What is CBDA?
First things first, what is CBDA? Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is the natural form of CBD found in hemp plants and marijuana, although at much higher amounts in hemp.
There are over 100 different cannabinoids in hemp, most of which are acidic cannabinoids. In the hemp plant, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is also found, similar to marijuana, but in much smaller amounts (~0.3%).
The other more hemp-acidic cannabinoid is cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which is touted for its immune benefits along with CBDA.
The most widely known cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), both of which are formed during the purification process for CBDA and THCA. This is the reason you mostly find CBD products and not CBDA products because the technology to isolate only acidic cannabinoids is still new.
CBDA interacts with the endocannabinoid system in new ways that provide superior health benefits over traditional CBD products.
Natural Dos has recently developed a new technology to isolate acidic cannabinoids and unlock the power of these natural cannabinoids for health benefits.
We’ll explain what makes our selection the best shortly. For now, let’s get into what you really came here for today – learning about the CBDA side effects.
The Potential CBDA Side Effects to Be Aware Of
While the cannabinoid is generally considered safe, there are a few potential CBDA effects to be aware of – especially at higher doses like any supplement or medication. That’s why your CBDA dosage is so important.
That being said, the potential CBDA side effects are typically mild and occur mostly at higher dosages. Here is what you should be aware of:
- Drowsiness: This is one of the more commonly reported effects, particularly beneficial for those using CBDA for sleep, but it can be a drawback during activities that require alertness. That being said, it’s advisable not to drive or operate heavy machinery after consuming high amounts of CBDA.
- Dry Mouth: Cannabinoids can affect saliva production, leading to this discomfort.
- Lightheadedness: This might result from a drop in blood pressure, another potential side effect of high CBDA doses.
- Mild Mood Changes: While often used for mood stabilization, in some cases, users might experience slight mood alterations.
- Lower Blood Pressure: This effect, while potentially beneficial for some, can cause lightheadedness or dizziness.
- Changes in Appetite: Some users might experience changes in their appetite. While cannabinoids like CBD are often associated with appetite suppression, individual reactions can vary.
- Gastrointestinal Disturbances: In some cases, users might experience mild gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or stomach discomfort, especially when starting CBDA or at higher doses.
- Headaches: Though rare, some individuals might experience headaches as a response to CBDA, potentially due to changes in blood pressure or individual sensitivity.
Always consult a physician, especially if you are on other medications. CBDA can interact with certain drugs, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic index.
In clinical trials with high doses of CBD (1000mg to 2000mg per day), a subset of epileptic patients had elevated levels of liver enzymes. Elevated liver enzymes indicate potential liver damage, and are closely monitored in patients who take certain medications. This was considered to be from how drugs interact with the metabolic processes in the liver.
A recent study in 2021 assessed 1475 people who take CBD, and assessed for changes in liver enzymes. In people taking low (50mg) to higher (200mg) amounts of CBD daily, there was no correlation with elevated liver enzymes. Of the 1475 people studied, only 2 had side effects that could be related to CBD (constipation and arrhythmia).
Now, you may be wondering about the CBDA effects in regard to psychoactivity. So, does CBDA make you high? No – on its own, CBDA has no psychoactive effects. You won’t have to worry about this when you get quality products that are lab-tested to be free of THC.
What are the benefits of CBDA?
Many people are familiar with the benefits of CBD, but since CBDA is new, most people have not heard of the therapeutic potential of CBDA and acidic cannabinoids.
CBDA is mostly found in raw hemp products due to the difficulty in creating a pure acidic cannabinoid oil. At Natural Dos, we have just created a new technology that allows us to purify the acidic cannabinoids to bring the health benefits of CBDA and its full Natural Spectrum oil in all our products.
CBDA benefits partially overlap with the effects of CBD in that they interact with some of the same endocannabinoid system receptors in many parts of the body, such as the immune and brain cells.
Enhanced absorption of CBDA
Many clinical trials testing CBD oil have found that they need very high amounts to reach clinically significant results. Depending on the condition and trial, the amount of CBD used can be from 200mg of CBD up to 600mg and even 2000mg in epileptic patients. These amounts can become cost-prohibitive for many consumers.
CBDA absorption was found to be at least 450% greater than CBD! Recent studies out of the University of Sydney suggest that if CBDA is taken with other cannabinoids it may be over 10 times higher than CBD.
This means that you can take a much lower dose of CBDA than CBD, and get much greater health benefits than conventional CBD products.
Anti-inflammatory and joint pain
One therapeutic potential of CBDA is anti-inflammatory activity. This was found through a number of studies that assessed Cox 2 activity in breast cancer cells, and found that CBDA could inhibit its activity. Cox 2 is a critical enzyme in most inflammation diseases, such as arthritis, headaches, and chronic pain.
