The cannabis world is full of acronyms. A myriad of cannabinoids are found naturally in the cannabis plant. If we often hear about THC or CBD, CBDA or more precisely, cannabidiolic acid, is the subject of much speculation. Overview of this substance extracted from cannabis plants.
CBDA, the acid form of cannabidiol
Similar to the acronym CBD, CBDA is by definition the acidic form of cannabidiol. This is the original form of CBD. This substance is found in high quantities in the trichomes of the plant. These are small vesicles that contain the resin, either cannabinoids, flavonoids or terpenes. These elements, naturally present in the plant, are responsible for the effects and aromas of the plant.
Over time, the decarboxylation process turns CBDA into CBD. Scientists have thus created the following formula to designate this process which occurs naturally: CBDA + heat = CBD + carbon dioxide (CO2). For your information, this phenomenon occurs when the plant is dried out. The light and heat of the sun are two main factors that cause this condition. So what about legalization?
Legalization around CBDA
At present, the French and European legislation in force in the field agree more or less on one point. Only THC, also called tetrahydrocannabinol, is prohibited by law. This molecule, extracted from the cannabis plant, has psychotropic effects on the consumer. After ingestion of this molecule, high effects of cannabis can appear depending on the amount ingested and the metabolism of the person.
Reactions can vary from one individual to another. Unlike CBD, THC is thus classified in the category of narcotics because of its effects responsible for altering the consciousness of the consumer. In the eyes of the law, CBDA is considered the same as CBD. Thus, this molecule is legal and tolerated by the law in force. However, the marketing of the neutral form of this cannabinoid is not yet specified in the legislation. A certain legal vagueness still remains in the field.
What are the differences between CBDA and CBD?
First of all, you should know that the mode of consumption by combustion of CBDA in CBD is strictly prohibited in France. Decarboxylation is the removal of CO2 (carbon dioxide). In this process, CBDA becomes the neutral form of CBD that we know today. Overall, CBDA can be derived from different varieties of cannabis plants, legal or not.
Along with decarboxylation, when CBGA becomes CBD, THCA becomes THC. While the neutral form of cannabidiol is not known to the general public, it nevertheless brings many virtues for the body. Check out some of the differences that remain between the two shapes:
- If we compare CBDA to CBD, the latter acts more quickly after absorption of the molecule.
- However, you should also know that cannabidiol is an effective molecule to fight against signals related to a state of pronounced stress or a depressive state. According to the conclusions of certain studies carried out by researchers-scientists, cannabidiol is a cannabinoid that targets various mechanisms that cause stress and anxiety. These mechanisms have the role of regulating serotonin, also known under the name “hormones of happiness” and cortisol, called “stress hormone”.
- The effects of CBD are stronger, than the effects of CBDA.
According to experts in the field, CBDA acts mainly on CB sensors. These are the sensors that act on the nervous system of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD, on the other hand, activates two sensors: CB1 and CB2. Here is some scientific insight into the effects of CBDA on the human body.
What are the effects of CBDA on the body?
If cannabidiol is still the subject of much research, there are currently some benefits of CBDA on the body:
- From a therapeutic point of view, CBDA acid has effects on the body. This would have positive effects on pain and inflammation.
- In addition, CBDA is also said to be more effective than CBD in combating stomach problems, such as vomiting or nausea.
- Like CBD, CBDA helps fight stress, as well as depression. The neutral molecule of CBD would be all the more effective in combating this type of psychological disorder. This would bind to 5-HT1A receptors more easily than CBD.
In short, cannabidiol is still attracting the attention of research scientists, always seeking to discover the secrets of this molecule as complex as it is intriguing.
