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What Is CBDA?

It’s no secret that CBD has stolen the spotlight over the past five years. Here’s the thing, though. Without something known as CBDA, there would be no CBD. Some even suggest that CBDA could be even more beneficial than CBD.

It was long considered to be an inactive compound, but recent cannabis research has shed light on some exciting discoveries.

Get this. CBDA is not only better absorbed by the body but also more biologically active than CBD. What does this mean? It’s simple. CBDA could be even more effective than CBD. Let’s take a deeper look

What Is CBDA?

Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is the acidic precursor to CBD, first discovered in 1965 by renowned cannabis researcher, Raphael Mechoulam
 
In order to become CBD, CBDA must go through a process known as decarboxylation.
Technically speaking, decarboxylation is a chemical response in which a carboxyl group
is removed from a molecule, which subsequently releases carbon dioxide and
“activates” the molecule. In the case of CBDA, the carboxyl group is the “acid” and when it goes through the process of decarboxylation, this carboxyl group is removed,
and you’re left with CBD.
 
The most common method of cannabis decarboxylation is exposing the raw plant matter
to heat. Other methods of decarboxylation can include exposing cannabis to light, solvents or cofactors (a chemical compound or metallic ion that assists in biochemical
molecular changes).
 
Because decarboxylated cannabinoids like THC and CBD were considered the only
active cannabinoids for decades, CBDA received little to no attention. Increased interest
in cannabis, however, has led to increased research into various cannabinoids. CBDA
shows some promising potential.

What Are The Potential Benefits Of CBDA?

While all cannabinoids are naturally occurring in cannabis, you might think of CBDA as a cannabinoid compound in the state the way nature intended. Pure, raw cannabinoid goodness, abounding with the potential benefits cannabis is famous for.  It’s one of the major compounds produced in the cannabis plant, accounting for nearly half of what’s extracted from hemp.

What makes CBDA so special?

CBDA is a pure, clean, raw cannabinoid that displays a greater bioavailability than CBD, meaning more of the compound reaches the bloodstream faster. Bioavailability is how much of a substance enters the bloodstream when introduced on the body to produce an active effect.

CBDA also shows to contain a significantly higher binding affinity than CBD to the 5HT1A (serotonin) receptors in the body and brain. It displays a stronger binding affinity than CBD to a cannabinoid receptor known as GPR55 as well, which plays an important role in mediating stress and anxiety.

It’s CBDA’s increased bioavailability and higher binding affinity to various receptors that are said to be responsible for the potential benefits the cannabinoid contains.  

How  Is CBDA Extracted?

In order to produce various CBDA products, it must first be extracted from the hemp plant itself. CBDA is structurally different than CBD, and in order to preserve the carboxyl group that makes it unique, meticulous extraction processes must be implemented. While extraction methods like CO2 and ethanol that are commonly used to extract CBD can be used to extract CBDA, the best method to preserve the molecular structure of the cannabinoid is raw, cold-pressed extraction.

Cold-pressed extraction is similar to extraction used to make fresh fruit and vegetable juices. It uses no heat, solvents or gasses, instead involving “crushing” the entire plant matter including leaves, stems, flowers and seeds), which extracts the beneficial oils contained in the plant. This cold press method is favorable for CBDA, as it doesn’t involve using heat or solvents that would otherwise destroy its molecular structure. Cold pressed CBDA is pure, raw cannabis extract, full of all the natural elements the plant contains, including beneficial vitamins, minerals, waxes and fats that contribute to its overall efficacy.

Last Thoughts About CBDA

The emerging potential CBDA holds as a powerful cannabinoid is clear. We don’t doubt that with increased cannabis research, CBDA will soon become as big as CBD, if not more. Perhaps Mechoulam put it perfectly when he recently told NBC News, “I think it’s a big deal.” CBDA is quickly gaining recognition for the untapped potential it contains, with many experts projecting it to become the next big thing when naturally supporting the body and mind with cannabinoids.

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