Over the past several years, the world has been introduced to the power of CBD, a compound that didn’t get the recognition it deserved for decades. Now, as researchers begin to explore other cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant, they are continually learning more and more about the other powerful compounds it possesses and how they can be used medicinally to help individuals suffering from a wide variety of temporary and chronic ailments.
WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS?
Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found within the cannabis plant. These compounds trigger various chemical reactions inside the human body by attaching themselves to receptors in many of the body’s systems, which results in a number of effects felt by the user. All cannabinoids are able to work with the human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) by attaching themselves to receptors and altering the chemical structure. The ECS controls the homeostasis of a number of internal systems, so it’s possible for cannabinoids to provide therapeutic results to those different parts of the body.
Cannabis is well known for producing the cannabinoid THC, and, more recently, cannabidiol (CBD) has been getting more recognition. However, cannabis also produces more than one hundred other cannabinoids, albeit in only very small amounts. Because the level of these cannabinoids is so much lower than those of THC and CBD, it’s difficult for researchers to know exactly how many other cannabinoids exist in the cannabis plant. Still, researchers have been able to gather data on the handful of cannabinoids that are present in more substantial amounts.
THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT
While each of these cannabinoids on its own has the potential to be a powerful and healing compound, the real magic happens when they are all combined together. When all of the cannabinoids are allowed to work together, they have the ability to amplify the effect. Research has shown that removing even one of these compounds may reduce their effectiveness compared to the results when they are left combined. This is called the Entourage Effect and is a major benefit of consuming full-spectrum CBD or whole flower marijuana or hemp [1].
WHAT IS CBDA?
Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) was first isolated by a scientist in 1965. It was discovered that by exposing CBDA to enough heat or sunlight, it would go through a powerful chemical reaction called decarboxylation, causing it to lose the carboxyl group and transform itself into CBD. It may come as a surprise for some to learn that it is, in fact, CBDA present in the growing cannabis plants.
Generally, the process of decarboxylation has been associated with cannabis; however, scientists have discovered that the same chemical reaction happens during normal cellular respiration. It’s the specific chemical reaction that causes humans to exhale CO2 after metabolism.
Scientists discovered that these compounds activated from the cannabinoids helped produce more therapeutic benefits, but more recently, they’ve discovered that the activation of CBDA’s serotonin receptors makes it significantly more potent than CBD. CBDA has also been found to have a stronger binding ability to these receptors than CBD [2]. What does this mean? First, it’s important to know how cannabinoids interact with the human body. In the next section, we’ll discuss the power of the endocannabinoid system.
THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
Cannabinoids have a very specific effect on the human system. The endocannabinoid system functions as a way to stabilize the body and return to homeostasis when fluctuations happen. If some sort of disruption is introduced in the body, the ECS will activate and control the situation to make sure all systems it controls remain at an optimal level. This is a fundamental function of human physiology because all the internal systems need to be in a state of equilibrium to work effectively.
There are three primary elements that make up the endocannabinoid system:
- Endocannabinoids: Compounds that are produced by the body but are very similar to the chemical compounds in cannabis, like CBDA, CBD, or CBG.
- Cannabinoid Receptors: Receptors that are found on the surface of cells throughout the body. Any endocannabinoids or ingested cannabinoids will bind to these receptors. The action of binding allows them to communicate with different systems in the body, helping the ECS maintain an equilibrium in each of the specific systems.
- Enzymes: After endocannabinoids attach themselves to the cannabinoid receptors and the ECS has maintained stabilization, enzymes break down the endocannabinoids to prevent overcorrection. Each type of endocannabinoid has a specific enzyme that works at breaking it down effectively.
The endocannabinoid system maintains equilibrium in the immune, digestive, and nervous systems among others. Because cannabinoids can so easily interact with the ECS, they are able to have an effect on any number of issues that may arise within those systems, making them potentially powerful tools to use when battling certain conditions and diseases.
IS CBDA LEGAL?
Although CBDA does not entirely fall under the same category as a better-known cannabinoid, CBD, they are treated the same almost all over the US and abroad. This means CBD and CBDA containing products can be legally purchased. Although the percentage of THC allowed may depend on the state.
CBD vs CBDA: DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES
Since there is a visible lack of research about CBDA, it is commonly believed that CBD products provide us with better benefits. Both of them have similar chemical structures with a slight difference. CBDA contains an extra carboxyl group.
Another worth-mentioning similarity is that CBD and CBDA do not cause psychedelic effects and make you high. So for those who are looking to yield solely healthy benefits without intoxication – both CBD and CBDA are ideal options.
