Cannabidiolic Acid – or simply known as CBDA – is a compound produced by hemp and cannabis. Simply put, it is the raw form of cannabidiol (CBD).
The process
CBDA is found in abundance in the many CBD variety plants, and later converts to the popular CBD when exposed to heat.
CBDA, together with other popular cannabinoid compounds like cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) all stem from cannabigerolic acid. The conversion of precursor compounds depends on which plant enzymes are activated during the synthesis process.
During a process known as decarboxylation (a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group and releases carbon dioxide, which occurs when the cannabis plant is exposed to sunlight or heat), CBDA converts to CBD.
Where is CBDA used?
From capsules and tinctures to raw juices and topicals, CBDA has fast become a go-to product within the CBD community.
Research shows that this compound interacts with the human body and leads to positive medical effects like pain and stress relief. It can also be used for recreation purposes, such as for euphoria.
How does CBDA work to create medicinal benefits?
When looking at the scientific theory of cannabinoids and their processes, most bind directly with CB1 or CB2 receptors.
CBDA, on the other hand, interacts with a system known as endocannabinoid – a biological system composed of endocannabinoids that binds cannabinoid receptors. It does so by inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme, which is associated with inflammation resulting from an injury or infection.
By blocking this enzyme, the CBDA relieves the inflammation.
References
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00505/full
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/cannabidiolic-acid
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/160570#section=Wikipedia
