Category: CBD Blog

By now you have likely heard of hemp-derived CBD, the major non-psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. Hemp-derived CBD is not the same as marijuana and is sourced from industrial hemp plants which are grown for their seeds and fiber. Because of its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, CBD has been researched for its therapeutic potential, and currently there is published research that supports its benefits in the treatment of  epilepsy, inflammation, anxiety disorders, diabetes and a number of other common physical and neuropsychiatric conditions. CBD has been studied for its promising anticancer properties. What you may not have heard of is a relatively new commercially available hemp-based product that is 1000 times stronger than CBD. Meet the cannabis superhero, CBDa. 

What is cannabidiolic acid (CBDa)?

CBDa is one of an estimated 113 compounds called  cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids can affect the endocan CBDa is actually a precursor of CBD prior to a process called decarboxylation which removes the acid through a heating process. 

Most scientific research has been focused on the pharmacological traits of the two famous cannabinoids – the psychoactive compound found in marijuana called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive compound. Not until 2008 did scientists discover that the more raw form of CBDa held some very remarkable therapeutic benefits. They discovered that CDBa had a similar structure to common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. CBDa inhibits COX-2, the same chemical found in the body that is inhibited by these common painkillers. 

Research studies have noted that “agents that would inhibit COX-2 while sparing COX-1 represent an attractive therapeutic development and could represent a major advance in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as a diverse array of other conditions” which has sparked great interest in  CBDa for  treatment of these conditions. CDBa is a very promising plant-based medicine for inflammation and pain, but researchers are finding that there are more therapeutic benefits than previously known. 

Anxiety & Sleep Dysfunction: In 2020, a published research study in the medical journal Molecules, found that CBDA interacts with the 5-HT1A serotonin receptors. The 5-HT1A pathways control many different functions in the brain including nausea, sleep, aggression, mood, and cognitive functions.  CBDA works on the 5-HT receptors in much the same way as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant medication would, making it a promising therapy for depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. 

Breast Cancer: There is much published research that suggests that CBDa may have a beneficial role in treatments for a highly aggressive type of breast cancer called MDA-MB-231.  Researchers published a study in the Journal of Natural Medicine in January 2017 that examined the bioactivity of CBDa and breast cancer cells. The abstract stated: We previously identified CBDA as an inhibitor of the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells, a widely used human breast cancer cell line in cancer biology, due to its highly aggressive nature.

COVID-19 Variants: A research study by Oregon State University was conducted to examine the ability of the acidic cannabinoid precursors cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) to block the activity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the human body. The report published in January 2022 in the Journal of Natural Medicine found that “cannabigerolic acid and cannabidiolic acid were equally effective against the SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant B.1.1.7 and the beta variant B.1.351.” What that means is that CBDa in a laboratory setting was found to block the COVID-19 variants from entering healthy cells.

While the lone study does not prove that cannabinoids offer a better value than existing treatments for COVID, and by no means a substitute, the findings drew attention to the powerful therapeutic properties of CBDa. The study sparked serious interest in further researching CBDa as a serious target for a COVID treatment research in the future. 

Patent-Pending Treatments: A British company, GW Pharmaceuticals manufactures the first pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil Epidiolex approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treating epileptic seizures. While conducting their research they also studied CDBa and found the compound more effective seizure treatment. GW Pharmaceuticals has also filed two other CBDa medical-use patents: one for inflammatory skin diseases and the other for cancer treatment.

Further preliminary research has found several other therapeutic benefits

How Should CBDa Be Taken? Since CBDa cannot be heated, vaping or smoking CBDa is not an option. However, tinctures and gummies are available for ingesting CBDa and are best for helping with anxiety, sleep regulation, and nausea. Topical creams and rubs are best for pain relief.  

Where Can I Purchase CBDa? The Vacaville Vaporium offers the largest selection of certified high-quality CBDa products available in a variety of forms like tinctures, energy drinks, topical lotions and gummies. We also carry options for pets. Stop into the Vaporium to discover which product is right for you. 

How to Spot the Difference Between a CBD Scam and Products that Work

CBD is the latest craze in wellness – a holistic remedy to help with sleep, anxiety, pain and more. But does it work? That depends. Not all CBD products are created equal and many on the market leave consumers disappointed and frustrated with the poor results. 

Since the 2018 Farm Bill was passed making hemp products legal at the federal level, the demand for hemp-derived cannabidiols (CBD) has skyrocketed. A 2019 Gallup Poll found that 1 in 7 Americans have used CBD for pain, sleep, or anxiety. An explosion of consumer products from lotions to shampoos are touting CBD on their labels all marketing amazing health benefits. Before you run to your nearest big box store and purchase the newest CBD face wash or toothpicks (yes, really), a little bit of information can temper those big expectations. 

Not all CBD products are created equally when it comes to effectiveness and safety. When choosing a high-quality CBD product that delivers  therapeutic benefits, consider the key variables that affect the quality of a CBD extract: the genetic properties of the hemp plant, the extraction method, and the purification process. All of these factors affect the existence of an important compound in CBD known as terpenes. Armed with this research, you will be able to discern the CBD rockstar products from the imposters. 

But First, the Basics

For those consumers not as familiar with CBD, it is important to note that  hemp-derived CBD is not the same as marijuana. Hemp is a variation of the cannabis plant that is distinguishable by its predominance of cannabidiol (CBD) and less than 0.3% of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

“Both hemp and marijuana belong to the same genus and species of the Cannabis Sativa plant,” says Mahmoud A. ElSohly, Ph.D., professor of pharmaceutics at the National Center for Natural Products Research a division of the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences The University of Mississippi

“The chemical profiles of both varieties are qualitatively similar, but quantitatively different. The most important difference is in the THC and CBD content, with THC being the predominant cannabinoid in marijuana and with CBD the most predominant cannabinoid in hemp,” Dr. ElSohly says.

