We used to think that you need to decarboxylate CBDA to CBD to get the “active” form, but new research is showing this is not true. Studies are finding many CBDA benefits, opening up new avenues for potential benefits.
But, how do you actually go about consuming CBDA? Aside from the classic CBDA products for sale here at Natural Dos, you could always stick with good old CBDA flower.
That being said, smoking anything comes with adverse health effects that should be taken into consideration. The consequences of putting carcinogens in your lungs will outweigh the potential benefits you stand to gain.
Because of this, we ultimately encourage you to stick with a safe, effective consumption method like our CBDA gummies, CBDA oil, or even CBDA capsules. Discover the Natural Dos difference today, or learn more about CBDA flower below!
Overview of CBDA
Before we even get into the concept of flower, let’s take a step back - what is CBDA? Cannabidiol acid (CBDA) is found in all cannabis plants, including the hemp and marijuana strains.
The main difference between the two is the amount of CBDA in the hemp plant is much higher, and has much lower THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid).
So, does CBDA get you high? Nope! Like CBD, CBDA oil is not a psychoactive compound.
CBDA is the precursor molecule to CBD, and is the natural form found in high amounts when growing cannabis plants that are hemp strains. The conversion of CBDA to CBD oil is a process called decarboxylation, where the CBDA emits carbon dioxide from the loss of carboxylic acid.
This conversion can take place slowly over many months if the hemp plant is harvested, and is left out to dry and exposed to light. Most of the time, CBDA is converted to CBD by heating the raw cannabis juice from the extraction process to create a final CBD oil, such as full spectrum CBD.
The reason for decarboxylation of CBDA oils comes mostly from two prior points:
- In the marijuana community, people know you know you need to convert THCA to THC to get an “active” compound that confers the euphoric properties. This same thinking was applied to CBDA and CBD oil, although we now know that is not accurate.
- The conventional processing and purification technologies to create high purity CBD and THC oils for cannabis products were using short path distillation. This purification process involves heating cannabis plant extracts to boil off the cannabinoids to create a higher purity oil. As the purification equipment industry matured, they made advancements in the efficiencies and throughput, but still relied on the basic thermal properties, which meant nobody was able to capture the acidic cannabinoids.
You can learn more about CBDA vs CBD in our blog. For now, though, let’s look at some of the reasons the concept of CBDA flower is becoming more popular.
CBDA benefits
Because CBDA has not been on the market long, many people are still unaware that it may be a more potent cannabinoid than CBD. Early findings relied on raw cannabis juice or raw form hemp extract as the vehicle for CBDA tinctures.
Natural Dos has developed a new purification technology that allows us to capture just the acidic cannabinoids, creating the only high-quality CBDA oil on the market.
Ours is unique in that it contains all the major and minor cannabinoids in their acidic form, giving it all the benefits of a full-spectrum CBDA oil. We’ll talk more about this later on, but first, let’s look at the benefits of CBDA in general.
CBDA vs CBD, 500% absorption difference!
New studies have found that CBDA absorption can be up to 500% better than CBD, with some studies showing over 1000% better absorption!
The health benefits of a compound are largely determined by how well it gets into your system. If hemp oil cannabinoids after decarboxylation are only mildly absorbed, then you would need to take a large amount to get a therapeutic benefit.
Many clinical trials using CBD products find that they need a dose in the 100mg to 1000mg range daily. Since CBDA oil has much higher absorption, a 250mg CBD dose would be equal to a 50mg CBDA dose. In other words, you get better bang for your buck!
Anti-inflammatory potential of CBDA oil
The molecular structure of CBDA was found to directly inhibit the activity of COX-2 (cyclooxygenase 2), one of the most potent inflammatory enzymes. This enzyme is a target of many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
In addition, in breast cancer cells, CBDA was found to also inhibit COX-2 production, by altering the genetic signaling that turns on genes.
Thus, while CBDA’s affinity for direct inhibition of COX-2 is not on par with ibuprofen for example, it can decrease the production as well, conferring significant potential benefits. Learn more about CBDA for inflammation and CBDA for pain here in our blog.
