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CBDa vs CBD: What Are the Differences?

Dale blog imageAuthor: Dale Hewett
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CBDa, or cannabidiolic acid, and CBD, also known as cannabidiol, are chemical compounds originating from cannabis plants. CBD and CBDa are both becoming more and more popular as time goes on, but why? With products like CBDa oil, CBDa gummies, and even combination products with both CBDa with CBD, it makes it difficult to find the right product for you and your specific needs. What is the difference between CBDa vs CBD? What is CBDa good for? Will CBDa oil be better for me than CBD oil?

CBD has become popular in recent years as an oil with therapeutic properties, and is well thought of due to its usefulness in treating many conditions without any psychoactive effects.

TL;DRCBDa and CBD are extremely similar on a molecular level, and offer a number of the same health benefits if you use either CBDa oil, or CBD oils. The downside to CBDA is that since it’s highly unstable, it’s difficult to mass produce. On the other hand, some of the best CBDa oil on the market is highly preferred by many people. Stick with traditional CBD oil that includes CBDa in it – this is currently the best way to include cannabidiolic acid in your regimen.

Enjoying your reading so far? Sign up to become part of the NPB community and receive a free eBook, 20% off your next order, and access to ton of educational information about cannabinoids like CBD and Delta 8. NPB hosts, arguably, the largest collection of cannabinoid info on the internet. There is no better place to learn than our educational databse.

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What are CBD and CBDA?

To understand the differences between CBD and CBDa, you first need to know a little more about the plant they come from – the cannabis plant.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the cannabis plant by now, but did you know that not all cannabis will get you high? Phytocannabinoids (plant chemicals) come from cannabis plants. Research is constantly discovering different health benefits these chemical can give us.

As a reminder, cannabis plants contain both the hemp plant, and marijuana plants under their species.

Hemp Vs Marijuana Chart

The cannabis plant is full of useful cannabinoids like CBD, and CBDa. Most people are familiar with THC and CBD. While more commonly known, THC and CBD are only two of over 124 different cannabinoids we know about.

While THC and derivatives of THC (like the popular delta 8) are a psychoactive compound, the other cannabinoids are not. There could be more, too! There are only the ones scientists have discovered so far.

Where Does CBDa Come From?

There are typically three main cannabinoids which develop more frequently in cannabis plants. These are also known as major cannabinoid precursor compounds. The cannabinoids all start out as CBGA (cannabigerolic acid), and this is often referred to as the “mothership cannabinoid”. This then transforms into:

  • Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)
  • Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA)
  • Cannabidiolic acid (CBDa)

Let’s take a closer look at these three cannabinoids.

Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA)

Cannabidiolic acid may not be well known as it is rarely deliberately consumed by the end-user. Instead, this compound converts into CBD by a process called thermal decarboxylation.

This means that heat transforms the molecular structure of CBDa, and it loses its acidic carboxyl. The process is instigated by the plant being lit, smoked, or vaporized.

Discover: CBD Gummies for Anxiety Management

Cannabidiolic acid is so unstable that it is even transformed into CBD when the plant is left to dry at room temperature. This is why the production of a pure CBDa item is extremely difficult to pull off. Even if there was a complete CBDa isolate item on the market, most users would accidentally convert it to CBD by not storing it properly.

Cannabichromenic Acid (CBCA)

Cannabichromenic acid has been the subject of recent research in 2020 in Sydney, Australia, and was found to be effective when used against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA)

THCA is found in variable quantities in fresh, undried cannabis. Over time it is decarboxylated to THC by either being dried out, smoked or cooked. THC is well known as the ingredient in cannabis that provides the “high”. The journal of Molecular Biology investigated the structure of THCA and THC in a study in 2012.

Related: Broad Spectrum vs Full Spectrum CBD

It is commonly consumed by smoking cannabis although it is also available in edibles and tinctures. This means that, unlike CBD, it is not legal in all states. CBD oil products contain less than 0.3 percent THC and most often come from the hemp plant, because it contains less than 0.3 percent THC content.

Differences Between CBDA and CBD

Related article: CBG vs CBD

Both CBD and THC are decarboxylated and have a recognized effect on the body’s endocannabinoid system, hence their growing popularity in the treatment of a variety of conditions.

Cbd Vs Cbda Molecules

There is a good amount of ongoing research being conducted to prove their health benefits and how they work. Something like a raw cannabis juice that hasn’t been exposed to heat would be a great raw source of CBDa oil.

