Cannabidiolic Acid: Understanding (CBDA)

These four letters CBDA stand for cannabidiol acid. 

Similar to CBD, Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) is a type of non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid. Yet, it has unique differences in comparison with both CBD and THC. 

Some people say the cannabinoid makes a tincture more powerful, and this would be better for you. However, there is a lack of CBDA research. Due to this, no one can say just how “good” it is or what kind of particular benefits it adds to a full-spectrum tincture.

Although there is some information on the CBDA available. So let us examine cannabidiol acid and find out what it does and examine research relating to CBDA.

Cannabinoids: 

Cannabinoids are the active elements found in cannabis – including industrial hemp and marijuana. They are unique to the cannabis species. Scientists believe that cannabinoids assisted the plant processes throughout growth and its survival. Its function was to provide plant protection.

THC is the most recognized cannabinoid. It is a psychoactive agent responsible for the high associated with cannabis. 

But how does THC do this?

Cannabinoids’ unique ability is to interact with the human body (and, in fact, all mammals). It is because of the endocannabinoid system or ECS mammals have. The ECS has an abundance of receptors that respond to the phytocannabinoid in cannabis (‘Phyto’ means plant-based). 

Interestingly enough, the human body makes its cannabinoids (called endocannabinoids). “Endo” means internal so that you can think of them as internal cannabinoids.

Plant-based phytocannabinoid produce a vast range of health benefits. As THC binds with CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system, it provides the “high” effect.

Cannabinoids (like CBD and CBDA) don’t create the same effects. Each cannabinoid in cannabis seems to interact with the ECS in a unique process.

Hundreds of different cannabinoids exist; however, there is not enough research that correlates with them. Maybe it will start with a change in cannabis being legalized.

Anyway, CBDA needs examination on what kinds of specific functions and properties it has relative to the ECS.

What is Cannabidiolic Acid?

Cannabidiol acid is a precursor to CBD. The plant produces all its cannabinoids in acid form. Cannabinoids start as CBGA (cannabigerol acid) when a specific enzyme is available, and CBGA converts it into CBDA.

The raw cannabis plant material is heated to convert acids into active cannabinoids. The heating process known as decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group.

It is the exact procedure that changes CBDA into CBD.

Cannabinoid acids like CBDA and THCA affect the body, so they don’t need to be activated to work. Decarboxylation of the cannabinoid acids alters their chemical structure, changing the effects on ECS.

What types of effects does CBDA have on the body as a supplement?

CBDA has a wealth of its essential properties. 

Current Research 

In 2008, a study published in Drug Metabolism and Disposition: The Biological Fate of Chemicals. Researchers found that Cannabidiolic Acid has a similar chemical structure to NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It means that

It may potentially have a role in being an anti-inflammatory agent.

Instead of working directly with cannabinoid receptors, CBDA appears to work by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. This enzyme is associated with inflammation. Research indicates that when CBDA blocks COX-2 enzymes, swelling will decrease.

Another critical part of the research is the CBDA and the 5-HT serotonin system. This system is associated with mood.

An animal study from 2018 indicates that it has a role in inhibiting the re-absorption of the chemical serotonin.

The serotonin system influences many other physiological systems. Excess serotonin can produce nausea and vomiting. Increases in the hormone can also result from a variety of anxiety tensions.

Aside from these specific research, there is also the question of how effective are CBDA. Compared with CBD, the academic journal Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience claims that CBDA has 100 times greater affinity for 5-HT receptors.

Besides, it has a higher bioavailability than CBD, meaning the body can absorb better more of it.

Currently, only a limited amount of research exists. Also, the above studies conducted on animal models. While reviews are essential in the first stages of research, human studies are necessary to determine the precise effect of Cannabidiolic Acid.

Results are promising and hopefully may follow onto more reliable information. 

Supplement

There is an extensive range of hemp oil supplements available that contain Cannabidiolic Acid. However, there doesn’t seem to be many that contain pure CBDA.

Many include a full-spectrum mixture of CBDA and CBD.

You will find full-spectrum products in oil form, capsules, or even as topical salves are available.

Research currently is small, so no specific benefits are studied. However, earlier research suggests that it could be even more effective than CBD. However, the research looks very promising for the future.