CBD and CBDa Tinctures: The Best Way to Take These Cannabinoids

If you’ve been researching CBD, chances are you’ve come across the term CBDA. Especially if you’ve been looking at our Tanasi line of products, since they all contain a patent-pending formulation of CBD and CBDa that research reveals is 2X more effective than CBD alone. But what is CBDA, exactly? We’ll tell you! 

CBD is one of the primary cannabinoids in cannabis plants, and CBDa (Cannabidiolic-acid) is its acidic precursor.  Lately, a trend of whole plant extracts and full-spectrum CBD products that also contain CBDa has thrust this compound into the spotlight. So the interest in CBDa is certainly growing, and Tanasi has a reason for drawing attention to this compound as part of our 1:1 formulation. Want to get to know CBDa on a deeper level?  Let’s explore this minor cannabinoid in more detail … 

What Is CBDA?

CBDA (Cannabidiolic-acid) is the precursor cannabinoid to CBD. In fact, CBDA is found in abundance in the resin glands of cannabis and hemp plants. CBDA is also sometimes referred to as untreated, raw, or un-activated cannabidiol (CBD). Just like CBD, CBDa does not cause intoxication.

All primary cannabinoids present in hemp and cannabis first manifest as Cannabigerolic-acid (CBGA) – “the mother of all cannabinoids” as all cannabinoids start out as CBGA. From there, plant enzymes unique to each cannabis strain act on CBGA and convert it into some varying percentages of the three major cannabinoid acids. These three are Cannabidiolic-acid (CBDA), Cannabichromenic-acid (CBCA), and Tetrahydrocannabinolic-acid (THCA). Once the Cannabidiolic-acid has been formed, it can be converted to CBD through thermal decarboxylation, or a heating process. In short, heating Cannabidiolic-acid converts it to CBD.   

Of course, there are always varying percentages of CBDA in cannabis and hemp plants, which is why you’re likely to see it listed as one of the ingredients in hemp products such as CBD oil and hemp seed oil. However, obtaining isolated or pure CBDA is a difficult and complex process. For this reason, CBDa isolate products are relatively rare. And costly. 

CBD vs. CBDA

What’s the difference between CBD and CBDa? Well, both compounds are cannabinoids. But CBDa is the precursor of CBD. That means that there would be no CBD without CBDA. Plus, the two compounds have different chemical structures. 

Previously, it was thought that cannabinoids such as Cannabidiolic-acid were inactive. Today, we’ve learned that CBDa may also be bioactive. Even better? When it’s combined with CBD using our patent-pending formulation, it delivers greater effects than CBD can on its own. 

Tinctures and Oils

Today, CBD has found its way into beauty product serums, vitamins, muscle rubs, flavored seltzers, bath soaks, infused snacks, and more. For some people, it has even found its way into their daily routine like a morning snack or routine.

There’s almost an overwhelming variety of options available for CBD connoisseurs. But the question is, what about CBDa? Is it possible to get CBDa oils and tinctures? Yes, you can find CBDa-rich tinctures. Some companies choose to isolate CBDa. But here at Tanasi, we prefer to combine both so you get results that are 2X better! 

What is a CBD + CBDa Tincture

A CBD + CBDa tincture is a liquid extract. We produce it by dissolving hemp plants in high-proof grain alcohol or, in some cases, other liquids. An effective tincture should contain a variety of cannabinoids, as either a broad or full-spectrum product. At Tanasi, our CBD + CBDa tincture also contains a medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil to help your body accept the tincture’s active ingredients. 

How to Use CBD + CBDa Tinctures

One of the biggest advantages of tinctures is that they are easy to use. When exploring natural hemp extracts you may often hear, “start low and go slow.” The tinc