What is cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)?
Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) can be defined as the chemical compound present in the resin glands of raw, organic cannabis plants. In this case, raw can be referred to as unheated and uncured. In layman’s terms, raw cannabis is fresh flower and leaves trimmed directly from the plant. Essentially, CBDA is the forerunner to the more popular molecule, cannabidiol (CBD). In fresh cannabis, rough approximates estimate that 95 percent of the cannabinoid exists as THCA and only 5 percent as CBD.
When CBDA is aged and heated, it disintegrates into CBD from its initial acid form. The action of converting CBDA to CBD is referred to as decarboxylation or decarbing. Under exposure to heat and with time, the acid group of the molecule lessened and what is left is what many refer to as “activated” CBD.
Certain types of cannabis plants have the most bountiful content of CBDA. This especially applies for those with high-CBD strains. It is relatively difficult to come across strains high in CBD; the functioning is completely different from that of cannabis which causes a psychoactive high and contains high levels of another cannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
By good luck, most dominant seed breeders as well as many cannabis access points currently offer different varieties of CBD to choose from. When kept in raw form, these plants will be filled with CBDA. CBDA can also be obtained from certain varieties of cannabis that are classified as hemp.
Both CBD and CBDA do not give someone a psychoactive high. There is not much knowledge out there on CBDA; however, it is quite clear that it works wonders in terms of lessening body pain, dealing with anxiety, and leading to an overall positive mood. However, recent research over the past 5 years has come up with knowledge on a couple of benefits attributed to CBDA, contrary to popular belief that it is useless.
What are the benefits of CBDA?
Most people who prefer raw cannabis derive their daily CBDA intake from including the cannabis plant in their foods and drinks. However, those who prefer raw cannabis extracts can still get them from plenty of retailers. Cannabis leaves can be put to use in different ways, either as salads, garnishes, or in smoothies and juices, the same way other leafy foods are put to use.
Patients who suffer from relatively serious conditions often preferring either blending or juicing fresh cannabis buds, which essentially contain the greatest concentration of cannabinoid acids. This doesn’t apply for those who are ill only since anyone could take advantage of plenty of the benefits derived from adding the raw greens into their diet plans.
Presumably, CBDA has the following properties:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-nausea
- Antioxidant
- Painkiller
- Anti-proliferative
- Antibacterial/antimicrobial