CBDa for Dogs & Cats
What is CBDa?
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 produces 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 several 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 for dogs, cats, and humans has recently gained some momentum regarding things like joint discomfort and 
intestinal function due to its role as a selective Cox-2 inhibitor. NSAID’s 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 high inflammatory response effect. With long term use of NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen, this can cause severe gastrointestinal complications.
Research suggests that the benefits of CBDa may have inhibitory effects on the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which are involved in normal inflammatory response signals and discomfort pathways in the body. COX-1 is constitutively expressed in many tissues and is involved in maintaining normal physiological functions, whereas COX-2 is induced during discomfort and plays a role in producing prostaglandins that contribute to discomfort and normal inflammatory pathways. Studies have found that CBDa may inhibit the activity of both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, suggesting that it may promote healthy inflammatory response signals. One study found that CBDa reduced the expression of COX-2 in weakened immune systems in humans, which may have implications for the use of CBDa in the treatment of compromised immune-related discomfort and inflammatory response signals.
How does CBDa vs CBD work?
Interaction with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS): Both CBDa and CBD engage the body’s ECS by regulating various physiological and metabolic processes. However, CBDa engages the ECS in a slightly different way than CBD. CBDa has been shown to inhibit an enzyme called Cox-2 (cyclooxygenase-2), which plays a role in normal inflammatory pathways and digestive motility.
Influence on Mood or Behaviors: CBDa versus CBD, has also been shown to engage the neurotransmitter called serotonin, which is involved in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and many other functions in the body. Like CBD, CBDa benefits may include the potential to manage stress or behavior.
Interaction with Peripheral Systems: Research on CBDa is still in its preliminary stages, and much remains to be understood about its precise mechanisms of action. However, it is believed that CBDa’s effects are not solely attributed to its direct interaction with the ECS. It is possible that CBDa also acts through other molecular pathways in the body, which have yet to be fully elucidated. Another consideration of CBDa benefits is that there are a plethora of other minor cannabinoid acids that can provide an additional synergistic effect, much like that of the entourage effect full-spectrum CBD provides. Due to CBDa being unheated this may indicate that the additional minor cannabinoids that are not damaged or removed in the decarboxylation process can provide a whole host of additional health benefits.
Safety indications: CBDa is naturally occurring in the hemp plant. Due to this fact there is less process required when extracting CBDa. By removing an additional heating step and keeping the plant extract completely intact, this can indicate that there is less risk in using CBDa for dogs and cats. Not all hemp extracts are the same and many are processed with harsh chemicals or extreme extraction methods that can damage or alter the molecular profile. When a plant extract, like CBDa, is minimally processed and kept as close to its natural state as possible, the body will have an easier time metabolizing it. From a safety perspective, pet supplements that are minimally processed, are always a good choice and the traceability and efficacy can be more trustworthy.
More on CBDa Research
Healthy Inflammatory Response:
CBDa has shown promise is promoting healthy inflammatory responses in rodents. A study published in 2018 showed that the benefits of CBDa can be shown when administered systemically or orally promote healthy inflammatory responses in the body. This study also showed that CBDa benefits may outperform CBD in this indication.
Nausea & Appetite Stimulation:
Benefits of CBDa have also shown to include nausea and appetite stimulation in animals. A 2013 study on rats and shrews showed that CBDa can help to reduce nausea and promote appetite significantly better than the heated form of CBD. This can indicate that dogs and cats with digestive upset can benefit from CBDa.
However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBDa for dogs and cats, and pet owners should always consult with their holistic veterinarian before giving their pets any new supplements or medications. Additionally, while CBDa is generally considered safe for pets, it’s always a good idea to start with a dose on the lower side and monitor your pet’s response closely to ensure they are tolerating it well.
Benefits of CBDa
CBDa has been shown to be an effective cannabinoid in treating many of the same ailments that it’s heat-activated form, CBD, has displayed with higher bioavailability. CBDa has shown to help with the following symptoms:
- Less sedative
- Joint Discomfort
- Balance Mood
- Mobility
- Supports digestive motility
- Promotes healthy inflammatory response
- Supports joint function associated with normal aging process
