New research is finding that CBDA oil (cannabidiolic acid) has significant health benefits for the endocannabinoid system, and also has anti-inflammatory properties not seen from CBD oil (cannabidiol).
With new CBDA products coming on the market, and recent publications showing CBDA can help with sleep, anxiety, and inflammation, people are wondering about the benefits of CBDA vs CBD.
One of the main health benefits of CBDA is its very high absorption compared to CBD, allowing a much smaller amount to be used for medicinal benefits. This means less is more, saving you money and helping you feel better faster.
That being said, CBD has some similar benefits and has its own place in a wellness regimen, as shown by researchers assessing its effects on cellular function.
They both have some unique properties as well due to their structural differences. So, let’s compare CBD vs CBDA in detail below by comparing and contrasting the two cannabinoids side by side, leaving you with a thorough understanding of where each has an edge. Then, we’ll unveil the best selection of CBDA and CBD products online, right here at Natural Dos!
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What is CBDA?
First, what is CBDA? Also known as cannabidiolic acid, it is an acidic cannabinoid, a class of compounds found in the hemp plant, with the highest concentration in the flower.
Acidic cannabinoids are the natural state of cannabinoids found in hemp and are derived from the mother cannabinoid CBGA. The raw form of the cannabis plant extract contains high amounts of CBDA and THCA, although THCA is often much lower in concentration (2% vs 40%).
However, further purification is often needed to remove unwanted plant material to reach a reasonable flavor profile and dose of CBDA for tinctures or other edible products.
An acidic cannabinoid is defined by the presence of a certain type of molecular structure termed a carboxylic acid (-COOH). This structure can be lost during the purification and extraction of hemp oil, which, for example, converts CBDA to CBD, a process termed “decarboxylation”.
There are over 100 different acidic cannabinoids, such as CBDA, CBGA, and THCA, that are naturally produced in the cannabis plant, and they all can have varying benefits depending on the amount and combination used.
These major cannabinoid precursor compounds, typically referred to since they come before decarboxylation, are part of the Natural Spectrum CBDA oil produced by Natural Dos, and would be termed full spectrum by the broader market since they contain all the cannabinoids.
What is CBD?
Now, let’s look at the other half of the CBDA vs CBD conversation. Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is one of the most prevalent and extensively studied cannabinoids derived from the hemp plant.
Unlike its acidic form CBDA, CBD is activated through a process called decarboxylation, which occurs when CBDA is heated. This heating process removes the carboxylic acid group from CBDA, transforming it into CBD.
This is typically achieved during the extraction process or when the product is smoked or vaped. We have a thorough guide on how to decarboxylate CBDA if you want to learn more.
CBD has gained immense popularity in the wellness industry due to its wide array of potential therapeutic applications without the intoxicating effects associated with its cousin, THC.
It’s praised for its potential to aid with a variety of concerns, such as chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia, and is available in various forms including oils, tinctures, capsules, topicals, and edibles.
One of the key distinctions between CBD and CBDA is that CBD is non-acidic and has a different molecular structure, which may affect how it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis within the body, and it is thought that CBD influences this system by indirectly interacting with its receptors.
Unlike CBDA, which is present in the raw hemp plant, CBD is the result of the plant’s natural compounds being altered through human processing. This doesn’t necessarily diminish its benefits; rather, it means that CBD interacts with the body’s systems in a different way than CBDA.
The breadth of research on CBD is more extensive when compared to its acidic counterpart, largely because CBD has been known and studied for a longer period. This research underpins the therapeutic claims of CBD and supports its use in a variety of health and wellness products.
But, how is CBDA different from CBD exactly? With an understanding of each cannabinoid's structure and benefits, let’s start comparing CBD vs CBDA below.
How is CBDA different from CBD?
CBDA is different from CBD in that it has a carboxylic acid that is not found on the CBD molecule. Structurally they are very similar to each other, and in the plant only convert non-enzymatically. See the diagram below for reference
The hemp plant, and all Cannabis Sativa strains contain many different cannabinoid types, but naturally they are all in the acidic form.
CBDA can break down (decarboxylate) into CBD if left in the heat or exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time. Most manufacturers recommend that you place CBDA products away from sun exposure and at room temperature.
When it comes to product formulation, CBDA has a strong peppery taste that CBD lacks. This is also why a lot of CBDA tinctures are very dilute, with some sellers only using edibles that hide the CBDA taste.
The absorption studies show that CBDA is better than cbd for uptake purposes. However, the effects of cbd and CBDA oil may differ in how well they interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. It should be noted that the ability of compounds to provide health benefits like CBD and THC are also dependent on how much gets into the blood. Thus, affinity for a single target should be balanced by the amount taken in by the body.
All this being said, the best way to understand where each cannabinoid has an edge is to compare and contrast CBD vs CBDA side by side. So, let’s get into the nitty gritty differences between these cannabinoids below!
CBDA vs CBD: What are the Main Differences?
Many studies have reported on the benefits and effects of CBDA and CBD:
- Problems falling asleep
- Social anxiety
- Elevated stress
- Nausea
- Joint discomfort
- Headaches
- Seizure control
- Metabolism
CBD has been widely tested, in part due to its ease of extraction. Early studies show its interactions with the endocannabinoid system through the CB2 receptor.
CBDA has also been shown to interact with the CB2 receptor, although at a lower affinity than other cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
CBDA is a more recent compound to be studied in the hemp oil research space but is gaining traction as an important modulator of the endocannabinoid system.
The difference between benefits of CBDA oil and CBD oil is under active research but may hinge a lot on the absorption properties. So, let’s start our CBDA vs CBD comparison guide there!
Absorption
One of the main benefits of CBDA vs CBD is the enhanced absorption of CBDA compared to the decarboxylated CBD form. Clinical trials evaluating the blood levels of CBDA vs CBD found that it had over 450% more absorption when taken orally.
Anti-inflammation
New research is finding that CBDA may also have significant anti-inflammatory properties related to its ability to decrease COX-2 activity. COX-2 (cyclooxygenase 2) is a critical enzyme involved in driving inflammatory states.
This enzyme is a common target for anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), commonly known as Ibuprofen. We have a thorough guide assessing the use case of CBDA for inflammation in our blog.
Pain
A lot of the new pre-clinical research is finding reason to use CBDA for pain due to a couple of unique factors.
The first is that CBDA can directly inhibit COX2 (cyclooxygenase 2), a potent pro-inflammatory enzyme that is also the target for many NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen. It also appears to decrease the production of COX2 as well, which can limit the propagation of inflammatory signaling.
It is well known that reducing inflammation is one of the best ways to decrease pain in problem areas like joints or peripheral nerves.
For direct pain sensation, there is now evidence that CBDA can inhibit pain sensation, and this appears to be through the TRPV1 channels (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1). These are known targets for pain sensitivity and have been closely studied in the capsaicin field.
CBD has also been studied for its pain relief problems but has not translated well due to its poor absorption. Similar to anxiety relief the doses required are high and usually cost prohibitive. Learn more about CBD vs CBDA for pain in our blog.
Nausea
Nausea is another symptom that has been studied as a significant potential target for the use of CBDA. There are a number of animal studies showing that CBDA is beneficial in decreasing symptoms of nausea.
Anti-nausea and vomiting appear to be a potent target for CBDA through the body’s endocannabinoid system but has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this condition. Our guide to CBDA for nausea has more insights if you’re interested.
Metabolism
There are a number of studies performed in vitro showing that CBDA is able to reduce breast cancer growth in MBA-231 cell lines. While this was found to involve COX-2 regulation, researchers also found that CBDA repressed PPAR-beta/delta receptors involved in metabolism and that this was critical in regulating the cancer growth in cells. With the recognition that CBDA can influence critical metabolism enzymes, other researchers have tested its effect on obesity. Pre-clinical trials in vivo are finding that CBDA induces weight loss and leads to fat reduction in a mouse model of obesity.
Anxiety
The effects of CBDA and anxiety are just starting to be assessed in pre-clinical trials to see if it has similar actions as CBD. These early studies in rats show that it can decrease symptoms of anxiety at 10-fold lower concentrations than what was needed from CBD.
The mechanism of action appears to be from CBDA interactions with the 5HT1A receptor, a class of serotonin receptors involved in brain function.
These are classic targets of SSRIs (selective serotonin receptor inhibitors), which are used to affect the nervous system in patients with depression. It’s important that you use the right CBDA dosage for anxiety, though, so let’s talk dosage next.
Dosage
The right CBDA dose is different for everyone depending on their size, unique body chemistry, and what benefit they are trying to get out of their hemp oil.
Because there are limited clinical studies on CBDA benefits, we have to use the clinical studies from CBD as an approximate baseline.
Many CBD studies testing efficacy for sleep, anxiety, depression, pain, and nausea use what would be considered higher doses. These can range from 50mg up to 600mg per day. Most of the studies that show significant benefits are in the 200mg to 600mg range. In fact, the only FDA-approved treatment for CBD is refractory epilepsy, and there children and adults average over 1000mg of CBD per day.
For CBDA we suggest that users start somewhere in the 20mg to 50mg range, and determine what feels best for them. Since this has not been evaluated by the FDA, there is no set amount for daily use.
Since CBDA has around 450% more absorption than CBD, a 50mg dose would be similar to a CBD dose of 250mg. This is also much more cost-effective for customers since most CBD products would only have a couple of days worth of doses in a bottle.
Legality
Legally, CBDA is regarded in a similar fashion as the cannabinoid CBD. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp, which is the primary cannabis plant that it comes from. After legislation, CBD products gained prominence as a unique nutraceutical across the country.
Only states that have a regulated hemp license and oversight program are allowed to operate hemp farming and processing facilities. Because CBD and CBDA does not intoxicate people, they can be used for nutraceutical purposes in most states.
CBD and CBDA products can contain THC or THCA (full spectrum), or can have the THC removed (broad spectrum). However, if they do contain THC, they are legally not allowed to have over 0.3% THC by dry weight.
Product Availability
CBDA is less prevalent on the market compared to CBD, primarily due to CBD's longer history of research and consumer use, which has led to its widespread commercial availability.
Consumers can easily find CBD in various forms, including oils, capsules, topical creams, edibles, and even in infused beverages.
On the other hand, CBDA products are typically available in fewer varieties, with tinctures and some edibles being the most common. However, as awareness of CBDA grows and its benefits become more recognized, the range of CBDA products is expanding.
For those seeking CBDA, it's essential to source from reputable providers like Natural Dos that specialize in high-quality CBDA products. We’ll talk more about this after completing this comprehensive comparison of CBDA vs CBD.
Price Point
Due to its established presence in the market, CBD products are available at a wide range of price points, catering to various budgets. The price can vary significantly based on the product's purity, source, and concentration.
CBDA, however, is often more expensive due to the additional care required in its extraction and processing to maintain its acidic form. Additionally, because CBDA is perceived as more potent with higher bioavailability, the price per dose may be higher.
Despite this, the cost-effectiveness of CBDA could be better in the long run if lower doses achieve desired effects, which may appeal to cost-conscious consumers.
As production techniques improve and CBDA becomes more common, its price is likely to become more competitive with CBD. So, we’d give an edge here to CBDA.
So, Which is the More Effective Cannabinoid: CBD vs CBDA?
As you can see, CBDA vs CBD each offer unique benefits due to their distinct properties. CBDA boasts significantly higher absorption rates, potentially making it more effective at lower doses.
It has shown notable anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties by directly inhibiting COX-2, an enzyme targeted by many anti-inflammatory drugs. Early research suggests CBDA could be effective against nausea and anxiety, acting at much lower doses than CBD.
While both compounds are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, CBDA's enhanced potency and cost-effectiveness could make it a preferable choice for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of hemp-derived products.
All things considered, it should be clear why CBDA is becoming more and more popular. The question now is, where can you get your hands on high-quality CBDA or CBD products? Look no further than Natural Dos!
Where to Buy High-Quality CBD or CBDA
To find the best CBDA oil, a reputable manufacturer is critical, but it is difficult to determine who to trust. All quality CBDA products should have a certificate of analysis (CoA). Whether the product is listed as raw hemp, raw cannabis, or CBDA oil, the CoA should list 5 basic parameters:
- Potency – how much of the cannabinoids are in the product
- Heavy metals – the cannabis plant can soak up heavy metals from the ground
- Solvents – various solvents are used during the extraction and purification stage
- Pesticides – while pesticides are not legally allowed to be used for hemp cultivation, they can be left over in the soil
- Microbial – whenever a food product is made, it's important that any potentially harmful bacteria or fungus is tested for
- Third-party certified – did the company send its final product to get tested at a reputable testing facility? A good testing lab will be ISO 17025 certified or have a similar certification from an accreditation agency.
If you are not familiar with how to read a CoA, check out our cannabinoid CoA guide on interpreting the results.
Natural Spectrum CBDA products from Natural Dos all have the full spectrum of acidic cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, providing the highest absorption benefits.
Try our CBDA Gummies if you are a fan or the always famous CBDA Tinctures as well. We even have CBDA mints, CBD capsules, and more!
All products are 3rd party tested for potency and purity by an ISO 17025-certified laboratory with over a decade of experience (SC Labs). With a 100-day money-back guarantee, you can rest assured you’re getting the quality you deserve - or you’ll be offered a full refund!
Final Thoughts on CBDA vs CBD
Because of the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in most parts of the body, hemp-derived cannabinoids can have profound effects for many different purposes.
While CBD has been well studied for a wide range of ailments, CBDA may be significantly more effective due to its unique absorptive properties and anti-inflammatory actions.
It is important to note that people with preexisting conditions should consult with their physician to determine if there are any potential drug-drug interactions.
Some data from epilepsy studies indicate potential liver complications in those patients taking high doses of CBD along with other drugs. CBDA has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment, and CBD has only been approved for some epilepsy conditions under the brand name Epidiolex.