Core Cannabis Course: CBGA

Welcome to homework assignment CCC 1.3 of the Core Cannabis Course from Higher Learning LV. This assignment teaches students about CBGA, the acidic precursor to CBG and the cannabinoid commonly described as the mother of all cannabinoids. CBGA has been shown to deliver anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities.

When you complete this assignment, simply click the link at the bottom of the article to return to the master page for this course.

Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) has been dubbed the "mother of all cannabinoids" by researchers and journalists based on the pivotal and important role that it plays in the production of all major cannabinoids (and many minor ones). CBGA is a minor cannabinoid and an acidic precursor, meaning that it is responsible for manufacturing another cannabinoid that plays an important role in the plant (its neutral version).

CBGA molecular structure

CBGA results in not only its downstream isomer, cannabigerol (CBG), but arguably more important, it produces the acidic precursors for other major cannabinoids. For example, CBGA produces CBCA, CBDA, and THCA. These acidic precursors, under the right environmental conditions (things like UV light, oxygen, or heat), morph into cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
 

CBGA biosynthetic pathway

CBGA has been dubbed the "mother of all cannabinoids" based on the pivotal role it plays in the production of all major cannabinoids.

The primary potential medicinal benefits offered by CBGA include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticonvulsant properties. This cannabinoid, like many others, may be an effective ingredient in the treatment of epilepsy and conditions based in inflammation.

A 2023 study entitled "Rare Phytocannabinoids Exert Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Human Keratinocytes via the Endocannabinoid System" that was published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of the "rare, non-psychotropic" minor cannabinoids CBG, CBC, THCV, and CBGA.

The researchers reported that plant-based ingredients continue to increase in the field of dermatology based on their safety profile and overall effectiveness. They noted that cannabinoids can be separated into three broad categories: Phytocannabinoids produced by cannabis and hemp, endocannabinoids biosynthesized in the body, and synthetic cannabinoids generated via chemical processes. They explained that cannabinoids are terpenoids (terpene-like chemical compounds) that consist of 21 or 22 carbon atoms and typically feature a propyl or pentyl side chain.

The study reported that "rare cannabinoids" help control the endocannabinoid system (ECS) within human skin. It explained that all major elements of the ECS are contained in the skin and that this supports the view "that they are actively involved in the complex pathophysiology of the skin."

"CBGA, CBC, and THCV may provide value in the treatment of a range of skin conditions, including psoriasis, dermatitis, and itching."

The scientists reported that human skin is "a physical shield and the first defense against external pathogens" and that chemicals from cannabis, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and phenols, have long demonstrated anti-inflammatory qualities.

The study reported that CBGA, as well as its child molecule CBG and the cannabinoids CBC and THCV, demonstrated "the reduction of all pro-inflammatory cytokines" and that this may give them value in the treatment of a range of skin conditions, including psoriasis, dermatitis, and itching.

The scientists concluded that the cannabinoids CBGA and THCV display anti-inflammatory qualities and that both act synergistically with the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG to produce anti-inflammatory results. They declared that their data and analysis open "new perspectives for possible treatments of inflammation-related skin diseases" and that cannabinoids may hold "therapeutic potential well beyond the skin" and prove valuable in the treatment of diseases such as autism (autism spectrum disorders) and cancer.

View the original study.

A 2022 study entitled "Implications of the Effects of Cannabigerolic Acid on Our Understanding of the Potential of Phytocannabinoids in Anti-seizure Treatment" that was published in the British Journal of Pharmacology investigated the potential role of CBGA as a seizure reduction agent.

The research reported that prior to the prohibition of cannabis and hemp in the early 20th century in North America (federal-level laws went into effect in 1923 in Canada and 1937 in the U.S.), "cannabis and cannabis products had been used in the treatment of epilepsy and seizures with evidence for use stretching back millennia."

"Cannabis and cannabis products had been used in the treatment of epilepsy and seizures with evidence for use stretching back millennia."

