CBDA vs CBD – What’s the difference?

CBDA vs CBD

CBDA Vs CBD - Benefits and Side Effects Uncovered

For a long time in modern society, the Cannabis plant was considered to be a recreational drug only. 

However, recent research has proven that the drug as a whole and its components could be potentially beneficial for human health.

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabis is composed of more than 400 different compounds, out of which 60 are categorized as cannabinoids. 

Different cannabinoids interact with the human body in different ways, some of these offering health benefits. 

The most popular active ingredient in weed is THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. 

It is the main psychoactive compound of the marijuana plant that is responsible for producing psychoactive effects. 

Other common cannabinoids include CBD, CBG, CBN, THCv, and CBDa. 

Both CBD and CBDA offer significant health benefits despite their structural differences. 

Here’s everything you need to know about these great cannabinoids.

Legal Status of CBDA Vs CBD

The 2018 Farm bill allowed the cultivation of hemp plants and the production of CBD products obtained from the hemp plant. 

U.S. Law states that CBD products must not contain any more than 0.3 % of the intoxicating cannabinoid THC. 

In the United States, all 50 states operate CBD products under different restrictions. 

Even though CBDA is quite different from CBD, it is generally treated just like the latter in the international market. 

CBDA products are also non-intoxicating and considered entirely legal in almost all states.

This is of course as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC as per the regulations by Federal Drug Administration.

The Endocannabinoid system

Before we get into the main difference between CBDA Vs CBD, let’s take a closer look at the human endocannabinoid system. 

The ECS or endocannabinoid system is the leading cell signaling mechanism of the body that works to maintain homeostasis. 

ECS works by using its two main receptors known as the CB1 and CB2 receptors, these are spread across the brain and body. 

Our body produces its own endogenous cannabinoids, which interact with these receptors to carry out critical physiological functions.

Functions such as memory, mood, appetite and metabolism, sleep, pain relief, thermoregulation, and immunity are all affected by the ECS.

Both CBD and CBDA interact to help the ECS perform its functions effectively because of their similar molecular structure. 

CB2 receptors are densely concentrated in the immune system cells such as macrophages and neutrophils.

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What is CBD?

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is associated with numerous health benefits and zero possible side effects.

This is why it has become somewhat of a phenomenon in recent years.

CBD is non-psychoactive and does not cause euphoric effects like THC does. 

CBD is the second most popular cannabinoid and is usually extracted from different strains of industrial hemp. 

It has been shown to be beneficial for several health-related issues such as pain, inflammation, disturbed sleep, injuries, and much more. 

CBD oil containing less than 0.3% THC is legal and can be used for various non-medicinal purposes as per the guidelines issued by FDA. 

To really understand CBDA Vs CBD, first we take a close look at each one.

CBD oil containing less than 0.3% THC is legal and can be used for various non-medicinal purposes as per the guidelines issued by FDA.

How Does CBD Work?

CBD works by cooperating with the human body’s endocannabinoid system. 

Being a cannabinoid, CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors of ECS scattered throughout the body, thereby helping maintain homeostasis.

CBD has a chemical structure similar to the endogenous cannabinoids our bodies produce naturally. 

Even though it does not engage directly with the receptors, it can boost the uptake of endogenous cannabinoids and decrease the chances of degradation so that they can be used again. 

Scientific research has shown that CBD can also reduce cortisol levels by interfering with the excretion of the hormone in the adrenal gland. 

This is extremely important in managing the balance of healthy cortisol levels and reducing symptoms of stress.

CBD can also increase the production of serotonin, the body’s happy hormone. 

A balanced level of serotonin is optimum for stable mental health.

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What is CBDA?

CBDA or cannabidiolic acid is one of the abundant cannabinoids found in hemp. 

In simple terms, CBDA is the acidic cannabinoid of CBD. 

To make sure CBD is effective, each batch of the extract undergoes winterization or thermal decarboxylation. 

The alive and raw form of cannabis contains a significant quantity of CBDA because CBDA converts into CBD as the plant matures. 

The Scientific community is convinced that CBDA is one of the major cannabinoid precursor compounds of CBGA or cannabigerolic acid (mother of all cannabinoids).

This cannabinoid also matures into THC or CBD, depending upon the type of enzyme activation.

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How does CBDA Work?

Recent research has shown that CBDA oil could be an effective medicine for treating a variety of medical conditions. 

It has an excellent affinity for serotonin receptors which are responsible for important physiological functions like mood, hunger, and reproduction.

CBDA has proven to be an intense activator of 5 H1TA serotonin receptors and ensures the body has an ample amount of serotonin to deal with internal and external stimuli. 

Anti-inflammatory properties of CBDA can also help in reducing unwanted inflammation by inhibiting the cox-2 enzymes.

It is particularly helpful for inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Even though non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are considered to be more efficient in reducing inflammation, their long-term use can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract.

Interestingly the downregulation of cox-2 enzymes can also reduce the spread of tumors and metastasis in cancer patients.

CBDA and CBD could be safer alternatives to pain prescribed opioids as they offer safe long-lasting relief from pain and discomfort.

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Endocannabinoid Deficiency

Low levels of endocannabinoids in the body may lead to clinical endocannabinoid deficiency.

Even though it is not yet a proven disease, some human studies correlate Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED) with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. 

Some experts suggest that endocannabinoid deficiency could be a significant cause of irritable bowel syndrome, migraine, and fibromyalgia. 

Treating CED is a tricky job as one wrong move can disturb the homeostasis of the body.

Cannabinoids like CBD and CBDA are shown to help reduce this deficiency, further research is needed to prove the hypothesis. 

CBDA Vs CBD - The Bottom Line

Both CBD and CBDA are beneficial for us if used independently. 

A combination of both along with the other cannabinoids found in cannabis offers an entourage effect. 

This is defined as the synergistic effect which boosts the performance of the individual components. 

CBD and CBDA can be found together in full-spectrum CBD oil or broad-spectrum CBD oil. 

If you’re interested in learning more about full-spectrum CBD vs CBD isolate then be sure to check out this article.

Make sure to seek medical advice before taking CBD for any serious medical condition and avoid taking much CBDA or CBD with other prescription medicines.