The acidic form of CBG, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which serves as a precursor to the main cannabinoids, remains relatively unknown. Although it was discovered relatively recently and is difficult to isolate for study, CBGA shows promising attributes and potential health benefits. Lordofcbd.fr breaks down what CBGA is, what we know about it, and the aspects that remain unexplored to help you better understand its effects on the human body.
CBGA (cannabigerolic acid): a simple definition
Trichomes produce CBGA. CBGA is a cannabinoid produced in the trichomes of hemp flowers
CBGA is a cannabinoid, just like the widely used CBD and the controversial THC. However, it is much less abundant in the cannabis plant, mainly because it is converted more or less quickly into other cannabinoids.
Two aspects of CBGA are particularly interesting:
CBGA is often called the "mother cannabinoid." In other words, it is the precursor to other cannabinoids and plays a direct role in their biosynthesis. Without CBGA, CBD, THC, CBC, and of course CBG would not exist. CBGA possesses interesting intrinsic properties. In addition to its active role in the formation of other cannabinoids, it has its own effects, which we will detail later.
Where does CBGA come from and what is its role?
CBGA, like other cannabinoids, is produced by the trichomes of the hemp plant. These are small, sticky, and nearly transparent vesicles located on the flowers, from which CBD resin is extracted. CBGA's primary role is to protect the plant. It can induce necrosis in certain cells to control leaf size and concentrate available energy in the flowers. CBGA is therefore a natural regulator that directly contributes to the healthy development of a plant and the survival of its variety.
To go into a little more detail, it is useful to explain that cannabis, through a series of chemical reactions, can produce all sorts of molecules that will be useful to its development at different stages of its evolution.
Initially, the trichomes produce olivic acid and geranyl pyrophosphate. These molecules gradually transform into cannabigerolic acid (CBGA, which is of interest here). Upon contact with various enzymes present in the plant, CBGA is in turn transformed into THCA, CBDA, and CBCA, the acidic forms that will respectively yield THC, CBD, and CBC once decarboxylation has occurred (naturally or through human intervention). More rarely, natural decarboxylation takes place slightly earlier, and CBGA becomes CBG directly .This phenomenon partly explains the lower concentration of CBG in different cannabis varieties compared to CBD or THC. Okay, but what is the difference between CBG and its acidic form, CBGA?
CBGA vs. CBG: Differences and Similarities
CBGA is just one step in the evolution of cannabis.
Discovered in 1996 by Japanese researchers; in 1964 by Israeli researchers. Effects on humans: Yes, via the endocannabinoid system (ECS); Yes, via the ECS. Psychotropic effects ("high"): No. CBGA is the precursor to CBG. The latter is therefore a more advanced form of CBGA, a later stage. Besides this temporal difference, there is primarily a molecular difference. Those who remember some chemistry lessons may have noticed that the difference between the two molecules is one carbon atom (C) and two oxygen atoms (O), i.e., CO2 (carbon dioxide). This helps to better understand the somewhat technical term "decarboxylation.".
This molecular difference has consequences for the role of CBGA in the cannabis plant, but also, and this is what interests us most, for its ability to interact with receptors in our body. In short, although similar, CBGA and CBG do not necessarily have the same effects.
CBGA Effects
CBGA may have an influence on metabolism
The scientific literature on the effects of CBGA is still quite limited. This is partly because cannabigerolic acid was discovered relatively late compared to the main cannabinoids, and partly because it is extremely difficult to isolate. Indeed, it transforms rapidly, and to study it, it is not only impossible to heat the plant, but it must also be at a relatively early stage (before flowering).
However, some interesting avenues are being explored, each of which must be treated with caution and thoroughness before drawing definitive conclusions.
An effect on metabolism: A 2019 study showed that CBGA, like CBG and CBDA, can interact with PPAR receptors and has the ability to modulate lipid metabolism. When these receptors do not function properly, the risk of developing diseases such as diabetes or high triglyceride and cholesterol levels increases.
Colon Cancer: According to another study, CBGA could play a role in fighting colon cancer. Not only does it appear to slow the multiplication of cancer cells, but it could also accelerate their death.
Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: As a direct consequence of CBGA's action on metabolism, it could be beneficial in treating diabetes, particularly by inhibiting the production of the enzyme responsible for oxidative stress and thus preventing the onset of certain complications. Limiting oxidative stress also helps prevent certain cardiovascular problems, which represent another avenue of research.
These initial studies have so far only been conducted on models and/or in the laboratory (in vitro). Therefore, further research is needed to extend and expand upon them, and, if warranted, to conduct studies on humans.