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There are over 100 cannabinoids that can be found in the cannabis plant. They’re active compounds that can cause effects throughout the body. Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of these compounds that you’ve probably heard of. If you haven’t, you’ll see them often when researching medical cannabis. The main difference between THC and CBD is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick eligibility checker on our website.
CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) is another one of the many cannabinoids in hemp, a variety of the cannabis plant. CBDA is the precursor to CBD, meaning it converts into CBD when heated. Currently we don’t know much about CBDA, so it’s unlikely you’ll see it much in medical cannabis. But we’ve got a top-level exploration of it below.
How CBDA Works in the Body
CBDA and CBD interact with the body in different ways.
CBD can interact with the endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. Research suggests that the ECS influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and much more. That’s why medical cannabis can potentially work for so many different conditions.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why cannabis works so positively on so many different conditions. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD, THC it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body.
While CBD works on multiple receptors, CBDA won’t bind directly to these same cannabinoid receptors. Instead, it influences enzymes and serotonin receptors linked to mood, nausea, and inflammation.
Medical Benefits of CBDA
Early research and animal studies suggest CBDA may help with:
- Nausea and vomiting: Possibly more effective than CBD in some cases.
- Inflammation and pain: Acts on the COX-2 enzyme.
- Anxiety and mood: A 2013 animal study on nausea found that CBDA enhances 5‑HT₁A receptor activation, which is implicated in mood and anxiety regulation. The study also found that CBDA reduced nausea behaviors in rats via the 5‑HT₁A pathway. And this suggests there may be a benefit to consuming CBDA for anxiety and cancer symptoms - the cannabinoid may potentially reduce nausea that comes with cancer treatment.
- Seizures: Has shown anticonvulsant potential in preclinical studies.
With little to no research, CBDA benefits are still largely unclear. But, even though human studies are still limited, early findings are promising.
CBDA vs CBD in the UK: What’s the Difference?
Although CBDA and CBD are closely related compounds found in the cannabis plant, they have important differences in how they work and are used. We’ve explored how they work differently in the body above, and we’ve covered that CBDA is the raw precursor to CBD, which is formed when CBDA is heated.
But what are the other differences?
It’s believed that CBDA is more bioavailable, meaning your body absorbs it faster. It’s also thought to act faster, and may be more effective at lower doses.
CBD is far more widely researched and used, especially in oils and edibles, and you’ll see it a lot in medical cannabis. CBDA is much newer to clinical research, but early studies show promise in areas like nausea, inflammation, and anxiety - which we explored above.
CBD is easy to find, and can even be purchased over the counter. CBDA, not so much - but with more research, this may change.
Keep in mind that CBD oil purchased over the counter isn’t strictly monitored. That’s why it may be better to seek the help of a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf, where products are monitored, trusted and personalised to you and your symptoms.
You can also purchase CBD products from Alternaleaf’s Pharmacy, Montu Pharmacy. And because they’re non-prescription products, you can order them without a prescription, but still trust the source you’re purchasing from.
How is CBDA Consumed?
CBDA needs to be consumed in raw, unheated forms - since heating converts it into CBD. Here's how people commonly consume CBDA:
- Raw hemp juice: This is made by juicing fresh, raw hemp leaves and flowers, and can be drunk straight away, or blended into a smoothie.
- Tinctures: CBDA extracts can be added to a carrier oil which can be consumed sublingually. Drops placed under the tongue are absorbed quickly - although keep in mind, CBD is much more widely used, and products containing CBDA are less common.
- Softgels/Capsules: These are pre-measured doses of CBDA in gel caps, which are convenient, odorless, and have no taste. Products made using cold extraction are more likely to retain CBDA. But again, this is not something you can find easily in the UK at the time of writing.
- Raw edibles: For example raw hemp bars, unbaked energy bites, and cold-processed chocolates.
Is CBDA Legal in the UK?
CBA is not considered a controlled substance in the UK, and is not listed under the UK’s Misuse of Drugs Act or its regulations. So therefore you could argue it is legal in the UK. However, we believe CBDA legality in the UK is a little more complex. There’s little to no research on this compound, so we’d advise against seeking it out specifically. Instead, seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf.
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 1st November 2018 when prescribed by a specialist doctor. To be eligible, you’ll need a diagnosis for a qualifying condition, and to have been offered at least two conventional treatments for this condition. This can include medication, talking therapy, physiotherapy, surgery and anything else prescribed by your GP.
Just because it’s legal in the UK, doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. It’s always a good idea to check if you’re travelling somewhere, what their rules and laws are around medical cannabis.
We prescribe for 50+ conditions at Alternaleaf, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD or autism. We offer expert guidance throughout your medical cannabis journey to ensure safe and effective use. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
Summary
Hopefully the above has given you a bit of background information on CBDA, from some of the potential benefits, to CBDA legality in the UK. Our biggest takeaway is that, with little to no research, it’s better to leave it with the experts.
The best thing to do is speak to your clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.