CBDa stands for cannabidiolic acid, and it's the precursor molecule to CBD (cannabidiol) derived from the cannabis plant.
In the raw hemp plant, CBDa is the most abundant cannabinoid—many people find the raw cannabis plant's lack of CBD surprising, but all cannabinoids first exist in an acidic form. We get THC and CBD through the decarboxylation of THCa and CBDa.
CBDa interacts with the endocannabinoid system, just like THC and CBD, but their molecular structure may affect how these compounds exert their effects.
CBDa may be more effective than CBD for certain applications observed in animal studies for supporting nausea symptoms, stress, inflammation, and seizures.
What is CBDa compared to CBD?
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, while CBDa stands for cannabidiolic acid—both cannabinoid compounds are derived from the resin glands of cannabis Sativa plants.
CBDa is found on raw cannabis flowers, and CBD is the product of CBDa undergoing decarboxylation, which is essentially a fancy word for "applying heat." This can happen naturally from the sun's heat or during the hemp extraction process.
Decarboxylation breaks off the carboxylic acid group from the molecule, leaving behind CBD, changing the molecular structure of the cannabinoid, and altering its effects on the body.
Because CBD doesn't have psychoactive effects, the differences in how CBD and CBDa make you feel aren't noticeable.
In a comparison, THC and THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) have very noticeable differences in experiences.
CBD is the most well-known cannabinoid, and as a result, most of the research focuses on this compound. However, that doesn't mean that CBDa is inferior to CBD. For one, CBDa isn't as stable as a compound as CBD.
UV exposure and heat will transform CBDa into CBD, which is likely why it's not as easily accessible to purchase.
For a long time, only those growing cannabis plants had access to raw flowers to leverage the potential health benefits of CBDa, but that's quickly changing with modern hemp extraction methods.
The current investigations show that cannabidiolic acid (CBDa) is possibly just as, if not more effective, towards supporting mood, nausea, and healthy inflammation levels than CBD and THC.
What are the Benefits Of CBDa?
Humans have used cannabis plants as medicine for hundreds of years and continue to use them as a gentle and natural panacea.
Many people swear that raw cannabis juice is a wellness elixir. And now, you'll find CBD brands offering raw hemp plant extracts to take advantage of the chemical precursor compounds.
THC and CBD research has overshadowed much of the research in this space. Compared to CBD, CBDa has been relatively understudied. However, that may be changing as scientists begin to explore the potential therapeutic properties of raw cannabis and its compounds.
So far, research suggests that CBDa may have potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. It's also being investigated as a possible treatment for cancer in animal subjects. Still, it's important to keep in mind that most of this research is in its early stages. So while CBDa may hold promise as a medication, more clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy.
Let's look at some of the more current research on the benefits of CBDa.
CBDa Shows Promise To Support Pain & Inflammation
Many people reach for the cannabis Sativa plant as a gentle and natural way to support pain.
One of the investigated reasons cannabinoids such as CBD and THC may help with pain is their inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme, which plays a critical role in controlling the inflammation caused by disease and injury [3]. This is the same target enzyme for many over-the-counter drugs like aspirin and acetaminophen to treat inflammation.
It's important to underscore that the research in this space is still in its preliminary stages, and there are no FDA-approved cannabidiolic acid-based products or pharmaceuticals for pain and inflammation.
CBDa May Help With Nausea & Vomiting
CBDa is a cannabinoid that has shown promise in treating nausea and vomiting in animal studies [4].
Unlike THC, CBDa does not produce psychoactive effects, making it a promising therapy for those who do not wish to experience the high associated with cannabis use.
Animal studies have shown that CBDa effectively suppresses nausea and vomiting symptoms even in low doses in combination with THC through its interactions at the 5-HT1A receptor [4].
More research is needed to confirm the efficacy of CBDa in humans, but the preliminary evidence is encouraging.
CBDa May Support Mood & Stress
Murine-model studies suggest that CBDa has a greater affinity to the 5-HT1A receptor than CBD, making it more potent [5].
Serotonin is one of the critical neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation, and the 5-HT1A receptor is often engaged in the anti-anxiety effects of antidepressants.
