Cannabidiol is the byproduct of plant-based cannabinoid cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). As CBD starts with CBDA, it is natural to have one better than the other. It is good to know the similarities and differences between the two cannabinoids to make an informed decision when choosing one over the other. CBD and CBDA are closely related compounds that are derived from cannabis plants but with their own unique health benefits and properties. Let’s look at what these two compounds are and how they are different from each other.
CBDA, or cannabidiolic acid, is the acidic precursor to CBD, mainly in pre-evolved stages. While CBDA was believed to be inactive earlier, the latest studies show that it has benefits and wellness potential similar to CBD. As CBDA is available in abundance in cannabis plant, some consider CBDA to be the natural form even when cannabinoids are not “active” until and unless they undergo the decarboxylation process.
What is CBD?
CBD is the cannabinoid cannabidiol, the plant-based cannabinoid that is the most abundant of phytocannabinoids in the hemp extract. CBD is basically the neutral counterpart of CBDA that imitates the effects of cannabinoids produced in the body to make critical processes function properly. Unlike THC, it doesn’t provide a “high” effect and is considered to be nonpsychoactive.
CBDA vs CBD: Key Differences
Feature | CBDA | CBD |
Chemical form | It is the acidic precursor to CBD and is available naturally in raw cannabis plants. | CBD is the phytocannabinoid in Cannabis sativa plants. It is similar to THC as they share the same chemical formula but CBD is non psychoactive while THC is. |
Source | CBDA is the unheated, raw precursor of CBD. | It can be extracted from leaves and flowers of the hemp plants. |
Bioavailability | CBDA is more bio available than CBD, leading to higher concentration of CBDA in the bloodstream. | CBD has low oral bioavailability as first pass metabolism in the liver. |
Effects | Including CBDA in your wellness program can provide faster relief, especially when it comes to pain management and inflammation. | CBD has a wide variety of effects on mind and body as it interacts with the ECS and signalling pathways.
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Stability | CBDA degrades and decarboxylates easily when exposed to air, light or heat. | It is more resistant to heat as well as oxidation. |
Research status | It has limited but growing research status. Most of the trials have been on animals or vitro. | CBD is extensively studied, has FDA approved uses and has a lot of human trials backed as well. |
Product availability | It is starting to emerge as the wellness oriented product market. | Availability of CBD products are huge as it has better known benefits, strong research backing and more legal frameworks. |
Usage | Limited to oils mainly, the best way to take it naturally is in the form of hemp juice. | Oils, capsules, edibles, topicals, vapes are the common forms available when it comes to using CBD products. |
Benefits and Uses
CBDA
- CBDA promotes physical relaxation and addresses discomfort felt from any neurologic disorders.
- It helps reduce swelling and inflammation caused by certain medical issues like joint pain, arthritis, and other illnesses.
- CBDA supports a balanced, relaxed, healthy mind. Research also shows its potential anti-anxiety effects.
- CBDA can further help reduce nausea caused by chemotherapy or some medical conditions.
CBD
- Studies show that CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Unlike many sleep medications, CBD supports sleep from different angles. Apart from creating a calm and relaxing feeling, it has the potential to promote overall well-being.
- CBD has the benefits of reducing your anxiety and depression as well. Research suggests that CBD has therapeutic benefits for depression and some people use CBD for SAD (seasonal affective disorder) too.
- CBD is FDA-approved to be used as an anti-seizure medication as well for specific epilepsy types. Epidiolex is the CBD isolate and clinical studies show that this drug can reduce seizures for different forms of epilepsy like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
CBD vs CBDA: Which one should you choose?
Choose CBDA if:
- If you are already taking CBD for nausea, seizure, anxiety or pain, CBDA may be helpful as research shows that it is more effective for such uses at the same dosage.
- You wish to try more powerful CBDA benefits or know that your body responds better to it.
- You are using THC and don’t wish your hemp product to reduce the effects.
Choose CBD if:
- You prefer to use a wide range of products like oils, vapes, topicals, edibles, capsules, etc.
- You need to manage epilepsy or seizures as it is an FDA-approved drug for seizure disorders.
- You wish to have clinically proven relief from pain, sleep, anxiety etc.
How to use CBDA and CBD
CBDA
- CBDA oil is used as the main ingredient in cannabis tinctures, topical and other products.
- Capsules are the ideal daily usage products that can be taken. You need to remember that they have slower onset but longer-lasting results.
- Raw hemp juices are the best if you want nutrient-rich form, but they need access to fresh hemp.
CBD
- You can use oils- Place it under the tongue, hold it for a few seconds (60 secs), and swallow.
- Capsules are another form of usage that you swallow with water just like a supplement.
- CBD can be taken as vapes, too; you just have to inhale the vapor via vape pens.
- Topical- you can use it directly on the skin.
Conclusion
When considering the cannabinoid options, it is not fair to say that one is better than the other as both have unique potential and benefits. Each of the elements in the cannabis products works synergistically to promote the effects of the other. However, when choosing between CBD and CBDA, CBD products would be the better choice.