Related: What Do the Letters CBD Stand For?

Since CBDa is not active in the end product (it transforms into CBD) it is hard to study the effects it has on the endocannabinoid system. Because of this, it hasn’t been the focus of much research. However, some scientists have still discovered some medical benefits of CBDa.

What are these CBDa benefits?

CBDa Benefits Explored

CBD is registered mainly for use in the treatment of epilepsy, but is also used by many people as a relief agent to help with pain, inflammation, sleep problems, and even skin conditions.

Related read: CBD for Inflammation

Before 2022, CBDa was another relatively unknown cannabinoid. It was actually discovered before CBD. Recently, researchers with Oregon State University concluded in a medical study that CBDa (and CBGa) can prevent the spread of the COVID19 virus in human cells.

As you can imagine, this caused CBDa to become extremely popular, literally overnight. We’ll get into this a little bit later in this article.

Some recent combinations of CBD and Cannabidiolic acid have led to a resurgence in interest in CBDa. These products are all beneficial for people because of the way their endocannabinoid systems process them.

CBDa and CBD both accomplish benefits for the body in similar manners. If you’re interested in reading a similar comparison of cannabinoids, check out our article on CBD and CBN.

COVID 19 Prevention With CBDA

In a study headed by Richard van Breemen, findings specify that CBDa (in addition to CBGA) can prevent the virus that in responsible for COVID-19 from entering human cells.

Cbd And Covid Cell

In the lab tests, it showed that cannabigerolic acid and cannabidiolic acid were able to stop the infection of human cells by the coronavirus spike protein. This prevented SARS-CoV-2 from entering into human cells.

This is a prime example of why we need to study more cannabinoids. There are roughly 124 cannabinoids that we KNOW OF. Who knows what else we’re missing out on!

The Endocannabinoid System, CBD, and CBDA

Cannabinoids are chemical substances that connect with cannabinoid receptors of the body and brain.

Endocannabinoid System Receptors

These cannabinoid receptors are part of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The body’s endocannabinoid system regulates many functions including neural functions, coordination, learning, memory, pain, and emotion.

Discover: CBD Gummies for Sleep

Cannabidiolic acid, CBD, and other cannabinoids can all offer certain benefits by stimulating the endocannabinoid system in their own way. For example, if you were take consume CBDa oil, it will trigger responses by different receptors that make up this complex bodily system.

I will admit, there is still a ton about this system we have no clue about when it comes to CBDa products and their health benefits associated with the endocannabinoid system. In fact, some researchers believe that there are receptors that are still yet to be discovered.

These scientists believe CBD doesn’t react with the two known receptors (CB1 and CB2), but instead binds to a third (currently unknown) receptor.

Other Interesting Studies

In 2008 researchers discovered that CBDa had a similar molecular structure to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). They found that it worked as a COX-2 inhibitor in the same way as typical NSAIDs.

Later in 2013, scientists from Canada looked into CBDa as a treatment for anxiety and use as an anti-nausea application. Their study found that CBDa was indeed a thousand times more powerful than CBD in binding to serotonin receptors linked with anti-nausea and anti-anxiety when given with low doses of traditional anti-nausea drugs in chemotherapy patients.

Brain Receptors

Related article: Benefits of Using 1,000mg CBD Tinctures

This important finding could link the use of CBDa with functions like motor skills, sleeping, eating, digestion, and emotions. There is also some evidence that CBDa could be a powerful anti-convulsive. Compared to CBD, it has five times more similarities with the 5-HT receptors.

This is due to the bioavailability of CBDa which is far greater than CBD meaning it can be more easily metabolized providing more effects in less time.

One interesting development is that CBDa could effectively treat depression as it works in a similar way to existing SSRI inhibitors that are currently used as anti-depressant medications.

New Phase Blends Cbd Product Line

CBD is licensed by the FDA for the treatment of seizures in epilepsy. It is the only regulated use of CBD. During the licensing process, the FDA requested that studies should also be carried out on CBDa. It was found to be even more effective than CBD.

New Methods of Isolating CBDA

Dr. Raphael Mechoulam is renowned for being the first scientist to synthesize THC and CBD in an extraction process using a raw form of cannabis. Fortunately, he has now worked on ways to utilize the therapeutic properties of CBDa from hemp extract by making it more stable.

