Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), is a

cannabinoid Cannabinoids () are several structural classes of compounds found primarily in the ''Cannabis'' plant or as synthetic compounds. The most notable cannabinoid is the phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (delta-9-THC), the primary psychoact ...

produced in

cannabis ''Cannabis'' () is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae that is widely accepted as being indigenous to and originating from the continent of Asia. However, the number of species is disputed, with as many as three species be ...

plants. It is the precursor to

cannabidiol Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid, one of 113 identified cannabinoids in ''Cannabis'', along with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and accounts for up to 40% of the plant's extract. Medically, it is an anticonvulsant used to treat multiple f ...

(CBD). It is most abundant in the glandular

trichome Trichomes (; ) are fine outgrowths or appendages on plants, algae, lichens, and certain protists. They are of diverse structure and function. Examples are hairs, glandular hairs, scales, and papillae. A covering of any kind of hair on a plant ...

s on the female seedless flowers or more accurately

infructescence In botany, infructescence (fruiting head) is defined as the ensemble of fruits derived from the ovaries of an inflorescence. It usually retains the size and structure of the inflorescence. In some cases, infructescences are similar in appearance ...

often colloquially referred to as buds or flowers.

Biosynthesis

Cannabidiolic acid is a natural product

sesquiterpene Sesquiterpenes are a class of terpenes that consist of three isoprene units and often have the molecular formula C15H24. Like monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes may be cyclic or contain rings, including many combinations. Biochemical modifications s ...

biosynthesized in

via

Cannabidiolic acid synthase Cannabidiolic acid synthase (, ''CBDA synthase'') is an enzyme with List of enzymes, systematic name ''cannabigerolate:oxygen oxidoreductase (cyclizing, cannabidiolate-forming)''. It is an oxidoreductase found in ''Cannabis sativa'' that catalyse ...

from the conjugation of olivetolic acid and cannabigerolic acid.

Decarboxylation

CBDA is the chemical precursor to

(CBD). Through the process of

decarboxylation Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group and releases carbon dioxide (CO2). Usually, decarboxylation refers to a reaction of carboxylic acids, removing a carbon atom from a carbon chain. The reverse process, which is ...

, cannabidiol is derived through loss of the carbon and two oxygen atoms that make up the carboxylic acid moeity on the aromatic ring.

References

{{Cannabinoids Benzoic acids Cannabinoids Resorcinols Dihydroxybenzoic acids Cyclohexenes