Short answer: the closest thing to CBD is CBDA, and for a lot of people it's the better version. CBDA is what hemp actually grows. CBD is what you get after the hemp is heated. So if you're looking for a CBD alternative because CBD faded fast, never really hit, or just felt like nothing, CBDA is the one to look at.
Here's why. Most CBD products start with hemp that's been cooked to turn its natural CBDA into CBD. That heated CBD is poorly absorbed, so a lot of what you take never gets used. Researchers found raw CBDA is absorbed over 500% better than heat-converted CBD.
That's the idea behind our hemp gummies. Same plant, same family of compound, just never cooked.
Behind this articleVegan Tropical CBDA GummiesCalm without the high. 50mg CBDA and 50mg CBD per gummy.See the gummies
New to CBDA? Here's the short version of what it is. Hemp gummies for adults 21+. Not medical advice.
What's similar to CBD?
Hemp makes more than one cannabinoid. You'll see a few names on shelves next to CBD:
- CBDA. The raw form of CBD. Chemically it's CBD before heat. This is the closest match to CBD, and the one we build around.
- CBG. Found in small amounts in most hemp. Usually sold blended with CBD.
- CBN. Forms as THC ages. Often sold in nighttime blends.
If what you liked about CBD was the idea of feeling calmer without getting high, CBDA is the most direct swap. It's non-intoxicating, it comes from the same hemp, and it skips the step that makes CBD hard to absorb.
Why CBDA instead of more CBD?
Most people who go looking for a CBD alternative have already tried CBD and felt underwhelmed. The usual answer is "take more." The better answer is to stop cooking the hemp.
- Heat changes it. Hemp grows CBDA. Processors heat it to make CBD.
- Heated CBD absorbs poorly. A big share of what you swallow doesn't get used.
- CBDA absorbs better. Researchers found raw CBDA is absorbed over 500% better than heat-converted CBD.
For the longer explanation, read What is CBDA? or our piece on why CBD doesn't work for some people.
Our pick: Vegan Tropical CBDA Gummies
If you're switching from CBD, start with the Vegan Tropical CBDA Gummies. Each gummy has 50mg CBDA plus 50mg CBD, no THC, 30 per jar, in sour strawberry, wild cherry and pineapple. Vegan, pectin based, and third-party tested. You can learn how to read a lab report here.
Most people take one. Some take two. Give it a couple of weeks of steady use, and if it's not for you, you have 100 days: keep the jar you opened, send back any you didn't, and get your money back.
Quick answers
What's the best alternative to CBD?
For most people, CBDA. It's the form hemp makes naturally, before heat turns it into CBD, and it's absorbed far better.
Will CBDA get me high?
No. CBDA is non-intoxicating, and our Vegan Tropical CBDA Gummies contain no THC.
Is CBDA legal?
CBDA comes from hemp. Our gummies are sold to adults 21+ where hemp products are allowed.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For adults 21+. Talk to your doctor before use if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.
Behind this articleVegan Tropical CBDA GummiesCalm without the high. 50mg CBDA and 50mg CBD per gummy.See the gummies