What’s the Difference Between CBD and CBDA?

Cannabis has long been a topic of fascination, from its historical uses in medicine to its modern-day popularity as a wellness supplement. Among the many compounds found in cannabis, CBD (cannabidiol) has taken the spotlight for its potential health benefits, from easing stress to soothing period pain and potentially even helping female sexual dysfunction. But if you’ve been exploring cannabinoid products, you may have noticed something called CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) being mentioned alongside CBD.

While the names are similar, CBDA and CBD aren’t exactly the same, and understanding the differences can help you make more informed decisions when choosing products. Let’s break down what each compound is, how they work in the body, and whether you can or should use them together.

What is the difference between CBDA and CBD?

Cannabis contains hundreds of compounds, but two you may have seen on product labels are CBD and CBDA. While their names sound similar, they are chemically distinct and affect the body in different ways. 

CBD and CBDA are closely related, but they aren’t identical. CBDA is the natural, acidic form of CBD, found in raw cannabis and hemp plants. When cannabis is heated, dried, or aged — a process called decarboxylation — CBDA converts into CBD. This is why most oils, capsules, and edibles you see on the market contain CBD rather than CBDA.

CBD is the decarboxylated, neutral form that has been studied more extensively in humans. It’s the active ingredient in FDA-approved medications like Epidiolex, used to treat certain seizure disorders. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a “high.” It interacts with multiple targets in the body, including cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and other receptors involved in pain, inflammation, and mood regulation.

CBDA, in contrast, has distinct properties. It appears to be more potent than CBD in some experimental models, especially for nausea, inflammation, and pain. CBDA may also be absorbed more efficiently than CBD, potentially allowing for lower doses to achieve similar effects.

Another key difference is bioavailability, which is how well a compound is absorbed and used by the body. Preclinical (animal) studies suggest that CBDA may be absorbed more efficiently than CBD, meaning lower doses could potentially achieve meaningful effects. CBDA seems to affect cells and inflammation in ways that are somewhat different from CBD. This might explain why some people react differently to each compound.

Does CBDA have the same effects as CBD?

While CBDA and CBD share some overlapping effects, like reducing inflammation and pain, they’re not identical. CBDA may provide stronger effects for nausea, digestive discomfort, or inflammation, and early studies suggest it can act through slightly different pathways in the body. Some research also shows CBDA may affect cell signaling and immune responses differently than CBD.

CBD, on the other hand, is more versatile and better studied. Research shows that CBD may help with chronic pain, anxiety, sleep issues, and even neurological conditions. Its safety and effects are better understood, making it a more predictable option for general wellness.

Which is stronger: CBDA or CBD?

Which one is “stronger” depends on your goals. Studies suggest that CBDA can be more potent than CBD for certain effects, like reducing nausea or inflammation in animal models. Its superior absorption in some studies also means that lower doses might be effective compared with CBD for specific purposes.

CBD, meanwhile, is more widely studied and has a broader range of known effects. Its benefits for pain, anxiety, sleep, and seizure control are well documented in humans. For general wellness, chronic pain, or stress, CBD may be more predictable, while CBDA could offer targeted effects that complement CBD.

In practice, some people choose products that contain both compounds, hoping to gain the benefits of each. This combination may provide a more well-rounded effect, though responses vary individually and scientific evidence is still emerging.

Can you take CBDA and CBD together?

Yes, CBDA and CBD can definitely be used together, and it's actually pretty common to find them both in many products, especially those made from full-spectrum cannabis or hemp extracts. CBDA is great for tackling issues like nausea and inflammation, while CBD can be useful for overall wellness, helping with things like stress relief, sleep, and managing pain. 

When using them together, it’s best to start with lower doses to see how your body responds. Both compounds are generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience mild side effects such as fatigue, digestive upset, or dry mouth. If you’re taking other medications, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional, as cannabinoids can interact with certain drugs.

Combining CBDA and CBD may also leverage what some call the “entourage effect,” where multiple compounds in the plant work together to enhance benefits. While this effect is still being studied, many users report positive results from using full-spectrum products containing both cannabinoids.

How to choose CBDA and CBD products

When choosing products, it's important to focus on quality. Make sure to look for third-party lab testing to confirm the cannabinoid content and check that the product is free of any contaminants. Think about whether you like full-spectrum extracts, which include a mix of cannabinoids like CBDA, or if you prefer isolates that contain just CBD or CBDA. 

Also, consider how you want to take the product. Tinctures and oils can absorb quickly, capsules are super convenient, and topicals might be just what you need for localized discomfort. If you're looking for CBDA, go for cold-processed or raw extracts, since heat can change it into CBD.

Lastly, set realistic expectations for what you want to achieve. CBDA can be great for issues like nausea or acute inflammation, while CBD has more research backing it for chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep challenges. Trying both together while paying attention to how you feel could lead to the best results. 

Safety considerations

Both CBD and CBDA are usually well-tolerated, but like most things, they can have some side effects. You might experience things like fatigue, nausea, or dry mouth. If you take them in high doses, there’s a chance they could affect liver enzymes. It’s also important to remember that cannabinoids can interact with medications, especially those broken down by the liver.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, a child, or have specific medical conditions, you should speak with a healthcare professional before trying cannabinoid products. Since there isn't much research on CBDA in humans yet, it's wise to proceed with caution and start with moderate amounts.