The CBD market keeps evolving. Every few months, new CBD products enter the market and a new type of cannabinoid. Considering all these cannabinoids are coming from the same plants, it’s understandable why many consumers are having trouble keeping tabs and even thinking the compounds are the same. It’s even more confusing when you consider compounds like CBD and CBDa. These are largely similar compounds, and their nomenclature suggests they might be the same product in different forms. But they’re not. As a hemp fan, you should take time to learn as much as possible about the new cannabinoids to ensure you can make the most out of each of them and get the best possible experience. If it’s the first time you’ve heard about CBDa, we will look at what it is and how it compares to the more popular CBD.
What is CBD?
It’s best to start with the more popular compound to make understanding the differences and similarities easier. CBD is short for cannabidiol, a naturally occurring compound found in hemp or cannabis plants. In the UK, manufacturers can only obtain CBD from hemp grown in an industrial setting because it has a low THC concentration. CBD has become immensely popular because of its supposed health and wellness benefits and is also used as a nutritional supplement by most people to supplement the body’s natural endocannabinoids. CBD has been the subject of numerous studies trying to understand its roles, benefits, and how it works. CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system in the body. It impacts various glands and systems to maintain balance in various internal processes in the body. Consumers can choose from a wide range of CBD products, including CBD oils, capsules, tinctures, and balms. All the products contain the same active ingredient – CBD.
What is CBDa?
To understand CBDa, you need to know the process that cannabinoids follow in the hemp plant. The cannabinoids all start with CBGA, also known as the mother of all cannabinoids. As the hemp plant grows, the CBGA breaks down into other cannabinoid acids, including THCA and CBDa. CBDa is a non-psychoactive, acidic compound that later matures into CBD. Once extracted from the plant, CBDa is exposed to Sunlight and oxygen to trigger decarboxylation, which causes the compound to lose what is called the ‘acidic hydroxyl group’ – a group of atoms that consists of carbon hydrogen and oxygen, which makes cannabidiolic acid an acid. After the decarboxylation, CBDa turns into CBD. The process isn’t instantaneous, which means the finished CBD product might still contain some CBDa and other acidic cannabinoid acids. That is why you might notice CBDa and other cannabinoid acids included in your products certificate of analysis, more so if you purchase a full or broad-spectrum CBD product.
Benefits of CBD Vs The Benefits of CBDa
CBD and CBDa are closely related and offer similar benefits. The two also have some differences in their benefits and how they interact with the body.
Benefits of CBD
- CBD has been under the microscope longer. Research has been carried out on the effects of CBD on the body more extensively than CBDa.
- CBD is suitable for vaping and cooking
- CBD is more widely available in commercial products and in more forms to match its intense demand.
- Some of the research findings into CBDa have also been found in CBD. This is understandable considering the striking similarities between the two products.
Benefits of CBDa
- CBDa is thought to have a more powerful effect on the endocannabinoid system than CBD.
- There are fewer processes involved in creating CBDa, so it is a more natural product than CBD.
- Like CBD, CBDa doesn’t have any psychedelic effects, which means it will not alter your mental state.
Differences Between CBDa and CBD
Interestingly, there are numerous distinct differences between CBDa and CBD despite the numerous similarities.
CBD is more stable and abundant
In the early stages of the hemp plant, CBDa is one of the most common cannabinoids. But by the time it has been extracted and bottled, CBD is far more abundant. CBDa can become CBD when allowed to sit at room temperature for some time. That means CBD is far more stable. For consumers, that means when you buy CBD oil, the percentage of CBD is less likely to decrease over time than the percentage of CBDa. This applies to all CBD products.
CBDa could be more effective than CBD
a lot more research needs to go into CBDa. But early reports show CBDa could be more effective at encouraging wellness than CBD. Just a few years ago, scientists didn’t think CBDa had any effects on the body at all. One of the reasons for this change in perspective is that CBDa has a higher bioavailability than CBD, meaning it can be metabolised faster and with less effort than CBD.
They work differently on the body
CBD and CBDa work through the endocannabinoid system, but they impact the endocannabinoid system differently. Although understanding the exact process is still a work in progress, some differences have already been highlighted. Research indicates that CBDa possibly activates the 5-HT1A serotonin receptors. CBD, on the other hand, interacts with the ECS by inhibiting the release of FAAH, an enzyme that breaks down anandamide. Though they are structurally similar, their roles in the body are different and still being explored.
CBD can be heated
CBD vape products have become mainstream because they deliver CBD directly into the bloodstream for rapid effects. The effectiveness of CBD vapes shows that CBD can be heated, making it better for cooking and vaping. CBDa is a little different. If you want to experience its benefits, you can’t heat or vape it because CBDa will turn into CBD when you heat it. Also, you cannot use CBDa for cooking because the heat will cause a reaction to occur that will convert CBDa into CBD. Closing Thoughts Evidently, you can see how similar yet different CBD and CBDa are. Although they are both cannabinoids and found in both the hemp and cannabis plant, they are still bonafide compounds on their own that present unique benefits for consumers who might prefer to use either of them on their own.
Ksenia owns her own dermatology clinic in London and is a nutritionist consultant. Ksenia is also a regular contributor to popular media outlets. In her spare time, she enjoys horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, rummaging in vintage stores and countryside walks.
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