Let’s talk cannabinoids-THCA & CBDA.
Have you ever heard of juicing raw cannabis leaves or of people eating buds and wondered why anyone would do this? Well it’s because research reports it may be good for you.
THCA and CBDA are found in the raw cannabis plant and cannabis flowers before they have been heated, and they have their own list of medical benefits.
Let’s take a look at what those benefits may be.
THCA is non-psychoactive! Yes, that means you won’t get high. For patients who want the medical benefits of cannabis, but don’t want to deal with short-term memory loss or have a spiritual awakening, THCA may be a cannabinoid to look into.
I work with a lot of patients who have been diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, dementia, and Alzheimer’s and the symptoms of these conditions are beyond frustrating for their caregivers and the patients’ themselves. Today we know that THCA is neuroprotective against these conditions in animals. (Read the science here)
Now we just need to get cannabis off the Schedule I list to get this tested in humans.
Possibly preventing Dementia and Parkinson’s isn’t enough to convince you? Well, what if I also told you that it is an anti-inflammatory, effective for nausea & vomiting, and inhibits prostate cancer cell growth? (Rock, M., & et al. 2013) All of this from a compound of cannabis that doesn’t get you high.
Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) is the raw form of CBD and why should you be excited about CBDA?
Because it effects serotonin, a chemical you are probably familiar with that affects our sleep, mood, and motor skills. CBDA has the potential to be an anti-depressant because of how it affects this all important feel good chemical. Cox-2 inhibitor is another term you may be aware of. It is an enzyme that is associated with inflammation and pain, especially after an injury. Many Cox-2 inhibitors like Celebrex have potential side effects that patients don’t want to risk and CBDA could be an alternative option. In the future CBDA may be prescribed for nausea, vomiting, and epilepsy. (Halveka, J. 2020)
How do you get the medical benefits of THCA & CBDA?
Cannabis Tea
I prefer a good THCA & CBDA tea. To make, simply add your dried flower or fresh fan leaves, that have not been decarboxylated, to hot water, let steep for 5-10 minutes, add some honey, and enjoy.
Breakfast Smoothie
I’m also a big fan of Greek yogurt. Gotta get those probiotics in, so for a breakfast smoothie, just add your frozen fruit, water or juice, Greek yogurt, and whatever cannabis plant material you have (leaves, flowers, stems are just fine) to a blender. I do prefer a Vitamix for green smoothies because it really shreds those leaves and the texture turns out just fine.
Now doesn’t that start like a way to get the day started?!?