Anti-anxiety properties of CBDA oil
The body’s endocannabinoid system encompasses many physiological properties and is controlled through different receptors that the endocannabinoids can bind. One of these is the 5HT1A receptor, and cell surface protein that regulates serotonin levels.
This 5HT1A receptor is widely studied for its ability to regulate mood and is a target of many SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). There are now multiple studies showing that CBDA can activate the 5HT1A receptor, and help reduce stress in many animal models.
Our blog has more insights on using CBDA for depression or CBDA for anxiety.
Anti-nausea effects of CBDA oils
Preliminary research in animal models using CBDA for nausea also showed significant promise. There are now many studies that find one of the biggest physiological effects of CBDA tincture is on nausea.
Your Introduction to CBDA flower
Typically, CBDA flower is referring to smokable hemp flower with an elevated level of high quality CBDA oil.
Broadly, hemp plants are grown for three different purposes, fiber, CBDA and CBD oil (and other major and minor cannabinoids), and flower for smoking. These can be different strains depending on what cannabinoids you want in your plant material.
Legality of CBDA Flower
Since cannabis plants have been illegal for a while, we often get asked “is CBDA legal?”
Yes!
Since the passing of the 2018 federal farm bill, hemp cultivation and processing is legal with the oversight of a state program. The cannabis leaves and flower are where most of the cannabinoids are, and need to have less than 0.3% THC to be state and federally compliant.
All hemp plant material is lab-tested before it can be sold or processed. That being said, this type of flower may not be worth it - here’s why…
Smoking hemp flower: Will you get any benefits of CBDA?
Hemp flower has become a popular method for consuming CBD, and is usually grown indoors unlike the hemp plants for CBDA extraction which are grown outdoors. Smokable hemp flower typically has higher amounts of CBDA in the bud, seen by the crystal formation on the trichomes.
When you smoke hemp flower, you are decarboxylating the CBDA and other acidic cannabinoids, and are getting only CBD or THC. Smoking is one of the fastest methods of consumption, but you lose all the health benefits of CBDA oil.
More Reasons to Avoid Smoking Hemp Flower
Even if you could enjoy the benefits of CBDA flower by smoking it, we’d still encourage you to steer clear. Inhaling any kind of smoke can be detrimental to your health, and this includes smoking hemp flower for its CBDA content.
When you burn plant material, it combusts and releases a mix of compounds, many of which can be harmful. Combustion creates tar and carcinogens, which are known to damage the lungs and increase the risk of respiratory diseases and lung cancer.
Even though hemp flower may not contain the same level of harmful substances found in tobacco, the act of smoking itself still introduces toxins and irritants to the lungs.
Moreover, smoking can lead to chronic bronchitis and has been associated with symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It can also impair the cilia in the respiratory tract, which are essential for clearing mucus and protecting against infections.
Additionally, the immediate effects of smoking - such as an increase in heart rate and blood pressure - can be a concern for those with cardiovascular conditions.
For individuals seeking the benefits of CBDA, there are alternative methods of consumption that do not involve smoking, such as oils, tinctures, or edibles. Let’s get into these other options below
Superior Consumption Methods to CBDA Flower
There are a couple of different kinds of CBDA oil on the market: CBDA isolate, Natural Spectrum CBDA, raw CBDA, and raw hemp oil. We’ll highlight the pros and cons of each below and help you find the perfect consumption method that’s safe and effective.
Natural Spectrum CBDA products
These full-spectrum CBDA products are produced by isolating all the acidic cannabinoids from the hemp plant in a high-purity oil. Pioneered by Natural Dos, this high-purity acidic cannabinoid oil is used in all our products.
The raw cannabis products
Most of the products using the “raw form” are pressed extracts that still have CBDA in the CBD oil, since they do not use a purification step. However, they often have heated plates used for pressing, which causes decarboxylation.
The isolate
Cannabinoid isolates are crystalized cannabinoids derived from a hemp oil extraction process. These forms are usually used for beverages, or making specific product formulations.
