We have all heard of CBD. After all, we can find products in most retail stores now and even our favorite athletes are boasting about the benefits. But have you heard of CBDA? CBDA has recently gained more popularity both with consumers and in the field of science and for good reason! Not only does this acidic cannabinoid produce many benefits, but it also has been shown to be better in many instances when compared to CBD! Let’s dive into what you should know about CBDA and how it may benefit your life.
What is CBDA?
First, what exactly is CBDA? CBDA is the precursor to CBD, meaning when CBDA is heated it converts to CBD. When extracting cannabinoids, global solution providers are finding ways to forgo heat in the process to extract CBDA on a mass scale. This allows for more products to be manufactured for consumers to get the benefits CBDA holds.
Benefits of CBDA
CBDA is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it will not deliver a “high” or euphoric feeling when ingested. Additionally, no severe side effects have been reported with the use of CBDA, so the great part is, that we really have nothing to lose, just benefits to gain!
Through research, CBDA has demonstrated a host of therapeutic benefits. CBDA has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain via its role as a COX-2 enzyme inhibitor. The COX-2 enzyme is the same enzyme non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, also inhibit. The problem with non-steroidal drugs is that they come with a host of side effects, including gastrointestinal discomfort and long-term use can cause damage to various processes in the body. Research has shown CBDA as a safer alternative to the common drugs on the market today, as it doesn’t come with these adverse side effects. Inflammation can affect everyone and can even be caused by stress. Long-term inflammation can lead to chronic illnesses and damage to muscles and tissues in the body. A CBDA product added to one’s daily routine can be beneficial for all.
Anxiety and depression are one of the most common mental disorders, affecting an average of 40 million people annually in the United States alone. Though different disorders, either can drastically affect the quality of life for those suffering. Unfortunately, medications currently on the market only help an average of 60% of patients without alleviating all of their symptoms.
Through research, CBDA has demonstrated itself as a therapeutic option that can help patients with anxiety and depression. CBDA has a great attraction to the body’s 5-HT1A or serotonin receptor. Through this action, CBDA reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression and can also help those with nausea and vomiting.
Additionally, CBDA has been shown can reduce or eliminate seizures in patients. GW Pharma has filed a patent application for CBDA to become an FDA-approved option for those with seizures. Currently, GW Pharma is the only company to have CBD approved by the FDA for seizures, with their product epidiolex which helps patients with epilepsy.
One research discovered that recently propelled CBDA into the media spotlight, along with CBGA, was an Oregon State University study that showed CBDA can potentially combat the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus by binding to the spike protein. During a Covid-19 infection, the spike protein typically binds to the ACE2 enzyme, but when the cells were introduced invitro to CBDA and CBGA, the acidic cannabinoids preferentially bonded to the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s spike protein, preventing the virus from binding to the ACE2 receptor, and in turn preventing cellular infection. This same type of action demonstrated, where a drug prevents the binding of a virus to a receptor, has helped patients with HIV and hepatitis as well.
Though there is less research on CBDA when compared to CBD, it is demonstrating a host of benefits consumers could gain from. With more clinical trials underway, it is only a matter of time before we know about even more benefits CBDA holds.
Is CBDA better than CBD?
Though both cannabinoids are beneficial to those who consume them, CBDA has shown advantages in comparison to CBD in a variety of instances.
Firstly, CBDA has been shown to be 19x more bioavailable than CBD! But what does this mean exactly? Bioavailability is the percentage or fraction of absorption of an administered drug or supplement that reaches the systemic circulation and is available to have an active effect. This means when taking CBDA our bodies are absorbing more in comparison to CBD, as some CBD is getting lost or diminished before we can absorb the benefits. Though more research needs to be done, this shows CBDA may be more effective for a variety of instances. In fact, when filing their patent, GW Pharma stated CBDA was more effective at reducing or eliminating seizures than CBD due to its higher bioavailability.
CBDA also has a greater affinity for the body’s serotonin receptor, allowing for lower doses of CBDA in comparison to CBD for a variety of uses. The body’s serotonin receptor is most commonly known for its role in controlling mood. However, it is also responsible for modulating dozens of critical processes in the body including pain signals, nausea and vomiting, and the cardiovascular system. Research has shown that CBDA is more effective than CBD for anxiety, depression, nausea, and vomiting because of its affinity to these receptors.
CBDA may be a minor cannabinoid, but research shows it can be used in major ways and may be able to outshine CBD in many uses.
Where can I find CBDA?
CBDA just recently became available in a stable form to infuse into cannabinoid-based product applications, with few options currently on the market. When looking for a CBDA product it is important to always check the COA (certificate of analysis) to verify the product has CBDA in it. Depending on the manufacturing process, some full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products may contain CBDA. There are many inhalation products on the market that claim to have CBDA in them. However, remember when CBDA is heated it converts to CBD? So though that pre-roll may say CBDA, the minute you light it, it converts. If you are looking for a CBDA product, inhalation products are not the way to go. There will be a day soon when we see more products made with CBDA as global solutions providers are producing the acidic cannabinoid on a mass scale. However, until that time comes, make sure to check labels and lab tests to verify if you have a product filled with the amazing benefits CBDA can bring.
CBDA can be an amazing cannabinoid to add to your health regimen. Always check with your primary care physician before adding any supplements to your routine.
