Chronic pain is a daily reality for millions of people. From inflammatory pain and osteoarthritis to nerve pain and difficult-to-treat pain syndromes, conventional pain relief often offers only temporary relief and is frequently accompanied by side effects. Therefore, more and more people are turning to natural support. Within this field, one substance has received a remarkable amount of scientific attention in recent years: CBDa – the acidic, unprocessed form of CBD.

In this article, we'll take you through the science behind CBDa-rich full-spectrum extracts , based on research and practical experience from Peter Vermeul , founder of CBD Spain . This is an in-depth introduction. For those who want to delve deeper, we invite you to read the full article and the underlying studies on our science page.

What is CBDa – and why is it so special?

CBDa (cannabidiolic acid) is the natural form of CBD found in the fresh cannabis plant. Only when the plant is heated (for example, by drying, cooking, or vaporizing) does CBDa decarboxylate into CBD. For years, the focus in research and product development was primarily on CBD, resulting in CBDa largely being neglected.

This is striking, because recent studies show that CBDa works fundamentally differently from CBD – and in some biological systems can even be many times more powerful.

A key mechanism is the selective inhibition of the enzyme COX-2 , which plays a central role in inflammation and pain. CBDa inhibits COX-2 up to nine times more selectively than COX-1 , meaning it has anti-inflammatory effects without significantly suppressing COX-1's protective functions (such as stomach protection). This means CBDa exhibits an effect reminiscent of NSAIDs, but in a much more subtle, plant-based way.

This explains why CBDa appears so clearly in preclinical studies for pain with an inflammatory component.

Scientific evidence: from inflammatory pain to nerve pain

In animal models of acute inflammatory pain , CBDa demonstrated a clear, dose-dependent reduction in both pain sensitivity (hyperalgesia) and swelling. Strikingly, the same dose of regular CBD had no effect. CBDa was therefore demonstrably more potent in this case.

The results for chronic and neuropathic pain are also promising. In nerve damage models, CBDa normalized pain sensitivity and attenuated persistent pain signals. Furthermore, CBDa appears to act through different pathways than THC or CBD, including TRPV1 receptors (known for pain and thermoregulation).

The observed synergy between CBDa and other cannabinoids is also interesting . In some studies, a low dose of CBDa or THC alone was ineffective, but together they were clearly effective in relieving pain. This supports the idea of ​​the entourage effect : the synergy between cannabinoids, acids, terpenes, and other plant compounds.

Even in larger mammals, we see these effects. A recent study in horses with chronic osteoarthritis showed that oral CBDa-rich oil significantly reduced pain scores, without side effects or the need for additional pain medication. This makes CBDa particularly relevant for long-term, degenerative pain conditions.

Full Spectrum: Why the Whole Plant Matters

CBDa doesn't exist alone. In the fresh cannabis plant, it always occurs in a complex interplay with:

• other cannabinoids (such as CBD, CBG and THC in micro amounts)

• cannabinoid acids

• terpenes

• flavonoids

• phytosterols

It's precisely this complete plant matrix that creates the broad, profound effects for which full-spectrum extracts are known. While isolated substances often have a single point of action, a full-spectrum extract works on multiple physiological systems simultaneously: inflammation, pain perception, nervous system, immune system, and recovery.

In case of pain this not only means fewer pain stimuli, but often also:

• less stiffness

• better night's sleep

• more relaxation

• improved overall vitality

This explains why many users report feeling not only 'less painful' but also more balanced .

From science to practice: experiences with CBDa

Although large-scale clinical studies in humans are still in development, the number of practical experiences and case reports is steadily growing. People with chronic pain, osteoarthritis, nerve pain, and inflammation-related complaints regularly report that CBDa-rich full-spectrum oil:

• experience less pain

• need fewer conventional painkillers

• sleep better

• feel more energy and quality of life

We also see similar patterns in veterinary practice in animals with osteoarthritis and chronic inflammation.

Peter Vermeul, founder of CBD Spain, has worked with patients and therapists worldwide for many years. In his practice, he observed that CBDa-dominant extracts were effective for some people where other methods failed. These experiences were a key driver for developing extraction technology that effectively preserves CBDa and other vulnerable plant compounds.

The Key: CBD Spain Extraction Technology

A major problem with traditional extraction methods is that cannabinoid acids are unstable . Heat, light, and oxygen cause CBDa to rapidly convert to CBD – a process that is far from desirable for medicinal use.

Peter Vermeul therefore developed a patented extraction process aimed at preserving:

• cannabinoid acids (such as CBDa and THCa)

• terpenes

• flavonoids

• sterols

By working with fresh plants, minimal heat, and strictly controlled conditions, the extract remains plant-identical : everything in the living plant is also in the oil. Stability tests even show that these CBDa extracts show virtually no degradation after many years – something long thought impossible.

The result is a bio-identical full spectrum extract with an exceptionally broad and deep effect, exactly as nature intended.

CBDa as a natural pillar in pain management

The combination of scientific evidence, practical experience and innovative extraction technology makes one thing clear: CBDa-rich full spectrum extracts are a promising, natural support for pain and inflammation .

They are not a substitute for medical care, but when applied carefully, they can be a valuable addition to a holistic approach to health.

Want to delve deeper into the science? On our science page, you'll find Peter Vermeul's full article, including references, studies, and technical details.

• CBDa and Pain Management - pdf NL
• CBDa and Pain Relief - pdf EN

Also read our blog: CBDa oil from CBD Spain; New Hope for Chronic Pain

👉 Read more on the CBD & Herb science page and discover what full spectrum CBDa can really do for your health.