CBD, CBDa & CBGa: What's the difference?

May 2, 2022

CBD, CBDa & CBGa: What’s the difference?

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.

CBD is already available almost everywhere. And CBDA, CBGA, and other cannabinoids are already making their way into the supplement market. But what’s the difference?

CBD derived from hemp is a type of cannabis with very low THC levels, so it won’t get you high. The Food and Medication Administration (FDA) approved CBD in 2018 under the brand name Epidiolex as a drug to treat seizures in children with severe forms of epilepsy. That being said, CBD is used by many people around the world for a variety of conditions such as anxiety, pain relief, sleep, and general well-being.

Photo by Cristi Ursea via Unsplash

How does CBD work?

CBD is a phytocannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. CBD extracted from hemp is the only cannabinoid widely used in the United States today. Unlike other cannabinoids, CBD does not bind to endocannabinoid receptors.

It works with the human body in the most fundamental ways, inhibiting the breakdown of our own endocannabinoids and allowing our systems to utilize more of what it already produces naturally.

CBD oil contains phytocannabinoids that interact with the endocannabinoid system in a variety of ways. CBD has low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors. It serves to block CB1 receptors when paired with a low THC dosage. As a result, CBD has no intoxicating properties and will not get you high.

In addition, CBD interacts with the TRPV1 receptor, which is involved in endocannabinoid system signaling. Activation of this receptor affects a variety of physiological processes depending on the stimuli.

RELATED: A Guide to CBD Rosin: What Is It and How Does It Work?

It binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, reducing inflammation and discomfort. This makes it ideal for arthritis, injuries and other pains. CBD is also popular for improving mood, reducing anxiety and depression, and aiding in sleep.

What is CBDA?

CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), an acidic precursor to CBD, is found in the stalks, stalks, leaves, seeds, and flowers of cannabis plants. CBDA is the raw form of CBD, which was once thought to be pharmacologically inactive. It is one of the most abundant cannabinoids in hemp seed oil; however, it is particularly sensitive to heat, light and oxygen. Therefore, it is recommended to store it in opaque, sealed containers at room temperature.

CBDA is converted into CBD through a process known as decarboxylation, which eliminates carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms. When CBDA is decarboxylated, the chemical structure and pharmacological properties of CBDA are somewhat altered.

Health benefits of CBDA

CBDA, like its derivative CBD, has the ability to inhibit inflammation at multiple levels, resulting in a powerful overall anti-inflammatory effect. Compounds with broad anti-inflammatory effects are often useful in treating inflammation, which can be at the root of a variety of chronic health conditions.

CBDA also reduces inflammation by blocking pro-inflammatory enzymes (COX-2) and directing immune cells to reduce inflammation via TRP family receptors. Because COX-2 is a driver of inflammatory diseases like breast cancer, reducing excessive COX-2 activity could be beneficial.
Another compelling reason to combine the two is that CBDA can enhance the effects of other 5HT1A (serotonin receptor) activators like CBD. This could help with anxiety, sadness, and other issues related to serotonin function like nausea and vomiting.

CBGA, an acidic derivative of CBG, is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. The application of heat leads to the conversion of CBGA to CBG.

cannabis oil Photo by Anna Efetova/Getty Images

How does CBGA work?

It acts as an antagonist that can inhibit the occurrence of such a reaction. CBGA, like CBG, interacts with endocannabinoid receptors to activate their response. It’s important to note that these receptors play an active role in regulating behaviors such as mood, hunger, and pain response. The endocannabinoid system can produce really different responses depending on the cannabinoids or endocannabinoids we eat.

RELATED: CBG Mania: What Are the Best Ways to Use and Consume CBG?

CBGA is the first step in the cascade reaction leading to the three primary cannabinoid lineages:

THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
CBDA (cannabidiolic acid)
CBCA (cannabichromenic acid)

These are eventually converted into THC, CBD and CBC respectively. CBGA can potentially be converted to CBG, but in most strains, CBGA will convert to either THC or CBD.

Health Benefits of CBGA

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

According to a 2013 study, CBGA helps relieve the symptoms of IBD. CBGA has been shown to inhibit the formation of nitric oxide and oxidants in the small intestine. According to the research results, CBGA also helps in relieving the severity of colitis in rats induced with it.

metabolic disorders

A 2019 Silico research found that CBGA stimulates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), boosting lipid metabolism and minimizing excess buildup. This research still requires animal and human testing.

cardiovascular disease

According to in vitro research, CBGA inhibits the enzyme aldose reductase, which is the major contributor to oxidative stress that leads to diabetes problems.

CBDA, CBGA prevents the coronavirus from entering human cells

Both CBDA and CBGA prevent the coronavirus from entering human cells, according to a study published at Oregon State University. This research was led by Richard Van Breeman.

RELATED: OSU Study Shows CBGA and CBDA Block COVID-19 Virus

According to research on cannabis for COVID, it was found that the hemp components [CBGA and CBDA] were equally effective against strains of SARS-CoV-2, including version B.1.1.7 first found in the UK and variant B.1.351 first found in South Africa,” said Van Breeman.