What are CBDA and CBGA?

Being a cannabinoid enthusiast has never been more exciting, with so many companies popping up with new and exciting hemp-based formulas, and more research going into the discoveries and analyses of “rare” cannabinoids, many of which we’ve only learned exist within the last few years.

While it’s understandable that people are getting swept up in the new discoveries of psychoactive hemp derivatives, like THC-P, THC-O and delta 8 THC, there’s another category of cannabinoids that are equally deserving of our utmost attention. These are raw cannabinoids, with an emphasis on CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) and CBG (cannabigerolic acid).  CBDA and CBGA were once all but disregarded, but now, scientists are quickly accumulating fascinating information about just how valuable these overlooked compounds may be.

What are CBDA and CBGA?

Cannabidiolic acid and cannabigerolic acid are unlike any other cannabinoids on the market, because they are the raw versions of CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG (cannabigerol).  Before the hemp plant is decarboxylated (heated to a specific temperature), the plant’s cannabinoids are completely different in terms of chemical properties, being acidic compounds that behave differently in the body.  Think about flower, and how we consume it by first heating it, most often in the form of smoking.  If you were to simply pop the raw flower into your mouth (which we don’t recommend), you’d end up consuming CBDA and CBGA.

Up until recently, we largely considered raw, acidic cannabinoids to be mostly useless because the effects for which cannabinoids are mostly known only occur after decarboxylation.  But, now that hemp research is better funded than ever before, we realize that we have overlooked certain properties that are unique to raw cannabinoids, and this is changing our understanding of the hemp plant entirely.

Are CBDA and CBGA Intoxicating?

CBDA and CBGA are not intoxicating cannabinoids.  They possess no psychoactive activity, which means that taking even large amounts of the compounds will not get the user high.  Similarly, they do not seem to lead to a failed drug test.

What Can CBDA Do?

We’ll start with cannabidiolic acid, since it’s the raw precursor to cannabidiol.  CBDA is getting more attention lately as scientists have uncovered all kinds of exciting effects that are completely one of a kind.  A few of these include:

• Serotonin Influence: Right now, a lot of research is going into CBDA’s effects on 5-ht receptors, which heavily influence serotonin production. It seems that CBDA may act on these receptors in a way that could increase serotonin uptake, which can be extremely useful in those who have issues with mood.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Many cannabinoids are known for influencing inflammation levels, but CBDA’s relationship to inflammation stands out. It inhibits the COX-2 enzyme that acts like a precursor to the inflammatory response.  Studies show that CBDA may work similarly to NSAIDs in this manner.
• Nausea Effects: 5-HT receptors also play a role in nausea, which is largely a function of the body’s nervous system. Like many compounds in the hemp plant, CBDA seems to have the potential to reduce nausea.

What Can CBGA Do?

Cannabigerolic acid, the precursor to cannabigerolic acid, has been given even less attention than CBDA until recently, thanks to an increase in hemp research.  Like CBDA, CBGA offers distinctive properties that are worth exploring, such as the following:

• Effects on Seizures: Studies show that CBGA may reduce seizure activity in terms of severity and frequency, through neuroprotective properties that keep the neurons in the brain healthy, and the neurological system generally balanced. In fact, these neuroprotective properties may apply to various neurological issues.
• Viral Effects: CBGA only really started getting attention recently, when a team of researchers at Oregon State University found that CBGA, especially when taken in combination with CBDA, reduced the likelihood of coronaviruses from entering human cells. Naturally, this piqued the interest of the scientific community who has spent the last 2 years searching for means to stop the transmission of COVID-19.
• Cardiovascular Effects: CBGA may be able to play a role in cardiovascular function, mainly by reducing oxidative stress that can lead to various cardiovascular problems, especially in those who have diabetes.

Something that stands out about both CBDA and CBGA is that they are likely to be highly bioavailable to the body.  Because they’re consumed in their raw state, unlike many other cannabinoids, they may be more efficient at absorbing into the body and offering their effects in a powerful way.

Are CBDA and CBGA Legal Cannabinoids?

Cannabidiolic acid and cannabigerolic acid are both legal cannabinoids, as federal law permits the sales of both under the United States Farm Bill that passed in 2018.  This law declared that all hemp derivatives could be sold legally throughout the United States as long as they contain no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC.  Both CBDA and CBGA are permitted in all 50 states as well, as no states have banned either cannabinoid and are unlikely to do so at any point as neither is intoxicating.

Where Can I Find CBDA and CBGA?

Ultimately, we encourage you to seek out CBDA and CBGA from trusted online sources.  These products may exist in some stores in local areas, but they are unlikely to come in the product selection you’re seeking out.  And, local stores rarely specialize in hemp products, meaning that business owners don’t have enough knowledge of the hemp plant to know how to ensure that they’re only carrying top-quality products.  This is especially the case with cannabidiolic acid and cannabigerolic acid, which are not as popular as CBD and delta 8 THC.

The good news is that you can find high-quality CBDA and CBGA products online, especially form the Tar Heal Pharms brand.

• CBGA Oil is a full spectrum hemp oil made through a cold-pressing technique, with high levels of pure CBGA.
• CBDA Oil is made through the same methods and is perfect for those who are enticed by what cannabidiolic acid has to offer.

Overall, if you’re going to buy either CBGA or CBDA online, you gotta make sure that you’re buying it from a reputable retailer who has all of their hemp lab-tested by a third-party.  This means that the brand is allowing their hemp to be analyzed by a state-authorized laboratory who is verifying its quality and purity levels.  It also doesn’t hurt to look at online reviews (as long as they are real/reputable) to make sure that customers/consumers are satisfied with a product.

CBDA and CBGA: Two Cannabinoids with Dazzling Properties

Both cannabidiolic acid and cannabigerolic acid have a lot to offer, and are unlike any other cannabinoids that you’ve tried thus far, being raw precursor compounds that behave in an entirely different way in the body.  If you’re ready to give these cannabinoids a try, check out the CBDA and CBGA products available at Greenlife Remedies, where you can count on third-party testing, clean ingredients, and bioavailable effects.  Our strict company standards ensure that our customers end up with only the finest, purest CBDA and CBGA that’s available on the market, and we’re always expanding our catalog to include new ways to experience these compounds’ wondrous properties.

Given the value that CBDA and CBGA can provide, we firmly believe that these are cannabinoids that are worth incorporating into your routine, even if you’re already taking CBD on a regular basis.