Cannabigerolic acid, or CBGa, is a minor cannabinoid found naturally in young, flowering cannabis plants — and it's nicknamed the "mother cannabinoid" as it's the precursor to the two main cannabinoids, CBDa (cannabidiolic acid) and THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) that eventually turn into CBD and THC through a process called decarboxylation.
CBG and CBGa may be closely related, but they are not the same thing. They have different chemical structures, properties, and roles in the cannabinoid biosynthesis process.
CBG vs CBGa
The main difference between CBGa and CBG is that CBGa is the acidic precursor of CBG and other cannabinoids. CBG is the non-acidic form of CBGA. CBGa can be used to support cholesterol & cardiovascular health issues, whereas CBG is commonly used for appetite, focus & energy.
CBGa and any other cannabinoid with the "a" affixed to it is the natural form of the compound found in raw, untreated cannabinis plants that still contains a carboxylic acid group to the molecule.
Exposure to heat or UV breaks off the carboxylic acid chain, represented with the letter "a" leaving behind CBG. This slight variation in molecule structure may have unique effects in terms of its effects in the body.
As a result, CBGa is converted into CBG — THCa into THC — and CBDa into CBD.
So, when you see a product containing CBG, it means that the plant material has been heated to remove the carboxyl group and produce CBG.
What About CBD? CBGa vs CBD
CBD and CBG are much different substances with different structures and uses. CBGa is the precursor to all cannabinoids, including CBD, and is known primarily for its heart-health related effects. CBD is more widely used for a variety of applications, including relief and relaxation.
Uses for CBG vs CBGa
Cannabigerolic acid can be used for a boost in cholesterol & cardiovascular health issues, whereas CBG is commonly used for appetite, focus, energy & more.
Much of the cannabis research is focused heavily on CBD and THC, but there's still a collection of promising studies centered around CBG, and its precursor CBGa.
CBGa Benefits
Some recent studies have suggested that cannabinoids like CBGa may play a role in supporting heart health. Along with CBGa is CBD, which has been studied for its potential to lower cholesterol levels, another critical factor in maintaining cardiovascular health. However, these studies remain inconclusive.
For example, in animal trials, CBGa has been shown to help lower blood pressure and slow the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) [1]. However, this doesn’t necessarily translate to humans, as there are no studies that prove this.
Like many plant-derived compounds, CBGa has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential that could protect the heart from damage. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of CBGa, it's an exciting area of study.
Neither CBGa nor CBG have been approved to treat any health condition. However, promising research suggests that CBGa may also help to protect against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as it was effective in reducing inflammation in animal models of colitis [2].
CBG Benefits
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), neurogenerative diseases will be the second most prevalent cause of death by 2040 [3]. Research suggests CBG may have neuroprotective properties, which could help in the management of neurodegenerative diseases.
In an overview of the current studies of cannabinoid’s potential impact on neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s, fifteen studies focused on CBG’s potential impact. All studies except one reported a positive effect of CBG, VCE-003, or VCE-002.3, compared with control in the disease model being studied [4].
Similar to CBGa, CBG has been observed to have anti-inflammatory properties. In a study conducted in 2023, CBG was observed for its effects on isolated RASF and PBMCs alone and in co-culture with RASF. The study found robust anti-inflammatory effects on cytokine production, cell viability, and antibody production [5].
This study, in particular, shines light on the potential for CBG’s potential role in chronic inflammatory diseases.
We want to clarify that while there’s some research to show CBG and CBGa’s wellness potential, it should be seen as an alternative to treatments from your healthcare professional. We’ll need many more long-term clinical studies to fully understand how these cannabinoids can benefit our health.
How Do You Take CBGa?
You can take CBGa the same way you would take your CBG products, through oils, capsules & other products.
Remember, cannabinoids affect individuals differently. Factors can depend on your genetics, experience with cannabinoids, and your wellness goals.
Compared to CBDa, CBD, and CBN, CBGa research is still in its early stages. There aren't very many CBGa-specific products available yet, but we're sure you'll find them hitting the market very soon.
Since cannabinoids are fat-soluable compounds, it's best to take your CBGa products with a light meal to increase its absorption through the digestive system, similar to CBD.
It's also recommended that you consume cannabinoids regularly. They're not miracle-cure compounds; rather, they supplement the body's chemical messengers involved in maintaining homeostasis, which can potentially support one's overall well-being. As such, it's best to take these types of products consistently as a long-term regimen.
Another thing to be aware of when using CBGa or any other raw hemp compounds is that they tend to have a shorter shelf life as they're much more susceptible to heat, UV, and oxidation. This means, you should look to purchase fresh CBGa products to keep the CBGa content high before the chemical compounds eventually transform onto other cannabinoids or degrade.
Taking expired cannabinoids isn't necessarily dangerous, but it can reduce the potency and effectiveness of the product.
CBGa vs CBG Comparison
CBGa serves as the precursor to CBG and other well-known cannabinoids, contributing to a range of potential therapeutic effects, particularly in areas like heart health.
On the other hand, CBG is being actively researched for its diverse applications, from neuroprotection and antibacterial properties to pain relief and mood regulation. While CBGa's benefits are still emerging, CBG has already demonstrated a wide array of promising uses that could positively impact many aspects of health and well-being.
As research continues to unfold, a clearer understanding of these cannabinoids and their distinct properties will help unlock their full potential in supporting our health.
References:
- Smeriglio, A., Giofrè, S. V., Galati, E. M., Monforte, M. T., Cicero, N., D'Angelo, V., ... & Circosta, C. (2018). Inhibition of aldose reductase activity by Cannabis sativa chemotypes extracts with high content of cannabidiol or cannabigerol. Fitoterapia, 127, 101-108.
- Nallathambi, R., Mazuz, M., Ion, A., Selvaraj, G., Weininger, S., Fridlender, M., ... & Koltai, H. (2017). Anti-inflammatory activity in colon models is derived from δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid that interacts with additional compounds in cannabis extracts. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2(1), 167-182.
- Gammon, K. (2014). Neurodegenerative disease: brain windfall. Nature, 515(7526), 299-300.
- Stone, N. L., Murphy, A. J., England, T. J., & O'Sullivan, S. E. (2020). A systematic review of minor phytocannabinoids with promising neuroprotective potential. British Journal of Pharmacology, 177(19), 4330-4352.
- Lowin, T., Tigges-Perez, M. S., Constant, E., & Pongratz, G. (2023). Anti-inflammatory effects of cannabigerol in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures are partly mediated by TRPA1. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(1), 855.
