How many cannabis compounds can you name? If you asked most people this question, they’d probably say two, THC and CBD, and we can’t blame them. These are the two most popular cannabis compounds in the world and with good reason. Companies have devoted millions of dollars to research the potential benefits of each and websites such as our site devotedly reports on the results of these studies.
However, these aren’t the only compounds found in cannabis. There are other compounds such as CBN, CBDA, and CBG that are present in the plant. Although these compounds are not as popular as either CBD or THC, they have their unique benefits.
In this article, we are going to compare two compounds found in cannabis, CBD and CBDA. Let’s begin with CBDA.
What is CBDA?
When we first heard about CBDA, we thought it was a type of CBD, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. CBDA stands for cannabidiolic acid, a compound that is commonly found in live cannabis plants. To understand CBDA, we need to look at several things:
The formation of CBDA
The creation of CBDA is a relatively complex process that involves enzymes and cannabigerolic acid [CBGA]. CBGA is probably the essential compound found in the cannabis plant. This is because it can be synthesized to produce THCA, CBDA, and CBCA, depending on which enzymes are activated to control the synthesis.
Research has identified the enzyme responsible for the conversion of CBGA to CBDA as Cannabidiolic-acid synthase. The researchers also discovered that the enzyme has similar properties as tetrahydrocannabinolic-acid synthase. THCA synthase is the enzyme responsible for the conversion of CBGA to THCA.
What’s the Relationship Between CBDA and CBD?
Since we’ve already determined that CBDA is not a type of CBD, we need to determine the exact nature of their relationship. The relationship between the two cannabis compounds is pretty straightforward.
CBDA is the antecedent of CBD; what this means is that you have to get CBDA before you get CBD. To convert CBDA into CBD, you have to heat a hemp plant with a high CBDA content. The heating causes decarboxylation, a chemical process in which a carboxyl group is removed from a compound.
Does CBDA Have Any Medical Benefits?
Previously, most people believed that CBDA had no medical benefits. It was widely accepted that you had to convert the CBDA to CBD, to experience any of the positive effects. However, several studies are challenging this commonly held belief.
In one study, researchers looked at the effectiveness of CBDA in treating inflammation and hyperalgesia. The results of the study were positive, and they demonstrated that CBDA has anti-hyperalgesia and anti-inflammatory properties.
In another study, researchers tested the effectiveness of CBDA in reducing vomiting and nausea in rodents. The results showed that CBDA was more effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in rodents than CBD. Although the effectiveness in humans hasn’t been tested, the researchers believe that CBDA could be an effective treatment for anticipatory nausea.
Now that we’ve looked at CBDA, let’s move over to the cool kid’s table and sit with CBD.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most popular compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD was discovered in the mid 20th century, but it’s only recently that it has gained mainstream appeal.
Companies all over the world are falling over themselves to come up with innovative CBD-infused products. The most popular CBD products in the market include CBD hemp wraps, CBD oil, and CBD gummies.
Most people question whether CBD is a fad or if it has any legitimate health benefits. Let’s look at what the research says about the benefits of CBD.
Health Benefits of CBD
One of the essential health benefits of CBD is that it can be used to manage depression. Depression is the most prevalent mental health issue with research suggesting that it directly affects 300 million people. Depression affects a person’s ability to lead a happy, productive life, and this is where CBD can come to their rescue.
A 2014 study indicated that CBD reduced depression through its positive interaction with the brain’s serotonin receptors. These interactions reduced depression by keeping the serotonin levels balanced.
Another significant benefit of CBD is that it can be used to manage chronic pain such as back pain. CBD helps the body manage pain by working through the endocannabinoid system. If you want to learn more about how CBD can be used to manage back pain, you can read about it here.
Another major benefit of CBD is that it can be used to manage migraines. We did an excellent piece on how CBD oil can be used to manage migraines, and you can read it here.
Can You Use CBD and CBDA Together?
Now that we’ve looked at the benefits of both CBD and CBDA, we need to figure out whether the two can be used together. To use CBD and CBDA together, you need to ensure that the CBDA is not converted to CBD at some point.
One of the companies that have managed to do this is Spirit of Hemp. Their Life Force CBD + CBDA Oil is one of the few products we’ve found that combines CBD and CBDA.
As time goes on, we are bound to get more research on CBD and CBDA, which will shed more light on their benefits. Everyone is excited about the potential these compounds hold. It’s a wonderful time to be alive!
Thank you for reading! Let us know in the comments below if you’ve taken CBD into your everyday life. Mixing it with your morning coffee? Check out “What are CBD Infused Lattes?” to see exciting new ways to mix your CBD.
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