Speaking at the Cannabis Conference in 2019, he indicated that his team had overcome the barrier of retaining CBDa in the extraction process. He was able to synthesize the molecules to provide a stable compound that can be used therapeutically in various medical capacities.

He also suggested that it could be used as an anti-inflammatory, the central nervous system, and the reduction of anxiety.

Clinical trials will need to be carried out on CBDa before it can be licensed by the FDA as an authorized treatment for these medical conditions. This will take further investment. It is hoped in the future that CBDa will be available as a licensed drug in the form of tablets and topical applications.

How Do You Use CBDa Products?

Related article: Different Methods of Taking CBD Products

People consume CBDa products in the same way they consume CBD products. Currently, CBD is popular and is available legally in the form of oils, gels, gummies, creams, and balms providing the products contain less than 0.3 percent THC. CBDa products and CBD products alike can be consumed orally or topically with sublingual drops being the most effective method of absorbing CBDa quickly. CBDa oil tinctures are your best bet right now, until further research is conducted on CBDa products, human health, and isolation techniques.

Ok, so, why is it so hard to find CBDa oils?

Because isolating CBDa is expensive, and time consuming, and difficult. Also, massive quantities of CBDa aren’t necessarily needed from what we have found out so far. Your best bet is to stick to a full spectrum CBD oil. This will be rich in CBDa, in addition to several other cannabinoids.

A lot of people don’t realize that when they are taking certain full-spectrum CBD oils, they are consuming CBDa. For example, New Phase Blends’ pure product line contains several milligrams of CBDa per serving.

The Best Cbda Oil

Broad spectrum CBD oils will also normally contain a decent amount of CBDa. You aren’t restricted to only a full spectrum CBD oil to get your dose of CBDa.

Whatever spectrum CBD oil you go with, be sure to double check that company’s third party lab results. These will show you exactly what’s in that CBD oil.

As a side note, do not buy and hemp seed oil thinking you will get any health benefits from it. There are no cannabinoids in hemp seed oil. The CBD industry is filled with CBD brands that sell hemp seed oil under the guise of CBD oil. Do not fall for this scam.

A Word on Vaping CBDa

CBDa is an acid that transforms into CBD when activated by heat. It is very unstable and will even convert at room temperature over time.

Cannabis users who smoke or vape will not receive any CBDa as it will be completely converted into CBD. Broad or full-spectrum CBD oils may contain some residual CBDa.

This is another reason that sticking to CBDa oils is a better method of consumption.

In states where cannabis is legal, there has begun a trend in blending cannabis into a smoothie or juice that will preserve some of the CBDa. The CBD industry is filled with different products – some of them useful, some of them a novelty. Again, I would stick with a full spectrum CBD oil or broad spectrum CBD oil to get your dose of CBDa.

The Best CBDa Oil

Type: Pure CBD Oil

CBD: 33mg or 66mg per serving

Features: Broad or full spectrum, premium CBD oil

By now, you (hopefully) know a lot more about CBDa, and CBDa oil, than you did before reading this article. A lot of people want to buy the best CBDa oils now days, but they get confused on what to look for, or where to find it.

Your best bet is to buy a full spectrum CBD product that’s been enriched with CBDa. Since CBDa is so incredibly unstable, and you don’t need tons of it, buying a full spectrum CBD oil tincture is suitable.

Check out the New Phase Blends pure CBD oil line. This is arguably the best CBD oil on the market. Our full spectrums are enriched with CBDa, making it the best choice for CBDa oil on the market right now. If you don’t like CBD tinctures, check out the CBD gummies. These are made with the same full spectrum extract, so you can be sure you’ll be getting the CBDa you need.

CBDa oil vs CBD Oil

From a technical standpoint, CBDa oil and CBD oil would differ by their cannabinoid content. Naturally, CBD oil would have more CBD, and CBDa oil would have more CBDa.

Makes sense, right?

Carrier Oil

As we discussed earlier, it’s really difficult to make a pure CBDa oil. For this reason, many people get their CBDa dose from a true full spectrum hemp extract oil. This is by far the most efficient way, currently, to use CBDa products. Reputable CBD brands will carry what I would consider a full spectrum hemp extract product of your choice.

Related: The Differences Between THC and CBD

Besides, there are other beneficial cannabinoids in a full spectrum hemp extract that you may want to take advantage of. CBD, CBDa, CBC, CBN, CBG… these are all potentially beneficial in their own ways.

