If you’ve ever tried a CBD product and thought, “Wow, this one really works,” there’s a good chance it wasn’t just the CBD doing the job. It may have also contained something called CBDa, one of plant-medicines best-kept secrets.
So what is CBDa? And why does it matter if your formula has it?
Let’s break it down simply.
What is CBDa?
CBDa (short for cannabidiolic acid) is the original, natural version of CBD that exists in raw hemp plants. It’s what you’d find if you juiced fresh hemp leaves straight from the field. When heat is applied — like during drying, extraction, or smoking, CBDa transforms into CBD.
Think of CBDa as the “parent” compound, and CBD as its “child.” Both are non-intoxicating and work with your body’s endocannabinoid system, a network that helps keep things balanced like mood, sleep, pain, and inflammation. But they do it in slightly different ways.
So what’s the difference between CBD and CBDa?
The main difference is that CBDa hasn’t been heated. That means it stays in its raw form, and your body processes it differently. Some early studies show CBDa might actually be more active than CBD in certain areas of the body, like helping with inflammation and stress. (Read one study here)
CBD, on the other hand, is more widely studied and known for its relaxing, soothing, and pain-relieving properties. (See more research here)
Here’s the big takeaway: CBDa and CBD work better together than alone.
Why Full-Spectrum Matters
When you see “full-spectrum” on a Polar Gold Extracts product, that means it contains the full range of natural compounds from the hemp plant, not just CBD, but CBDa, minor cannabinoids, terpenes (the plant’s aromatic oils), and flavonoids.
All of these work together in what’s called the Entourage Effect, a natural synergy where each part boosts the others. It’s like a live band versus a solo artist: the music is richer, deeper, and more powerful when everyone plays together.
That’s why many people feel better with a full-spectrum product compared to a CBD isolate. You’re getting the plant the way nature intended, balanced, complete, and effective.
What You May Notice When Using a CBDa-Rich Formula
When your product keeps its CBDa content intact, you may feel:
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Faster, longer-lasting relief from tension or soreness
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A smoother sense of calm without feeling groggy
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Better mood support and improved ability to handle stress
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Less inflammation throughout the body
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More natural, steady balance overall
Because CBDa interacts with your serotonin system (the same one that helps regulate happiness and calm), it often provides a more gentle uplift, helping you feel steady and centered.
Why Polar Gold Extracts Keeps CBDa Intact
At Polar Gold Extracts, we believe in giving you the plant in its purest, most powerful form. Our full-spectrum products are crafted to preserve those delicate cannabinoids like CBDa, so you get all the natural goodness the plant has to offer.
That means we extract at lower temperatures and keep the process clean, ensuring you feel the full effects, not just of CBD, but the entourage of natural compounds working together to bring balance to your body and mind.
How to Choose the Right Product
When shopping for hemp wellness products, here’s what to look for:
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Full-Spectrum or Whole-Plant Extracts – not “CBD isolate.”
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Lab Testing – make sure the brand shows CBDa levels on its Certificate of Analysis.
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Transparency and Clean Extraction – so you know the plant compounds are being handled with care.
If you’re trying Polar Gold for the first time, start low and go slow, consistency is key. Give your body a week or two to adjust, and notice how you feel.
Chances are, you’ll start to understand the difference a CBDa-rich, full-spectrum formula really makes.
It’s not just CBD. It’s the whole plant, working in harmony with your body, naturally.
Polar Gold Extracts. Feel the full spectrum of relief.
- The Polar Gold Team
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