CBD and CBDa: What Are the Differences and Benefits?

Cannabidiolic acid is the compound that facilitates chemical reactions to create cannabidiol (CBD) in the cannabis plant. For years, it had been thought of as an inactive catalyst in the reaction, but recently it has been discovered to have some wonderful benefits when it interacts with systems and functions in our bodies.
It may interact with enzymes that release prostaglandin and the serotonin receptors.

What is the difference between CBD and CBDa?

Cannabidiolic acid and cannabidiol are compounds that naturally occur in the Cannabis Sativa plant. These compounds are denoted as cannabinoids and may come in two forms: the active form and the acid form. The cannabinoids that exist in acid form are quite unstable and if exposed to heat for some time, they become active by losing the acid molecule in a process known as decarboxylation.
Chemical reactions may alter the composition of cannabinoids during a plant’s lifecycle. In the early stages of growth, Cannabigerolic acid is one of the first compounds that appear. As the plant continues to grow, it is altered in a process that produces three different acidic cannabinoids.
One of these acids is CBDa. If the plant is exposed to heat, the CBDa loses its acid molecule and is transformed into CBD. The amount of CBD in a raw plant is negligible unless if it’s exposed to heat. For this reason, most commercial processes geared at producing CBD oil expose the raw material to heat to break it down to CBD. The final product contains a small amount of CBDa and a generous amount of CBD.
Research into the benefits of CBDa has resulted in an increase in the number of brands producing hemp products. It has even been introduced as a food supplement. You are likely to notice CBDa listed as one of the ingredients on CBD products.

What are the benefits of CBDa?

For starters, CBDa affects the body in a different way from CBD. It alters body systems in the following ways:

Cyclooxygenase enzymes

When CBD gets into the body, it is received by the endocannabinoid system (ECS) by delaying the release of enzymes tasked with breaking down the endocannabinoid anandamide. This is an important compound that brings balance to various systems in the body. When the enzyme is restricted, the level of anandamide is raised by the CBD, giving room for your ECS to regulate any imperfections that may be in your systems.
CBDa doesn’t mingle with these enzymes. It deals with COX-2, a cyclooxygenase enzyme. These enzymes are tasked with the production of chemicals that promote inflammation. The action of CBDa may result in the blockage of certain pathways. As a result, the level of anandamide in your body may increase.

Serotonin receptors

When it comes to triggering the 5-HT1A receptors that control the level of serotonin, CBDa delivers better results than CBD. Once the receptors are activated, they cling to serotonin and lead to effects that improve our wellbeing.
We can’t disregard CBD when talking about the benefits of cannabinoids in the body. Nevertheless, the results of CBDa are far more significant.