In this recent study, rats subjected to stress showed reduced anxiety and improved mood after being given CBDa. Control rats who were not under stressful conditions did not show any mood changes.
CBDa May Inhibit Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2
This is the latest cannabis news that went viral.
Research at Oregon State University found that raw cannabinoids, specifically CBDa and CBGa, have the potential to bind to the spike protein of the coronavirus, blocking viral entry and replication cycle [6].
This research on CBDa's benefits in preventing the spread of COVID-19 was conducted in test tubes and computer run simulations—the human immune response is much more complex and may not reflect the same positive outcome. Still, it is considered a significant body of research in the cannabis and scientific community.
CBDa And Anti-Cancer Research
Recent studies conducted in Japan and the United States have shown that cannabidiolic acid (CBDa) may positively affect cancer cells. The study was conducted using cancer cells cultured outside the body [7].
While experiments conducted in Petri dishes are no comparison to human clinical trials, the cannabinoid did show some positive effects against a highly invasive form of breast cancer.
Specifically, the CBDa treatment seemed to prevent the migration of breast cancer cells. If further studies confirm these findings, it's possible that CBDa could be used as part of a treatment plan to prevent the spread of cancer.
What Should I Look For When Buying CBDa Oil?
When it comes to buying CBDa oil, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure you're getting a dependable product. First of all, always buy from a reputable brand in the CBD space —this will ensure that the hemp and additional ingredients are of high quality and that the extraction methods are clean.
Secondly, always refer to lab tests for purity and potency to give you an indication of just how strong the oil is, and whether or not it contains any contaminants.
The certificate of analysis should read that the CBDa content is at least 60% of the total profile of the hemp extract.
Avoid products that are for smoking—we've come across CBDa products for use in vapes, which doesn't make sense because as soon as you expose the cannabinoid to heat, raw CBDa becomes regular CBD. This isn't a bad thing as you're still getting the benefits of CBD, but you've likely paid a higher price tag for this product because CBDa extraction is a much more complex and labor-intensive process.
An often overlooked step in shopping for CBDa products is checking the manufacture date.
Decarboxylation occurs quickly with heat exposure, but it can also take place over time with oxidation. If the CBDa product has been sitting on the manufacturer's shelf for a while, it may degrade the quality of the product overall.
With these factors in mind, you can be sure that you're getting the best possible product available on the market.
Is CBDa Legal?
It's not news that the cannabis plant has a troubled legal history. Marijuana plants still remain federally illegal and are listed as a Schedule I substance. However, some states have legalized it for recreational use and medical programs, recognizing its safety and potential benefits.
In 2018, the US government passed the Farm Bill, which permitted the production and sale of hemp plants and their derivatives, including CBD and CBDa as long as their source contains less than 0.3% THC.
CBDa can be found in both varieties of cannabis plants, so always make sure you're purchasing legal raw hemp flowers.
Is CBDa Found In Weed?
CBDa is found in raw marijuana flowers in small quantities. The most abundant raw cannabinoid in weed is tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa).
If you've bought weed, chances are you're looking to experience the psychoactive effects. In which case, you'll need to expose THCa to heat to break off the acid chain to get THC.
Is CBDa Safe? What Are The Potential Side Effects?
CBDa is considered safe and well-tolerated in most people. The biggest concern would be allergies to the terpenes in the raw cannabis flower. Those who are sensitive to essential oils or tend to have seasonal allergies may want to test out a small sample of a raw cannabis product on an area of the skin before taking a full dose to ensure there's no allergic reaction.
The body processes cannabinoids through the liver, which means taking cannabinoids alongside medications can potentially risk high levels of medication in your system.
Always check with your doctor to ensure using cannabis products is appropriate for your situation. Right now, CBDa-rich products are available in oil tinctures.
Conclusion: What is CBDa
CBD and CBDa are both cannabinoids, which are compounds found in the cannabis plant. CBDa is the raw version of the CBD molecule with a carboxylic acid chain. When exposed to heat, the bond of the carboxylic acid chain breaks off and we're left with CBD.
Both compounds interact in the body's endocannabinoid system and several other unique receptor sites to support one's overall health.
