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Glossary

CBGA: Cannabigerolic acid

Cannabigerolic acid, or CBGa, is a cannabinoid produced in the early flowering stage by cannabis plants. It has earned the moniker “the mother of all cannabinoids” because it acts as the foundational precursor for the two primary cannabinoids, CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) and THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid).

The ‘mother of all cannabinoids’ or origin of all cannabinoids is cannabigerolic acid. CBGA is a precursor molecule, which means that it transforms into, or creates, other cannabinoid precursor compounds such as CBDA and THCA. 

 

How does CBGA transform into THCA and CBDA?

 

The process is referred to synthase. Synthase is an enzyme responsible for catalysing the conversion of CBGA into THCA and CBDA.

 

What are the potential benefits of using CBGA?

 

Medical research into CBGA and CBG is still very much in the preliminary stages, with cannabinoids THC and CBD being the main focus. However, initial studies have shown that CBGA may have potential therapeutic uses for a variety of conditions such as inflammation, pain relief, and neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.

 

Can CBGA get you 'high'?

 

No, CBGA does not have psychoactive effects on its own. Even in its decarboxylated form, CBG does not produce the intoxicating high commonly associated with THC. Instead, it is believed to have a calming and relaxing effect on the body without impairing cognitive function.

 

What is decarboxylation?

 

Decarboxylation is a chemical process that occurs when cannabis is exposed to heat or light, causing the acidic forms of cannabinoid (CBGA, THCA, CBDA, etc.) to lose a carbon atom and become their non-acidic counterparts (CBG, THC, CBD, etc.).

To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.

If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.