Where does CBD come from? Most of us know that it comes from a plant, but did you know that CBD actually starts as another compound called CBDA?

Here at Fully Activated CBD, we want to help you get to the bottom of where CBD comes from by understanding CBDA and the differences between CBD and CBDA. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• CBD vs. CBDA: what you need to know
• Why is CBDA less known?
• What studies have shown about CBDA

Ready to learn? Read on!

CBD vs. CBDA: What You Need to Know

There are three main compounds found in the cannabis plant that can be transformed into cannabinoids: THCA, CBCA, and CBDA. CBDA is the one that develops into CBD.

CBD has become increasingly well-known in recent years as a potentially important non-psychoactive derivative of the cannabis plant. CBDA is much less common in the retail market, although it’s starting to increase in popularity.

CBDA turns into CBD in a couple different ways, either by a thermal process (like burning) or by a slower process over time. All the normal ways people consume cannabis naturally turn CBDA into CBD, and it even happens over naturally over time.

CBD has generated the most interest in terms of medicinal or pharmacological benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC.  In recent years, there has been an upswing of interest in the potential benefits of CBDA, which appear to be different from the benefits of CBD.

Why Is CBDA Less Known?

There are a few reasons that CBDA isn’t as well-known as CBD. First, because it degrades into CBD over time, CBDA is considered less stable. In other words, it’s hard to isolate it and turn it into products and supplements.

Second, CBDA doesn’t affect the body in the same ways as CBD. The human body has receptors called CB1 and CB2 receptors, and cannabinoids like CBD bind to these. While specific results of CBD are still being studied, this receptor mechanism is not disputed.

CBDA doesn’t work like that, but it seems to affect the body in another way by blocking an enzyme associated with inflammation.

Because it’s less stable and harder to isolate, CBDA hasn’t generated the same level of interest as CBD, nor has there been as much research into the compound.

What Studies Have Shown About CBDA

One research study showed that CBDA had structural similarities to common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. It went further to show that the compound showed the same behavior as NSAIDs, as well.

Another study from 2013 showed a powerful reduction in nausea when CBDA was paired with ondansetron, an anti-nausea drug typically used during chemotherapy.

Wrapping Up

Research on CBDA is still ongoing. So while there’s some promise about what CBDA might be able to do, not every possibility of this cannabinoid is yet known. We look forward to learning more about CBDA. In the meantime, Fully Activated CBD is here for you. While we aren’t medical experts, we still want to help you on your CBD journey. Let us know if you have any questions about CBD or CBDA, and we’ll help where we can.