CBDa for Dogs & Cats

What is CBDa?

Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDa) is the molecule naturally produced in the flower or bud of hemp plant varieties. This cannabinoid is the precursor to the decarboxylated or heated Cannabidiol (CBD). When the plants begin to flower (bud) and are at full maturity the hemp plant is producing large amounts of CBDa found mostly in the trichomes of flower and leaves.

One of the many benefits of CBDa is that it requires less refinement in the processing of the extract. When our plants are extracted using supercritical Co2, instead of adding a heat or decarboxylation step, that process is not required for the CBDa extract. We are left with a less refined extract that contains a full spectrum of bioavailable plant compounds.

For many years, acid or non-heat activated forms of cannabinoids have been thought to have little or no therapeutic benefits, but studies have shown that these acid forms of cannabinoids are more readily absorbed by the body and show promise for a number of health related issues. Notably, CBDa benefits includes its stronger binding affinity to key receptors in the body that regulate mood, appetite, and other physiological functions.

CBDa has recently gained some momentum regarding things like joint discomfort and intestinal function due to its role as a selective Cox-2 inhibitor. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin suppress both Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes. Cox-1 is responsible for maintaining the normal lining of the stomach intestines, while Cox-2 has a pro-inflammatory effect. With long term use of non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen, this can cause severe gastrointestinal complications.

As a result of these findings, CBDa benefits have gained significant interest for its therapeutic ability as a selective Cox-2 inhibitor that bypasses the Cox-1. More studies are needed, but CBDa is showing promise as a safer alternative to non steroidal anti inflammatories without the long term digestive consequences.

Benefits of CBDa

CBDa has shown to be an effective cannabinoid in treating many of the same ailments that it’s heat-activated form, CBD, has displayed higher bioavailability. CBDa has shown to help with the following symptoms: