CBGA (cannabigerolic acid)

In raw living cannabis plants that have not been aged or heated, CBGA, short for cannabigerolic acid, functions as the essential chemical precursor from which the more widely known cannabinoids THC, CBD, and others synthesize. CBGA transforms into THCA and CBDA through enzymatic processes inside the trichomes as plants mature. Therefore, maximizing CBGA levels in harvests comes at a direct expense of overall THC and CBD availability. However, CBGA demonstrates considerable therapeutic potential in its own right worth further exploration. Emerging research indicates CBGA acts as a potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agent based on preclinical models. CBGA also shows significant promise in fighting certain colon cancer cells based on initial in vitro studies. Clearly, more rigorous investigations centered on CBGA will continue uncovering additional medicinal properties and clinical applications of this non-intoxicating but highly bioactive cannabinoid compound. In both plants and people, CBGA deserves attention beyond just being the metabolic precursor to other major cannabinoids.