Ignored for years, now indispensable: the rise of CBDa

What if one of the most promising compounds in cannabis has literally been right in front of us all this time, but we simply heated it away?
That's exactly what happened with CBDa (cannabidiolic acid) – the raw, natural precursor to CBD.

For over fifteen years, Peter Vermeul , founder of CBD Spain , has been working with full-spectrum extracts rich in CBDa. At a time when CBDa was virtually unheard of and CBD was the norm, he consciously chose the unprocessed form of the plant. Not because it was popular, but because practical experience and science showed otherwise.

In this article, we take you on his journey of discovery: why CBDa remained underexposed for so long, what makes it essentially different from CBD, and why this cannabinoid is now receiving a lot of scientific attention.

What is CBDa – and why do we mainly know CBD?

Fresh hemp and cannabis plants contain very little CBD . Instead, the plant produces CBDa , the acidic, natural form.
Only through heat, light and time (decarboxylation) does CBDa change into CBD.

This immediately explains why CBD became so well-known: virtually all traditional extraction and processing methods convert CBDa into CBD. For years, it was assumed that CBDa itself was not biologically active – a misconception that has since been thoroughly debunked.

In fact, it is precisely this “acidic” form that appears to have unique properties.

Why CBDa works fundamentally differently than CBD

Recent research shows that CBDa acts more powerfully and specifically than CBD in several ways:

• Strong activation of serotonin (5-HT₁A) receptors
  CBDa has been shown to be up to 1000 times more effective than CBD in suppressing nausea and vomiting, even at extremely low doses. This makes CBDa particularly interesting for treating chemotherapy-related nausea, among other things.

• Selective COX-2 inhibition
  CBDa has anti-inflammatory properties without burdening the stomach – something that traditional painkillers often do cause problems. This opens up new perspectives, especially for chronic inflammation and pain.

• GPR55 receptor blockade
  This receptor is associated with tumor growth and inflammation, among other things. CBDa binds to it more strongly than CBD.

• Faster absorption and higher bioavailability
  Pharmaceutical research shows that CBDa works faster and is absorbed more effectively than CBD.

And just like CBD, CBDa is not psychoactive : no high, no intoxication, but it does have an effect.

CBDa as the key to truly full-spectrum extracts

An interesting insight from Peter's research:
CBDa is a quality indicator.

When an oil demonstrably contains CBDa, it means the extract hasn't been heated or isolated to death . It's a true full-spectrum extract , in which other cannabinoid acids, terpenes, flavonoids, and sterols have also been preserved.

It is precisely this combination that forms the basis of the so-called entourage effect : substances that reinforce each other and together produce a broader, deeper effect than one isolated compound ever can.

Promising research areas: cancer, pain and metabolism

While CBDa is not a “miracle cure,” the research findings are striking:

• Cancer research
  In preclinical studies, CBDa has been shown to inhibit the migration and metastasis of aggressive breast cancer cells, partly via COX-2 and GPR55 mechanisms.

• Pain and inflammation
  Due to the combination of COX-2 inhibition, serotonin activation and influence on pain receptors, CBDa is seen as a herbal alternative to anti-inflammatories, but without the stomach burden.

• Diabetes and metabolic disorders
  Very recent research (2024) shows that CBDa improves insulin sensitivity and reduces fatty liver disease in animal models. A completely new field of research that has only just opened up.

These are not claims, but scientific signals that require further investigation.

Why this knowledge matters

The story of CBDa demonstrates the importance of processing, extraction methods, and vision . By heating and isolating everything, we've lost valuable properties of the plant for years.

Thanks to pioneers like Peter Vermeul – and increasing scientific attention – CBDa is now finally being taken seriously for what it is:
an active, powerful and versatile cannabinoid with its own therapeutic profile.

Want to know more? Dive deeper into science

This blog is just a glimpse into Peter Vermeul's extensive research journey.
On our science page you will find the full article, including:

• scientific sources

• explanation of mechanisms

• practical experiences

• and the vision behind CBDa-dominant full-spectrum extracts

Read the full article and delve deeper into CBDa

• My Journey to CBDa
• My Journey of Discovery to CBDa