Everything You Need To Know About CBDa

Hemp, defined as any cannabis plant that produces nothing beyond 0.3% THC by dry weight, is often grown for CBD production. Cannabidiol oil, commonly known as CBD oil, is widely hailed by its enthusiasts for delivering dozens of therapeutic benefits. These potential benefits include, reducing anxiety and depression, relieving pain, alleviating cancer-related symptoms, and more!

Cannabidiolic acid, aka CBDa, is the chemical compound found in the resin or trichomes of raw hemp plants. CBDa is then broken down into CBD through continuous heating or exposure to sunlight, a process known as decarboxylation.

This article discusses everything you need to know about cannabidiolic acid, from what it is? Its therapeutic benefits and more!

What is Cannabidiolic Acid 

CBDa is one of the over 400 chemicals produced naturally in both hemp and cannabis plants. It is defined as the acid precursor of CBD. This means that CBD exists in its raw acidic form CBDa on the live growing hemp plants.

It is not until the plants are cut, dried, and exposed to low, slow heat that CBD is formed. In fresh cannabis flower, both CBD and THC exist in very minute amounts while their acidic forms THCa and CBDa exist in more significant quantities.

During the drying process, the flower undergoes major transformations where some of these acids are converted to the crazily celebrated THC and CBD. More decarboxylation occurs when the flower is exposed to heat, for instance, when baking edibles or smoking a joint.

CBDa and the Endocannabinoid System

The most important thing to note is that it does not interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) the same way that CBD does. 

While there is plenty of overlap on how they work, CBDa tends to draw a larger affinity to certain receptors making it more efficient than traditional CBD based products. CBDa interacts with the ECS by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. COX-2 enzymes are primarily responsible for causing inflammation and pain after an injury or infection. By blocking these enzymes, cannabidiolic acid CBDa helps relieve inflammation and pain.

The Potential Medical Benefits of CBDa

CBDa was first isolated in 1965 by Israeli scientist Rafael Mechoulam. And although it has not been studied as rigorously as CBD, preliminary lab research suggests that it may help with certain medical conditions.

Some researchers believe that CBDa may produce more pronounced effects than CBD. For instance, CBDa has more intense activation of 5-beta hydroxytryptamine 1 serotonin receptors (5-HT1A)  than CBD. Serotonin is the hormone that stabilizes our mood and feelings of well-being. Reduced amounts of serotonin are associated with depression, anxiety, and sleeping problems. Consider trying the KC Hemp Co. Clarity tincture to see what you think for yourself. 

Below are the potential health benefits of CBDa:

•   Inflammation

CBDa has anti-inflammatory properties. According to a 2008 experiment, CBDa selectively inhibits Cox-2 enzymes, and it may be used to relieve inflammation and associated pain.

As noted earlier, COX-2 enzymes play a significant role in forming pro-inflammatory compounds known as prostaglandins. When you consume a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), say ibuprofen or aspirin, it targets COX-2 enzymes and inhibits their effects, providing you pain relieving properties.

However, long-term consumption of these drugs can cause gastrointestinal tract damage. That's why researchers are focused on creating a selective COX-2 enzyme inhibitor that provides inflammation relief without the risk of gastrointestinal tract damage.

Research has found that CBDa selectively blocks COX-2 enzymes, inhibiting their ability to create pro-inflammatory compounds. Hence, it may provide effective relief from inflammatory pain due to injuries or illnesses like arthritis.

•   Nausea and Vomiting

A 2012 national institutes of health study compared CBD to CBDa to reduce symptoms like nausea and vomiting. The study, conducted on rats, concluded that CBDa produced more potent effects against nausea and vomiting than CBD.

•   Anti-Cancer

Cancer, the second-leading cause of death worldwide,  is characterized by the uncontrollable development of abnormal cells. Cancer has the ability to spread throughout the body while destroying normal body tissues.

According to 2012 research, CBDa effectively hinders the spread of breast cancer cells.  The study found that CBDa inhibits the migration of highly invasive forms of breast cancer cells.

The research concluded that CBDa provides a potential therapeutic modality in the rescission of aggressive breast cancer cell migration. Although more studies into the effects of CBDa on cancer are needed, the results gathered so far show great promise in abrogating the spread of harmful cells in the body.   

The Best Way To Consume CBDa

As clinical studies continue to prove CBDa's incredible medicinal benefits, its popularity is growing at an exceptional rate in the health and wellness markets. People looking to experience the unparalleled therapeutic benefits of CBDa can consume it in numerous forms. 

For instance, you can consume raw hemp flowers by adding it into your salads, smoothies or even make some raw cannabis juice to get your daily dose of CBDa. But please note that you cannot possibly smoke the cannabinoid as it will break down to CBD as soon as it is heated. Additionally, minor cannabinoids only exist in low concentrations in cannabis leaves and more abundantly in the flower. 

For these reasons, manufacturers extract raw CBDa from hemp plants using a subcritical CO2 extraction. The bio-mass is then combined with an essential carrier oil to create CBDa-rich products like capsules, tinctures, topicals, and more. You must ensure that you only buy your CBD products from a trustworthy brand that guarantees quality, purity, and potency for the best results.

Is CBDa Legal?

When the 2018 farm bill was signed into law, it legalized the cultivation and consumption of hemp and its derivatives. Hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, the legal limit required by federal law. This means that any cannabinoid extracted from hemp plants is legal in nearly all states. Additionally, hemp-derived CBDa is non-intoxicating and cannot get you high.

To learn more about other minor and major cannabinoids, including CBG, CBN, Delta 8 and lots of other great content check out our other blogs and videos at  KC Hemp Co. Pure. Clean. Trusted. Organic cannabis products delivered right to your doorstep with free shipping on all orders over $50.