In fact, Cox 2 is a target for anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, which target it for inflammation.
Cannabidiolic acid CBDA was found to have anti-inflammatory properties by decreasing Cox 2 expression in breast cancer cells as well. The research found this to be from targeting certain intracellular signaling proteins that controlled the expression of the Cox 2 enzyme.
You can learn more about the potential for using CBDA for pain in our blog, or the mechanism behind CBDA for inflammation specifically.
Anxiety and stress
Cannabis has long been used by many consumers to help with stress and anxiety, but what does the research say about the benefits of CBDA for anxiety and stress?
A number of studies have found that a significant target of CBDA is the 5HT1A receptors. These are known as serotonin receptors, which are a classical target for antidepressants known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
Animal studies found that CBDA reduced anxiety in a number of models and that the mechanism for this action is the same serotonin receptors targeted by SSRIs. Plus, there’s reason to believe that you can use CBDA for depression – making this a powerful cannabinoid for mental health across the board.
Antioxidant properties of CBDA
Antioxidants play an important role in our biology and provide critical health benefits. An underappreciated benefit of CBDA is its antioxidant capacity.
Recent studies show that many cannabinoids have antioxidant scavenging properties, and may provide protection when cells are under states of excess free radical production.
Sleep effects of CBDA
Many users of Natural Dos CBDA report improved sleep and feeling better rested in the morning. In fact, CBDA for sleep is one of the most common use cases for this cannabinoid.
Cannabis products have been widely used for sleep, and a number of cannabinoids have been studied for their sleep benefits, such as CBD, THC, and CBN.
Because sleep is affected by anxiety and stress, the therapeutic potential of a compound that can help alleviate those symptoms can also help with sleep.
Impact on nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can be caused by many underlying conditions, such as anxiety, and many environmental impacts like alcohol consumption and even chemotherapy.
CBDA has been shown in many pre-clinical trials to decrease nausea and vomiting. While CBDA has not been approved by the FDA for treatment, the usage of CBDA for nausea and vomiting is gaining significant traction among researchers as a potent intervention for study.
Tips on Avoiding or Alleviating the Side Effects of CBDA
Before we wrap up our guide to the CBDA effects, let’s talk about what you can do to mitigate these effects as much as possible. From choosing the right products to dosage and more, here are all the key considerations in enjoying CBDA without any adverse effects.
Using the Right CBDA products
To find the best cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), look for companies that sell their products with full Certificates of Analysis (CoA). These CoAs should be tested by a certified third-party lab.
The CBDA products should have all the acidic cannabinoids present to get the full benefits of the hemp plant. Having all the cannabinoids present increases its absorption and bioavailability.
Natural Dos sells the first Natural Spectrum CBDA tinctures, CBDA gummies, CBDA capsules, and CBDA mints. All of our products are tested by an ISO 17025-certified third-party lab, SC Labs.
Dosing and Administration Tips
Begin with a lower dose than recommended and gradually increase it. This approach helps in identifying the minimal effective dose that provides benefits without unwanted side effects.
Maintain a regular dosing schedule. Consistency in using CBDA can help the body adapt to its effects, potentially reducing the likelihood of side effects over time.
For tinctures, use the sublingual method (placing the oil under the tongue) for better absorption and quicker onset of effect. This can be helpful in determining the right dose without overdoing it.
Lifestyle and Wellness Practices
Staying well-hydrated can help alleviate some side effects like dry mouth. Regular water intake is crucial when using any cannabinoid products.
A balanced diet supports overall health and can mitigate potential side effects. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may complement the anti-inflammatory properties of CBDA.
Incorporating relaxation and stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation can enhance the calming effects of CBDA and reduce the likelihood of anxiety-related side effects.
Bringing Our Conversation on the CBDA Side Effects to a Close
The therapeutic potential of CBDA is just being unlocked as researchers are finding the many ways that it interacts with the endocannabinoid system and exerts anti-inflammatory effects.
CBDA side effects are still under investigation, but this cannabinoid appears to have similar effects to CBD products – a bit of dry mouth or drowsiness is most common. In rare cases, you may experience mood or blood pressure changes.
Want to see how the CBDA side effects compare to other cannabinoids? We have articles comparing CBDA vs CBG, CBDA vs CBD, CBDA vs CBDV, and more.
You can also learn about everything from how to decarboxylate CBDA to the best CBDA tincture in our blog. We’re your trusted source for all things CBDA – including quality products that deliver profound benefits.
So, what are you waiting for? Don’t stress about the CBDA effects any longer. When you invest in quality products at Natural Dos, you can rest assured you’re getting safe, effective solutions to support a healthier, happier lifestyle.
Whether you prefer gummies or CBDA oil, you’re just a few clicks away from experiencing the power of this unsung cannabinoid hero without adverse CBDA effects