Where to get high-quality CBDA products
There are now a couple of companies that produce CBDA products, but we have not seen any that contain the level of full-spectrum cannabinoids that we have in our proprietary extract.
Natural Dos produces the best CBDA oil which is in every product we sell. Other cannabinoids are present in our products, but we only count the amount of CBDA, so the total may be higher.
- Third-party tested, check out our CoAs
- Grown, purified, and bottled in the USA
- 100 day money back guarantee
- No pesticides, chemicals, or heavy metals
Unless you buy a product with delta 8, none of our CBDA-only items have psychoactive properties.
Natural Dos does not “water down” its tinctures, selling concentrated 500mg and 1000mg vials in compact sizes, 5mL and 10mL. Easy to pocket for on-the-go relaxation.
Our CBDA tinctures come in all-natural extract flavorings, refreshing mint, orange zest, and raw (no flavor).
Ingredients: All our CBDA oil tinctures are made with organic coconut oil, Natural Spectrum CBDA oil, and natural flavor.
Tropical vegan CBDA gummies
Try the great-tasting tropical vegan CBD gummies that come with wild cherry, sour strawberry, and potent pineapple.
All our gummies are infused with Natural Spectrum CBDA oil, 30mg per serving, and never sprayed for consistent dosing and quality.
Ingredients: Organic tapioca syrup, cane sugar, pectin, citric acid, Natural Spectrum CBDA, natural flavors, natural colors, sodium citrate, coconut oil
Also comes in a CBDA + delta 8 version!
CBDA breath mints
On a date and need to relax and also have great breath? Don't forget to pack the great-tasting CBDA mints! With 20mg per serving, it's sure to make for an amazing evening.
Ingredients: Organic powdered sugar, organic gum arabic, organic gelatin, Natural Spectrum CBDA, natural peppermint extract
Also comes in a CBDA + delta 8 version!
How to use CBDA
When first taking a CBDA product, we recommend starting in the 20-30mg range per day. Because everyone has slightly different chemistry, it's important to start with only very small amounts and work your way up to a dose that syncs with your body’s endocannabinoid system.
Tinctures
If using CBDA tinctures, place the CBDA oil under the tongue for up to 2 minutes for maximum absorption. Sublingual administration is potent since there are lots of blood vessels under the tongue in close proximity to the surface.
CBDA edibles
Luckily for people who enjoy CBDA oil, it is highly absorbed in the digestive tract, so you don't have to worry if you are losing product by eating it.
When to take CBDA oil
CBDA gets into your system fairly rapidly and can reach its maximum blood concentration between at around 1 hour after ingestion.
We find that the effects of CBDA can be felt within 15 minutes if taken under the tongue, but for maximum relaxation before bed or work, try taking at least 1 hour prior.
Side effects of CBDA oil
There is considerable research and concern on the side effects of cannabis use when it comes to marijuana, but there are no scary CBDA side effects to be concerned about.
The hemp product items tend to have minimal side effects in general, but at moderate doses (in the 100s range) you may see:
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Mood changes
At higher doses, in the 1000mg to 2000mg, there have been clinical trials showing that the drug metabolism of CBD can interact with other medications leading to elevated liver enzymes. If you are on multiple medications or have a history of liver complications, talk with your physician first before consuming a hemp product.
Final Thoughts on CBDA Flower
In summary, while CBDA flower may offer a unique way to consume cannabinoids, smoking it is not the most health-conscious choice due to the loss of CBDA's benefits through decarboxylation and the potential harm from inhaling smoke.
Superior methods of CBDA consumption, such as tinctures, edibles, and other non-smokable products, provide a safer and more effective way to enjoy the potential benefits of CBDA without the risks associated with smoking.
When considering CBDA products, look for high-quality, third-party tested options that are produced with care and without harmful additives. You can rest assured that Natural Dos has you covered with safe, effective solutions.
Explore the world of CBDA with confidence and choose a healthier path to wellness. Visit our shop today to find the perfect CBDA product tailored to your needs and preferences.