Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis and hemp that are largely responsible for the therapeutic effects associated with the plant. The most famous cannabinoids are THC and CBD, however there are over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis that may have potential therapeutic effects. Today we explore one of these lesser known cannabinoids called CBGa.
What is CBGa?
CBGa is found in both cannabis and hemp, but tends to show up in higher amounts in hemp, especially raw (unheated) hemp. The plant produces CBGa by combining two organic compounds olivetolic acid and geranyl pyrophosphate.
Cannabigerolic acid or just CBGa for short is the acidic precursor to Cannabigerol, CBG. CBGa can be viewed as the cornerstone cannabinoid because it is the building block that all other cannabinoids like CBDa, CBD, THCa and THC come from (see chart below).
CBGa is the building block for all other cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
Current Research on CBGa
CBGa has been gaining popularity from consumers and researchers alike due to its potential therapeutic benefits as well as what it tells us about how phytocannabinoids (plant made cannabinoids) are created. Researchers in Germany figured out how to create CBGa from olivetolic acid and geranyl pyrophosphate. Because CBGa is the building block of cannabinoids once scientists unlocked its creation they have been able to produce THCa and other cannabinoids in yeast without the need to grow the plant at all. Their findings were published in the Journal of Biotechnology 2017.
In 2019 researchers from the University of Califonria Berkely added to their work by also creating CBGa from yeast and then creating THCa. This research is significant because it allows scientists to explore the therapeutic properties of these cannabinoids without having to source outside plant derived compounds that can conflict with federal and state law.
Therapeutic Potential of CBGa
CBGa has numerous potential therapeutic uses, including:
Conclusion
CBGa is one of many cannabinoids found in the cannabis and hemp plant that may offer numerous therapeutic uses as well as ground breaking ability to generate other cannabinoids from yeast due to its capacity as a Cornerstone Cannabinoid, that is CBGa is the original cannabinoid created by the plant that other cannabinoids like THCa, CBDa, CBC, THC and CBD come from.
More research is needed, but we are excited to have this lesser known cannabinoid finally getting the attention it deserves.
Keep an eye out for products with CBGa, like our Extra Strength Raw Hemp Sublingual and experience what full spectrum hemp can do for you.
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