If you’ve been using CBD for a while, or you’re in the process of researching before you get on your CBD oil journey, you may have come across some lab reports with lots of different cannabinoids listed, including CBDA.
So what is CBDA? And what is the difference between CBD and CBDA? In the battle of CBDA vs CBD, is one cannabinoid better?
In this guide, we get into more detail about:
- What is CBDA?
- The difference between CBD and CBDA
- The benefits of CBDA vs CBD
In this guide:
What is CBD?
First, to understand what CBDA is, and the differences between CBDA vs CBD, it’s important to understand what CBD is.
CBD is a cannabinoid extracted from hemp.
It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system which, like other processes in the body such as the immune system, endocrine system, and central nervous system, maintains homeostasis in the body.
Homeostasis is just a fancy word for the way the body continues to function efficiently through a number of internal processes.
A number of studies indicate promising effects of CBD for encouraging bodily wellness.
CBD is legal in the UK and can come in many forms, including oils, e-liquids, CBD capsules, edibles, hemp tea, and CBD balm.
What is CBDA?
CBDA, short for cannabidiolic acid, is a cannabinoid naturally found in raw or unheated cannabis and hemp plants.
It is a non-psychoactive, acidic compound that is the precursor to CBD.
When cannabis or hemp is harvested and exposed to heat, light or air, it goes through a process called decarboxylation.
During decarboxylation, CBDA loses its ‘acidic hydroxyl group’ – a group of atoms consisting of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Removing this group turns CBDA into CBD.
Since this process takes a while, the finished CBD product might still contain some CBDA. So, if you’re using a broad or full-spectrum CBD oil product such as a tincture, you are likely getting some CBDA.
Until recently, scientists didn’t think CBDA had any effect on the endocannabinoid system because of the structure of the molecule. However, recent research has changed that idea.
CBDA vs CBD benefits
While they might be closely related, there are some differences between the benefits of CBD vs CBDA. Here are some of the key benefits of each:
Benefits of CBD
- Far more research has been carried out into the effects of CBD on the body
- CBD is suitable for cooking and vaping
- CBD is more widely available in commercial products
- Many of the research findings into CBDA have also been found in CBD
Read more: CBD benefits
Benefits of CBDA
- CBDA could have a more powerful effect on the endocannabinoid system than CBD
- There are fewer processes involved in creating CBDA, so it is a more natural product than CBD
- Like CBD, CBDA is non-intoxicating, which means it will not alter your mental state
What is the difference between CBDA and CBD?
CBD is more stable & abundant
While CBDA is one of the most common cannabinoids in the hemp plant, by the time it has been extracted and bottled, CBD is far more abundant.
Cannabidiolic acid can become CBD even when sat at room temperature for some time, meaning cannabidiol is far more stable. Therefore, when you buy CBD oil, the percentage of CBD is less likely to decrease over time than the percentage of CBDA.
CBDA may be more effective than CBD
Early research has found that CBDA could be more powerful at encouraging wellness than CBD is.
This is huge for the CBD industry and scientists alike, considering it was not long ago that scientists didn’t think CBDA had any effect on the body at all.
One reason is because the bioavailability of CBDA vs CBD is greater, meaning it could be metabolised faster and with less effort.
Read more: CBD bioavailability
They influence the endocannabinoid system differently
CBDA and CBD have different effects on the endocannabinoid system, but we’re still learning exactly how this works.
So far, scientists have identified that CBDA may activate 5-HT1A serotonin receptors.
In contrast, CBD interacts with the ECS by inhibiting the release of FAAH, which is an enzyme that breaks down anandamide.
So while they might be structurally similar, the role they play in the body is very different and worth exploring.
CBD can be heated, so it is better for cooking and vaping
A lot of CBD users use vape pens or e-cigarettes as an easy way to add CBD to your daily routine.
However, if you’re wanting the positive effects of CBDA, the process of heating the vape juice will turn CBDA into CBD.
The same goes for cooking with CBD oil; heating it makes the reaction occur and you therefore lose CBDA.
This may be fine if you’re only interested in the benefits of CBD oil alone, but if you’re looking for the potential benefits of CBDA then you should blend hemp leaves into a smoothie or take broad spectrum CBD oil sublingually.
Read more: Can you vape CBD oil?
CBD vs CBDA
CBD is more stable
CBDA content is more vulnerable to degradation due to incorrect storage than CBD.
CBDA may be more effective
CBDA may have greater bioavailability making it more beneficial.
Influence the ECS differently
CBDA may activate serotonin receptors while CBD prevents the breakdown of anandamide.
CBD can be heated
CBD can be heated making it suitable for cooking and vaping.
How can you take CBDA oil in the UK?
After learning about the differences between CBDA vs CBD, you might be wondering how you can consume CBDA.
In the UK, only hemp is legal, so the best way to experience the potential benefits of CBDA is by choosing an organic, lab-tested, broad-spectrum CBD oil.
By choosing a broad or full-spectrum CBD oil, you will likely get a small amount of CBDA in your dose. This is because, in a broad spectrum CBD oil, lots of other cannabinoids and terpenes are present – CBDA included.
However, make sure you check the lab test results of each brand to confirm you’re getting a good product which includes some CBDA.
If you live somewhere where cannabis is legal and you can blend it into a smoothie or juice, then you’re free to experience the effects of CBDA in abundance.
Frequently asked questions:
What are the effects of CBDA?
Like CBD, CBDA is non-psychoactive, so it will not alter your mental state. This means you can use it any time of day without worrying about negative side effects.
Does CBDA help with pain?
Early research shows that CBDA may be able to interact with enzymes that regulate pain, but it is not a recognised pain medication and will not treat or cure any specific condition.
Does CBDA help with anxiety?
Since CBDA is capable of interacting with 5-HT1A serotonin receptors, it may one day be investigated as a possible natural treatment for anxiety, but we aren’t there yet.
The verdict on CBD vs CBDA
Understanding how cannabinoids work can help to improve your understanding of how to make the most of your CBD products. While structurally similar, CBD and CBDA are very different, with each offering unique benefits.
Research into the benefits and potential uses for CBDA might not be as extensive as CBD, but it still shows promise.
At the moment, CBDA is not widely available in high concentrations, but this could soon change if it is found to offer additional therapeutic benefits.
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