CBD is the most well-known cannabinoid, and it's been the subject of much research. However, more interest is now growing in CBDa, and we can expect to see more products containing this compound on the market. So far, it's too early to say which one is better than the other. Both CBD and CBDa have potential therapeutic benefits, but they also have different effects on the body.
To date, most CBDa research is preclinical animal studies with a lot of promising results that may lead to human trials.
FAQ
How To Decarboxylate CBDa?
CBDa may be discovered on raw cannabis flowers, and CBD is the result of CBDa being decarboxylated, which is a fancy name for “applying heat” (cooking, smoking, vaping). This might happen naturally as a result of the sun's heat or as a result of the hemp extraction process. Decarboxylation removes the carboxylic acid group from the molecule, leaving behind CBD, altering the cannabinoid's molecular structure and affecting its effects on the body.
What Is CBDa Oil And How Does It Work?
CBDa, short for cannabidiolic acid, is the raw form of CBD found in hemp plants. Because CBDa is the precursor of CBD, it's no surprise that these substances work similarly in the body's endocannabinoid system, which is a network of receptors and ligands (endocannabinoids) situated throughout the body. The ECS is responsible for pain control, immune response, mood modulation, and energy metabolism. CBDa has also been shown to interact with the 5-HT1a-serotonin receptors, which are neurotransmitters that regulate mood, hunger, nausea, and sleep, among other things.
What Are The CBDa Benefits?
So far, research suggests that CBDa has strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) benefits, that it can help with nausea and vomiting, that it can help with stress and mood, that it can help block SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry, and that it can help cancer cells. However, keep in mind that the majority of this research is still in its early stages. While CBDa has shown potential as a therapy, more clinical study is needed to confirm its usefulness.
What Is The Best CBDa Oil?
A reliable company will always give the greatest CBDa oil. The certificate of analysis should verify that the CBDa level in the hemp extract is at least 60% of the overall profile. Smokable CBD should be avoided because when heated, raw CBDa converts to conventional CBD, and the product should not be kept on the manufacturer's shelf for too long because decarboxylation can occur quickly with heat or slowly with oxidation
Resources:
- Fitzpatrick, F. A. (2004). Cyclooxygenase enzymes: regulation and function. Current pharmaceutical design, 10(6), 577-588.
- Bolognini, D., Rock, E. M., Cluny, N. L., Cascio, M. G., Limebeer, C. L., Duncan, M., ... & Pertwee, R. G. (2013). Cannabidiolic acid prevents vomiting in S uncus murinus and nausea‐induced behaviour in rats by enhancing 5‐HT1A receptor activation. British journal of pharmacology, 168(6), 1456-1470.
- Takeda, S., Misawa, K., Yamamoto, I., & Watanabe, K. (2008). Cannabidiolic acid as a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory component in cannabis. Drug Metabolism and Disposition, 36(9), 1917-1921.
- Bolognini, D., Rock, E. M., Cluny, N. L., Cascio, M. G., Limebeer, C. L., Duncan, M., ... & Pertwee, R. G. (2013). Cannabidiolic acid prevents vomiting in S uncus murinus and nausea‐induced behaviour in rats by enhancing 5‐HT1A receptor activation. British journal of pharmacology, 168(6), 1456-1470.
- Rock, E. M., Limebeer, C. L., Petrie, G. N., Williams, L. A., Mechoulam, R., & Parker, L. A. (2017). Effect of prior foot shock stress and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiolic acid, and cannabidiol on anxiety-like responding in the light-dark emergence test in rats. Psychopharmacology, 234(14), 2207-2217.
- van Breemen, R. B., Muchiri, R. N., Bates, T. A., Weinstein, J. B., Leier, H. C., Farley, S., & Tafesse, F. G. (2022). Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants. Journal of natural products.
- Takeda, S., Okajima, S., Miyoshi, H., Yoshida, K., Okamoto, Y., Okada, T., ... & Aramaki, H. (2012). Cannabidiolic acid, a major cannabinoid in fiber-type cannabis, is an inhibitor of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell migration. Toxicology letters, 214(3), 314-319.
