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CBD Cannabinoid vs. CBDA Cannabinoid: What You Must Know
Most of our customers have long been fans of cannabidiol (CBD), the dominant compound in the hemp plant that began the hemp craze a decade ago. Cannabidiol is one of the most researched cannabinoids found in the cannabis genus, and easily the most widely used around the world.
But, there is one aspect of cannabidiol that commonly gets ignored, and it’s the compound’s raw form. The CBD we consume is not raw – that is, it has been decarboxylated (heated) to activate specific properties that come from its relationship to the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Cannabidiol that’s not decarboxylated but raw is known as CBDA, and we’re discovering that it’s an entirely unique cannabinoid with its own series of properties worth exploring.
So, how does CBDA compare with CBD? Let’s find out.
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CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)
Origins: Cannabidiolic Acid is the raw, acidic form of cannabidiol, prior to decarboxylation. This means that when you handle the raw buds of the hemp plant before they’ve been smoked or vaporized, what you’re looking at is not CBD, but CBDA.
Psychoactive Properties: Cannabidiolic Acid is non-intoxicating for two reasons:
- CBD is not intoxicating, and CBDA doesn’t have a different psychoactive profile from the cannabinoid that’s converted into.
- Cannabinoids in their raw form are non-intoxicating, which is why you can’t get high by simply eating the raw buds of cannabis.
Other Properties Associated with CBDA
Now, we can take a look at the research that has gone into understanding Cannabidiolic Acid, as its properties are one-of-a-kind and distinctive from cannabidiol. While they do share some overall effects in common, the means through which they deliver these effects are distinctive since they are ultimately two different compounds.
- Serotonin Uptake: CBDA seems to work strongly on 5-ht receptors, which influence our serotonin levels. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, sexual function, metabolism and energy levels. Low serotonin is associated with depressive disorders and other mental health dysfunctions. CBD also works on these receptors, but CBDA’s effects seem to be 10-100 times more potent. Because of its influence on 5-ht receptors, it may also reduce nausea.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBDA plays a strong role in the management of inflammation by inhibiting COX-2, the enzyme that precedes the body’s inflammatory response. Studies show that CBDA’s effects on inflammation may be quite powerful and comparable to those of NSAIDs.
- Influence on SARS-CoV-2: In January of 2022, a study was published that found that when taken with CBGA, CBDA was able to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from entering the cells of the lungs and other organs. CBDA effectively binds to the virus’ spike protein to change its external structure, thus preventing it from making its way into the organs of the body where it can cause the highest risk of lethality.
Legality: Cannabidiolic Acid is a legal cannabinoid under federal law (2018 Farm Bill), and it is legal in all 50 states across the country. There are no restrictions when it comes to product type, purchase amount, possession amount, or product concentration.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Origins: Cannabidiol is the most prominent chemical compound in (decarboxylated) hemp, making up about 10%-25% of the plant’s total composition. CBD was discovered in 1940 and has been researched intensively over the decades. It’s one of the most researched naturally occurring compounds of all-time, and is even widely available on the hemp market in various product forms.
Psychoactive Properties: Like CBDA, CBD is not psychoactive in any strength or dosage. The compound does not have any intoxicating properties as it doesn’t interact with the same cannabinoid receptors as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)– cannabinoid that does get people high.
Other Properties Associated with CBD
Cannabidiol has been studied extensively over the years, and because of that, we have a much broader understanding of its potential effects.
- Relief from discomfort: CBD has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can address physical discomfort throughout the body, by regulating the inflammatory response and reducing pain sensitivity to make the nervous system better adapted to respond to painful stimuli.
- Mood regulation: CBD works with CB1 receptors in the nervous system that balance the neurotransmitters involved in mood, such as dopamine, serotonin and cortisol. This could potentially balance stress levels while offering an uplifting effect.
- Easier sleep: Many people report improved sleep after taking CBD, and this likely has to do with the same neurotransmitter-balancing effects discussed above. CBD not only balances serotonin, cortisol and other neurotransmitters that play a role in our sleep cycle, but also melatonin, the key hormone that regulates our circadian rhythm.
- Increased appetite: People commonly report noticing an improved appetite after taking CBD, which comes from the cannabinoid’s interaction with receptors involved in appetite, food cravings and pleasure derived from eating.
- Immune system balance: Cannabinoid receptors in the immune system (CB2 receptors) seem to regulate important immune functions, and a lot of research is going into the cannabinoid’s effects on immunity as we speak.
- Properties related to epilepsy: A collection of research has introduced us to the neuroprotective properties of cannabidiol which can regulate neurological function, and specifically, researchers are very interested in the role that CBD could play in managing symptoms of epilepsy through its anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties.
Legality: CBD shares the same legality as CBDA, being legal both federally and in all 50 states. As is the case with CBDA, there are no restrictions when it comes to product type, purchase amount, possession amount, or product concentration.
CBDA or CBD? You Decide!
Both cannabidiol and Cannabidiolic Acid are cannabinoids that get their exciting effects through their relationship to the body’s endocannabinoid system. At first glimpse, someone may think that CBD is the far more valuable derivative. But, now we know that CBDA actually has a surprising amount of properties that make it independently worth trying.
So, which one is better for your daily needs?
Well first, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s perfectly fine to take them both. These cannabinoids do not interact with each other in a negative way and may even enhance one another’s value through the synergistic properties that cannabinoids share with one another. Basically, this means that if you’re already taking CBD, there’s no reason to not take CBDA.
Note: If you’re currently on any medications or are simply looking to take either cannabinoid for the first time, it is best to speak with your doctor first. A physician has the access to your medical records, so they can make the proper determination if CBD or CBDA is right for you.
Binoid carries a wide selection of CBD products and CBDA products made with only the finest, lab-tested hemp extractions, along with clean and natural ingredients. Both can also be incorporated into your daily routine due to their user-friendly formulas.
SEO Description: A new cannabinoid matchup has emerged that does have some similarities and differences, which is CBDA versus CBD.
