If you use CBD, should you try CBDA?
CBD has become extremely popular with an estimated 1 in 7 adults currently using a CBD product to support their health and wellness. But what if there was a cannabinoid that works in many of the same ways as CBD, only even better? CBDA is a cannabinoid. If you currently take CBD, you are going to want to keep reading to learn how CBDA may be able to benefit you.
What is CBDA?
CBDA is an acidic cannabinoid found in both hemp and other Cannabis Sativa cultivators. CBDA is the precursor to CBD. This means when CBDA is decarboxylated, a process where cannabinoids are exposed to heat, it converts to CBD. This poses a problem when extracting CBDA, as the majority of cannabinoid extraction methods must utilize heat in the process for sufficient extraction. This causes a conversion of most, if not all, of CBDA prior to the final extract. Due to the vast number of benefits CBDA holds and growing consumer interest, global solution providers have found ways to extract acidic cannabinoids, including CBDA and CBGA, at a mass scale. Thus, delivering more products with CBDA to the market for consumers to enjoy.
What are the benefits of CBDA?
Although CBDA has been less researched than other cannabinoids, studies have found it has great therapeutic potential for a wide range of ailments. Here are just some of the many benefits CBDA holds:
- Anti-Anxiety
- Anti-Nausea
- Anti-Seizure
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Reduces Pain
- Anti-Depressant
- Antioxidant
- Anti-Bacterial
Additionally, a more recent research study conducted in 2022 propelled CBDA, along with CBGA, into the media spotlight after a team of researchers from Oregon State University found both acidic cannabinoids could potentially help with the global fight against Covid-19. When CBDA and CBGA were introduced to cells infected with the SARS-Cov-2 virus invitro, the acidic cannabinoids prevented the virus that causes Covid-19 from entering the cells by binding to the spike protein. With many people being affected by Covid-19, it is prominent that more research be done.
Is CBDA better than CBD?
CBDA and CBD are closely related. However, research has found CBDA is superior in many ways. CBDA has a greater affinity than CBD to the body’s 5-HT1A or serotonin receptor. The receptor is most recognized for its role in mood support; though it is responsible for modulating dozens of critical processes in the body including nausea, pain signals, and the cardiovascular system. CBDA’s greater affinity to the receptor allows for lower doses of CBDA than CBD for therapeutic use in a variety of instances, including reducing nausea and vomiting, as well as combating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
CBDA is also much more bioavailable than CBD. Bioavailability is the percentage of absorption of a supplement or drug that reaches the systemic circulation and can have an active effect. A study presented during the 24th Annual Symposium of the International Cannabinoid Research Society found CBDA is 19x more bioavailable than CBD. This means when an equivalent amount of CBD and CBDA is ingested, the body absorbs much more CBDA. This allows for lower doses of CBDA to achieve therapeutic effects and makes it a more powerful therapeutic than CBD. In fact, a patent is currently pending for the therapeutic use of CBDA for patients with various seizure disorders. Currently, there is a CBD version with FDA approval, and the maker wants to make an even better version with CBDA. Within the patent it was noted patients would need much less CBDA than CBD to achieve the desired anti-seizure effects, citing its heightened bioavailability.
CBDA can be a great addition to an existing cannabinoid routine. It has an array of benefits that can support everyday health and wellness and has the potential to help with a vast number of ailments. With its superior bioavailability, the effects can be felt even more so than the popular CBD, and many will need less CBDA to achieve the desired effects. Whether you are just starting with cannabinoids or have an established routine, try adding in a product with CBDA to feel the elevated effects for yourself.
Always consult your primary care physician prior to adding any supplements to your routine.
