Yo, what up fam? It’s your boy Dan back at it again with some fresh knowledge on the cannabis plant. You know about THC and CBD, but have you heard of CBDA? This emerging cannabinoid acid is causing a stir in the research community, with animal and cell studies showing promising results. So, let’s take a deep dive into what CBDA is all about.
First off, let’s talk about cannabinoids. These are chemicals that interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body, found on many cell types. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a regulatory network that helps maintain harmony among other bodily systems. Humans naturally produce their own cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), but cannabis plants create phytocannabinoids that also interface with the ECS to produce distinct effects.
CBDA is a cannabinoid acid produced by the cannabis plant. It’s not technically a cannabinoid, but a precursor molecule to CBD. Upon exposure to heat, CBDA converts into CBD. Therefore, CBDA is only available in extracts and other preparations that haven’t been exposed to significant heat. Another source of CBDA is the juice of raw cannabis flowers and leaves.
Research on CBDA is still in its early stages, but there are some exciting findings to share. CBDA may help to reduce inflammation related to a host of diseases by blocking enzymes that catalyze the reaction. The cannabinoid acid inhibits COX-2 enzymes, similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Therefore, the cannabinoid acid may help to relieve inflammation and pain.
In animal studies, CBDA has also shown promise in reducing nausea from chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Researchers are also investigating its potential for treating seizures and cancer cells. As one of the leading causes of death across the world, researchers are particularly interested in the effects of cannabinoids on cancer cells. Early research has put CBDA up against human breast cancer cell lines.
As researchers continue to release more data about CBDA, the cannabinoid acid is receiving more attention from mainstream cannabis culture. Early cell studies tell us little about what the future holds for this molecule, but we’re excited to see what clinical trials yield.
So there you have it, folks. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on CBDA and its therapeutic potential. Stay lit!