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As the 2024 Mother’s Day approaches, it’s an opportune moment to shed light on a remarkable yet often overlooked mother compound: cannabidiolic acid (CBDa). CBDa is the “mother molecule” of CBD. Although the industry recognizes the multitude of benefits offered by CBD, there’s still a gap in understanding the therapeutic potentials of CBDa and other acidic/mother cannabinoids. Note that all natural cannabinoids exist as acids within the hemp plant and undergo conversion to their neutral or distillate forms as the plant matures or undergoes exposure to heat and harsh chemicals. CBDa serves as the precursor to CBD, playing a crucial role in the therapeutic potential of cannabis. In this article, we delve into the intriguing properties of CBDa, its relationship with CBD, and the research surrounding its health benefits.

What we know about CBDa vs. CBD: CBDa is naturally present in higher concentrations in raw, unprocessed hemp plants. When subjected to heat, such as during smoking, vaping, or cooking, it undergoes a process called decarboxylation, transforming into CBD. The difference between CBDa vs. CBD was beautifully captured by Nesas Hemp as living vs. dead compound. Although CBD is not technically dead, a comparison between the two compounds shows how CBDa may offer better benefits to users than CBD. For instance, a notable study from 2016 highlighted CBDa’s remarkable potency, demonstrating it to be 1000 times more effective than CBD in reducing acute nausea. 

Furthermore, recent research, including a paper published in 2022, has unveiled an exciting potential application of CBDa: by targeting key mechanisms involved in viral infection, CBDa demonstrated remarkable efficacy in preventing viral replication and spread, offering hope for developing novel antiviral therapies.  CBDa was also found to be more active at reducing inflammation than CBD. 

If CBDa is so powerful, then why is it neglected? The neglect of CBDa in research and product formulation can be attributed to its inherent instability. Even the slightest exposure to heat or processing can trigger its conversion into CBD, rendering it challenging to study. Only recently have researchers developed more effective extraction methods capable of preserving CBDa’s integrity, sparking renewed interest in exploring its therapeutic potential.

This newfound ability to extract and stabilize CBDa has catalyzed a surge in research aimed at uncovering its therapeutic benefits. 

What does this mean for athletes? While CBD remains valuable, CBDa’s distinct advantages make it a promising addition to athletes’ wellness regimens. It offers unique benefits for athletes compared to CBD. Its anti-inflammatory properties aid in faster recovery from intense workouts and injuries. CBDa’s analgesic effects provide natural pain relief without traditional medication side effects. It may alleviate nausea and vomiting, common during strenuous activities. Additionally, CBDa’s neuroprotective properties offer athletes enhanced cognitive protection against head injuries. Its anxiolytic effects promote relaxation and focus without sedation, benefiting performance under pressure. 

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