By Luke Sumpter


CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) is a cannabinoid acid produced by the cannabis plant. It's one of many cannabis-derived molecules being scientifically investigated for its characteristics and therapeutic potential. The research is quite preliminary, but animal and cell studies have yielded exciting results.

Let's explore CBDA and dive deeper into its therapeutic potential.

WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS?

Cannabinoids are a class of chemicals that interface with cannabinoid receptors. These receptors appear throughout the human body on many cell types. CB1 receptors are found primarily in the central nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors are predominant in the immune system. These sites make up what is known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a regulatory network that helps maintain harmony among other bodily systems.

The human body synthesises its own cannabinoids (known as endocannabinoids). These molecules—anandamide and 2-AG—serve as neurotransmitters within the ECS. Cannabis plants create another class of cannabinoids. Known as phytocannabinoids, many of these chemicals also interface with the ECS to produce distinct effects. They can achieve this because they share a similar molecular structure to endocannabinoids, essentially mimicking their roles within the body.

Scientists have identified over 100 phytocannabinoids so far, many of which display intriguing, albeit inconclusive, medicinal potential. Moreover, cannabinoids don’t interact exclusively with the ECS. In fact, some of them have very low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptor sites, instead exerting their effects by interfacing with other molecular targets such as serotonin receptors, transient receptor potential channels, the GPR55 receptor, and others.

CBDA: A CANNABINOID ACID

CBDA is one of the most abundant constituents of industrial fibre hemp[1]. Technically speaking, CBDA isn't a cannabinoid—it's a cannabinoid acid. It originates in the cannabis plant as the precursor molecule CBGA (cannabigerolic acid). The enzyme CBDA synthase catalyses a reaction that converts CBGA into CBDA.

Although CBDA is a primary constituent of high-CBD hemp flowers, the process of vaping, smoking, or cooking changes the molecule into the active cannabinoid CBD. Thus, CBDA is a precursor to the non-psychotropic cannabinoid CBD (cannabidiol). Upon exposure to heat, a carboxyl group ejects from the CBDA molecule—a process known as decarboxylation. This results in the conversion of CBDA into CBD. Therefore, CBDA is only available in extracts and other preparations that haven't been exposed to significant heat. Another source of CBDA is the juice of raw cannabis flowers and leaves.

CURRENT RESEARCH ON CBDA

Now that we know a little more about CBDA, let's explore some of the scientific findings surrounding it.

CBDA AND INFLAMMATION

CBDA may help to reduce inflammation related to a host of diseases by blocking enzymes that catalyse the reaction. The cannabinoid acid inhibits COX-2 enzymes, the same proteins targeted by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Research published in the journal Drug Metabolism And Disposition explored the molecular structure of CBDA[2]. They found that the molecule's carboxylic acid (the part removed during decarboxylation) allows it to block COX-2 enzymes selectively. This trait enables CBDA to carry out a similar action to NSAIDs. Therefore, the cannabinoid acid may help to relieve inflammation and pain.

CURRENT RESEARCH ON CBDA

CBDA REDUCES NAUSEA IN ANIMAL STUDIES

Studies are testing CBD and THC against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting[3], a mechanism that can help to improve the quality of life of cancer patients. CBDA may someday join these cannabinoids to be administered for this purpose.

Research efforts so far include administering CBD to rats and shrews[4] in models of induced nausea.

CBDA and Seizures

Studies have investigated the effects of CBD on seizures[5] for years, with human trials focusing on treatment-resistant forms of epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. Now, researchers are looking at CBDA for the same purpose. For example, a paper published in the journal Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience documents the action of CBDA in seizure studies[6], and the implications of its potential to bind to serotonin receptors.

CBDA and Cancer Cell Studies

As one of the leading causes of death across the world, researchers are particularly interested in the effects of cannabinoids on cancer cells. They’ve tested numerous cannabinoids in cellular models of the disease, and a paper published in the journal Toxicology Letters put CBDA up against human breast cancer cell lines[7]. However, this early research offers little in the way of how the cannabinoid acid works in humans.

BRING ON THE CLINICAL TRIALS

As researchers continue to release more data about CBDA, the cannabinoid acid is receiving more attention from mainstream cannabis culture. Early cell studies tell us little about what the future holds for this molecule, but we’re excited to see what clinical trials yield.

External Resources:
  1. Cannabidiolic‐acid synthase, the chemotype‐determining enzyme in the fiber‐type Cannabis sativa https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
  2. Cannabidiolic acid as a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory component in cannabis. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 1805TiPPilot and definitive randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trials evaluating an oral cannabinoid-rich THC/CBD cannabis extract for secondary prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) | Annals of Oncology | Oxford Academic https://academic.oup.com
  4. Cannabidiolic acid prevents vomiting in Suncus murinus and nausea‐induced behaviour in rats by enhancing 5‐HT1A receptor activation https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. Long-term cannabidiol treatment in patients with Dravet syndrome: An open-label extension trial. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Cannabis Therapeutics and the Future of Neurology https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  7. Cannabidiolic acid, a major cannabinoid in fiber-type cannabis, is an inhibitor of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell migration - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: