February 7, 2025

CBDA & CBGA: The Shining Stars of the Cannabinoid World

In the world of cannabinoids, CBD and CBG often take the spotlight for their therapeutic benefits. However, there are two cannabinoids that are consistently flying under the radar—CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid) and CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid)—that are rapidly gaining attention due to their incredible health potential. These acidic precursors of CBD and CBG are showing that they have distinct advantages when it comes to bioavailability and medicinal efficacy.

In this article, we will explore why CBDA and CBGA should become central ingredients in your formulations, especially when paired with the right nutraceuticals and in the most effective delivery mediums. Let’s dive into the benefits of these powerhouse cannabinoids and why they deserve a place in your product line.

What is CBDA and CBGA?

CBDA is the precursor to CBD. It’s the compound found in raw cannabis plants before it undergoes the decarboxylation process, which turns it into CBD when exposed to heat. Similarly, CBGA is the precursor to both CBG and other cannabinoids, earning the nickname “the mother of all cannabinoids” because it is the foundational compound from which all other cannabinoids are synthesized.

While these compounds are often less talked about, they provide unique medicinal properties and enhanced bioavailability that make them powerful ingredients in nutraceutical formulations.

The Benefits of CBDA and CBGA

Enhanced Bioavailability:

BDA and CBGA are found in raw cannabis and have been shown to have better bioavailability compared to their decarboxylated counterparts (CBD and CBG). This means that the body can absorb these cannabinoids more easily, leading to quicker and more potent effects.

    • CBDA has demonstrated potential as an anti-inflammatory agent and may help with conditions such as arthritis and pain relief.
    • CBGA has powerful antioxidant properties and plays a critical role in cancer prevention, as shown in several early studies. 

Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Relief:

CBDA, in particular, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that could be especially useful for people suffering from chronic pain or autoimmune diseases. In a 2013 study published in the European Journal of Pain, CBDA was found to be an effective inhibitor of COX-2 enzymes, which are involved in the inflammatory process .

Similarly, CBGA has been researched for its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key contributors to many chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and even neurodegenerative diseases .

Potential for Cancer Prevention:

CBGA has shown promise in the realm of cancer prevention, particularly in inhibiting the growth of certain types of tumors. A study in the Journal of Natural Products found that CBGA could reduce the proliferation of breast cancer cells.

This makes both CBDA and CBGA great candidates for formulas targeting immune health, anti-aging, and cancer prevention.

Ideal Nutraceuticals to Pair With CBDA and CBGA

#1. Turmeric

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that work synergistically with CBDA and CBGA. The combination of turmeric and these cannabinoids can boost the anti-inflammatory effects, making it ideal for pain management.

#2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil or flaxseed oil) can enhance the absorption of both CBDA and CBGA. Since cannabinoids are fat-soluble, pairing them with healthy fats ensures maximum bioavailability and enhances their neuroprotective properties.

#3. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for immune function and helps improve the anti-inflammatory response of both CBDA and CBGA. When combined, this super stack could serve as an effective way to improve bone health, reduce inflammation, and support overall immune health.

#4. Black Pepper Extract (Piperine)

The bioenhancer in black pepper, piperine, has been shown to enhance the absorption of both CBDA and CBGA. This combination not only improves bioavailability but also boosts cognitive function and memory retention.

What Delivery Systems Are Best for CBDA and CBGA?

The ideal medium for CBDA and CBGA depends on the target consumer, but these cannabinoids perform exceptionally well in the following formats:

Gummies:

These are an excellent delivery method for consumers seeking convenience and taste. Gummies can easily deliver higher doses of CBDA and CBGA along with other supplements, making them a perfect solution for daily use.

Tinctures:

For those who want fast absorption, tinctures are a great choice. The oil-based medium allows for faster absorption under the tongue and provides an easy-to-dose option.

Softgels:

Softgels provide a precise serving size, making them ideal for customers who need a consistent dose of CBDA and CBGA. High-potency formulas in softgels are an excellent way to support brain health, immune function, and pain management.

Topicals:

For targeted relief, CBDA and CBGA can be added to creams or balms for localized pain and inflammation. Their anti-inflammatory properties make them ideal for use in muscle rubs and skincare formulations.

Clinical Research References

CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid): A Summary

Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDa), is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It is most abundant in the glandular trichomes on the female seedless flowers or more accurately infructescence often colloquially referred to as buds. CBDa is the chemical precursor to cannabidiol (CBD). Through the process of decarboxylation cannabidol is derived via a loss of a carbon and two oxygen atoms from the 1 position of the benzoic acid ring. (Heating or catalyzing CBDa transforms it into CBD, thereby increasing the total CBD level.)

