What is CBDA Good For: Unlocking the Healing Potential

I’m super pumped to chat with you about this amazing cannabinoid called cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and how it can boost your health and wellbeing in general. You know how cannabis sativa and its cannabinoid compounds have been raging the wellness industry lately?

Cannabidiolic acid is one of those therapeutic compounds, and it’s the raw, unheated version of CBD.

In fact, the hemp plant does not actually make CBD, it makes CBDA, which can later be converted to CBD through a heating processes called decarboxylation.

But here’s the really exciting part: CBDA has been showing some potent health benefits for many sorts of conditions.

While was an overlooked bioactive compound due to the limited technology to purify it, that has recently changed with new developments.

So, I’m here to spill the beans on what is CBDA good for and how can it help you with numerous health issues. Ready to unlock the healing power of CBDA? Read on!

Key Takeaways

• Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is a compound found in a raw cannabis sativa plant and it can seriously boost our health. It is one of many acidic cannabinoids found in the plant material and you can think of it like the raw form of CBD.
• Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) can help with chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety and stress, viral infections, and even offer support for nausea and vomiting.
• You can consume cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) through raw cannabis juice, cannabis strains, oils, topicals, or edibles. Just make sure to consult first with your doctor or healthcare professional before trying anything new.

Jump to:

• What is CBDA: A primer
• The science behind CBDA benefits
• CBDA applications in various health conditions
• Methods of CBDA consumption
• Potential side effects and considerations
• Conclusion

 

What is CBDA: A Primer

Now, let’s dig deep about cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), a naturally occurring compound found in a cannabis plant like hemp and marijuana. This acidic cannabinoid is still overlooked bioactive compound. It’s among the many major and minor cannabinoids that hold very promising therapeutic potential.

CBDA is actually an acidic precursor of CBD, and is one of many other acidic cannabinoids found in the hemp flower. You see, CBDA is a non psychoactive compound, which results in many health benefits on the human body when they interact with the endocannabinoid system.

Now, CBDA and CBD have a few key differences.

• First, their chemical composition is a bit distinct, with CBDA having a carboxyl group
• Second, CBDA is less stable compared to CBD. In this case, it means that if you expose CBDA to heat it can convert to CBD
• Third, their biological activity is different between CBDA and CBD, even though they have some similar biological targets.

But honestly, don’t worry too much about all the technical stuff. What’s important is what CBDA can do for you!

Decarboxylation Process

So you’re curious about how cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) becomes CBD, right? Well, it’s all about this process called decarboxylation. Basically, when you want to transform CBDA into CBD, you gotta heat it up. By doing that, you remove the carboxyl group, which is the chemical structure of CBDA that’s distinct from CBD, and then CBDA converts into CBD!

There are a few ways to make CBDA synthase happen. The most common way is using heat.

You can smoke it, vape it, or bake it to make that magic conversion. It’s like turning up the CBDA heat and watching the transformation!

But here’s something cool: you can also let time do its thing. Yeah, CBDA naturally changes into CBD if it’s exposed to direct light or heat over time. It’s a slower process, but it definitely gets the job done.

Now, there’s this other option using ultraviolet (UV) light, but honestly, it’s not as popular or efficient as using heat. So, stick with the heat for simplicity. So, whether you’re heating it up or giving it time, remember that decarboxylation is the key to turning CBDA into CBD.

It’s pretty fascinating how a little heat can make such a big difference, huh?

Storing your CBDA oil

So you want to store your CBDA oil and make sure it does not convert to CBD?

Its not hard, just store away from light inside your house. CBDA is fairly stable if left alone at room temperature, or any temperature below 110F in the dark.

You can even store it in the fridge.

As long as you dont put it in the oven or set it on the windowsill you should be fine.

For reference, it takes an hour at 220F to decarboxylate your CBDA into CBD, so you should be fine at most temperatures.

What is CBDA good for: The Science Behind CBDA Benefits

Let’s get into the bottom of the CBDA benefits. It all starts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a system in your body that’s quite pretty cool if you ask me. The ECS handles many different functions in your body like mood, appetite, memory, and sleep. It’s a big deal since it helps keep the balance inside your body, and CBDA interacts with it in a very unique way.

One of the unique characteristics of acidic cannabinoids like CBDA is their water solubility. Not only can they dissolve in oils, like MCT oil, but they can also dissolve in water because of their charged carboxyl group.

How does this help you?

