A minor cannabinoid, CBDA is beginning to attract the interest of scientists and entrepreneurs alike for its therapeutic potential, notably against pain, inflammation, cancer… and even COVID-19 . Zeweed reports on this super CBD.
CBDA, what applications?
With 60 years of prohibition behind us, research into minor cannabinoids, including CBDA, is still in its infancy. The data available to date comes only from computer-simulated studies on animals. These studies have, however, demonstrated possible applications in humans. What remains now is to definitively objectify the debate by testing CBDA in clinical trials on the mammal homo sapiens.
The stakes and expectations are high, since the results obtained in preclinical research (on animals or in computer simulation) show that CBDA has a marked action on :
- Nausea and vomiting
- The pain
- Inflammation
- Breast cancer
- Anxiety
- Epilepsy
- …and even COVID-19!
While other cannabinoids can also help solve some of these problems, CBDA has shown particular promise for several conditions (nausea, vomiting, pain, inflammation and anxiety), but without the side effects of THC.
In a study conducted by GW Pharmaceuticals, CBDA was shown to be significantly more effective than CBD against epileptic seizures. CBDA was also shown to suppress COX-2 and reduce breast cancer cell migration, important factors in the fight against breast cancer.
More interestingly, another recent study demonstrated that CBDA could help prevent COVID-19 infection by binding to the virus’ Spike protein.
CBDA, mode of action
CBDA has a complex pharmacology. Compared to THC, CBG or even CBD, CBDA shows little affinity (attraction) for the two main cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. Instead, CBDA acts via several receptor systems, including those for serotonin. By binding to 5-HT1a receptors, CBDA is able to produce antiemetic (antinauseant) effects at doses 1,000 times more effective than CBD. CBDA also inhibits COX enzymes, the same enzymes that are blocked by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin. A great alternative to traditional painkillers, in short.
We don’t have much information on the side effects of CBDA, given the lack of human studies, but it is possible that it could interact with the way other drugs are metabolized – like CBD. Always consult a physician before mixing CBDA with other drugs.
CBD vs CBDA
CBDA is an acid precursor to CBD. This means that CBD always starts out as CBDA and then transforms into CBD. This process is called decarboxylation and occurs over time, with exposure to light or oxygen, or more rapidly with exposure to high heat.
This process is best known for converting non-psychoactive THCa into potently psychoactive THC. THCa is abundant in cannabis and is converted to THC when cannabis is heated. CBDA (although also generally present in cannabis) is more abundant in industrial hemp or certain (and rare) strains of cannabis.
Although slightly different chemically, CBD and CBDA share many potential medical benefits such as reducing pain, inflammation, seizures, cancer, anxiety and nausea. Given CBD’s established role in the management of seizure disorders in children, CBDA’s role in the treatment of seizures is of great interest, with early animal models showing great promise.
Does CBDA make you high?
Like CBD, CBDA has no psychoactive effect, in other words, it doesn’t get you “stoned”.
Yet, like CBD, CBDA shows the ability to have “pseudo-psychoactive” effects such as anxiety reduction. So, although it is “pseudo-psychoactive”, it is not impairing can be safely used if you drive…
Some CBDA-rich varieties
Many varieties contain high levels of CBDA.
Among the best-known:
- La Cannatonique
- La Charlotte’ web
- L’Arlequin
- Ringo’s Gift
- AC/DC
Technically, any strain with a high CBD content is also rich in CBDA … but only when the plant has not fully matured (hence the name “precursor cannbinoid”). If you grow your own CBD, simply harvest it when the trichomes have just formed and are still transparent to obtain a CBDA-rich wellness hemp.
