CBD has gained great popularity over the years. However, it is time to shift the spotlight from CBD to its precursor CBDA. CBDA has demonstrated many advantages compared to CBD through research and is extremely beneficial when added into an existing cannabinoid regimen. Let’s dive into what makes CBDA superior to CBD.
What is CBDA?
CBDA is an acidic cannabinoid found in small traces in the hemp plant. Though closely related to CBD, they are not the same. CBDA is the precursor to CBD. This means when CBDA is decarboxylated, or exposed to heat, it converts to CBD. This poses many challenges when extracting the acidic cannabinoid, as traditional extraction methods that utilize solvents, such as butane or ethanol, need heat for sufficient extraction. This causes a conversion of CBDA to CBD, leaving very little, if any, CBDA left in the final extract. Global solution providers have been finding ways to forgo the use of heat in the process by using water as the solvent, thus allowing them to extract acidic cannabinoids at a mass scale.
CBDA has demonstrated numerous benefits through research including its ability to reduce pain and inflammation, help patients with anxiety and depression, as well as reduce chemotherapy induced nausea. CBDA also has anti-seizure properties and there is a patent pending with the FDA for therapeutic use for patients with various seizure disorders.
Why is CBDA better than CBD?
CBDA is more effectively absorbed in the body than CBD. A study in the 24th Annual Symposium of the International Cannabinoid Research Society found CBDA was 19x more bioavailable than CBD. Bioavailability is the percentage or fraction of absorption of an administered supplement that can have an effect. This means when ingesting an equivalent amount of CBDA and CBD, the body is able to absorb more CBDA. Additionally, this allows for lower doses of CBDA for therapeutic benefit and makes it a more powerful cannabinoid for a variety of instances, including combating seizures and helping patients with an array of mental illnesses, such as anxiety disorders and depression.
When CBDA is added into an existing CBD formulation, it helps to boost the therapeutic benefits felt by those who consume. Some individuals will also need less of the product to feel the desired effects.
Where do I find CBDA?
CBDA only recently became available in stable form to infuse into cannabinoid-based applications. However, products with CBDA have been emerging on the market at a rapid rate. When choosing a CBDA product, it is best to always check the COA (certificate of analysis) to verify you are getting CBDA, rather than CBD. Here are some products that you can find with CBDA:
CBDA tinctures
Tinctures are a popular way to take cannabinoids, and many companies have been introducing CBDA isolates into their tinctures. Tinctures are cannabinoid extracts that have been blended with a carrier oil, such as MCT oil or olive oil. They make dosing easy and consistent and can easily be blended into beverages for consumption or taken orally.
CBDA Isolates
CBDA isolates are typically sold in a microcrystalline powder that is odorless and tasteless. CBDA isolates are the purest form of CBDA, as the cannabinoid has been isolated from all other cannabinoids and has an average of 95% to 99% purity.
CBDA Topicals
CBDA topicals often have an array of other cannabinoids present and are sold in a full spectrum or broad-spectrum formulas. They are a great way to feel the pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects quickly on a specific area on the body.
CBDA products to avoid
Often, whole hemp flower is labeled as “CBDA flower.” However, it only has CBDA prior to be heated. Once it ignites, the CBDA converts to CBD. If you are looking for the benefits of CBDA, any products that need to be heated are not the way to go.
CBDA can be a great addition to one’s daily routine to help support health and wellness or can help target a specific ailment. If you are already using a CBD product, try a product formulated with CBDA and feel the boosted benefits and heightened bioavailability for yourself.
Always speak to your primary care physician prior to adding any supplements into your routine.
