CBDa vs CBD What is the difference?

CBD has firmly established itself in the lexicon of the general public, pretty much anywhere in the developed world. But you might be surprised to know that the hemp plant does not directly produce CBD. Instead it produces a precursor to CBD, otherwise known as cannabidiolic acid (CBDa). This volatile cannabinoid is then converted to CBD through exposure to heat.

There are actually advantages to consuming CBDa instead of CBD or even in addition to it. Let’s take a look at CBDa in more detail so you can see if it’s something you want to add to your dietary supplement stack.

What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are simply lipids that transmit messages to the receptors of your endocannabinoid system. A system responsible for regulating multiple critical bodily functions.

There are a few different kinds of cannabinoids. First of all the kind your body make naturally, known as endocannabinoids. The main ones are anandamide and 2-AG. These are created in the body as required and, once used, are quickly broken down by enzymes.

Other cannabinoids are found in nature, most famously within the hemp genus. These are known as phytocannabinoids and the most abundant in hemp extract are CBD and CBDa.

What is CBD?

CBD, otherwise known as Cannabidiol, is one of the most abundant and well-studied constituents of the hemp plant. It does many of the benefits of cannabis but does not produce the patented high associated with the plant. It’s available across the high street in various forms including Oils, Gummies, Capsules and Topicals. Most of the research you’ve heard about for the likes of stress, sleep and general discomfort are specifically about this form of the compound.

What is CBDa?

CBDa, on the other hand, is the acid precursor, or raw state, of CBD. When the hemp plant is growing in its natural state it produces CBDa. It is only after heating under the sun or during extraction that CBDa turns into CBD. This process is known as decarboxylating CBD as it involves the removal of the carboxyl group. Ultimately CBDa is unheated CBD however despite their similar molecular structure, they do act very differently in the body. Essentially every bit of CBD you have taken was once CBDa.

How does CBDa affect the body?

CBDa works slightly differently than CBD when in our bodies, acting on some different systems. For example CBDa has been shown to act on our serotonin receptors, specifically the one that connects with your stomach. Have you ever been so nervous that you feel it in your stomach? This receptor is the reason for this “anticipatory nausea” and CBDa is believed to help block this feeling which helps alleviate nausea. Some say CBDa is up to 1000x better at that vs CBD.

While CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, it provides this through our endocannabinoid system. CBDa is also an antiinflammatory but it achieves this by interacting with our COX-2 receptor. This means CBDa may be more powerful at aiding inflammation vs CBD. With that said the combination of the two is even more powerful again. The entourage effect strikes once more!

CBDa vs CBD what’s the difference?

Neither CBDa nor CBD provide impairment to the user but both are beneficial to the body in numerous ways. While they both share similar physiological properties, there are some key differences

• First of all CBDa is much easier absorbed by the body. In fact when taken under the tongue, CBDa can be up to 11 times better absorbed than CBD. This means it can be active at a much lower dose. It also means effects can be felt faster.

• While both CBD and CBDa are potent anti-inflammatories they achieve this by acting on different mechanisms of the body. For example CBDa has been demonstrated to decrease COX-2 enzyme activity.

• CBDa won’t mitigate the adverse effects of THC like CBD does. CBD can dampen the effects of THC. While this can be great if you’re not having the best time, users may prefer CBDa to not interfere with their high.

• CBD is a biphasic compound so dosing it requires you to play around to find your sweet spot. Taking too much can actually have the opposite effect. CBDa on the other hand is a more linear and an increase in dose will correlate with an increase in effects.

• Finally CBDa is believed to be more effective at reducing pain and inflammation than CBD. Additionally the calming effects of CBDa, even at lower doses, can mean its more effective at helping aid stress.

Which products contain CBDa?

We have a number of products that contain CBDa at Hemptations. Full spectrum CBD oils such as CBDLife Raw Hemp Extract Oil, CBD Brothers Blue Edition or Hemptations Cold Pressed CBD Oil all contain a nice mixture of CBDa and CBD.

Additionally CBD Brothers Purple Whole Plant Extract is a concentrated CBD paste that is also rich in CBDa. You can also find CBDa in all of our CBD capsules. For example Love CBD Entourage Capsules and CBD Brothers Blue Edition Capsules both contain CBDa.

You can even apply CBDa topically using CBD Brothers Hybrid Balm. Finally if vaping CBD is your thing you can get quality full spectrum CBD distillate with CBDa in CBDLife CBD Vape Cartridge. All of these products contain CBDa in addition to CBD and multiple other cannabinoids for a potent experience.

CBDa vs CBD What’s best for me?

If you’ve tried CBD and didn’t quite achieve the effects you were looking for, you might find CBDa more effective. Similarly if you are plateauing using CBD, this also may be a good time to try CBDa. Ultimately if you want to get it right first time we advise buying a product with both CBD and CBDa. It might be a little earthier to taste but ultimately that’s a small price to pay for the relief it brings. All told, no matter what you are using CBD for, it’s nearly always best to purchase a full spectrum CBD product with both CBD and CBDa.

The Bottom Line

CBDa and CBD are two versions of the same underlying compound, only separated by a single chemical reaction. CBD is the well known, carefully examined form found in most UK hemp products. Whereas CBDa is its raw precursor that has been gaining attention for its own distinct potential benefits. Choose a quality full spectrum CBD product to benefit from both these unique compounds.

Any questions?

We would love to help if you have any questions around this topic. Let us know by dropping a comment below. We will endeavour to get back to you asap but while you wait the answer to your query may lie in our CBD FAQs.

Related Articles

If you’ve enjoyed this post you may like to read some of our other posts on learning CBD.

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  Is CBD legal in the UK? (2026 Update)
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  CBG vs CBD? Elucidating the benefits of the “stem cell cannabinoid”
• 
  Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil: What is the Difference?

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