CBDA has between 450% to over 1000% better absorption than CBD!

Because the enhanced absorption confers better bioavailability, CBDA benefits will be much greater than CBD.

Why CBDA vs CBD oil?

You have not heard much about CBDA since all of the conventional cannabis plant purification technologies relied on heat which converted CBDA to CBD during manufacturing. This meant nobody could produce CBDA at scale.

Recently, Natural Dos developed a novel purification technology that allowed us to isolate all the acidic cannabinoids from the hemp flower, creating the first Natural Spectrum CBDA oil.

This unique full spectrum product has superior absorption compared to CBDA alone, which you cant find elsewhere.

Benefits of CBDA in Various Health Conditions

CBDA, a natural precursor of CBD, has so many potential benefits according to early research and it’s becoming super popular.

CBDA appears to be a real superhero when it comes to helping out with different health conditions! Here are some of the amazing benefits of CBDA:

CBDA – Chronic Pain Management

Got a stubborn pain you’re dealing with? CBDA is here to save the day! Scientific research has shown that CBDA’s unique molecular properties could help you manage chronic pain and inflammatory pain by interacting with your endocannabinoid system and even reducing chronic inflammation.

Not only can CBDA work through the endocannabinoid system, it can also block critical pain receptors.

Termed TRPV’s, CBDA has been shown to inhibit TRPV1 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1). These receptors are important in propagating pain signals from the peripheral nervous system to the brain.

These cell surface channels have been well documented by many pain research teams, and are the basis for work on capsaicin drugs for pain treatment.

CBDA – anti inflammatory properties

A research team has found that arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease are no match for CBDA! Early research suggests that CBDA has natural anti inflammatory properties. It’s like the inflammation fighter we all need and some studies even concluded that it can be a natural alternative to some nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs.

CBDA works by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which are primarily responsible for inflammation. When you get an injury or an infection, the COX-2 enzymes spring into action, which causes you to experience inflammation and pain.

COX2 causes inflammation by making inflammatory prostaglandins from arachidonic acid that signal to the immune system to ramp up. However, we now know that COX2 can also metabolize endogenous endocannabinoids, lowering the basal levels of these critical lipids that activate the endocannabinoid system.

Thus, while CBDA can inhibit and prevent the production of COX2, it increases the basal levels of endocannabinoids by restricting the degradation pathway through this inflammatory enzyme.

CBDA – Stress and Anxiety

Anxiety and depression can be tough, but CBDA might be just what you need! Pre clinical trials showed that it works wonders on our brains by impacting endocannabinoid and serotonin receptors and regulating serotonin levels and making us feel better. Hence, it may be helpful to alleviate many mood disorders.

But how does it do this?

Recent studies have found that CBDA can directly activate a critical serotonin receptor termed 5HT1A. This G-protein coupled receptor, located mainly in the brain, normally binds serotonin and signals a specific function to the neurons.

The specific neuromodulation of the 5HT1A is to decrease heart rate and induce vasodilation, aka lowering blood pressure. Pretty important stuff if your stressed out and have anxiety?

CBDA – anti-viral properties

There has been a lot of talk about CBDA oil after it was discovered that it could decrease COVID-19 viral binding to cells in vitro. This is certainly an interesting finding, and we covered the mechanisms and dosage of this process for CBDA and CBGA in another article.

Here wanted to point out that this area of research needs further study as none of these trials were performed in vivo.

CBDA – anti nausea and vomiting

Cancer is the worst, but CBDA might be able to offer some support in cancer treatments. In fact, it’s been shown to stop breast cancer cells from migrating – pretty impressive, huh? It also has anti nausea effects that may be helpful for cancer patients experiencing nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy.

So how does CBDA help with nausea and vomiting?

It turns out that CBDA works to alleviate symptoms of nausea and vomiting in similar ways that it helps with anxiety and stress. Working through the 5HT1A receptors, scientists found that it can inhibit the symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

Methods of CBDA Consumption

So, you’re curious about all the cool ways you can consume CBDA? Well, my friend, I’ve got you covered! Check out these awesome methods that will have you enjoying CBDA in no time:

CBDA-raw cannabis juice

You know, one of the simplest ways to get your dose of CBDA is by using cannabis strains that are high in CBDA. These can be pressed using moderately heated press machines to produce raw cannabis juice.

What does this look like? You typically get a greenish/yellow oil that is rich in cannabinoids, terpenes, and some chlorophyll.

