Cannabidiolic Acid or CBDa is the precursor to Cannabidiol (CBD) and is found in fresh raw cannabis or hemp. It is transformed into CBD after time and exposure to light or heat (a process known as decarboxylation). It was long believed that the decarboxylated cannabinoids were the most active of the phyto-cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, and they produced the greatest and most therapeutic effects in our bodies. However, research suggests that CBDa could be more effective than CBD for symptomatic control of inflammation and nausea. Through activation of the 5-HT1A serotonin receptors, which is greater than that of CBD. It is important to note CBDa, like its little brother CBD is not psychoactive and will not produce intoxicating effects.
CBDa activates serotonin receptors. Why does this matter?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and it has a biological role in regulating your mood and physiological functions such as nausea, vomiting and intestinal mobility. Using CBDa to activate these receptors we can potentially help control: hard to treat nausea, stress, epilepsy, and inflammation.
Can CBDa help with inflammation?
CBDa can help with inflammation due to its role as a selective cox-2 enzyme inhibitor. In your body you have 2 types of cyclooxygenase (cox) enzymes that are important in determining the amount of inflammation your body experiences after injury. Cox-1 is responsible for maintaining a normal stomach lining and cox-2 has pro-inflammatory effects. Therefore, by regulating the cox-2 enzyme we can reduce inflammation and pain.
CBDa reduces inflammation? Doesn’t Tylenol and ibuprofen do the same thing?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit both the cox-1 and cox-2 enzymes. This will cause a reduction in inflammation but also increases your risk for damage to your stomach lining Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit both the cox-1 and cox-2 enzymes. This will cause a reduction in inflammation but also increases your risk for damage to your stomach lining such as ulcers and gastric bleeds (because the cox-1 enzyme is being inhibited, which protects your stomach lining). That is why CBDa might be a long-term solution for inflammation control, it has no effect on the cox-1 enzyme, meaning long term use is not associated with gastrointestinal complications.
CBDa sounds great, where can I find it?
CBDa is only found in raw cannabis. If you are a grower, CBDa can be found in the leaves, stems and flower. These can be used to juice, or simply add a few leaves to your favorite smoothie. Using strains known to be high in CBD will have high levels of CBDa when fresh.
Strains high in CBD
Harlequin
Charlotte’s web
ACDC
Cannatonic
We are still in the infancy of understanding the many cannabinoids present in cannabis and their potential therapeutic effects. CBDa requires much more research before we know exactly how it works and what it could be used for.
Written By: Cole Howden, CTE Ottawa.