Cannbidiolic acid (CBDA) is among the many beneficial compounds found in a cannabis plant. It is abundantly found in the bud of a live hemp plant. But is there a difference between organic CBDA and non-organic CBDA products?
Interestingly, the USDA has specific laws banning the use of almost all conventional pesticides for hemp farmers. But that may not mean that hemp extracts will have no pesticides. Find out how below to get the best CBDA products at the best price.
CBDA is non-psychoactive cannabinoid and it offers promising therapeutic effects. Like most cannabinoids, it's a potent antioxidant and has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
It's no wonder that CBDA is steadily gaining popularity as a natural supplement promoting holistic health. But what exactly is it and how do we safely use it?
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the science and farming behind hemp cultivation. Read more to learn why you should be excited about its potential benefit for optimum health.
Article Highlights
- Cannbidiolic acid (CBDA) is a potent cannabinoid that is a natural precursor to a neutral form called cannabidiol (CBD).
- When CBDA is exposed to heat or light, it is converted into CBD through the process called decarboxylation.
- Organic farming is on the rise, but does not always mean the same thing for hemp products.
- CBDA has shown promising therapeutic potential in alleviating pain and inflammation, relieving mental health issues, and it may also have anti-tumor properties.
What is Organic CBDA?
The hemp plant, also known as Cannabis sativa, contains many compounds. They are known to offer medicinal benefits both for human and animal health. But do organic CBDA products offer better health alternatives than non-organic?
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Brief background on CBDA
Like other acidic forms of cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), CBDA serves as a natural precursor to a neutral form called cannabidiol (CBD). However, CBDA has a slightly distinct chemical composition compared to CBD. Particularly, it has a carboxyl group in its end making it acidic.
CBDA is synthesized in a similar manner to other cannabinoids, beginning with the production of cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) by plant enzymes. From there, CBDA synthase converts CBGA to CBDA, which is the primary cannabinoid in the hemp flower.
When CBDA is exposed to heat or light, it is converted into CBD. This process is called decarboxylation, or basically the removal of the carboxyl group. Similarly, THC is the by-product of the decarboxylation of its acidic precursor, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA).
CBD has become popular for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. It is more widely known than CBDA. But the raw form of cannabinoid, CBDA, is also important. New research is finding that acidic forms of cannabinoids serve a significant role in supporting human health.
Organic vs non-organic CBDA products
When people think of organic foods, they associate them with no residual pesticides, which is important since those pesticides can often be harmful to human health.However, when it comes to hemp products, like CBDA and CBD oil, the rigor and testing for residual pesticides is often more stringent than many foods. While not all manufacturers provide high quality testing of their final products, a number do, and you should always look for those certificates of analysis to verify the purity of your product.
- Quality CBD and CBDA oils are indistinguishable between organic and non-organic.
- For hemp products, many companies will use organic ingredients in their CBDA edibles, even if the CBDA oil itself does not have the organic certification.
- Always check the certificate of analysis (CoA) for pesticide testing.
Difference Between CBDA and CBD
CBD and CBDA share a similar molecular formula C21H30O2. However, they slightly differ in their molecular structure due to their stereochemistry. As such, CBDA has an additional (-COOH) on its end. Or as mentioned, called the carboxyl group. Although they have similarities, CBD and CBDA are distinct compounds, each having unique properties.
Researchers have been investigating many major cannabinoid precursor compounds. This includes CBDA, THCA, and many other minor cannabinoids, to better understand their therapeutic potential.
The raw plant material of hemp contains high levels of CBDA. As previously reported in scientific studies, CBDA is known to have a potent effect on serotonin receptors in the human body. This effect is influenced by its chemical structure, which as mentioned gives CBDA distinct properties.
How Is Organic CBDA Cultivated?
Organic CBDA can be cultivated using different farming methods. This can include indoor, outdoor, or greenhouse cultivation. However, the cultivation process must comply with organic farming practices. Ecological farming prioritizes sustainability, soil health, and biodynamic balance.What does this look like in practice?
- For farmers, you need to apply for organic certification, which often costs upwards of $50,000.
- Many small hemp farmers cannot afford the organic certification, even though they practice organic farming techniques.
- For the hemp industry, almost all conventional pesticides are banned for use, and most of the others are biopesticides that are naturally derived.
- Sometimes, if a field has had pesticide use in the past, the hemp plants may absorb them from the soil. This is also why final lab testing is critical
Most of the hemp grown for CBDA or CBD extraction is grown outside. If you are buying hemp flower for smoking, it is most likely grown inside greenhouses to produce more appealing flowers.
During the sustainable farming process, the cultivator must also ensure that the plants receive the appropriate amount of light, water, and nutrients in order to grow healthy. The timing of the harvest is critical, too. This is because the CBDA content of the plant peaks just before the plant reaches maturity. The harvested plants are then processed into CBDA extract.
What about organic CBDA tinctures and products?
The downstream processing of organic hemp flower are also calculated into whether the final product is labeled organic:- The CBDA extraction has to be in a organic certified solvent, like organic ethanol.
- You can also get organic CBDA extract if it comes from a press.
- Most non-organic hemp extract tests negative for pesticides due to the restrictions on conventional pesticide use for hemp cultivation.
- The final product that is made from the purified hemp CBDA should contain organic materials.
The majority of reputable manufacturers will not have any pesticides or heavy metals in the oil they sell, organic or not. But it is still important to check the CoA to make sure they have tested for it.
How is CBDA Extracted and Processed?
What are the common extraction processes for organic and non-organic CBDA?- Ethanol - probably one of the most popular extraction methods since it scales well. Often used for organic methods.
- CO2 - a popular method to extract cannabinoids, it is more limited in scale than ethanol.
- Propane/butane - this method is extremely efficient, and the solvent evaporates easily out of the resulting extract. Not considered organic.
- Press - this method is the simplest, and produces a quality oil if done right. Is considered organic, but is the least efficient.
- Heptane/hexane - these solvents are very efficient, but care must be taken to remove all the residual chemicals from the final oil. This process is used in almost all commercial oils, ranging from vegetable, corn, and any other seed oil you buy at the grocery store.
- Water - this is a new method, and requires some adulteration of the water to properly extract the CBDA oil.
- Steam - this method instantly vaporizes the cannabinoids, but cannot be used to extract CBDA since it can only capture the decarboxylated forms.
CBDA purification
As you can see, there is a long list of ways to extract cannabinoids from the hemp flower. In almost all extraction processes the resulting produce is a "crude oil". This is a dark, viscous oil that ranges from 50-70% purity, but contains a lot of other plant compounds that yield bitter off tastes. Further purification is required to get a high purity CBDA or CBD oil.The unique thing about CBDA though, is that it require special purification technology, that was only recently being developed. At Natural Dos, we have pioneered new water purification technology that allows us to isolate a Natural Spectrum CBDA oil that contains all the acidic cannabinoids from the hemp plant.
Benefits of CBDA
The benefits of CBDA are the same whether organic or non-organic and include:
Superior absorption
New studies have found that acidic cannabinoids, and specifically CBDA, have much greater absorption than their neutral forms. For example, CBDA has between 450% to 1000% better absorption than CBD.
The bioavailability (how well it is absorbed into the bloodstream) of a compound is critical for it to provide health benefits. This is where CBDA shines!
Anti-inflammatory Properties
CBDA interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system to help maintain a healthy balance all over the body. This balance is crucial for the proper physiologic process, ultimately reducing inflammation throughout the body.
Pre clinical trials have shown that CBDA can effectively treat inflammation, particularly in conditions such as joint pain, arthritis, and osteoarthritis. CBDA is just one of the many compounds found in plants that have the potential to relieve inflammation and improve overall health. Incorporating CBDA-rich foods and supplements into your diet may be a beneficial way to support your body's natural anti-inflammatory response.
Pain Relief
Current research on CBDA shows promising therapeutic applications for pain relief. Previous studies have reported that CBDA can effectively reduce inflammation and swelling, both of which are useful in many types of pain. Additionally, CBDA has been found to inhibit the COX-2 enzyme which is involved in the production of inflammatory compounds in the body.
Recent studies have shown that CBDA works synergistically with other cannabinoid derived supplements, such as CBD products. This suggests that high concentrations of CBDA, along with other major and minor cannabinoids, may provide even greater analgesic effects than nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs.
Anxiety and stress relief
CBD oil, containing cannabinoids, has been shown to alleviate mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The acidic form of cannabinoids, including CBDA and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) and other acidic cannabinoids, are now being found to have similar effects. The ehnanced absorption, and the activation of serotonin receptors by CBDA seem to play critical roles in their mental wellness effects.
