What Exactly is CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid)?
The cannabis plant produces many terpenes and cannabinoids, some of which you’re already familiar with, like CBD, Delta-8, and Delta-9. One of the lesser-known cannabinoids is called CBGA and has a vital role in interacting with the endocannabinoid system. CBGA is considered one of the most important (if not the most important) cannabinoids. CBGA is essentially the parent to many other cannabinoids, including THC, CBD, and CBC.
What is the Difference Between CBD and CBGA?
The primary difference between CBGA and CBD is that CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) is the acidic form of CBG but gets converted into THC or CBD. Think of it as the base from which derives CBD. To produce any common cannabinoids, the “grandaddy cannabinoid” CBGA creates the acidic form of these cannabinoids and is then broken down into more popular cannabinoids.
What Does CBGA Do?
CBGA works with your body’s endocannabinoid system in a variety of ways. Naturally, there are always some concerns about the psychoactive effects of the cannabis plant and how one’s body may react. We’ll go over a few of the key features of this cannabinoid and other vital questions further along in the article.
Does CBGA Get You High?
CBGA is known for its lack of psychoactive elements, meaning you will not get high (just like CBD). Because CBGA contains less than 0.3% THC, there is no chance you will feel a mind or body high when taking this particular cannabinoid.
Will CBGA Cause You To Fail A Drug Test?
There is a minimal amount of THC in CBGA – less than 0.3%. But, if you take CBGA frequently, there is a chance the metabolites in your body that break down THC could show up on a drug test. If you are worried about failing a drug test due to your consumption of CBGA, consider abstaining for a few days until you have successfully passed your drug test.
What Does CBGA Feel Like?
Since there are no psychoactive elements in CBGA, you won’t feel an immediate change following consumption of the cannabinoid. CBGA is usually combined with other cannabinoids and is designed to be taken long-term. CBGA requires constant use before one notices any fundamental changes, but it specifically works to improve your body’s overall wellness.
Is CBGA Legal?
Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, CBGA (and all other cannabinoids with less than 0.3% THC) is legal for sale and consumption throughout the US. You’ll most likely find CBGA as a blend with other cannabinoids in various products, which we’ll go over shortly.
What Benefits is CBGA Most Commonly Used For?
Researchers still have a long way to go about knowing what Delta-8 THC targets explicitly, but there are several common uses for the cannabinoid. Early studies reveal CBGA is effective in cardiovascular disease treatment, especially diabetes and heart problems.
CBGA is also used in fighting colon cancer cells – to the point of even halting the growth of polyps and carcinomas. Lastly, CBGA helps regulate the metabolism by activating specific receptors (called PPARs), helping control diabetes and dyslipidemia.
What are the Most Common Side Effects of CBGA?
There is still much research needed on the side effects of CBGA, especially in terms of human trials. Unfortunately, there are no known side effects of CBGA. Since more research is needed, it’s difficult to say if CBGA interferes with any medication. Hopefully, once more research is done, we can have better answers to these questions.
Why is CBD More Popular Than CBGA?
CBGA is the parent cannabinoid of CBD. However, CBD is much more readily available and is in many products as a standalone cannabinoid. Secondly, much more research and studies show the benefits of CBD rather than CBGA; ultimately, expediting the legalization of CBD. Lastly, CBGA is more challenging to use in a standalone product. CBGA is fragile and must either be broken down into CBD, THC and other cannabinoids to be properly used.
What are the Most Common Types of CBGA Products?
You can find CBGA in all of the standard types of CBD products, but it will usually be a blend of cannabinoids. The use of several cannabinoids at once is called the “entourage effect,” in which the cannabinoids synergize, increasing the benefits rather than separating them. Similar to how there are multiple ways to use CBD, there are several different consumption methods of CBGA. Continue reading to learn more.
Tinctures & Oils
CBGA is most commonly found in tinctures and oils, usually combined with CBD. Simply release a dropper full under your tongue, hold for at least 60-90 seconds, then swallow.
You can also mix the oil into your food and beverages for seamless integration, but this diminishes the product’s bioavailability since your body now has to digest the cannabinoid. Digestion reduces the amount of CBGA your body uses, so it’s best to take tinctures and oils sublingually.
Topicals & Creams
Topicals and creams are wonderful for “spot-treating” a particularly painful area. Sometimes CBGA and CBD are combined to create a soothing cream that individuals can apply topically to sore muscles and achy joints. Topicals and creams do not penetrate further than the first layer of the skin (the dermis), which is why it takes a much more concentrated amount of cannabinoids.
Capsules
Capsules are a phenomenal way to enjoy CBGA because there is no aftertaste, no external devices needed, and are usually in a pre-existing vitamin routine. The capsule husks are broken down by the digestive system, allowing our bloodstream to absorb the CBGA.
Vapes & Extracts
While there are CBGA vapes and extracts out there, it’s a bit tricky CBGA will convert to CBG once heated, transforming the cannabinoid into a different one entirely.
Flower
Flowers are similar to vapes and extracts in that the CBGA will transform into CBG once heated. You can think of CBGA as a raw form of the cannabinoid. Once the cannabinoid is heated, it activates, ultimately providing therapeutic effects.
How Long Does CBGA Take to Work?
CBGA is one of those cannabinoids where you see results over time instead of “feeling” the effects immediately. Over time, CBGA has been known to help with various health issues that we briefly touched on earlier, but you should use CBGA products for several months before you notice any tangible results.
How Long Do the Effects of CBGA Last?
Again, since there are no immediate effects of CBGA, there is no way to measure how long the effects last. Continued use over time has shown remarkable results in fighting cancerous cell growth, diabetes management, and appetite stimulation. It would be best to try to use CBGA products for several months to notice any changes in your overall wellness.
Are There Any Drug Interactions with Cannabigerolic Acid?
Since there is so little research on CBGA, it isn’t easy to pinpoint which drugs (if any) interfere with CBGA. As more research and studies are conducted, we will know more about the potential drug interactions with this cannabinoid.
Where Can You Buy CBGA?
You can buy CBGA products either online or in-store. Depending on the state you live in, there may be certain restrictions, such as shipping CBGA products from different states. Check your state legislature to see if CBGA is legal to ship to your home.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy CBGA?
You must be 21 or older to purchase CBGA. Since this cannabinoid is derived from the hemp plant, you should be prepared to show ID or otherwise verify your age (either online or in-store) before you are allowed to purchase CBGA products.
How Do You Know Your CBGA Is High Quality and Reputable?
As of right now, the FDA does not regulate any CBGA products. Hence, meaning anyone can produce and sell products that may or may not contain CBGA. To combat selling contaminated products, reputable companies will pay for third-party independent lab testing on their products.
Some companies post the results in a PDR or external link on their website, while others use a QR code on the product label that consumers scan for viewing. Whichever way you choose to view the results, make sure the results are available to you to confirm the quality and contents of the particular CBGA product.
