Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA)
Did you know that fresh hemp doesn’t actually contain much CBD? It’s true!
Instead, freshly harvested hemp contains something called CBDA — CBD’s raw form. To really live up to its potential, this CBDA must be converted into highly-bioavailable CBD. Let’s take a closer look.
What is Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA)?
Cannabidiolic acid is the raw form of Cannabidiol (CBD) produced naturally within the hemp plant. Fully mature hemp can be up to 25% CBDA by dry weight.
As its name implies, CBDA is an acid; in chemical terms that just means it reacts with other molecules a certain way. In practical terms, CBDA is considered “inactive” until converted to regular CBD.
Research shows that CBDA may have distinctive health benefits compared to other cannabinoids. It seems to target serotonin receptors involved in regulating mood and temorary anxiety. Some research shows that CBDA may inhibit inflammatory enzymes like cyclooxygenase-2. [1] Patents filed by the makers of Epidiolex, GW Pharmaceuticals, indicate that the company is heavily invested in CBDA research. Those interested in trying CBDA for themselves can do so by juicing fresh hemp!
How is CBDA converted to CBD?
CBDA is great and all...but to be converted to fully functional CBD it must be activated by heat (or light). That’s why our CBD oils are gently decarboxylated (or decarbed) during their production process. Decarboxylation entails applying mild heat to CBDA for between 30 minutes and one hour. Over time, CBDA slowly converts into its most active form. The final product is a CBD oil that’s fully bioavailable and fully active.
If you’re wondering why such a fancy term is used to describe this process, it’s because CBDA loses its carboxyl group when heated. De-carboxyl-ated, get it? The slightly-smaller CBD molecules which result are better able to interact with the human body in all the ways we know and love.