Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid, a type of natural compound found in cannabis and hemp.

It’s one of hundreds of compounds in these plants, but it’s received more attention lately as changes to state and federal laws have led to a rise in the production of CBD-infused products.

CBDA does have some positive health benefits, like helping people with anxiety and depression. If you’re seeking out CBD as a means to get high, you won’t experience that.

CBDA, or cannabidiolic acid, is one of the many cannabinoids that is naturally produced by cannabis plants. CBDA was first isolated in 1996 and is found most abundantly in raw marijuana and hemp material.

CBDA is the acidic precursor to CBD. Cannabis compounds go through major transformations over time, such as when they are dried or are exposed to heat. In raw cannabis, including fresh cannabis leaves and flowers that have not been dried, cured, or heated, all active compounds are first found in the form of acids, and that is the case with CBDA.

These inactive cannabinoid acids have an added carboxyl ring attached to their molecular chain. Either slowly over time or instantly when the acids are heated, they lose their acidic carboxyl group and break down into more active compounds. CBDA, for example, transforms from its raw form into the highly-sought-after active compound, CBD, through a heating process called decarboxylation.

People who juice raw cannabis enjoy a considerable serving of CBDA. The compound can also be found in raw hemp oil products, including CBD oil products that have not been decarboxylated or filtered in any way. This raw CBD oil containing CBDA can also be found in tinctures, capsules, and more.