With further research and clinical trials on the potential benefits of acidic cannabinoids, the scientific community can gain a deeper understanding of the potential of these compounds in managing mental health issues.
Potential Cancer-Fighting Properties
Pre clinical trials also revealed that CBDA has shown to have potential anti-tumor properties. Recent research on CBDA's mechanism of action as a chemical precursor revealed its ability to inhibit breast cancer cells.
Multiple studies have now found that CBDA can inhibit breast cancer cells metastatic properties, and this may be through its anti inflammatory effects via COX 2.
Other Potential Benefits
Other potential benefits include helping with sleep disorders, nausea, and vomiting. It may also help alleviate many gastrointestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease.
How Can Organic CBDA Be Used?
CBDA is a powerful cannabinoid that can be used in many ways. Here are the common variety forms:
CBDA Edibles
The most popular way to consume organic CBDA is in edibles. Whether you're making your own edibles or buying them at a dispensary or online, you can add them to almost any food or drink to get the same effects you'd get from smoking or vaping.
Edibles are great because they're easy to use, and they're delicious! You can use them as an alternative to smoking or vaping if you want to enjoy your CBDA without having to inhale smoke.
Edibles come in all kinds of forms: cookies, brownies, gummies, chocolates—you name it! And there are multiple ways for you to make your own edibles at home.
CBDA Tincture or Oil
CBDA can be consumed through oils and tinctures, with CBDA tinctures being a popular option. Tinctures are made by combing high purity CBDA oil with a carrier oil, such as MCT coconut oil or hemp seed oil. The resulting liquid can be consumed alone or mixed with other liquids such as tea or juice.
CBDA oil can be taken orally, applied topically, or added to a bath for different ways of consumption.
Topical
Topicals are an easy way to get the benefits of cannabis without smoking it. They're also a great way to get those benefits without having to worry about the effects cannabis has on your lungs and throat. If you're looking into using CBDA in a topical, here's what you should know.
Topical applications are generally used on the skin—the top layer of which is made up of dead skin cells. This means that topical application is less likely to cause irritation than other forms of administration, like smoking or vaping. Topicals can be applied directly onto the skin, or they can be mixed with carrier oils and lotions before application.
The most common types of topicals include creams and lotions that contain CBDA extract, as well as sprays and salves that contain hemp seed oil (or another carrier oil).
CBDA may also have the benefit of being better absorbed through the skin than CBD!
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Organic CBDA
CBDA is typically safe to use in small amounts, it is not reported that regular consumption of CBDA can lead to negative health effects. However, it is important to consult with your doctor before beginning any treatment that includes organic CBDA—particularly if you have any known allergies or other medical conditions.
How to use CBDA safely
CBDA is a natural product, which means it is typically safe to use in small to medium amounts. Just follow these tips for the best results:
1. Start small with your dosage. You'll want to start with a low amount (20-50mg) and work your way up to make sure you don't experience any negative side effects. If you're feeling good, keep going!
2. Stick to one product at a time. If you take three or four supplements at once, they might interfere with each other's absorption into your bloodstream. This can cause mild or severe side effects that range from dry mouth or nausea to more serious ones like dizziness or lightheadedness.
3. Avoid taking supplements with other medications if you have a history of liver complications. Speak with your doctor if you are taking multiple medications with your CBDA.
Legal status of CBDA
The legal status of CBDA is similar to that of CBD. The benefits of CBD are well known, and the research is clear on this front. However, there is still some confusion about what exactly constitutes a legal cannabis product.
Currently, all cannabis products with THC over 0.3% are illegal in the United States unless they are approved by the FDA for medical use (and only then with a prescription). This includes CBD oil and any other cannabinoid-based product that does not have official approval from the FDA.
States with legal marijuana still have hemp programs that provide oversight for CBDA or CBD products.
Takeaway
In conclusion, CBDA is a non-psychoactive compound that is extracted from raw cannabis plants and has numerous potential health benefits. It is a powerful antioxidant and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help relieve pain and treat inflammation. Additionally, CBDA has shown promise in relieving anxiety and other mental health issues, and it may have anti-tumor properties, making it a potential alternative treatment for cancer.Organic CBDA can be used in various forms, such as edibles, capsules, oils and tinctures, and topicals, and it is easy to incorporate into one's daily life. Overall, CBDA has the potential to play a significant role in holistic health and wellness, and it is exciting to see how further research may uncover even more of its benefits.
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