CBDA vs CBD: Pros and Cons

Let’s break everything down into a pros and cons format for comparing CBDa vs CBD.

Research

There has been far more research into the effects of CBD than CBDa when it comes to diverse health benefits. Although CBD is not generally regulated by the FDA, it is possible to use CBD derived from organic hemp plants and have the ingredients tested by a third party lab.

CBDa is only at the beginning of its research stage by the scientific community, with testing only carried out on animals. We need more studies on CBDa and its’ benefits on human health. More time and financial input are required before being used safely on humans as a regulated medicine.

Stability

The problem with CBDa is that, despite its medical benefits, it has not been a feasible treatment due to its instability. CBD is far more stable than CBDa. It is much easier to extract as a chemical compound and can be used easily in a variety of products. For this reason, making CBD rich oils seems to be easier than CBDa rich oils (at least for now).

Since decarboxylation occurs even at room temperature and CBDa converts to CBD it is far more difficult to isolate the CBDa compound for use clinically. This requires very special, and expensive, storage equipment to keep it as stable as possible until it is ready for use.

Availability

CBD is widely available in many commercial products. CBDa is available in small quantities in the full spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD oil products that are taken orally or topically.

To get a higher dose of CBDa you would need to blend hemp strains, but this is only legal in some states.

Benefits

The benefits of CBDa seem to outweigh the benefits of CBD in recent studies, but CBD offers similar benefits and uses to CBDa and has had more studies into its effects. You can infuse it into products, like a CBD balm, or other form of hemp goods.

Related: CBD or THC for Anxiety?

As studies into CBDa are at the early stage there may be more findings in the future that will confirm or retract these benefits.

Natural Derivatives of Raw Hemp

CBD is a natural ingredient and in broad-spectrum and full-spectrum oils you will find other compounds from the hemp plant. CBD isolate will be pure with other compounds removed.

What Is Hemp

CBDa goes through fewer processes, and some people consider this even more natural.

Extraction

CBD is also much easier to extract than other cannabinoids. There is a ton of CBD found in hemp plants, and easily extracted for use in drops, gummies, gels, and lotions. The health benefits of CBD coupled with how easy to is to extract (in comparison to CBDa) make it more sought after in the medical community.

Summary – CBDa and CBD: Two Amazing Cannabinoids

The only legal way to experience the effects of CBDa now in many states is to try full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD oil products as they will contain small amounts of CBDa.

You can find premium CBD products like drops, gummies, or balms for a variety of conditions such as promoting sleep, giving energy, treating skin conditions, and reducing pain and inflammation.

You can find all of these products, and more, at New Phase Blends’ CBD store.

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All products are certified by Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for quality and consistency and are free from THC. They are also certified by a third party so you can check out the ingredients for yourself.

Finally, they offer a 30 day money back guarantee on all CBD products sold. If you don’t like them, just return them for a refund in full (within 30 days of the original purchase date).’

The cannabis plant is filled with useful, natural chemicals that we keep discovering on what seems like a monthly basis.

References

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022283612005220
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/9/8/523
https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/oregon-state-research-shows-hemp-compounds-prevent-coronavirus-entering-human-cells

*FDA disclaimer: none of the statements on this webpage have been approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medical advice should be sought before starting any supplement. If you are pregnant or nursing consult with a doctor. Medical advice should be sought if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. If you take other prescription medications, a doctor’s advice should be sought. Site void where prohibited.

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When it comes to understanding both the science and benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), it is extremely important that you can trust the source of your information. This is exactly why our team at New Phase Blends includes experts in the field of cannabinoid research and development, including frequent correspondence with certified medical professionals and PhDs in relevant fields via studies, research, and additional peer reviewed pieces of information. All information published is reviewed and checked for accuracy. We pride ourselves on staying up-to-date with the latest scientific research and clinical studies related to not only CBD, but also its effects on the human body.

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About the Author - CBD Expert Dale Hewett

Dale Hewett Author
Dale Hewett

Dale Hewett is the owner and founder of New Phase Blends. He discovered his passion for CBD use after suffering from injuries sustained while on Active Duty in the US Army. His number one priority is introducing the same CBD products that he himself uses for relief to others who can benefit from them.

Dale holds a Master Degree of Science, and is the inventor of the popular, CBD-based sleep aid known as ‘Sleep.’ He’s given multiple lectures on CBD to institutions such as Cornell’s MBA student program, and Wharton’s School of Business.

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