Cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid most often found in the trichomes of hemp and cannabis plants. In plants, it functions as an alert system that helps protect the plant from danger. When consumed by humans, CBGA produces very subtle calming effects.
CBGA is often called “the mother of all cannabinoids” because it is the natural precursor to CBG, CBD, and THC. Young cannabis plants have abundant supplies of CBGA, but most of it is converted to other cannabinoids as the plant matures. CBGA converts directly into CBG through decarboxylation, but it can also change into THCA and CBDA, which then become THC and CBD, respectively.
Like many other rare cannabinoids, there is very little research into the exact benefits and functions of CBGA. Some evidence suggests that it produces effects that are similar to CBG but more potent, while other reports indicate CBGA creates entirely different effects within the body. Anecdotal evidence from users point to CBGA as helping boost the efficacy of other cannabinoids when taken alongside them.
Extracting CBGA from plants is difficult, which makes CBGA products expensive. And, because of how quickly it can convert into CBGA in the presence of heat, CBGA is best consumed in oils, topicals, and juices.
