We’re here once again with another breakdown of one of the latest trending cannabinoids: CBDa. By now you’ve probably read about the differences between CBN vs CBD vs CBG. These were some of the first cannabinoids that were heavily researched along with several different types of THC.
So, what is CBDa? What is CBDa good for? What are the benefits of CBDa? What is CBDa vs CBD?
It has CBD in the name, but what is the difference between CBD and CBDa? We’ll take a look at all this and more. Keep reading to understand what is CBDa and if it’s the right choice for you!
Key Takeaways
- Cannabidilic acid (CBDa) is found in raw cannabis plants and is considered a precursor to CBD.
- Early studies suggest CBDa may be more effective for things like nausea and fighting depression-like symptoms, but more research is necessary.
- CBDa oil is considered “raw CBD oil” and CBDa products will usually showcase this on the label indicating the ingredients have not undergone the decarboxylation process.
- Although it is a precursor, CBD and CBDa benefits are slightly different and interact in different ways with the body.
What is CBDa?
CBDa is known as cannabidiolic acid and is the main phytocannabinoid in fiber and hemp seed oil. It is considered non-psychoactive cannabinoid and is a precursor to CBD. When the cannabis plant (either hemp or marijuana) is cultivated, dried, and heated, CBDa turns into CBD, the cannabinoid we all know and love!
There’s been plenty of research and development behind CBD products but CBDa interest has just started to grow.
Before cannabis goes through the process known as decarboxylation, the CBD cannabinoid begins as its acidic form – also known as CBDa. This is the same form and process that we detailed in our article titled, “THCa vs Delta 9: What Are The Differences?”
THCa is THC in its raw form, the same as CBDa. CBDa is the most natural form of the CBD cannabinoid found in the plant before it undergoes any changes.
What is the difference between CBD and CBDa?
The differences between CBD and CBDa boil down to the decarboxylation process mentioned above. CBD starts as CBDa when found in its raw form in the hemp (or marijuana plant). Before CBD is heated, therefore changing its composition, it is considered an acid. All cannabinoids start out as an acid form prior to undergoing any changes.
What Are the Benefits of CBDa?
CBD and CBDa are different forms of the same cannabinoid offering similar, but different, benefits. There’s been plenty of research on the benefits of CBD products (like our CBD gummies), but there’s been less focus on the CBDa benefits.
According to a 2020 study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, cannabidiolic acid is an overlooked bioactive compound stuck in the shadow of CBD. Because most interest has been geared towards the benefits of CBD, research hasn’t focused on CBDa benefits. This early review discusses the information related to the CBDa molecule, focusing on the bioactivity as an anti-inflammation, anti-emetic, and anti-convulsant.
It’s important to note that this study only provided preliminary research on CBDa and there is still more research necessary before we understand exactly how CBDa works with the body.
What is CBDa Good For?
CBDa benefits are more difficult to define simply because there has not been a lot of research conducted. Most cannabinoids work with the body by binding directly with CB1 or CB2 receptors, but CBDa works differently in a number of ways. One of those examples is that CBDa interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) by inhibiting certain enzymes that are directly related to inflammation.
CBDa may also affect levels of serotonin which may be useful for those that experience nausea from certain medications. Another study conducted in 2018 revealed that CBDa may be a useful option for fighting depression-like behavior and symptoms.
It's important to note that these studies were conducted as non-human experiments, and more research needs to be conducted in order to fully understand the CBDa benefits.
Is CBDa stronger than CBD?
This is tough to answer because they are different forms of the same cannabinoid. For certain issues, CBDa may be more effective than CBD. According to a 2013 study, scientists found that CBDa may be up to 1000 times more powerful than CBD in binding directly with specific serotonin receptors. CBDa could be the right choice for those looking for help with nausea or anxiety.
Research indicates that CBD may be more widely applicable for a variety of issues, while CBDa benefits may be more specific to some of the issues listed above.
Why is CBDa better than CBD?
While this is a frequently asked question when it comes to what is CBDa, it’s not necessarily true. It’s not that one is better than the other, it’s that our body uses CBDa vs CBD in different ways. Because of how our body interacts with CBDa vs CBD, they both result in their own set of benefits.
CBDa benefits include things like fighting inflammation, helping with nausea, and combating mood or depression-like symptoms. By interacting with certain ECS receptors and inhibiting certain enzymes made naturally in our bodies, CBDa benefits works to combat these complications.
On the other hand, CBD binds to different receptors found in the ECS (like the famed CB1 and CB2 receptors) that help provide a greater sense of overall well-being and optimization. By working with our ECS, the benefits of CBD can be spread to various parts of the body resulting in a wide range of possible benefits.
What is CBDa Oil?
Although CBD oil and CBDa oil look very similar, they are different. Products that use CBDa oil use raw hemp extract that is unprocessed and preserves a higher concentration of CBDa. CBD oils on the other hand have undergone some processing from its raw form, and usually come with a variety of cannabinoids (like CBN or CBG).
The only way to really tell what your CBDa vs CBD products are made of is to look at the third-party lab testing. These results will show the complete cannabinoid profile, potency, contaminants, and more.
The Takeaway: CBDa vs CBD
At the end of the day, most people are curious about CBDa vs CBD after understanding what is CBDa. Once you understand that it is simply the acidic precursor to CBD, you begin to understand how these two things are different.
Although hemp is more often cultivated, dried, and heated, it’s not the only way to reap the benefits of the plant. The raw oil (also known as CBDa oil) can offer its own variety of benefits. When it comes to CBDa benefits, there are three main takeaways:
- Anti-inflammation by inhibiting specific enzymes.
- Combating nausea by affecting levels of serotonin
- Fighting mood disorders and depression-like symptoms
Just remember: there is always more research to be done! We’ve only begun to scratch the surface in terms of the CBDa benefits and everything else the hemp plant and its cannabinoids have to offer.
When all else fails, turn to EVN CBD for all your CBD needs! Whether it’s CBD for sleep, Delta 9 gummies, CBD topicals, or even CBD for pet health, we’ve got you covered with nothing but the best that hemp has to offer!