Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) reign supreme in the cannabis world’s headlines, but have you heard of CBDA?
Before the cannabis plant is cured, it produces various acidic forms of cannabinoids in its raw plant form. These could be anything from THCA, CBCA, or even CBDA.
For those who enjoy the psychoactive high of cannabis, these acidic forms of cannabinoids may not be of much value, but for those who rely on cannabis for its medicinal properties, CBDA and its derivatives may be prospects in their arsenal of tools.
Judging by its name, you can probably already guess that CBDA is a close relative of CBD.
As we’ve previously mentioned, CBDA is simply the acidic form of CBD and stands for Cannabidiolic Acid. The cannabinoid can be consumed as an isolated compound or converted to CBD through exposure to heat or curing.
Let’s jump right in and get you familiar with the basics of CBDA!
What is CBDA?
Cannabidiolic acid, also known as CBDA is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is predominantly found in live hemp and cannabis plants. Much like its close relative CBD, CBDA also interacts and stimulates our endocannabinoid system to produce its effects.
CBDA is the acidic form of Cannabidiol (CBD), much like how THCA is the acidic form of THC.
In essence, cannabidiolic acid is the “raw” form of CBD that has been naturally produced by the plant. For THCA or CBDA to be converted to their non-acidic forms, a carboxyl group must be removed through decarboxylation, which is the exposure to heat over a sustained period of time.
What is CBDA Used For?
Nowadays, cannabis edibles have skyrocketed in popularity due to their effectiveness and great medical value.
And what better way to enjoy the benefits of your cannabis through a homemade meal or beverage?
Much like THC and CBD, CBDA can be incorporated into a variety of different foods and beverages. For example, you could make a smoothie with some fruits and veggies and add a touch of CBDA oil for its anti-inflammatory effects.
You could also bake some banana bread and incorporate your CBDA isolate there. The applications of this compound have no bounds and are left to your imagination.
It’s also important to note that if you cook your food without THC, you’ll still benefit from the cannabinoids without getting high.
Finally, since cannabidiolic acid is just the “raw” form of CBD, how do its medicinal properties compare to it?
What are the Potential Effects of CBDA?
When compared to cannabidiol (CBD) side by side, cannabidiolic acid has been shown to act more potently than the former.
Although this may be true, it is important to note that research and clinical trials on CBDA are still in its infancy, as the cutting edge cannabinoid is running on limited evidence to validate its effects.
More research is required to confirm whether these effects are consistent.
Has Inhibitory Effects on Inflammation
In a 2008 study conducted by Japanese researchers, it was found that both THCA and CBDA exhibited inhibitory effects on inflammation, with CBDA being the more potent of the two.
Cannabidiolic acid was shown to be blocking the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme with great effectiveness.
In fact, many Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen function similarly, blocking COX 2 to provide relief.
May Have Potential Anti-Tumor Properties
Another study published in 2017 and conducted by the same team of Japanese researchers looked at the potential anti-tumor properties of CBDA against highly aggressive breast cancer cells.
The study covered the potential cancer-fighting properties of cannabidiolic acid to prevent the development of tumors. It was found that CBDA could potentially reduce tumors and regulate cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme involved in breast cancers effectively.
May be able to Treat Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea
A 2013 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology looked at CBDA’s potential to reduce nausea and vomiting in animal subjects. The researchers found that CBDA reduced both toxin and motion-induced nausea and vomiting. Results also found that CBDA was able to perform more efficiently than CBD in regards to controlling nausea.
While CBDA has proven to provide medicinally beneficial properties in trials regarding animals, the possibility of these benefits translating over to human health remains unknown. More research and clinical trials need to be conducted to verify the effects of CBDA on humans.
Can You Smoke Cannabidiolic Acid?
Due to the conditions needed to consume marijuana via smoking, any type of acidic cannabinoid will become decarboxylated and convert to its active form.
What that means is that cannabidiolic acid can only be consumed in raw form, as combustion or exposure to heat will change its molecular composition and convert it to CBD. If you’d like to experience this cannabinoid purely on its own, a CBDA isolate or CBDA oil will do the job.
What Products Have Cannabidiolic Acid in Them?
Depending on the preparation methods of some cannabis oils, there is a potential for CBDA to be in them and other cannabinoids. Due to decarboxylation converting CBDA to CBD, certain cannabis oils may have cannabidiolic acid in them if they have incorporated the cannabinoid in its raw and unheated form.
Aside from your typical cannabis oils, CBDA may also be found as an isolate, tincture, or oil. Some of the best CBDA oils feature it as the main ingredient, giving you its full range of benefits without the psychoactive effects.
Where To Buy CBDA?
There you have it, a brief rundown on cannabidiolic acid. While studies are still ongoing to discover the full spectrum of medicinal effects of CBDA, many health-conscious individuals are taking it upon themselves to harness the therapeutic potential of the cannabinoid.
This unique cannabinoid has been great in preventing the development of tumors, treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting as well as regulating COX-2 enzyme involved in breast cancers. This cannabinoid is also linked to anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects and is able to improve moods and alleviate discomfort.
That said, if you decide to try CBDA out, it’s important to get your cannabis from a trusted online dispensary Canada or online distributor. If you’re still on edge with the cannabinoid, you can rely on us to keep you informed with the most up-to-date information.
As always, happy trails!
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