CBDa vs CBD: Are They Really That Different?
by Natural CBDa Hawaii January 26, 2021

Surely, you've noticed that there are thousands of articles and ads on the internet about CBD right now. And, undoubtedly, you've read at least one article about this trending topic.
Yet, surprisingly, very few of these articles say anything about CBDa. So, what is CBDa?
For starters, it's a more natural and pure version of CBD. Or, rather, CBD is a more processed version of CBDa. Besides the differences in what they are, these two compounds also differ in how they affect the body. For instance, CBDa offers more powerful medical benefits than CBD.
There's obviously a lot more to be said about CBD vs CBDa, which is why we've written you this guide. You'll learn all the significant distinctions between the two in this comprehensive comparison. Read on to discover more.
What Is CBDa?
CBDa is short for cannabidiolic acid. This is a precursor to CBD during its formation in the cannabis plant.
Both of these cannabinoids, along with THC, begin as cannabigerolic acid or CBGa. The plant then processes this parent cannabinoid into CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids.
The CBDa compound, though, is the middle stage between CBGa and CBD in this process. CBDa loses some of its components, specifically its acidic carboxyl group, in order to become CBD. In other words, CBDa is more pure and complex.
CBDa vs THC
Even though all the major cannabinoids come from the same compound (CBGa,) they end up very different. For example, THC is intoxicating while CBD is not.
And just as CBD is refined from CBDa, THC also has its own precursor: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa.) Thus, CBDa contains no more THC than CBD does. However, as per governmental regulations, both CBD and CBDa products may contain up to .3% THC.
CBDa vs CBD: What Are the Benefits?
The specifics of CBDa benefits, as compared to those of CBD, are still being studied. But there are many clinical trials that suggest that CBDa is more effective than CBD for treating various conditions, including:
- Nausea
- Pain relief
- Inflammation
More human trials are still needed to confirm these initial studies. But CBDa treatment has been very successful in studies with animals including rats and other rodents.
How Do You Consume CBDa?
CBDa is available in the same varieties as CBD. For example, you can find CBDa oil and CBDa gummies and use them the same as you would with CBD.
You should know, however, that heat will process CBDa into CBD. So, if you attempt to consume CBDa in some way that involves heat, such as smoking or cooking, it will cease to be CBDa.
Is CBDa Legal?
CBDa is legal anywhere that CBD is (in other words, all 50 states.) In many states, though, CBDa products cannot contain more than .3% THC.
Want to Try CBDa For Yourself?
So, are you ready to give CBDa a try? Browse our selection of premium CBDa products in our shop.
Or do you still have some questions about CBDa? That's okay, too. Get in touch and we'll be happy to answer any questions!"
by Natural CBDa Hawaii
January, 2021