Until we have human trials, it is hard to determine which compound has better health benefits. However, initial research discoveries point out that CBDA may be more potent than CBD.
WHAT IS CBDA GOOD FOR?
As mentioned, CBDA is a very powerful resource for boosting serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter most well known for its role in mood regulation, but that is also immensely helpful to physiological functions too.
Although most of the previous research was done on THC and CBD, and researchers have been mostly focused on those two major cannabinoid precursor compounds, there is only preliminary research available. Even though there are a lot of new discoveries ahead, the health benefits of cannabidiolic acid show positive results. For instance, it has some anti-inflammatory properties and may be used as an anti-nausea drug. However, extensive scientific studies are necessary to prove its potential benefits.
CBDA BENEFITS
NAUSEA
Research has shown that CBDA’s ability to activate a serotonin receptor makes it helpful when combating nausea and vomiting in rats. In fact, this research provided evidence that CBDA is actually more effective at controlling nausea and vomiting than even CBD. CBDA was found to suppress nausea and vomiting caused by both toxins and motion sickness [3].
Perhaps some of the most exciting research for CBDA comes in its ability to help reduce anticipatory nausea, which is a type of severe nausea chemotherapy patients often experience prior to treatment. Unfortunately, there have been no cases of successful treatment of anticipatory nausea with pharmaceutical medications, so finding CBDA to be effective is a major breakthrough for those who suffer [4].
Another study showed that CBDA assisted in the anti-nausea effects of prescribed pharmaceuticals more than CBD alone could do. An individual would need 1000 times less CBDA when compared to CBD for the same anti-nausea effect [5].
EPILEPSY
Cannabidiolic acid has been celebrated for its ability to help control seizures, especially in children. In fact, currently, the only FDA-approved medication made with CBD is an anti-seizure prescription. The makers of this drug have also started researching what effect cannabidiolic acid can have on seizures and have so far seen promising results. Scientists have so far found CBDA to have better bioavailability (how quickly and effectively the compound is absorbed into the system) and an overall faster onset than CBD [6]. The study also showed that CBDA could prove to be more effective at reducing seizures within a certain set of parameters. This makes CBDA a very interesting topic for researchers across the globe.
INFLAMMATION
Just like CBD, CBDA has powerful anti-inflammation properties that make it appealing to people suffering from assorted issues. Cannabidiolic acid may be especially effective against inflammation of the stomach and intestines because it acts as a selective inhibitor for a specific receptor attached to those systems. Like CBD, it has also been found to be much safer than traditional steroids when it comes to relieving inflammation in patients since steroids often come with long-term side effects and consequences [7]. Perhaps when more research is carried out, new nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will appear.
Interestingly enough, researchers have also found a connection between CBDA’s ability to control inflammation by specifically targeting one receptor to also help in its ability to prevent the spread of a certain type of breast cancer cells. This evidence is all preliminary, and researchers have a lot more work to do before coming to any concrete conclusions. Still, this early research suggests CBDA may help prevent the spread of malignant cells in breast cancer [8].
HOW TO USE A CANNABIS PLANT?
Raw cannabis flowers are a good source of CBDA that can be obtained legally in medical and cannabis dispensaries. Since the potential health benefits can be acquired from raw cannabis leaves, it is a good idea to incorporate them into your diet.
You would be surprised to discover how easy it is to consume in its raw form. Some of the popular ideas include adding them to your salad bowl or blending them with other healthy veggies for an energy-boosting smoothie.
And if you wish to have them cooked a bit, instead of heating cannabis (because it will turn into CBD), you should steam it slightly. A CBDA tincture is a convenient way of measuring how many drops you use per day, too. Another great idea is to make raw cannabis juice out of fresh cannabis plants or brew some tea.
Just like any leafy vegetable, cannabis plants can be stored in a dry place in your fridge.
HOW TO FIND CBDA?
Finding quality products in a market that is otherwise unregulated can be challenging for any consumers, especially those new to the cannabis market. It’s always advisable to carefully check the label of the product you’re purchasing, especially the ingredients. If you find a CBDA oil, you can feel comfortable knowing that it is most likely a full-spectrum product and will provide you with maximum results, including the entourage effect.
When in doubt, ask for help. Almost all manufacturers and retailers want you to be comfortable with the product you’re purchasing and feel confident that you’ve selected the right product for your needs. A simple question about the quality or ingredients can save a lot of time and trouble later, so keep asking questions until you’re confident in the product and company.
Disclaimer
The statements expressed on this website are purely opinion of the author and not factual. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products referenced on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It’s highly suggested to consult with your medical professional prior to any use of the products referenced on this website. This website and author specifically disclaim any liability in connection with the products contained on the website.
