You may be just getting your head around CBD and its potential benefits and then along comes something new to learn about: CBDA. What’s the difference and what can this compound do for you?

Actually, CBDA is not a new compound. It’s the precursor to CBD before it has been decarboxylated, the process that turns CBDA into CBD. The reason for this is that, up until recently, it was thought that the cannabinoids in CBDA needed to be “activated” before they were effective. New research, however, suggests that CBDA has a number of its own potential benefits. In fact, some high-quality, full spectrum CBD products contain CBDA as well. 

 

This article takes a deeper look at CBDA, how it’s different from CBD, and what it can do for you. Let’s jump right in!

What Is CBDA and How Is It Different From CBD?

Decarboxylation? What’s that? It’s a process where CBDA is heated, causing a chemical reaction that removes the acid components. In this way, CBDA becomes CBD.

 

If you were to examine raw hemp, you would find an abundance of CBDA and very little CBD. The thing is, most of the research has been performed on CBD because it was thought that without decarboxylation, the compound did not have the desired effects. Nevertheless, research in CBDA has shown promise and may be more effective than CBD for treating depression and nausea, and it seems to have the same anti-inflammatory properties. 

 

The reason CBDA has been dismissed up until this point is that it does not directly affect the endocannabinoid system as CBD does and, therefore, does not balance the receptors found in this system. It is this balance that is said to bring relief to CBD users. 

 

CBDA, on the other hand, works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is associated with inflammation. It also influences the 5-HT serotonin system that is partially responsible for mood regulation. In this way, it may work as an antidepressant and an anti-inflammatory. 

 

This is important because while studies continue to find CBD effective at relieving anxiety, pain, depression, inflammation, and improving sleep, researchers are just starting to look at CBDA and are finding many of the same properties. In some cases, it is possible that CBDA could be a more effective treatment than CBD.

What Can CBDA Do for You?

At the moment, research of CBDA is still in its preclinical stage. However, the results are promising. Studies so far have only been conducted on animals and, without human trials, we don’t yet have conclusive evidence of its benefits. Nevertheless, there are three specific areas in which CBDA may be more effective than CBD alone. Let’s take a look!

1. Relieving Depression and Social Anxiety

While CBDA has not been tested on humans, CBD has been found to be a successful treatment. One study found that subjects were able to perform a simulated public speaking task more effectively after taking the cannabinoid. 

 

Similarly, CBDA has been noted for how it activates the 5-HT1A serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain involved in regulating mood, sleep, anxiety, and nausea. So far, CBDA has been found to relieve depression in rats at doses 10-100 times lower than CBD. It is thought this is because of increased serotonin levels.

2. Reducing Nausea

Due to CBDA’s activation of the 5-HT1A receptors, researchers have suggested that it may also be used to treat nausea. Even though CBD helps in reducing symptoms of nausea, one study found that CBDA may be even more effective. 

 

In addition, some researchers have discovered that CBDA has better bioavailability than CBD. This means that it has a more rapid onset leading to faster results. So, not only is it more effective, but less is required to treat nausea (and other ailments as well).

3. Acting as an Anti-Inflammatory

Interestingly, CBDA has a remarkably similar structure to many non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. This is strong evidence that it may work as an effective treatment for inflammation and pain.

 

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that CBDA is more effective than CBD as an anti-inflammatory, but it works in much the same way. It inhibits key inflammatory mediators called COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, thereby reducing symptoms related to swelling and pain.

Potential Benefits of CBDA

On top of the above uses, CBDA is also being studied to treat a number of different ailments. For instance, GW Pharmaceuticals currently holds a patent for CBDA to treat epilepsy. What’s more, it has been found that it may prevent the migration of cancer cells in some types of breast cancer.

 

With promising research in CBDA, many users are looking for Full-Spectrum CBD Products which contain the compound in order to derive maximum potential benefit.  If you’d like to hold out for more research, seek instead to purchase a quality Clear Solution product that does not contain additional compounds.