THCA VS. CBDA

​Although it would seem as though the CBD market has turned into an arms race, the truth couldn't be further from this statement. Sure, there are many potent kinds of products on the market, but THCA and CBDA aren't just about high concentration. Let's dive into this subject.

Purity and potency are driving forces in the sales of products. However, chemists and engineers conducting research and development in this field aren't just looking at pushing the boundaries of what can be done with cannabis extraction.

THCA and CBD that are often referred to as "crystalline" falls into this category.

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) are the two most prominent cannabinoids found within living cannabis plants. Both THCA and CBDA are precursors to their pharmacologically active, commonly consumed analogues, THC and CBD. When the final stages of life in the plant, senescence, comes into fruition, these unstable cannabinoid precursors slowly decarboxylate and become active. 

So as a precursor to the common CBD and THC, one asks the question, why are these compounds of any value?

These are pure isolates. They contain no flavor from terpenes, no color, and no aroma. 

So you may be wondering if that's really worth all the trouble of extraction and isolation. 

The Main Elements of CBDA

CBDA is thought to have a stimulating effect on those suffering from depression. CBDA research into depression has only reached the preclinical stage, but so far, it has been found to elicit antidepressant effects on rats at doses 10-100 times lower than CBD. In combination, the results are thought to be powerful, but researchers need more time to study reactions in the clinical realm. 

Where does that speculation come from?

Well, in one rodent study, scientists found CBDA affected levels of serotonin, the chemical produced by nerve cells to aid in signaling between cells. Serotonin is vital to core human functions like motor skills, sleeping, eating, digestion, and emotions.

The Difference between CBD and CBDA

To understand the difference between these very similar compounds, it's essential to understand their prospective uses. 

Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) are both well-known and abundant chemical compounds native to the cannabis and hemp plant.​

CBD, the major non-psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, has been well investigated for its suspected therapeutic potential and is currently thought to be able to treat epilepsy, inflammation, anxiety disorders, and several other common physical and neuropsychiatric conditions.

By comparison, CBDA has attracted much less attention from the public, the scientific community, and the media, despite being the precursor to CBD formation and showing promise in early preclinical research. 

What Does The Public Think?

But now, a trend of raw juicing cannabis and the advertisement of combination CBD and CBDA cannabis oils has thrust CBDA back into the spotlight, leaving many wondering what exactly is the difference between the two similarly named compounds.

For our purposes here, we won't go too in-depth regarding THCA, but know you understand that both compounds come as precursors to their more popularized ones. 

In fact, both CBDA is thought to cause some of the most noted effects on the body by activating the 5-HT1A serotonin receptors. 

When searching for a more holistic effect from what is colloquially called CBD, maybe it's wise to check out an isolate. As always, if you have questions about these subjects please sound off in the comments. Happy Learning Friday!