Cannabinoids are the naturally occurring chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are partly responsible for the wide array of medicinal and psychoactive effects cannabis may provide. Currently there are over 110 known cannabinoids with more likely to be discovered as studies continue to reveal the complex molecular structures of the cannabis plant.

Cannabinoids interact with human physiology through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the set of receptors that function to regulate health and promote homeostasis throughout the body. The ECS has two primary receptors, the CB1 and CB2. The CB1 receptor binds primarily to the brain and nervous system, while the CB2 receptor interacts largely with the immune system. The cannabis plant relies on cannabinoids binding to these receptors to produce the array of potential benefits and effects. Each cannabinoid holds unique characteristics of their own that are worth noting in order to maximize desired effects from medicating with cannabis.


Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and the acidic precursor to CBD. CBDA can be found in the live or raw form of cannabis, particularly in the hemp plant and strains bred to cultivate higher CBD levels. CBDA converts to CBD through decarboxylation, which occurs when cannabis is exposed to heat or sunlight.

CBDA can be consumed by juicing with raw cannabis, and may also be found in tinctures, topicals and capsules. CBDA shows promise as an anticonvulsant, anti-nausea and vomiting agent, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. CBDA may also have antibacterial, antioxidant and cancer preventing properties.



CBDA isn’t known to bind directly with the CB1 and CB2 receptors but interacts with the ECS as an inhibitor to the COX-2 enzyme, giving CBDA the potential to reduce inflammatory activity throughout the body. CBDA is also thought to enhance the serotonin producing 5-HT receptor. This particular interaction could possibly make CBDA a primary contributor to the antiemetic effects of cannabis.

CBDA is widely considered to be a key constituent in the medicinal spectrum of cannabis and the multitude of therapeutic applications it may offer. Feel free to ask any of our knowledgeable patient consultants with any questions you may have.



A study from September 2008 examined CBDA’s potential anti-inflammatory properties through its selective inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme. A September 2012 study researched CBDA as a possible anti-cancer agent. The antiemetic effects of CBDA was the subject of a February 2013 study. A January 2017 study suggested CBDA may have application in the treatment of aggressive breast cancer.

CTFO 10xPure CBD Oil Contains CBDA

Cannabis has become the hot topic of our era, and not only for its psychoactive cannabinoid THC. Another cannabinoid called CBDa is becoming increasingly popular for its potential health benefits, without the high. Cannabidiolic acid (CBDa) is a chemical compound found in the resin, or trichomes, of the raw cannabis plant. CBDa is what is known as the acid precursor of CBD, meaning once the cannabis plant is heated, CBDa breaks down from its acid form into CBD.


The process of converting CBDa to CBD is called decarboxylation. This is what you may find in most CBD products around. However, there is evidence to suggest that CBDa may have its own role to play in improving health.


While it’s long been considered necessary to decarboxylate CBDA and transform it into CBD in order to unleash its health benefits, scientific studies are showing that CBDA may have benefits that are unique and all its own.


Like CBD, some research studies suggest that CBDA could be helpful in treating diseases such as depression and epilepsy.


Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) was first isolated in the 50’s. Then (like most other minor cannabinoids), not a whole lot happened with it for several decades. Even as CBD research started to take off in the 90’s and 2000’s, CBDA lagged behind.


Far less research has been carried out on CBDa than on CBD. So far all studies on CBDa and what it may do, have been at the preclinical stage. No human trials have been carried out.

Finally, in the last few years, research on CBDA has started to pick up. In many cases, CBDA works in the same way as CBD, but has several important advantages. Although no clinical trials on humans have started yet that I can find, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some in the future.

Studies suggest that CBDa doesn’t actually interact with the endocannabinoid system in the same way that CBD does. CBDa affects other receptors and enzymes like inflammatory mediators and TRP channels involved in pain regulation.

Once again, there is a real lack on research into CBDa in human models. Much further research is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

As more research comes out, it has been suggested that CBD and CBDa taken together is a winning combination. Research suggests that combined, CBD + CBDa are highly effective in studies on epilepsy, nausea and anxiety treatments. The research suggests that combining CBD and CBDa will:

  • Require smaller doses

  • Improve the time it takes for it to be felt

  • Increase its effectiveness


The company I represent currently offers a patented product known as 10x Pure. This product is showing in initial testing to actually protect and preserve CBDa within the body after ingestion! This exciting breakthrough is only available through my firm. Ask me how to obtain this incredible patented product.

In 2012, it was reported that CBDA enhances 5-HT1A signaling and seemed to have some potential for reduction of nausea and vomiting through this mechanism. At first glance, this wasn’t too exciting since CBD also shares this mechanism. But two things separated CBDA from CBD:

  • CBDA demonstrated about 100-fold greater affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor than CBD, allowing much lower doses

  • CBD has a bell-shaped dose-response curve for both nausea and anxiety. This means that if the dose gets too high, then it loses its effect.

Of the 100+ phytochemicals that are found in the cannabis plant, we only really have evidence on the biological and potential therapeutic effects of THCA, THCV, CBDA, CBV, CBG and CBC.

Of these, only THCV (in diabetes and metabolic disorders) and CBDV (in epilepsy and autism) have been tested as single molecules in humans.

From animal and cell line studies, we know that THCA, THCV, and CBDA may have a role in reducing nausea. CBG might also help stimulate appetite. As these compounds are not psychotropic, they may be preferential to THC, which patients often use for nausea and appetite stimulation in cancer and HIV situations.

THCA, THCV, CBG and CBC all have anti-inflammatory properties in various models, with therapeutic applications against a wide range of inflammatory disorders. CBDA, CBG and CBC have potential anti-tumoral properties. THCV and CBG might also be protective in various neurological disorders. 

We can also find some additional data in various patents. For example, patents have been filed related to CBDA and:

·        Nausea/vomiting

·        Epilepsy

·        Autism spectrum disorders