The study explained that, in recent years, there has been expanding scientific evidence that cannabis products might feature anti-seizure properties, "with particular interest in the nonpsychoactive components of cannabis such as cannabidiol (CBD)." The scientists noted that a "highly purified form of CBD" marketed as Epidiolex®/Epidyolex® for the treatment of severe childhood epilepsy (including Dravet syndrome and Lennon Gastaut syndrome) has received regulatory approval in both the U.S. and the Europe Union.

The research stated that many of the more than 140 cannabinoids beyond CBDA may feature anti-seizure effects. It noted that many epilepsy patients, "particularly those with intractable childhood epilepsies, continue to use both commercially available and cold-extracted/minimally processed 'artisanal' cannabis-derived products for treatment." It attributed this to a variety of reasons that included cost, lack of availability of licensed medicines, and personal preference.

CBGA was found to be one of the "most potent of the cannabinoids studied in preventing hyperthermia-induced seizures" in a mouse model. The study reported that CBGA is a precursor molecule for both CBD and delta-9 THC and that all three feature "well-defined anti-seizure effects." Additional studies regarding CBGA and its potential anti-seizure efficacy, including potential adverse effects, "is warranted and should involve identification of its metabolites and characterisation of their biological effects."

View the original study.

A 2021 study entitled "CBG, CBD, Δ9-THC, CBN, CBGA, CBDA, and Δ9-THCA as Antioxidant Agents and Their Intervention Abilities in Antioxidant Action" that was published in the journal Fitoterapia explored the potential antioxidant characteristics of common phytocannabinoids, including CBGA.

The research concluded that its data "prove that all the examined cannabinoids—including CBGA—exhibit antioxidant activity."

"The growing popularity of supplements containing cannabinoids, mainly cannabinoid oils (e.g. CBD oil and CBG oil), in the self-medication of humans and the increased interest in these compounds in different preclinical and clinical trials stimulates research to investigate the bioactive properties of individual cannabinoids, including their antioxidant activities," observed the study.

The research concluded that its data "prove that all the examined cannabinoids—CBG, CBD, Δ9-THC, CBN, CBGA CBDA and Δ9-THCA—exhibit antioxidant activity." It explained that "the intensity of these activities for individual cannabinoids is not the same," but that it is roughly comparable to that of vitamin E.

View the original study.

Image courtesy Leafwize Naturals

A 2021 study entitled "Cannabigerolic Acid, a Major Biosynthetic Precursor Molecule in Cannabis, Exhibits Divergent Effects on Seizures in Mouse Models of Epilepsy" that was published in the British Journal of Pharmacology explored "the cannabis plant for phytocannabinoids with anticonvulsant effects against hyperthermia-induced seizures." It found the "most promising" to be CBGA.

"We identified three phytocannabinoids with novel anticonvulsant properties: CBGA, cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA), and cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA)."

"The initial screen identified three phytocannabinoids with novel anticonvulsant properties: CBGA, cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA), and cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA)," reported the study's authors. They found CBGA to be the most potent of the three. This cannabinoid was found to bind with "numerous epilepsy-relevant targets, including GPR55, TRPV1 channels, and GABAA receptors."

The researchers concluded that the results of their scientific investigation "suggest that CBGA, CBDVA, and CBGVA may contribute to the effects of cannabis-based products in childhood epilepsy." However, the study noted that further research is necessary before CBD is overcome by CBGA as a top anti-epileptic treatment produced by hemp and cannabis.

View the original study.

Like other acidic precursors, CBGA cannot be consumed via smoking or vaporization due to the fact that the heat will cause the chemical reaction called decarboxylation that converts this cannabinoid into CBG.

"CBGA cannot be consumed by smoking or vaporization because the heat will cause the chemical reaction called decarboxylation that converts this cannabinoid into CBG."

Thus, products such as tinctures (both oil-based and alcohol-based) and edibles (gummies are a good example) must be employed to ensure that the CBGA does not undergo molecular conversion to CBG prior to ingestion.