CBD has been riding a deserved wave of popularity since 2018, when the substance use was legalized in the US. People have used everything from CBD oil to smokable products, topical ointments, edibles, and more to address a number of issues including anxiety, pain, and insomnia.
“The fascinating thing about these hemp-derived substances is their deep, empathetic connection with the human body,” says Inesa Ponomariovaite of Nesa’s Hemp. “When you consume CBD, it enters the bloodstream and gently intertwines with your endocannabinoid system — a complex, vast network integral to maintaining your equilibrium or homeostasis.”
Most people are aware of CBD and what it can do for them, but now, there is a new, more potent product on the market that is slated to revolutionize the CBD landscape. Cannabidiolic acid, or CBDa, is the parent compound to CBD and has been found to be 1,000 times more potent than CBD alone.
Unfortunately, the extraction process that is undertaken by most CBD companies typically kills off the useful CBDa. “Unlike the lifeless, conventional CBD oil,” Ponomariovaite explains, “CBDa is vibrant, offering a rich profile of wellness benefits.”
The CBDa difference
CBDa goes beyond the basic benefits of CBD. Derived from live, organic hemp extract, CBDa has been found to have potential benefits in preventing complications caused by metabolic imbalances, healthy responses to inflammation, and the promotion of a self-healing process.
The biggest difference between CBD and CBDa is what Ponomariovaite considers its “live,” versus “dead,” qualities. CBDa includes the full spectrum of plant compounds that are kept alive through low-temperature extraction. This differs from CBD, where extraction through extreme heat degrades the beneficial CBDa and other useful compounds, rendering them “dead.” In addition, CBDa is highly effective, entirely natural, protects cell health, and leads to more dynamic results than those offered by CBD alone.
Is CBDa right for you?
If one has been using CBD products and finding them beneficial, what may lead them to switch to CBDa? How does one know if CBDa is right for them?
To Ponomariovaite, it all lies in the natural components of CBDa. The CBD industry is still largely unregulated, meaning consumers run the risk of purchasing ineffective or even dangerous products. However, because CBDa is a purer form of CBD, the products derived from it typically undergo a more rigorous review. CBDa suppliers know the benefits of their product and most would not want to sully those results through impure additives or bad processing approaches.
“Our products undergo rigorous third-party testing, exceeding standard requirements to ensure our oils are pure, potent, and free from harmful contaminants,” Ponomariovaite explains. “We believe in delivering hemp extracts that genuinely reflect the hemp plant’s remarkable capabilities, offering a wellness experience as close to nature’s intentions as possible.”
As such, consumers should look for comprehensive testing results with whatever CBD product they decide to try. Ponomarivaite warns that many companies fail to be transparent about what is in their products, leading to a frustrating lack of results for consumers.
Consumers who are looking for specific help in a variety of areas may want to try CBDa, as it has been found to “selectively inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX)-2” — an enzyme released by the body as part of the body’s inflammatory response. CBDa has been proven to be more effective than CBD as a nausea suppressant, working well at lower doses than synthetic THC, and could help with inflammation and pain. CBDa has also been used as an antidepressant and there are early tests that suggest it could be an effective anticonvulsant.
Many of the benefits of CBDa are still being studied, but early studies and consumer use suggest that CBDa could be a great option for adults seeking something more effective than the standard CBD products they are used to. Although there are some side effects that have been noted, including stomach upset and changes in appetite, thus far the benefits seem to outweigh any negative side effects. “It’s always best to start with a low dose and gradually adjust based on your body’s response,” Ponomariovaite suggests.
CBDa use will continue to grow in popularity as its use continues to be proven effective. Ponomariovaite and other proponents of the use of CBDa see this move toward a more potent, beneficial extract to be a positive for the hemp world as a whole.
“CBDa is vibrant, offering a rich profile of wellness benefits,” Ponomariovaite says. “The hemp plant has a beautiful message for all of us and is essential for us to stay healthy and balanced.”
