CBG (Cannabigerol) is known as the mother of all cannabinoids because without this cannabinoid, THC and CBD wouldn’t be here (more on that below). CBGA (Cannabigerol acid) is the raw form of CBG.
What is CBGA
As stated above, CBGA is the raw form of CBG, which is an acid. It is considered a minor cannabinoid; however, it’s a major one. CBG/CBGA are the foundation of THC and CBD. CBG/CBGA is produced in the cannabis plant's trichomes. If CBG is considered the mother cannabinoid, then as Leafly states, CBGA should be considered the granddaddy. CBGA is necessary for 3 of the major cannabinoids: THC, CBD, and CBC. And because CBGA is an acid, when heated, it too is responsible for cannabinoid CBG.
Cannabinoids and Acids
A little insight into cannabinoids: CBGA, CBDA, THCA, etc. are cannabinoid acids. These are all the raw forms of the cannabinoid. When the cannabinoid acid is heated and reaches a certain temperature, it is no longer considered an acid. Using THC as an example, THCA can’t get you high because it’s an acid. It has its own set of benefits, but a high isn’t on the list. It’s when it’s heated, that it turns into THC, and that’s where the high comes from.
The Benefits of CBGA
CBGA research shows that the cannabinoid has the potential to help with:
- Cardiovascular Disease: the National Library of Science conducted a CBGA and cardiovascular disease study and found that CBGA drastically inhibited the enzyme aldose reductase (an oxidative stress contributor that leads to heart and other problems).
- Covid: researcher Richard Van Breeman conducted a CBGA and Covid study and found that CBGA was effective against variants of SARS-CoV-2.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: the National Library of Medicine conducted a CBGA and IBS study and found that CBGA attenuated murine colitis, reduced nitric oxide production in macrophages (effect being modulated by the CB2 receptor) and reduced ROS formation in intestinal epithelial cells.
Photo Credit: The University of Sydney
CBG/CBGA vs CBD/CBDA
Well, the first fact is that CBG rules because without it, CBD wouldn’t exist. Though CBG/CBGA is considered a minor, it is in fact a major. The minor and major comparisons are because CBG isn’t as abundant in the cannabis plant as CBD, which happens to be the most abundant cannabinoid found in hemp. CBG/CBGA is known to be top tier inflammation treatment, and CBD is known to be top tier pain treatment.
With regard to the endocannabinoid system, CBG/CBGA binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors and is said to enhance pleasure and motivation, and regulate appetite and sleep. CBD/CBDA is said to help enhance endocannabinoids- strengthen them so that they don’t break down.
CBGA Products
It’s hard to find CBDA products because it’s an acid. The best way to consume CBGA is through juicing the raw plant itself, before the conversion to CBG. CBG products are in the market via flower, edibles, and oils, like Plain Jane’s CBG product line.
Have you consumed CBGA? How has it helped you?
