CBDA vs CBD. What is CBDA and what is it good for?
CBD is extremely well-known these days, but have you heard of CBDA? CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) is similar to CBD (cannabidiol) but has some unique differences and health and wellness benefits. It is best known for its potential use against nausea and vomiting and is also being studied for its possible ability to fight inflammation, bacteria and cancer.
While cannabis is believed to aid nausea and chemotherapy-induced vomiting, the primary ingredient in cannabis – THC – is psychoactive. This can make it difficult for patients who need to drive, operate machinery or would like to stay sober during treatment. Like CBD, organic CBDA is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants. It may therefore be a better option for people who do not want to get high while taking it.
What is CBDA?
CBDA is a precursor to CBD, which means that it is found in trichomes in raw or uncured hemp and cannabis plants. Through decarboxylation (drying, curing or heating) it turns into CBD. Interestingly, this means that CBDA cannot be smoked or vaporized or it actually turns into something less effective. It can only be taken in its raw form and is now available as a sublingual tincture of 500mg CBDA oil from hemp in organic MCT coconut oil.
CBDA for nausea
One of the main benefits that CBDA is being studied for is its possible anti-emitic or anti-nausea properties.
A scientific experiment was carried out on rats to see if a low dose of CBDA would suppress acute nausea on its own and also improve the effects of a classic antiemetic drug, ondansetron (OND). (OND is usually used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting after surgery).
The scientists concluded that “CBDA potently reduced conditioned gaping (nausea-induced behavior) in rats, even at low doses and enhanced the anti-nausea effect of a low dose of OND. These findings suggest that combining low doses of CBDA and OND will more effectively treat acute nausea in chemotherapy patients.”
Another scientific study evaluated the ability of CBDA versus CBD to reduce nausea, vomiting and anticipatory nausea in rats, musk shrews and mice. Anticipatory nausea occurs when a patient who has had chemotherapy before experiences nausea and vomiting before a chemotherapy treatment session begins. It is caused by triggers such as the sights, smells or sounds of the treatment room.
The study concluded that: “Compared with cannabidiol, CBDA displays significantly greater potency at inhibiting vomiting in shrews and nausea in rats, and at enhancing 5-HT1A receptor activation, an action that accounts for its ability to attenuate conditioned gaping (nausea-induced behavior) in rats. Consequently, CBDA shows promise as a treatment for nausea and vomiting, including anticipatory nausea for which no specific therapy is currently available.”
CBDA and inflammation, seizures, depression and breast cancer
CBDA has a similar chemical structure to NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and, by inhibiting COX-2 receptors, CBDA holds promise as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
CBDA is also being studied for possible use in preventing seizures and fighting depression.
This 2012 scientific study found that CBDA may be able to stop the metastasis or spread of breast cancer cells. It states: “CBDA offers potential therapeutic modality in the abrogation of cancer cell migration, including aggressive breast cancers.”
You can learn more about CBDA on Leafly, the worlds largest cannabis information website.
How to take CBDA
CBDA can now be easily added to one’s wellness regime. Rare Cannabinoid Company offers a sublingual tincture of 500mg CBDA in certified organic MCT coconut oil. Each spray contains 6.7mg CBDA and there are 75 sprays per bottle. One simply shakes the bottle and sprays it one to two times under their tongue, holds for 30 seconds and then swallows. It can be taken one or two times daily or as directed by a healthcare provider.
The CBDA oil tincture costs just $49 and ships for free to anywhere in the United States. You can also save 15% on all Rare Cannabinoid Company products by ordering them on subscription. You can cancel free anytime. See how our subscription plans work here.
Cannabinoids often work best in combination with each other. This is why Rare Cannabinoid Company offers an apothecary-style approach to it customers. There are single extracts of THCV (known for energy and appetite control), rare delta8 THC (which offers many of the same benefits as delta-9-THC but is derived from hemp), CBN (potentially good for relaxation and sleep), CBC extract or cannabichromene oil (said to raise levels of anandamide – the brain’s “bliss” chemical), CBG (which shows potential for pain, inflammation and is being studied for use against many diseases), as well as full spectrum Rare Hawaiian CBD and an extra high strength 3000mg CBD oil booster. Rare Cannabinoid Company was the first to offer pure CBDV for sale. (Find information and links to CBDV autism and other clinical and preclinical studies.)
There are also “Ready Blends” that contain one-to-one rare cannabinoid with full spectrum Rare Hawaiian CBD. This is ideal for anyone who would like the entourage effect from a full spectrum oil with the added specific benefits of a high concentration of THCV, CBG, CBC or CBN.
We suggest looking up the latest scientific research and deciding what combination is best for your unique needs.
You can also check out these articles on Leafly, the world’s largest cannabis information website:
Can THCV really curb the munchies?
Is CBG better than CBD and THC for pain, inflammation, and aging?