For this kind of CBDA product, it is best to do it on your own since they are not well stored over time. You will want to keep the raw cannabis flowers in the fridge or freezer until use.

CBDA Oil and Tinctures

Get ready for a popular choice – CBDA oil and tinctures! These little bottles are magical because they’re made by extracting CBDA from hemp or cannabis plants and then specially purifying the oil.

The CBDA oil, which should have other minor acidic cannabinoids in it, is mixed with a carrier oil. These can be MCT coconut oil, hemp seed oil, or other kinds of oil. We would avoid vegetable oils, olive oils, or seeds oils as they can give off putting taste when combined with CBDA oil.

Often the tinctures are mixed with a flavor, such as extracted orange or mint. We very much recommend a flavored one since CBDA can have a slightly bitter flavor for some people.

You can take them sublingually (that means under your tongue) or mix them into your favorite snacks and drinks. So versatile, right?

We recommend the sublingual version, since compounds like CBDA are very well absorbed in that area compared to just swallowing. Sublingual will give you the maximum absorption amount, and it can also mask some of the bitter flavors of CBDA oil.

Topical Applications

When you’re looking for some targeted relief, topical products are here to help. Creams, lotions, and balms containing CBDA are like a superhero squad for pain and inflammation. Just apply them directly to your skin, and they’ll get to work right where you need it.

The advantage of CBDA vs CBD in topical applications is that CBDA is better absorbed through the skin so the benefits of CBDA oil will be greater.

Additionally, we should point out that this application will only treat the local area, and will not have a systemic effect.

Vaporizing

Now, vaporizing is pretty cool because it is the fasts way to get cannabinoids into your system. While most products convert CBDA into CBD due to heat, there are special ones designed for low-temperature vaporizing.

However, even the low temperature vaporizers are going to decarboxylate CBDA into CBD since the boiling point (over 300F). At this temperature you will convert, but the question is how much. Is it 20%, 50% 100% of CBDA converted to CBD?

If you want the benefits of CBDA we dont think vaping is the way to go.

Keep in mind that more research is needed to learn about the safety and effectiveness of this method.

Edibles

Who doesn’t love tasty treats? Well, you can infuse CBDA into edibles like gummies, chocolates, or baked goods. Just be mindful of the heat involved in cooking, as it may convert CBDA into CBD.

To keep that CBDA intact, try using low-temperature methods or adding CBDA to your treat after it’s been cooked. Yum!

If you are buying CBDA edibles, like CBDA gummies or CBDA breath mints make sure to check the CoA to verify that the final product has not converted the CBDA to CBD.

Find the best CBDA oil

To find the best CBDA oil product, whether its tinctures or edibles, always check the CoA (certificate of analysis) to make sure its high quality.

A CoA should be performed by a third party testing lab on the final product to reduce conflicts of interest. These are important since there have been known batches of CBD products that had very high levels of THC accidently. Also, many products on the market do not actually have the listed amount when tested independently.

So what should you look for in a high quality CBDA CoA?

1. There should a full spectrum CBDA oil, which includes other minor cannabinoids that are in the acidic form.
2. The potency, the amount of cannabinoids, found in the test should be close to what is on the label.
3. They should have tested for pesticides, since hemp plants can absorb pesticides from the soil.
4. Heavy metals should also be tested because hemp can also absorb those out of the soil and concentrate in the flower.
5. Residual solvents from the extraction should be tested for to make they were properly removed and not present in the final CBDA product.
6. Microbial contamination is important as well, especially for edibles, and should be tested for different pathogenic bacteria and mold.

If you are not sure how to read a CoA, see our CBD CoA guide.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to chat with a healthcare professional before trying any new health regimens. Now go forth and enjoy your CBDA adventures!

 

Conclusion

To sum it up, if you’re looking for possible ways to alleviate pain, inflammation, mental health, neurological disorders, and even support during cancer treatment, CBDA could be worth considering. It comes from raw cannabis plants, and it works its magic by interacting with our body’s unique endocannabinoid and serotonin system and blocking the nasty enzymes that cause inflammation.

Now, if you’re itching to try it out, you have several options like cannabis strains, oils, topicals, or edibles. But, it’s important to talk to your healthcare professional first before jumping on the CBDA bandwagon. They can help you figure out if CBDA is right for you and give you guidance based on your unique body and needs.

 

–Team Dos