Cannabigerolic Acid CBGa

CBGa - Cannabigerolic Acid

 

 

Cannabigerolic Acid CBGa is the acidic form and precursor of Cannabigerol CBG. It is a dihydroxybenzoic acid and olivetolic acid in which the hydrogen at position 3 is substituted by a geranyl group. It is a biosynthetic precursor to Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the principal psychoactive constituent of the Cannabis sativa plant. It is also a diterpenoid, a polyketide, a member of resorcinols and a phytocannabinoid. It derives from an olivetolic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a cannabigerolate.

CBGa is the "mother cannabinoid" in the cannabis plant’s life cycle, the precursor to CBG as well as CBDa (Cannabidiolic Acid), and CBCa (Cannabichromenic Acid). While not readily commercially available, the acidic precursors of CBD, CBC, and CBG are becoming increasingly popular in the formulation of heath and wellness products. During processing, the acidic cannabinoids transform into neutral forms by decarboxylation (high temperatures). In order to conserve these acids, a very careful temperature- controlled extraction process needs to be applied. Cold solvent extraction, such as cryo ethanol, allows for the conservation of the acids. It is anticipated that more and more scientists and researchers will examine the health and wellness benefits of the acidic cannabinoid precursors and their neutral counterparts in unique ratios and formulations resulting in a rapid demand for these molecules in the supply chain market.

The acidic cannabinoids are still very underexplored and more scientific research is imperative to determine their full therapeutic potential. New research published in January 2022 suggests that CBGa (in addition to CBDa) may prevent aggressive viruses, such as COVID-19, from entering human cells in vitro. While high quality human studies are needed to confirm this preliminary research, the potential for use of cannabidiolic and cannabigerolic acids in this arena is creating much excitement in the hemp industry for certain.