What is Cannabidiolic Acid? (CBDa)
Cannabidiolic acid, commonly known as CBDa, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. In cannabis Sativa L (hemp plants), CBDa is found in abundance and is the precursor to a variety of beneficial cannabinoids produced in hemp. Like its well-known counterpart CBD (cannabidiol), CBDa is not psychoactive and won't produce the intense euphoric high associated with consuming Delta 9 THC found in marijuana plants.
Originally discovered in the 1950s, CBDa is actually the first cannabidiolic acid to be found in hemp cannabis plants. While it remained relatively low interest for analysis and research for several decades, scientists and researchers have recently taken to studying the potential effects of the cannabinoid as legalization, and the consumer demand for it increases.
Its affinity for binding with cannabinoid receptors and other cellular targets provides the foundation for its potential.
These anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties may serve dual purposes to humans, and hemp plants alike, as the CBDa seems to also function as a natural protectant against harmful pathogens that would seek to ruin the growth of hemp plants before they are able to reach their finals stages of maturity.
How Do You Use CBDa?
CBDa is available in a variety of hemp-derived cannabis supplements. Most commonly, it is seen in full and broad-spectrum CBD oil formulas containing a host of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
Additionally, CBDa can be extracted and blended into concentrated edible wellness products, topical creams, soft gel caps, and oil tinctures. As a precursor to CBD, most whole flower is raw CBDa and becomes CBD when heated and inhaled.
Using CBDa is a lot like using any other type of hemp-derived cannabinoid product. It can be dropped under the tongue for sublingual application, cooked into teas and foods as raw flowers, taken discreetly as Edibles and capsules, or massaged into the skin through beneficial topical lotions, balms, and creams.
What's the Best Way to Take CBDa?
The best way to consume CBDa is in its non-decarboxylated state. This means that the cannabinoid compound can not be heated before being used in hemp-derived supplements.
As such, this means that the best products to consume CBDa are those that utilize cold press or cO2 extraction methods. Cold press and steam distillation protect the CBDa from decarboxylation and ensure that it remains stable in all hemp-derived products, oils, topicals, edibles, and more.
These processes are common in manufacturing hemp cannabis oil tinctures, soft gel capsules, and certain types of edibles. Users who like to put CBDa oil into food, beverage, or under their tongue should opt for broad or full spectrum CBDa oil tinctures. Oil tinctures are typically considered the best and most fast-acting way to get the effects of CBDa.
How is CBDa Made?
To make CBDa without turning it into CBD, the raw hemp plant must undergo an extraction process that doesn't heat the plant material and cause decarboxylation. The most advanced ways of achieving this are through subcritical and supercritical cO2 extraction methods.
Once isolated, cO2 extracts can be used in countless hemp-derived product types, including oil tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topical creams.
Difference Between CBDa and CBD?
The most significant difference is the molecular structure of the two compounds. By heating CBDa to a certain point, carbon atoms are removed to create other cannabinoid compounds.
These carbon atoms affect how the cannabinoid reacts to receptors in the body's endocannabinoid system. For example, CBDa in its raw form interacts with 5-HT receptors far better than CBD due to its non-decarboxylated state.
While more studies are needed to determine the why and how, enough evidence does exist to show that CBDa may, in fact, be a more powerful alternative for consumers looking to derive the maximum amount of effect from cannabinoids.
In comparison, the molecular structure of CBD allows it to bind to CB2 receptors with a greater affinity, which is why it has become more popular among consumers in recent years. Regardless, both compounds are highly beneficial and have unique uses for different conditions.
Our Best CBDa Products
We source our hemp cannabis products from reputable manufacturers and growers committed to the principles of sustainable growth, additive-free production, and the use of hemp to create a better world. So, whether you prefer tinctures or capsules, topicals or edibles, we have something for you!
When it comes to our CBDa products, our lineup of potent oil tinctures is second to none. Packaged in 30ml bottles, customers can choose between different formulas to ensure they meet their needs with the use of potent CBDa.
For those seeking overall wellness condition, we suggest our 300mg concentration of CBDa. This full-spectrum formula contains other beneficial cannabinoids and carrier oils to promote the Entourage Effect and increase cannabinoid absorption.
Those seeking a potent cannabinoid solution should check out our CBDa + CBGa formula. This 30ml bottle contains 2100mg of each cannabinoid along with other beneficial terpenes, vitamins, and MCT oil.
Our CBDa products are independently lab tested to prove the potency and efficacy of the formula. Additionally, our commitment to sustainable, organic farming and manufacturing processes means that the CBDa oil for sale at CannaAid is also vegan and vegetarian friendly.