Cannabinoid breakdown: CBD and CBDA
It is important to emphasize that although more studies are being conducted to determine the efficacy of cannabis and its compounds, research in cannabis is still new and there is much to be learned and discovered. So please, consult a medical professional if you have questions and concerns about the use and effects of cannabis. I am not a medical doctor, or cannabis expert. However, because more states and countries are legalizing cannabis, the goal of these articles is to consolidate and share the most accurate information that is out there (and by accurate, I mean information that has only been provided by medical or governmental studies and research).
With that, let’s break down what is a cannabinoid, and where it fits in the whole realm of cannabis (marijuana).
CBD
1. What is CBD?
CBD is cannabidiol. It is a non-psychoactive compound and does not have intoxicating effects (7). CBD does not activate the CB1 receptors in your brain like THC and does not product the “euphoric effect” one may experience with THC.
2. How common is it in the plant?
CBD can be found in both medicinal and fiber-type C. sativa plants. The fiber-type C. sativa plant, also known as hemp, contains very high levels of CBD and other related non-psychoactive compounds (3).
3. What are the common uses and effects of CBD?
CBD has shown to have a wide range of potential therapeutic effects. These include “anti-seizure, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-tumor, anti-psychotic, and anti-anxiety properties.” (7).
4. What does the current research tell us?
Currently, there is a lot of focus on CBD and it’s medicinal and therapeutic uses. Certain research suggests that CBD plays a role as an anticancer molecule, and has also shown to have antioxidant activities, which may be useful in helping prevent neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease (2). CBD has also shown to mitigate many of the negative psychological effects that one may experience with THC, such as anxiety and paranoia (1).
CBDA
1. What is CBDA?
CBDA is cannabidiolic-acid. This is the acidic precursor to CBD, which is obtained from CBDA through decarboxylation, which means that through a chemical reaction (usually when heat and light are applied) the compound will lose its carboxylic acid, giving way to CDB. Decarboxylation can also occur naturally over time when the plant is at room temperature, CBDA is also extracted through specific processes to isolate the compound in a pure form (2) (12).
2. How common is it in the plant?
CBDA is common in the fiber-type plants, or hemp varieties, which typically contain less than 0.2% THC. Likewise, hemp seed oil is rich in cannabinoids, terpenes, nutrients, polyunsaturated fats and proteins (13).
3. What are the common uses and effects of CBDA?
Because of its conversion to CBD when smoking marijuana (remember, decarboxylation), CBDA is best consumed through other extracted forms such as tinctures, lotions, topicals, and oils, which isolate the CBDA compound. Typically, CBDA is used as for its anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and anti-anxiety properties (14).
4. What does current research tell us about CBDA?
Although more is known about the effects of CBD than CBDA, many studies on CBDA have shown that it is a biologically active compound and capable of therapeutic aid (15). CBDA is also known to have anti-microbial and anti-nausea properties (2). Other studies have shown CBDA has anti-inflammatory properties by selectively inhibiting (COX)-2, which is an enzyme produced as a result of inflammation (16).
While CDBA continues to display positive therapeutic benefits and results, more research needed to determine the full efficacy of this compound. CBDA is not a very stable compound, and because it decarboxylates naturally at room temperature, it has been difficult to consider as a viable compound for clinical research and use. However, in 2019 a doctor named Professor Raphael Mechoulam, Ph.D., considered the world’s foremost cannabis scientists, discovered a method to create stable and synthetic forms of cannabinoids that are considered more viable for clinical research and use (17). Most notably, Dr. Mechoulam and his team were able to convert CBDA to Cannabidiolic acid methyl ester, HU-580, which has shown to have anti-depressant properties in animal studies.
This article is for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article intend to highlight alternative studies. They are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of MBS Labs.
By: Jeremy Wasko
Sources
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5741114/
2. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2018/1691428/#B4
3. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2018/1691428/
7. Nora D. Volkow, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Cannabidiol: Barriers to Research and Potential Medical Benefits.” https://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/legislative-activities/testimony-to-congress/2015/biology-potential-therapeutic-effects-cannabidiol. Accessed January 15, 2020.
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6822994/
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29182999
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3596650/
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4009504/
16. http://dmd.aspetjournals.org/content/36/9/1917
17. EPM. “EPM Introduces Groundbreaking Cannabinoid Acid Technology and New Commercial Licensing Platform at CannMed 2019 Conference.” https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/epm-introduces-groundbreaking-cannabinoid-acid-technology-and-new-commercial-licensing-platform-at-cannmed-2019-conference-300922924.html. Accessed January 12, 2020.