Most people have heard of CBD. After all, CBD products can be found in most major retailers and even celebrities like Kim Kardashian are boasting about the benefits. But what if there was a cannabinoid that was similar to CBD, but worked even better? That’s CBDA! If you already take CBD, you should definitely keep reading to learn about the elevated benefits CBDA can deliver.
What is it?
First, what is CBDA? It is one of many cannabinoids that can be found in the hemp plant. Though closely related to CBD, they are not the same. CBDA is an acidic cannabinoid and serves as a precursor to CBD. This means that when it is decarboxylated, a process where cannabinoids are exposed to heat, it converts to CBD. On its own, it has demonstrated great therapeutic potential which is why consumer interest is heightening.
It is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it will not induce any euphoria or “high” feeling like THC. Instead, it leaves consumers feeling clear-headed with reduced anxiety.
What are the benefits?
CBDA has been less researched compared to other well-known cannabinoids. However, current and emerging research has shown this minor acidic cannabinoid has the potential to be used in major ways. Here are some of the many therapeutic benefits:
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Anti-Seizure
- Anti-Nausea
- Antioxidant
- Anti-Bacterial
- Anti-Anxiety
- Anti-Depressant
It has the potential to help with a wide range of conditions. Many have taken notice of the acidic cannabinoids’ astounding benefits and a patent is currently pending with the FDA for the use of CBDA as a therapeutic for patients with various seizure disorders. As more research is concluded we will know of even more benefits.
What makes CBDA better than CBD?
CBDA has great superiority over CBD due to its bioavailability. Bioavailability is the fraction or percentage of a drug that reaches systemic circulation and is able to have an effect. It is 19x more bioavailable than CBD! This means when an equivalent amount of CBDA and CBD are taken, we can absorb much more CBDA.
This makes it a more powerful therapeutic in numerous instances and also allows for lower doses to feel the desired therapeutic benefits. Research has found CBDA’s higher bioavailability makes it a better option to help patients with seizure disorders, depression, nausea, and more.
Why are there limited products with CBDA?
You may be thinking, if it is better than CBD, then why don’t you see more products with CBDA? The main reason is the difficulty that comes when extracting it. Traditional cannabinoid extraction methods utilize heat in the process for sufficient extraction. This causes the majority of acidic cannabinoids to convert to their neutral state before the final extract is complete, leaving only trace amounts of the acidic cannabinoids for consumers to enjoy.
Due to the vast number of benefits acidic cannabinoids exhibit, and in many ways their superiority to their neutral forms, global solution providers have found ways to extract cannabinoids without the use of heat. This allows for the extraction of all acidic cannabinoids, including THCA, CBDA, and CBGA, at a mass scale, thus delivering more products for consumers to use.
Now that CBDA is available in a stable form to infuse into an array of cannabinoid-based products, it is just a matter of time before we will see CBDA like Essentia Scientific’s products as much as we see CBD.
What products have CBDA?
It can be found in an array of topicals, such as lotions and patches, as well as oral options including edibles, beverages, and tinctures. When choosing a product with CBDA, most often they will be labeled as full spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolated. Let’s take a look at what these terms mean, and which one is the best choice to obtain the most benefits.
Full Spectrum
When a product is full spectrum it means the product contains all the naturally occurring cannabinoids from the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC. For legal reasons, the product must have 0.3% or less of Delta 9 THC. By containing all the naturally occurring cannabinoids, the product may have some CBDA. However, if the product was made with heat, it may not have any of it left. It is best to check the COA, or certificate analysis, to verify if the product has CBDA.
Broad Spectrum
Broad-spectrum hemp products are similar to full spectrum, though they do not contain any THC. Just like full spectrum, it is important to check the lab test performed on the product to verify if the product contains any CBDA.
Isolate
Isolates are singular cannabinoids that have been extracted from the hemp plant and isolated from all other cannabinoids. They are high purity and typically have 99% or higher purity. If you are looking to gain the benefits of CBDA, isolates are the ideal choice. They are potent, contain only the acidic cannabinoid, and in turn, are packed with benefits. The majority of isolates are odorless and tasteless and can be easily added to most foods or drinks. Additionally, they are a great choice to add CBDA into an existing cannabinoid-based product to enhance the effects felt by those who consume it and ensure the product has acidic cannabinoids.
Is CBDA right for me?
It can be a great addition to one’s health and wellness routine to support overall health. It also has the potential to be an ally for those with various ailments, such as chronic pain and anxiety. When considering what cannabinoids to take it is important to consider what your health goals are with the product, and if they have the potential to meet your needs. If you currently use a CBD product, CBDA is a great way to feel the effects you love, just elevated and with a much smaller dose. It is also a great way to start with cannabinoids, as there are no adverse side effects, and it does not induce euphoria.
If you are considering using CBDA or any other cannabinoid product it is best to always consult a healthcare professional.