“Pure CBD is non-intoxicating and non-addictive and it has no abuse liability,” says Massachusetts General Hospital internist Peter Grinspoon, M.D. an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and board member of the advocacy group Doctors For Cannabis Regulation.

“It doesn’t directly stimulate the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system the way THC does, so it doesn’t cause a high, but it does affect a lot of the other receptors and can help with sleep, insomnia, and pain,” he says.

THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive or “high” effects of marijuana. The cannabis sativa plant has over 113 cannabinoids that interact with our body’s receptors in various ways, but CBD and THC are the most well-known and studied of the compounds. If you are looking for CBD in your marijuana, dispensary products in general have been genetically-engineered to have a high level of THC while very little, if any, CBD. Asking for a Certificate of Analysis is also a good idea to understand levels of cannabinoids you are consuming. 

Terpenes: The Wow Factor

If you’ve been using CBD for awhile, you may have heard the reference to terpenes as an indicator of quality. Specifically, you want a CBD product that has not been stripped of terpenes during the purification process. Technically, terpenes only exist on a live plant, and once the plant is cured or dried, a chemical modification takes place and the terpene becomes a terpenoid (save that knowledge nugget for impressing your friends and co-workers). 

Terpenes are found everywhere and whether you’ve heard of them or not, you’ve definitely been exposed to them. They are aromatic chemical compounds found in plants that are responsible for their survival by repelling insects and attracting pollinators. Terpenes give lemons the tangy fragrance and lavender a soothing scent. Terpenes are also known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin E and beta-carotene all have terpene structures.  The Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) plant – the source of hemp-derived nonpsychoactive CBD – is one of the richest sources of terpenes. 

CBD and the Entourage Effect

There is a growing amount of scientific research to suggest that terpenes work to improve and enhance the effect of CBD on the body’s endocannabinoid system which is responsible for regulating critical functions like sleep, mood, pain learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory and immune responses, and eating. When compounds work better together than in isolation it is known as the Entourage Effect. A notable published study in 2001 titled “Cannabis and Cannabis Extracts: Greater Than the Sum of Their Parts” by John McPartland and Ethan Russo found supporting evidence that extracts rich in both cannabinoids and terpenes had enhanced “pharmacological activities that may strengthen and broaden clinical applications and improve the therapeutic index”

When it comes to CBD, more research is needed to better understand exactly how terpenes interact with the endocannabinoid system. In the most simplistic terms, terpenes modulate the effects of CBD and without them, the extract does not pack the same punch. That’s the primary reason full-spectrum CBD is far superior to a CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD comes from the whole plant, reflecting its original phytochemical profile.  

Meet the Terpene Superstars

Here is a breakdown of the most abundant terpenes found in CBD and their therapeutic benefits:  

Alpha-humulene has an earthy, woody, or even ‘hoppy’ aroma and can be found in hops and coriander. For physical effects, it is known to act as an appetite suppressant. Therapeutic benefits include anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and for pain suppression.

Myrcene is a versatile terpene, with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties. It’s also an analgesic, which means it helps reduce pain and inflammation.

Beta-caryophyllen is found in cloves, cinnamon, basil, oregano and black pepper. As one might imagine, the aroma is distinguished as spicy, woody, or pepper-like. This terpene is known to help with insomnia, muscle spasms, pain, and can be used as an antioxidant.

Limonene is found in citrus fruits and not surprisingly, it has a distinctive aroma of lemons and citrus. It is known to be a mood booster and can alleviate emotional turbulence or provide general stress relief. It is known to be an antifungal agent, anti-inflammatory, and can be used for anxiety, depression, and gastric reflux. It is considered a very important terpene in regards to CBD because it expedites the absorption rate of other terpenes.

Alpha-Pinene: It is the compound that gives pine needles their distinct aroma. It is also in rosemary, and basil in addition to CBD. Therapeutic uses include its use as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It anti-anxiety properties, and it works as a bronchodilator, which means it opens up the airway passages quickly in emergency situations like an asthma attack. Alpha-pinene also helps with pain relief, aids memory, and boosts energy levels.

Linalool is a terpene most commonly found in chamomile and lavender. In hemp-derived CBD products it is often used in topical creams and ointments for its soothing scent and calming effects.

Full-Spectrum CBD For The Win

Now that you understand the entourage effect of terpenes and CBD found in the whole hemp plant, choosing a full-spectrum CBD product has significant therapeutic benefits over a CBD isolate. That is not to say that there aren’t any benefits to CBD in its isolated form like anti-inflammatory benefits, but there is compelling evidence that supports the important role terpenes play in the modulation and beneficial enhancement of the therapeutic effects of CBD. 

When In Doubt, Check the Label

To find out about terpenes in CBD oil, make sure the product has been tested by a third-party lab and has a valid Certificate of Analysis, or COA. That will give you a better chance of knowing whether it contains terpenes, and if so which ones.

A high-quality Full-Spectrum CBD product will have a published phytocannabinoid profile that lists the levels of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids, as well as terpenes. Typically there is a QR code on the product packaging or a listing on the manufacturers website. 

Vacaville Vaporium Specializes in CBD

The Vacaville Vaporium has the largest selection of Full-Spectrum CBD products that range from tinctures to lotions, vapes, and gummies. If you are curious about which kind of CBD product is right for you, come into the store and speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members that can help guide you through the selection process. We only carry the most trusted CBD brands in the market that are Medical Grade, THC-Free, with a large selection of certified organic, and certified non-GMO with Certificates of Analysis.