In this article, we’re going to compare CBDA vs CBD and will discuss how they’re different.
People often make a mistake by thinking that CBDA and CBD are completely the same substance. However, if you know anything about the chemistry of hemp, you will know that this isn’t true.
These two chemical compounds share certain similarities, though. For example, CBD is a direct byproduct of CBDA’s transformation. Unlike CBD, CBDA is a somewhat unexplored substance.
We don’t know much about it, and there haven’t been enough studies that would increase our knowledge.
Before we go into CBDA vs CBD, let’s mention a few things about CBDA, in particular.
What is CBDA?
CBDA stands for cannabidiolic acid. It is another cannabinoid substance that is made within hemp.
Like most other hemp-related things, we only recently discovered CBDA. You can find it in raw unprocessed hemp.
Unlike CBDA, CBD is non-acidic. Furthermore, we get CBD when the CBDA substance starts degrading. When you start heating, curing or drying the plant, cannabidiolic acid will start transforming into cannabidiol.
Cannabidiolic acid is especially common for the unprocessed hemp plant. You can also find it within cannabidiol oils that haven’t been filtered or processed.
CBDA vs CBD
Both of these substances are categorized as cannabinoids.
As you probably know, this is a group of chemical compounds that are common for hemp and cannabis but are otherwise rarely present in nature. We use cannabinoids for their numerous wellness properties.
Depending on the product and process that has been used, the number of cannabinoids within a product can vary. This is precisely why it is hard to predict how a specific medicinal hemp item will work for your body.
In order to understand the difference when comparing CBDA vs CBD, you have to understand decarboxylation. This is a process of molecular degradation.
CBDA is initially acidic, but when it is left alone to cure, it will slowly start losing its acidic properties. In other words, they will turn into CBD.
Decarboxylation can be accelerated through heating. That way, you can get CBD at a much faster rate.
In nature, there is only a small amount of CBD within the hemp plant. Only when you dry or heat the hemp, turning CBDA into CBD, will you start getting that much-needed cannabidiol.
One important similarity between these two substances is that both of them are non-toxic. Like CBD, you won’t get high by consuming CBDA.
What kind of benefits can you expect from CBDA?
Although these two chemical compounds are very similar and they share the same origin, there is a major difference in terms of potential benefits.
First off, we have to mention the fact that we know very little about CBDA’s potential benefits. Unlike CBD, which is used by numerous people and for which there is extensive empiric evidence, scientists have only started to uncover CBDA’s secrets.
The reason for this is rather straightforward. Until recently, scientists didn’t realize that CBDA can also carry certain beneficial properties like CBD.
They were mostly focusing on cannabinoids in their non-acidic form, completely disregarding chemical compounds such as CBDA. And to be honest, we also know very little about cannabidiol, which is a much more common substance.
The first change occurred in 2008. This is the first time scientists noticed that CBDA might provide relief for certain inflammatory conditions.
It was noticed that these chemical compounds have a very similar molecular structure to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. So, the following studies focused on CBDA as a potential replacement for this group of medications.
The initial data was really promising, but we still don’t have conclusive evidence indicating that CBDA can be used in such a manner.
Given that we’re just starting to scratch the surface of cannabidiolic acid’s potential impact, there is a lot more to be learned. It is presumed that CBDA may have a similar impact on the endocannabinoid system as CBD.
Scientists are guessing that this chemical compound may affect the user’s mood, appetite, memory, focus, and various metabolic functions. What’s even more interesting is that CBDA may provide similar benefits as CBD, but at a much higher rate!
If this turns out to be true, then we might experience major changes within the medicinal hemp industry.
Can you find CBDA in CBD oil?
Based on everything that we’ve just mentioned, you’re probably wondering if it’s possible to have both CBD or CBDA in the same product. There is an argument to be made that these two chemical compounds can provide an even stronger effect when used together, so we should at least explore this possibility.
All in all, it is possible to combine CBDA and CBD within cannabidiol oil as long as its properly prepared.
So, how can this be done?
Well, if the hemp manufacturer hasn’t heated the plant or left it to be cured, there is a chance that the medicinal hemp oil will have both substances. If this is the case, expect that there will be much more CBDA than CBD.
Can you smoke CBDA?
A lot of potential patients are also interested in CBDA smoking products. Unfortunately, unlike oil, you cannot smoke CBDA.
The main issue is that, in order to smoke a joint, you need to light it up previously. This by itself converts CBDA into CBD.
So, while smoking is out of the question, you might try using oils, creams, and other products that don’t require heating or altering the original content.
Is CBDA a legal substance?
Even if there is a chance to use a CBDA product, we need to consider its legality beforehand.
At this moment in time, CBDA is not treated like a psychoactive substance. In other words, it doesn’t fall under the same scrutiny as THC; the most troublesome cannabinoid of them all.
That being said, if CBDA products were to hit the market, they would likely have the same legal status as CBD as well as other cannabinoids not named THC. Presumably, you would be able to buy CBDA products in the same store where you buy CBD products.