CBDA in cannabis oil

What is CBDA?

Many people don’t know this, but the cannabis plant itself doesn’t contain CBD!

In the standing, unharvested plant, CBD is mostly present in the form of CBDA.
CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) is the raw form of CBD found in fresh cannabis and hemp plants. CBDA converts into CBD when exposed to heat and UV light during the plant’s processing.

Why does it matter? The Therapeutic Potential of CBDA

Recent research suggests that CBDA might be more effective in certain therapeutic applications.

By activating 5-HT1A serotonin receptors, CBDA exerts a stronger effect than CBD in some cases, especially important for treating nausea and vomiting. This mechanism was primarily studied by Erin Rock and her team at the University of Guelph in Ontario. Their research showed that CBDA reduces nausea and vomiting so effectively that roughly 1000 times smaller doses of CBDA are needed compared to CBD to achieve the same anti-nausea effect.

CBDA and Epilepsy

CBD became widely known years ago mainly for its anticonvulsant effects. Currently, in the United States, the only approved CBD-based medication is Epidiolex, which is used for three different types of drug-resistant epilepsy.

Unsurprisingly, GW Pharma, the pharmaceutical company behind Epidiolex, is closely investigating the therapeutic potential of CBDA. Pharmacological studies indicate that CBDA has better bioavailability and a faster onset of action than CBD, making it an attractive candidate for drug development. CBDA requires lower doses, reducing the likelihood of side effects, and is more effective in certain seizure reduction parameters as well.

These findings are included in GW Pharma’s patent applications rather than peer-reviewed studies, but they support the results of Erin Rock and other American cannabis clinicians like Bonni Goldstein and Dustin Sulak, who have successfully treated epilepsy patients with CBDA.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of CBDA

CBDA’s anti-inflammatory action comes from its selective Cox-2 inhibitory properties.

There are two types of cyclooxygenase (Cox) enzymes: Cox-1, which maintains the normal mucous lining of the stomach and intestines, and Cox-2, which promotes inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen inhibit both enzymes, so long-term use can cause significant gastrointestinal complications due to Cox-1 inhibition.

Because of this, the development of selective Cox-2 inhibitors is of great therapeutic interest, as they relieve inflammation symptoms without affecting Cox-1 and avoid dangerous long-term effects. As a Cox-2 inhibitor, CBDA might be safer than traditional NSAIDs.

CBDA Against Breast Cancer

A preclinical study also found that CBDA’s Cox-2 inhibitory effects could help prevent the spread of a specific type of invasive breast cancer characterized by elevated Cox-2 levels.

When breast cancer cells were treated with CBDA for 48 hours, both Cox-2 and Id-1 protein, which is linked to the aggressive spread of breast cancer cells, were reduced, while the expression of Sharp-1, a suppressor of breast cancer cell division, increased. Although these data are preliminary, they suggest that CBDA might help prevent the spread of malignant cells to other parts of the body in certain types of breast cancer.

What Does It Mean if Cannabis Oil Has High CBDA Content?

The presence of CBDA in a cannabis oil means a broader therapeutic range and a higher-quality product.

Choose products with a high CBDA content relative to CBD. This provides greater coverage and better effects, especially for conditions involving inflammation. If you’re already taking CBD Oil or are considering it, it’s worth thinking about trying CBDA-rich products!

Did You Know?

CANNADOL ^TMCBD Oils are produced using a low-heat, low-pressure extraction process that allows exceptionally high levels of CBDA to remain in the final product.
Our full-spectrum cannabis oils contain nearly as much CBDA as CBD, ranking among products with the highest CBDA content.