CBDA & CBD: What’s The Difference?

You may already be familiar with CBD, or cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, CBD won’t get you high, but its positive effects have long been touted by users, from chilling you out to amping up your libido. But there is much more to Cannabis and hemp than CBD and THC. 

Other potent compounds exist in the plant, including CBDA, or cannabidiolic acid. While closely related to CBD, CBDA has its own unique function. Learn what this function is, as well as the crucial differences between CBD vs. CBDA.

CBDA Begins as CBGA 

It’s impossible to talk about CBDA without first mentioning CBGA, or cannabigerolic acid. Sometimes referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids” or the “mothership,” CBGA is the origin of all cannabinoids. It interacts with plant enzymes to convert to three major cannabinoid precursor compounds: THCA, CBCA, and CBDA. When the Cannabis plant is exposed to sunlight or heat after such interaction, decarboxylation occurs to remove the carboxyl group and CBDA converts to CBD. This decarboxylation process can happen in an instant, such as when vaporizing, smoking, or cooking, but it can also happen gradually when the raw plant matter is left to sit at room temperature.

Chemical Structure: How CBDA Differs from CBD

CBDA and CBD are closely related, but there’s a key difference in their molecular structure. CBDA has a carboxylic acid group (-COOH), which CBD lacks. This small structural difference accounts for the distinct properties of CBDA vs. CBD. 

When CBDA is exposed to heat or light, it goes through decarboxylation. This process removes the carboxyl group, turning CBDA into CBD. This change not only alters the structure but also affects how the compounds work in the body. The carboxyl group in CBDA influences things like how easily it dissolves, how it’s absorbed, and how it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which means it can have different effects compared to CBD. In short, CBDA is the natural starting point for CBD.

CBDA vs. CBD 

An estimated 113 cannabinoids can be found in hemp, with CBDA and CBD being just two of them. Both CBDA and CBD are non-psychotropic cannabinoids, so they will not produce that euphoric sensation attributed to THC. While CBDA’s traits are similar to those found in CBD, CBDA has been shown to have greater bioavailability than CBD, meaning the body can absorb more of it.

The easiest way to think about CBDA is as the precursor or rawest form of CBD. Most cannabinoids bind directly with either the CB1 or CB2 receptors, but CBDA works in an entirely different way. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system by inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme.

Decarboxylation in Detail: The Journey from CBDA to CBD

Decarboxylation is the critical chemical process that turns CBDA into CBD. This transformation happens when CBDA is exposed to heat or left in storage for long periods at room temperature. During this process, CBDA loses its carboxylic acid group (-COOH), altering its chemical structure and creating CBD.

This structural change is more than just a technical shift—it also affects how the cannabinoid interacts with the body. CBD, the decarboxylated form, is known for its ability to engage more directly with the endocannabinoid system, while CBDA interacts with different receptors and pathways, offering its own unique benefits.

For those interested in the specific properties of CBDA, raw hemp products or extracts made using low-heat methods can help preserve its natural state. This approach ensures that CBDA remains intact, providing an alternative to traditional CBD products for people seeking the distinct effects of this raw cannabinoid.

Stability and Shelf Life of CBDA vs. CBD

Another key difference between CBDA and CBD lies in their stability, which affects how long they stay effective in products. 

CBDA is less stable than CBD as it breaks down more easily when exposed to heat, light, or air. Because of this, products with CBDA need to be stored carefully—usually in a cool, dark place and sealed tightly. Without proper storage, CBDA can lose its potency faster.

CBD, on the other hand, is much more stable. It can handle exposure to heat and light better, so it lasts longer in products. This makes it a more popular choice for manufacturers since they can create products that stay effective for a longer time without special storage requirements.

How to Take CBDA 

Some people juice raw and uncured Cannabis to benefit from CBDA, but products are available that use raw hemp or offer a broad array of cannabinoids like CBDA, along with terpenes and flavonoids that occur naturally in the plant. These more comprehensive products are often referred to as “full-spectrum,” and may come as a capsule, tincture, or topical.

Full-spectrum CBD products with CBDA contribute to the entourage effect, which refers to the natural interaction of these botanicals when consumed together. While CBD alone has its benefits, the synergy of the compounds holds more potential when blended to create a more harmonious experience for the user.

CBDA may not be as well known as CBD, but it is a crucial component of the hemp plant because, without it, CBD wouldn’t exist.

Analytical Methods for Detecting CBDA in Hemp Products

As interest in CBDA grows, so does the need for reliable ways to detect and measure it in hemp products. Accurate testing is essential to ensure that consumers know exactly how much CBDA is in the products they’re using.

One of the most widely used techniques for analyzing CBDA is high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This method is highly effective because it doesn’t require heating the sample, which could convert CBDA into CBD through decarboxylation. By preserving the original chemical structure of CBDA during testing, HPLC provides precise measurements of its content.

Advances in testing methods like HPLC allow manufacturers to deliver more accurate product labels, helping consumers make informed choices. 

Current Research and Future Directions for CBDA

Research on CBDA is still in its early days, but the findings so far are encouraging. While these studies are still preliminary, they highlight the unique properties of CBDA and its potential in a variety of use cases.

As interest in CBDA grows, researchers are diving deeper into these possible applications. Continued research could lead to groundbreaking developments in medicine, opening new doors for treatments that harness this powerful cannabinoid. As we learn more, CBDA may become an important part of the evolving landscape of cannabinoid-based therapies!

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