Cannabis flowers go through major transformations as they dry. In fresh flowers, the active components are found as acids. When cannabis is dried and heated, these acids break down into more famous compounds like THC and CBD. THC is the primary psychoactive in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which have been studied over the past four decades, have long been thought of as the main therapeutic compounds in the cannabis plant. However, emerging preclinical evidence suggests that there may be some benefit to keeping the plant raw. “Raw” meaning fresh leaves and flowers that have not been dried, cured, or heated.

High levels of CBDa can be found in raw materials taken from high-CBD cultivars. This includes hemp cultivars as well as CBD-dominant plants sold in medical and legal cannabis dispensaries. CBDa can be incorporated into one’s diet in tinctures, juices, smoothies, salads and practically any preparation that does not involve high heat.

Clinical research reveals that higher concentrations of CBDA displayed more pronounced antimicrobial activity than CBD alone. Unfortunately, the majority of cannabis research has focused on psychoactive THC or activated CBD, not CBDa. This means that the little information that is available is subject to change and is considered preliminary evidence at best. Existing research does show promise for CBDa to potentially benefit patients with inflammation, nausea and vomiting, psychosis, and cancer.

Research published in January 2022 suggests that CBDa (in addition to CBGa) 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.


Notable CBDA Studies:

Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV‑2 and the Emerging Variants

Richard B. van Breemen, Ruth N. Muchiri, Timothy A. Bates, Jules B. Weinstein, Hans C. Leier, Scotland Farley, and Fikadu G. Tafesse | Journal of Natural Products 2022 85 (1), 176-184

Acute oral cannabidiolic acid methyl ester reduces depression-like behavior in two genetic animal models of depression

D. Hen-Shovala, S. Amarc, L. Shbirob, R. Smoumd, Christeene G. Hajd, R. Mechoulamd, G. Zalsmane, A. Wellera, G. Shovale | Behavioral Brain Research 351 (2018)

An evaluation of the anti-hyperalgesic effects of cannabidiolic acid-methyl ester in a preclinical model of peripheral neuropathic pain

Yong Fang Zhu, Katja Linher-Melville, Mohammad Javad Niazmand, Manu Sharma, Ayesha Shahid, Kan Lun Zhu, Natalka Parzei, Jesse Sidhu, Christeene Haj, Raphael Mechoulam, Gurmit Singh | January 24, 2020 | British Journal of Pharmacology

Effect of cannabidiolic acid and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia and edema in a rodent model of inflammatory pain

Erin M. Rock, Cheryl L. Limebeer, Linda A. Parker | September 17, 2018 | Psychopharmacology (2018) 235:3259–3271

Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol, Cannabidiolic Acid, and Cannabidiolic Acid Methyl Ester as Treatments for Nausea and Vomiting

Erin M. Rock, Cheryl L. Limebeer, Roger G. Pertwee, Raphael Mechoulam, and Linda A. Parker | August 5, 2021 | Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, Volume 6, No 4

 

CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid): A Summary

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.  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.


Notable CBGA Studies:

Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV‑2 and the Emerging Variants

Richard B. van Breemen, Ruth N. Muchiri, Timothy A. Bates, Jules B. Weinstein, Hans C. Leier, Scotland Farley, and Fikadu G. Tafesse | Journal of Natural Products 2022 85 (1), 176-184

Cannabigerolic acid, a major biosynthetic precursor molecule incannabis, exhibits divergent effects on seizures in mouse models of epilepsy

Lyndsey L. Anderson, Marika Heblinski, Nathan L. Absalom, Nicole A. Hawkins, Michael T. Bowen, Melissa J. Benson1, Fan Zhang, Dilara Bahceci, Peter T. Doohan, Mary Chebib, Iain S. McGregor, Jennifer A. Kearney, Jonathon C. Arnold | August 10, 2021 British Journal of Pharmacology

A systematic review of minor phytocannabinoids with promising neuroprotective potential

Nicole L. Stone, Alexandra J. Murphy, Timothy J. England, Saoirse E. O’Sullivan | July 1, 2020 | British Journal of Pharmacology

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Why Choose Covalent?

At Covalent, we specialize in formulating and manufacturing high-quality cannabinoid-based products, including CBDA and CBGA formulations. We ensure cGMP-compliant manufacturing, top-quality bioavailability, and fast product turnaround times. Whether you’re looking to create gummies, tinctures, or softgels, Covalent is here to help you create the best formulations for your customers.

Get in touch to get started today and bring your CBDA and CBGA products to market!

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Rich Weisner - Covalent CBD Director of Sales

About Rich Weisner

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