Cannabigerol, or CBG, is often referred to as the "mother of all cannabinoids"—and for good reason. Without CBG, other well-known cannabinoids like CBD and THC wouldn’t exist. But to understand CBG, we first need to get acquainted with its raw, acidic form: CBGA.
What is CBGA?
CBGA (Cannabigerolic acid) is considered the precursor—or biochemical building block—for major cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and CBC. Produced in the trichomes of the cannabis plant, CBGA is essential in the plant’s cannabinoid synthesis pathway.
When exposed to heat or light in a process called decarboxylation, CBGA loses its acidic component and becomes CBG. Similarly, CBGA helps form other cannabinoid acids like THCA, CBDA, and CBCA, which also convert to their active counterparts through heating.
If CBG is the "mother cannabinoid," CBGA might just be the "grandparent"—laying the foundation for the chemical diversity found in hemp and cannabis plants.
Cannabinoid Acids: A Quick Primer
Many cannabinoids exist in acidic form in raw cannabis plants. For example:
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THCA is the non-psychoactive precursor to THC.
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CBDA is the precursor to CBD.
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CBGA is the origin of them all.
When these acids are exposed to heat, such as during smoking, vaping, or cooking, they undergo decarboxylation and convert to their active forms. This chemical transformation is what allows certain cannabinoids to interact differently with the body’s systems.
Photo Credit: The University of Sydney
What Makes CBGA Noteworthy?
While research into CBGA is still emerging, its central role in cannabinoid biosynthesis has made it a compound of interest in academic and scientific communities. Studies have explored various interactions of CBGA with biological systems, though it’s important to remember:
No CBGA-based products have been evaluated or approved by the FDA for any medical use.
Scientific inquiry continues, and CBGA's presence in research is likely to expand as interest in rare and minor cannabinoids grows.
CBG/CBGA vs. CBD/CBDA
Here’s how these cannabinoid pairs compare:
| Cannabinoid | Role in Plant | Receptor Activity | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBGA | Precursor to other cannabinoids | Converts to CBG | Rare in raw form |
| CBG | Result of decarboxylated CBGA | Interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors | Limited commercial availability |
| CBDA | Precursor to CBD | Converts to CBD | Common in raw hemp |
| CBD | Most abundant non-intoxicating cannabinoid | Modulates endocannabinoid activity | Widely available |
CBGA and CBG are less prevalent than their CBD counterparts, but their foundational role in cannabinoid formation makes them uniquely significant.
How Do People Use CBGA?
Since CBGA is naturally found in raw cannabis and hemp plants, it’s typically consumed in unheated forms like juiced plant material. However, due to its instability (it readily converts to CBG), most commercial products feature CBG instead of CBGA.
You can find CBG in a range of products, including:
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Oils and tinctures
At Plain Jane, for example, select CBG products are crafted to highlight this unique cannabinoid’s qualities.
