CBGA

What is CBGA?

Nicknamed the Mothership Cannabinoid, CBGA, or Cannabigerolic Acid, is another minor cannabinoid with significant potential for medical applications. CBGA is one of the most important and foundational compounds found in cannabis. When CBD oil is produced, CBG is extracted to create CBGA.

CBGA is also utilized when making the aromatic compound known as phenolic acid. During the growth cycle, CBGA is produced in cannabis trichomes and helps the plant maximize energy to grow healthy flowers. CBGA converts into a chain reaction of THCA, CBDA, and CBCA.

These three compounds eventually convert into the well-known THC and CBD, and also become CBC, respectively. In some cultivars, CBGA may convert into CBG as well, but the Mothership Cannabinoid typically converts to THC or CBD.

The Discovery of CBGA

CBGA is not a new compound to scientists. In fact, the compound was actually discovered by Israeli researchers over 50 years ago. The Israelis first isolated CBG, then 30 years later, Japanese researchers discovered that CBGA came before CBG. Outside of these studies, other research has been very scarce.

The bulk of the research conducted on CBGA has centered around producing THCA for pharmaceutical and medical purposes. The researchers conducting this study were particularly interested in the process of how CBGA specifically converts into THCA.

Cannabinoids have been replicated by scientific researchers, using a species of yeast called Pichia pastoris. A California research team actually performed a complete synthesis of cannabinoids using yeast derivatives and published their work in 2019.

Effects of CBGA

Because CBGA is the precursor to the psychoactive THC, the cannabinoid itself does not seem to cause any effects that would make the consumer feel high. However, many of these preliminary tests have been done in test tubes and lab rats, and this might change depending on the dose and research applications.

Potential Benefits of CBGA

There has been precious little medical research yet conducted on seemingly important minor cannabinoids like CBGA. However, some studies provide some hints about this compound’s potential healing properties and medical applications.

Cardiovascular Disease

Test-tube experiments have shown that both CBG and CBGA can reduce an enzyme that contributes to oxidative stress and can cause cardiovascular disease. As is the case with most studies done on humans regarding cannabinoids, the study was dose-dependent and by far the best results were from plant-derived CBGA.

Metabolic Disorders

Another study conducted in 2019 indicates that CBGA may assist patients with metabolic disorders. The research team used computer simulation and observed CBGA’s role in activating receptors that regulate our metabolism. When not functioning properly over a long time, these receptors can lead to people developing diabetes or high cholesterol. Like so many other studies on cannabis, trials in humans must be repeated so the science can be confirmed.

Colon Cancer

CBGA may someday be beneficial for patients with colorectal cancer. In a study on the synergistic interaction between CBGA and colon cancer cells, the researchers discovered that this powerful cannabinoid killed the cancer cells. What’s more, CBGA was found to stall and perhaps even stop the cancer cell cycle, which may someday prove to prevent the growth of pre-cancerous polyps.

What We Learned: CBGA

It’s a broken record, but there is an enormous lack of scientific research on all aspects of cannabis, and CBGA is just one area. There has been some anecdotal evidence suggesting the benefits of juicing and ingesting hemp-derived beverages, the science must catch up to the consumer perspective. Here’s what we learned about CBGA:

• Nicknamed the Mothership Cannabinoid, CBGA, or Cannabigerolic Acid, is another minor cannabinoid with significant potential for medical applications.
• Like CBD, CBGA is seemingly non-psychoactive and likely does not get you high.
• During the growth cycle, CBGA is produced in cannabis trichomes and helps the plant maximize energy to grow healthy flowers.
• CBGA converts into a chain reaction of THCA, CBDA, and CBCA.
• However, some studies provide some hints about this compound’s potential healing properties in treating heart disease, metabolic disorders, and some cancers.

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