CBDa – the precursor, its use and the benefits

CBD is now known worldwide. It is a cannabinoid from the hemp plant that is said to have a positive effect on health. Since various cannabinoids can interact with the human endocannabinoid system, the active ingredients are often used to treat health complaints. Now there is the precursor to CBD, called CBDa. Also a cannabinoid, but different from classic cannabidiol. We tell you what you need to know about it.

Differences between CBD and CBDa

Both substances are cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, but there are some differences. CBDa is, strictly speaking, the precursor of CBD, it is cannabidiolic acid. CBD is not initially produced in the cannabis plant, but CBDa is. There is a similar effect with the well-known cannabinoid THC. Here, too, the precursor THCa is produced first before it is activated.

In cannabis, decarboxylation activates THC, which then has a psychogenic effect. This is an effect that we do not know from CBD. When CBDa is converted to CBD, it produces a cannabinoid that has no effect on mental comprehension. This is the reason why CBD belongs to the legal cannabinoids.

How is CBDa obtained?

CBDa is naturally present in fresh hemp. Products like hemp tea contain high amounts of it. To use commercial hemp for the extraction of CBD/CBDa, a complex extraction process is needed. Usually, the gentle CO2 extraction is used. The individual hemp flower is extracted, leaving a whole extract at the end. Through heating, precursors such as CBDa are now converted into CBD. However, this causes the individual properties of CBDa to be lost. In order to maintain a high level of cannabidiolic acid, the heating process must not be completed.

How can CBDa be used?

There are no pure CBDa products available today, instead the acid can be found in high quality CBD oil. This is especially the case with full-spectrum premium oils. The perfect option is a CBD oil where CBDa is also present in a smaller portion. The bioavailability of CBD is thus increased and the individual properties of both cannabinoids can develop optimally.

It has been shown that the potential of hemp products is significantly higher when they are used in combination. Complex effects are created, which are attributed to the entourage effect. In this process, cannabinoids interact primarily with the endocannabinoid receptors of the human body. The effect of CBDa alone is not that interesting. What is crucial is that in a bio-full spectrum oil, CBDa and CBD interact together. This results in effective compounds that trigger the entourage effect.

How CBDa affects the human body

It is well researched at times how CBD and THC affect humans. The properties of the two cannabinoids are the focus of research. However, science has now taken notice of CBDa. A study from 2022 claimed that CBGa (cannabigerolic acid) and CBDa were able to prevent the Corona virus from docking on human cells. The reason for this is said to be that CBDa itself docks to the spike protein. There it then prevents the virus from docking and can thus ensure that no corona infection occurs. Researchers are now busy conducting further studies on this topic, among others!

In general, the effectiveness of CBDa differs from other cannabinoids. While CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBDa uses an enzyme called COX2. Here, it is said to have the effect of increasing serotonin levels and limiting pain and inflammation, among other things.

Serotonin is commonly considered one of the happiness hormones. However, an excess of the substance can also trigger problems. For example, too much serotonin leads to nausea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal complaints. Since CBDa does not increase the serotonin level, but regulates and adjusts it, positive effects can also be expected here.

What is CBD acid used by users for and why is the form so exciting?

CBDa is said to provide valuable relief against nausea and vomiting. At least according to initial studies, it is also possible that infection with Sars-Cov-2 could be avoided. More compounds need to be studied before their efficacy is truly proven.

Around the world, researchers began taking a closer look at CBDa in 2008. Prior to that, the focus was primarily on CBD and THC. The hemp plant can generally be said to be the center of interest because it is full of cannabinoids. CBDa has been found to have molecules similar to the structure of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. By definition, these are classic painkillers such as ibuprofen.

CBDa is characterized by the inhibition of various enzymes, including COX-2. NSAIDs also have this effect, so a similar effect is conceivable. The biggest difference with CBD, however, is that CBDa activates the serotonin receptor. This makes it conceivable that anxiety disorders, depression, nausea and vomiting can be treated more effectively by cannabidiolic acid than by pure CBD.

Does CBD-Acid have a psychogenic effect?

With cannabis, many people associate the intoxication of THC. However, it significantly depends on the cannabis item used. CBD products are made from commercial hemp plants. These are grown from EU-certified seeds and may be legally processed. A legal hemp plant contains high amounts of cannabidiol acid, CBD, CBN, CBG and other cannabinoids. However, the amount of THC has been pretty much bred out.

CBDa has no psychogenic properties, it does not get you high and does not affect attention. The active ingredient is a precursor of cannabidiol and CBD has been legal in Europe for a long time.

How can CBDa be used?

A classic CBDa product does not yet exist on the market. The process of extraction is complex, mostly CBD and CBDa are contained in the corresponding flowers. The decisive factor is the harvest time of the hemp plant and the subsequent extraction. If the decarboxylation is not completely finished, the precursors remain contained and the effects of CBDa can be used.

So, for application, it is best to choose a high-quality full-spectrum CBD oil. Organic quality is just as important as the presence of terpenes, flavonoids and other cannabinoids. This is the only way to create the potential to trigger the entourage effect and have maximum impact on the endocannabinoid system.

CBD is available in different variants. The active ingredient is usually provided in the form of oils. The concentration varies; for beginners, 5-percent oils are the best solution. A mono-CBD product contains only cannabidiol; other active ingredients have been filtered out during production. To combine the benefits of CBD and CBDa together, a full spectrum CBD oil must be used!

Is CBDa contained in flowers?

Meanwhile, CBD is also sold in flower form. The flowers can be used under the most diverse applications. Since the flower itself has not yet been processed, it contains significantly more CBD and also CBDa than a finished product. The difference is that CBD oils are easier to use than the hemp as a flower.

This is interesting for you if you want to use the effect of CBDa for example through aromatherapies or by making CBD cosmetics. You can legally order CBD flowers online and then use them as you wish. Since the content of CBDa is highest in the unprocessed flower, this can be an important solution for you.

How to buy CBDa?

The best place to buy CBDa is from your trusted online retailer. Since there are no pure products yet, your attention should fall on the many CBD products that are available. Online, you can not only learn about the effects, you can also easily add cannabidiolic acid in various forms to your shopping cart.

You can be sure with our store that we only use and process legal cannabis. All our CBD and CBDa items comply with the legislation and are completely legal. We cannot promise you maximum effects, but we can refer you to the positive reviews of many CBD users.

Theoretically, you can also buy legal cannabis in pharmacies. The difference here, however, is that the selection is significantly smaller and you never know exactly which product you will get.