treatment. But the small evidence by far is outstanding but not conclusive. We recommend more clinical trials especially human trials for its effectivity in cancer treatment. CBDA may not be as popular as CBD or THC but researchers and cannabis supporters are hopeful. Someday, CBDA products like a raw weed, oils, creams, edibles, and concentrates will be available to users and it will be regarded as CBD’s equal and not just its poorly understood ancestor.