Understanding the Difference Between CBD and CBDA

Cannabidiol (CBD) has become increasingly popular as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, but what many people don’t know is that it is only one of two major components found in the cannabis plant. The other component, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), is not as widely known but is just as important to understand if you want to make an informed decision about your health.

Bioavailability 

Bioavailability describes how much of something can be taken in and used by the body. There is a difference between CBDA and CBD in terms of bioavailability. The CBD and CBDA structural differences determine the maximum safe dosage each can take and the intervals during the day. Due to the more complicated molecular structure, you need to understand what is the correct dosage for CBDA and that it requires fewer milligrams to provide the same effect in the body whereas CBD is more accessible for the body to absorb and put to use because of its less simple molecular structure. Only a tiny amount of CBDA may be used at a time, while a far more significant percentage of CBD is absorbed and used. However, CBDA is often decarboxylated to create CBD for maximum benefits, and its bioavailability may restrict its usefulness in some applications therefore it must not be smoked or vaporized. CBDA is under more study in cannabis medicine because it may have qualities and benefits not present in CBD.

Effect on the Body

CBD is an unobtrusive chemical with a wide variety of potential health benefits. Cannabidiol is widely used as a pain reliever. It works by lowering inflammation and relieving pain by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body. Therefore, it is more helpful in relieving pain caused by arthritis, injuries, and other causes such as chemotherapy. CBD also improves mood and helps with anxiety and depression, CBD is used to help people sleep at night at times. In addition to easing chemotherapy-induced nausea, cannabidiol assists in the fight against cancer by slowing the thriving of cancer cells. CBDA has health benefits too, although they appear to function in a similar manner, the two are distinct. As opposed to cannabidiol, CBDA does not bind to cannabinoid receptors. However, it works by stimulating serotonin synthesis by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. Since CBDA inhibits COX-2, it works by helping with discomfort and inflammation.

Additionally, CBDA has antiemetic characteristics that lessen nausea and avoid vomiting. It is notably more efficient than CBD in treating these symptoms. Furthermore, it is helpful for epilepsy, depression as well as sleep issues. The unparalleled action mechanism of CBDA makes it much more effective in tackling certain ailments compared to CBD; however, researchers are just beginning to uncover the diverse benefits of this compound while research on CBD has been extensively conducted already.

Mode of Formation

Despite both CBDA and CBD being found in the same cannabis plant, they carry different sources of how they are formed. The primary source of CBDA is a compound found in the raw acidic form of the cannabis plant. This compound may then be converted to CBD through a process referred to as decarboxylation, which occurs after being heated. On the contrary, CBD is found in the processed form of cannabis products and hemp from cured and dried cannabis plants. The plant’s processing method aims at removing the acidic nature of the compound, which only leaves the CBD. This difference is crucial to understand because the two compound’s benefits and effects are differentiated in their method of consumption resulting from their molecular structure.

Chemical Structure

Cannabidiol is dissolved in organic solvents only such as hexane or pentane, but not water. It is solid in crystalline form at room temperature that does not show color. CBD is oxidized to a quinone in suitable environments with the presence of oxygen. Cannabidiolic acid is a 22-carbon terpene molecule constituting the major phytocannabinoid in the seed-oil hemp types and fiber. In acidic conditions, CBDA may cyclize to tetrahydrocannabinol. 

Cannabidiolic acid is synthesized in the body by the enzyme, which catalyzes it into the cannabigerol acid. CBDAS is the ancestor of the more modern tetrahydrocannabinolic acid synthase THCAS. The bridge enzyme-like enzyme family includes both CBDAS and THCAS. To summarize this difference, an acyl-activating enzyme in glandular trichomes is responsible for forming CoA, which then condenses. 

Despite the many differences between CBD and CBDA in the structure form, they have incredible health benefits. They can be found in tinctures, oils, and raw consumption. However, CBDA cannot be smoked because when it is heated, it forms the CBD compound. In an entourage effect, CBD and CBDA work ideally in helping to alleviate the harshness of some conditions, such as inflammation, anxiety, depression, and pain resulting from challenging chemotherapy. CBDA, however, is used in tiny doses compared to CBD.