CBDA vs CBD: What’s the Difference?
CBD oils, topicals, and edibles are everywhere nowadays. Along with CBD, you can also find a lot of CBG, CBN, and hemp products in various dispensaries across the states. But what about CBDA? While you might already be aware that CBDA is a cannabidiolic acid that comes from the same hemp plant as CBD, how it is different from CBD and how you can implement it into your wellness routine is a thing to learn. So here, that’s what our goal is. To take you through the differences between CBDA and CBD, their benefits, usage, and more. Keep reading! What Is CBDA? CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) is a non-toxic and solvent-free cannabinoid found in both hemp and marijuana plants. Just like CBD and unlike THC, it doesn’t produce a high effect. Although CBDA is less popular than CBD, its benefits can’t be neglected, and has the potential to induce a range of effects by working with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). When CBDA is processed through decarboxylation, CO2 and hydrogen are removed, creating CBD. This process can occur organically when the hemp plant is burned, exposed to the sun, vaporized, smoked, or cooked. What Is CBD? CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the 150 compounds found in both the marijuana and hemp subspecies of the cannabis sativa plant. It has become a popular wellness supplement in recent years, thanks to its potential therapeutic benefits. CBD is also a byproduct of CBDA after it is exposed to extreme levels of heat. It doesn’t contain high levels of THC, meaning consuming it won’t trouble you with any undesirable psychoactive effects. How Does CBDA Work? CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) is a compound found in raw cannabis plants. Unlike its decarboxylated form, CBD, it works with the body by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is associated with pain and inflammation. The bodies of all mammals, invertebrates, and vertebrates have a huge system of neurotransmitters called the ECS (endocannabinoid system). In this system, 2 types of receptors work with the cannabinoids of the hemp plant: These receptors affect the function and signaling of the central nervous system and play a critical role in motor control, memory processing, mood, appetite, and sleep. However, the CBDA cannabinoids only bind with the CB1 receptors. This is the same kind of cannabinoid receptor that binds with THC, a component found in the hemp plant that’s responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. When working with the ECS, CBDA inhibits the COX-2 enzyme that catalyzes prostaglandins which affects several pathological and physiological processes within the body. However, CBDA does not affect the central nervous system directly, which may be beneficial for those who are seeking something less strong than CBD. Although research is still in progress, studies suggest that CBDA’s unique working with these pathways might offer benefits, differentiating it from other cannabinoids in its potential applications for health and well-being. How Does CBD Work? CBD (cannabidiol) works with your body’s endocannabinoid system which is found all over the immune, central nervous, gastrointestinal, and reproductive organs. This system plays a huge role in managing bodily functions and physiological processes such as sleep support, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction, etc. without inducing the psychoactive effects associated with THC. Additionally, CBD influences serotonin receptors, which help to alleviate depression and anxiety. CBD has less tendency to bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Instead, it works with them indirectly to promote a sense of overall calm and well-being. What Are the Differences Between CBDA and CBD? CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) and CBD (cannabidiol), both compounds are derived from cannabis but are different in their effects and chemical structures. CBDA is the acidic precursor to CBD and is found in raw cannabis plants. When heated, it goes through decarboxylation to turn into CBD. While both CBDA and CBD work with the endocannabinoid system, CBDA mainly inhibits the COX-2 enzyme, which is related to inflammation. In contrast, CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors, influencing mood, pain, and immune responses. On top of that, CBDA has shown great potential in the regulation of serotonin, making its therapeutic profile a bit different from CBD’s. Other major cannabinoid precursor compounds are: Potential Benefits of CBDA CBDA is more beneficial for the body as compared to its decarboxylated counterpart CBD. Some of the therapeutic CBDA benefits are: Alleviating stomach discomfort The first one is its ability to relieve stomach discomfort through interacting with serotonin receptors in the digestive system. It can also reduce vomiting and nausea, making it potentially effective for those suffering from gastrointestinal problems. Antimicrobial properties Next is CBDA’s antimicrobial properties that let it be effective against certain types of bacteria. These properties also make CBDA a potential candidate for fighting bacterial infections and promoting overall health. Infection While CBDA effects on infections are still under research, its ability to inhibit the COX-2 enzyme can play a key role in relieving inflammation associated with infections which makes it a clinical compound in managing symptoms of various infections. Anti-inflammatory CBDA is a potent anti-inflammatory agent as it inhibits the COX-2 enzyme (which is linked to inflammatory responses) to reduce inflammation and pain. It also has a similar chemical structure to OTC products making scientists more faithful in its anti-inflammatory abilities. Enhancing mood CBDA can also boost mood and relieve anxiety, thanks to its influence on serotonin receptors, although more research is needed to understand this effect fully. Last but not least, CBDA is potentially more bioavailable than CBD, resulting in higher concentrations of CBD in the bloodstream. This makes CBDA work faster and more effectively than CBD. Potential Benefits of CBD CBD, or cannabidiol, is popular for its wide range of benefits, making it a preferable choice for those who are inclined more toward natural remedies. Enhancing mood CBD enhances mood by working with serotonin receptors in the brain and also reduces anxiety and depression, providing a sense of well-being without the psychoactive effects associated with THC. Relieve aches & Stomach Discomfort The most popular benefit of CBD is its … Read more