What is the Difference between CBDA and CBD
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In recent times, CBD has become especially famous for its large variety of therapeutic effects. Another compound that is extracted from the cannabis plant, CBDA, has also been slowly rising to popularity. The versatility of both compounds appeals to all age groups, and therefore, CBDA and CBD products have been becoming an increasingly prevalent alternative to traditional and modern medicine. But before we dive into how they work and why they are used, Let’s first begin by understanding what they are.
What is CBD?
Recently, CBD has become especially famous for its many therapeutic effects. Its versatility appeals to all age groups; therefore, CBD products have become an increasingly prevalent alternative to traditional and modern medicine. But before we dive into how CBD works and why it is used, let’s first begin by understanding what CBD is.
CBD is short for Cannabidiol, a Cannabinoid compound in all Cannabis Plants. Typically, CBD is present in the most amount in Hemp and Cannabis Ruderalis Plants; these plants are naturally low (below 0.3%) in Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the Cannabinoid compound that is responsible for the “high” people experience after Consuming Marijuana.
How can you Consume CBD?
You may have heard about CBD’s Anti-Inflammatory and pain-relieving effects – but how can you take Advantage of these effects? You can consume CBD products in the following forms:
1. Oils and tinctures
2. Capsules
3. Edibles
4. Topicals
5. Vape juices
Oils and Tinctures are consumed by putting a few drops under the tongue, which allows the compound to act quickly within your body. Capsules and Edibles are ingested orally, the former like taking a tablet and the latter including foods infused with CBD. Topicals, on the other hand, are lotions or ointments that are applied externally, that is, onto your skin; they work in ways that are like pain-relieving gels by targeting the area of your body where you are experiencing pain. Finally, vape juices are infused with CBD and consumed using a vaporizer.
What is CBDA?
Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) is yet another compound found within cannabis plants. Much like CBD, it is especially abundant in cannabis plants like hemp and ruderalis. It also does not produce mind-altering effects. CBDA turns into CBD through decarboxylation – a process through which, after applying heat to Cannabidiolic Acid, it is broken down into Cannabidiol. But CBDA does not have to be converted into CBD to take advantage of its Therapeutic Effects.
How does CBDA Work?
CBDA can be consumed through oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topicals. It cannot be smoked or vaporized since the heat would convert CBDA into CBD. Like its successor, this compound also works within your body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). There is very little information about what exactly CBDA does inside your body. We know that it plays a role in inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme in the Endocannabinoid System. The COX-2 enzyme is responsible for inflammation you may experience after getting injured or contracting an infection. Therefore, CBDA can help reduce inflammation and pain by inhibiting this enzyme.
CBDA or CBD- Which is Better?
CBDA is more potent than CBD. Therefore, in terms of potency, you can say that CBDA is better – it can produce similar effects at doses that are much lower than what would be required of CBD. Since most studies on the efficacy of CBDA have not been conducted on humans, it is hard to say whether CBDA is better for treating pain than CBD. But in studies conducted on rats, it was discovered that CBDA could reduce inflammation and pain much better than CBD.
CBDA and CBD- Side Effects of Consuming
Depending on how you consume these compounds, there can be various side effects. However, it is essential to note that both compounds are remarkably safe; side effects are uncommon and not very severe. Exploration of the side effects caused by CBDA remains pending, but the following side effects are known to be associated with CBD:
- Dry mouth (Also known as Cottonmouth)
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Diarrhoea
- Changes in Appetite
Like any other compounds, CBDA and CBD can interact with certain medicines. Consult a certified healthcare professional to ensure that neither of these compounds interacts with your medication.
CBDA and CBD- Is it legal to Consume in India?
In India, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 makes it illegal to cultivate, sell or use cannabis for recreational purposes. But this law does not apply to using leaves and seeds to create CBDA or CBD products. Although CBD and CBDA products are derived from the cannabis plant, they usually do not contain THC in a ratio that would cause intoxication. Taking all of this into consideration, it is safe to say that the use or consumption of CBD and CBDA products is perfectly legal in India.
How do you Choose the Right CBDA and CBD Products for you?
CBDA and CBD compounds are found in various forms – from oils and tinctures to edibles and topicals – you can choose multiple products based on your preference. While these compounds can be found separately, products that combine them can often increase their benefits.
When shopping for any CBD and CBDA product, choose domestically made products by reliable companies. More specifically, while buying oils, make sure you know the dose of CBD or CBDA in ratio to each other or as compared to the carrier oil – start with a lower dosage and only increase if there is no improvement of your symptoms. Test the oil to ensure that the product positively affects your symptoms, and consult your doctor for advice.
It is also essential to know what precisely the product contains. Try to understand the cannabinoid profile or any oil, edible, topical, or tincture that you want to use. The cannabinoid profile is like a nutritional label for packaged food. It provides valuable information about the various cannabinoid compounds in a given product. You can make more informed choices based on your preference or the effect you desire to achieve from the product.
CBDA and CBD products can be broadly categorized as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolates – always know the difference. Full-spectrum products contain CBD and CBDA alongside all other cannabinoid compounds and terpenes. Usually, they have less than 0.3% THC. Broad-spectrum products are identical to full-spectrum products, except that they lack THC entirely. Finally, CBD and CBDA isolates contain only one cannabinoid compound – CBD or CBDA. There are also products available with only a combination of these two compounds.
Conclusion
Making informed choices is essential while buying a new product. If you are unsure about what you are looking for, do extensive research to ensure that the product you buy is the right fit for you. It is highly recommended that you seek guidance from a healthcare professional if you are new to using CBDA and CBD products and want to take advantage of their therapeutic effects.
