CBD is a cannabinoid we all know and love, but what about its precursor CBDA? Only recently available in a stable form to infuse into cannabinoid-based product applications, it has been making a name for itself both in the field of science and with consumers due to the many benefits it holds, and in some ways because it’s shown to be better than CBD! (amicusmongolia.com) Let’s dive into five ways you can use CBDA to support your health and wellness.
Reduces Inflammation
CBDA is a non-psychoactive acidic cannabinoid that has demonstrated an array of therapeutic benefits through research, including the ability to reduce inflammation. Inflammation can be caused by many factors including chronic pain and illness, exercise, as well as acute injuries. If untreated, inflammation can lead to many health problems such as damage to tissues and muscles, and chronic inflammation is associated with heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. CBDA is a plant-derived therapeutic option that can help individuals with long term inflammatory issues, as well as reducing acute inflammation that occurs in day-to-day activities, via its role as a COX-2 enzyme inhibitor. Inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme has an anti-inflammatory effect that non-steroidal drugs, such as aspirin, also inhibit. However, NSAIDs also inhibit COX-1, which can cause gastrointestinal complications with extended use. CBDA bypasses COX-1, making it a great option to reduce inflammation, without causing harm to other areas of the body.
Offers Mood Support
Anxiety and depression currently affect an average of 40 million adults in the United States and unfortunately both conditions are on the rise. It is estimated nearly 21 million adults had a depressive episode lasting 2 or more weeks with a depressed mood and decrease of self-worth, along with enjoyment of daily activities in 2021. There are pharmaceutical medications that can help; however, they only help about 60% of patients and can come with an array of unwanted side effects, including memory loss and slurred speech. CBDA has demonstrated itself as a potential therapeutic for those with various mental illnesses without the unpleasant side effects.
Activation of the body’s 5-HT1A or serotonin receptor is a crucial component in antipsychotic, anti-anxiety, and antidepressant medications. CBDA has activated the receptor in numerous studies, thus reducing both anxiety and depression. In a 2017 study, CBDA was given to rats with induced anxiety. CBDA was able to reduce anxiety on doses 1,000 times lower than that of CBD, not only showing its therapeutic value, but that it is better than CBD for this instance.
Reduces Nausea
Nausea can affect many people both chronically and acutely. It can be caused from stress and anxiety, motion sickness, chronic ailments such as gastritis, and so much more. When combating nausea and vomiting, activation of the 5-HT1A receptor is an important component for therapeutics. Though the 5-HT1A or serotonin receptor is most commonly known for its role in mental health, it modulates dozens of critical processes in the body including the signals the body sends for nausea and vomiting. CBDA is a promising plant-derived therapeutic to help combat nausea and vomiting due to its ability to activate the 5-HT1A receptor. Additionally, patients can take lower doses of CBDA in comparison to CBD for therapeutic benefit.
Higher Bioavailability
When comparing CBDA to CBD, CBDA has demonstrated itself superior in many ways, including its astounding bioavailability. A study published in the 24th Annual Symposium of the International Cannabinoid Research Society found CBDA is 19x more bioavailable than CBD! Bioavailability is the percentage or fraction of absorption of a drug or supplement that reaches the systemic circulation and is available to have an effect. This means that when we take an equivalent dose of CBD and CBDA, our bodies can absorb more CBDA! It also allows for lower doses of CBDA for a variety of instances. In fact, in 2015 GW Pharma filed a patent regarding the therapeutic use of CBDA to help those with seizures. GW Pharma is the maker of Epidiolex, the only FDA approved drug with plant derived cannabinoids that is a fixed ratio of CBD to help those with seizures. Within the patent it was cited CBDA was more effective at reducing seizures than CBD, and patients could take lower doses for the same effects, due to CBDA’s higher bioavailability.
Entourage Effect
When adding CBDA into an existing cannabinoid routine, one will be able to benefit from the entourage effect. The entourage effect is a phenomenon when compounds work synergistically together to boost the effects of their individual parts. This means when we add CBDA into our cannabinoid wellness regimen we are boosting the effects felt from the CBDA product and other cannabinoid products we take. This can lead to not only more benefit felt, but also may allow some individuals to require lower doses to feel the desired therapeutic effects.
CBDA is a minor cannabinoid that has the potential to make a major impact on the quality of life of those who consume. It is filled with benefits all can value from and is even demonstrating itself better than the well-known CBD in numerous instances. It is time to shift the spotlight from CBD to its precursor CBDA.
Always consult your primary care physician before adding any supplements or wellness products into your health regimen.Â
