Hey cannabis friends!🌿 In my last post, I discussed the potential health benefits that the cannabinoid CBG can have. While writing the post, I mulled over the idea of also talking about CBGA and CBGVA within the same post but decided to create a different post instead to avoid potential confusion. Research surrounding the different cannabis compounds is still in its infancy, so we're learning new things all the time. CBGVA was actually a new compound to me when I started last weeks post, so I wanted to make sure and take some extra time to really understand what we currently know about this amazing compound. In this post we're going to briefly discuss the differences that we currently know about CBGA and CBGVA, as well as how they relate to CBG. Let's get into it.
Cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA has long been called the "mother" of all cannabinoids as research has shown us that the majority of the cannabinoids start as CBGA before they are converted into cannabinoids like THCA, CBDA, and CBCA. CBGA is biosynthesized inside the cannabis plants from two compounds: olivetolic acid and gernayl pyrophosphate. These two compounds interact and convert CBGA into THCA, CBDA, and CBCA by further enzymatic processes. This is the major reason that when looking at the certificate of analysis (COA) for mature cannabis flower, you will not see an over abundance of CBG or CBGA. CBGA is reported to have similar health benefits to CBG, in that it has potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, neuroprotective properties and is also non-intoxicating. However, you more than likely will not see a lot of CBGA products because CBGA is converted to CBG either by processing or by the passage of time. There are several ways that CBGA is converted to different cannabinoids: 1) CBGA is naturally converted to other cannabinoids by enzymatic processes within the cannabis plant; 2) when the CBGA is heated over a certain temp it is decarboxylated to CBG; and lastly 3) CBGA is naturally going to degrade into other cannabinoids with the passage of time. The image above shows CBGA and CBGVA degrading into different acid forms (i.e. THCA), but those compounds are further degraded through decarboxylation or burning/vaping into THC, CBD, and CBC. These compounds should be more familiar to us as we can easily find THC or CBD products in dispensaries.
Cannabigerovarinic acid, or CBGVA, does not have as much data available as compared to CBGA. CBGVA is biosynthesized in a similar manner as CBGA, but it is the enzymes olivetolic acid and divarinolic acid. CBGVA interacts with these enzymes to create CBCVA, CBDVA, CBGV, and THCVA. While these cannabinoids are created with a different enzyme, they still are similar in that each of the compounds I listed in the previous sentence will further degrade with heat or time into CBC, CBD, CBG, and THC. Currently CBGVA is being researched for its potential anti-epileptic properties. There have also been some interesting research looking into CHGVA's potential as an acne treatment as well as anti-inflammatory.
To sum this up, the world of cannabis compounds is a fascinating and evolving field of study. Today, we delved into the differences between CBGA and CBGVA, shedding light on their unique biosynthetic processes and potential benefits. CBGA, known as the "mother" of all cannabinoids, serves as a precursor to major cannabinoids like THCA, CBDA, and CBCA. Despite its reported health benefits, CBGA is often converted to CBG through various processes, explaining its lower presence in mature cannabis flowers. On the other hand, CBGVA, while less explored than CBGA, is synthesized through distinct enzymes and holds promise in areas such as anti-epileptic properties, acne treatment, and anti-inflammatory effects. As research in this field continues, we're continually uncovering the intricate pathways and potential applications of these compounds.
The journey of understanding cannabis compounds is a dynamic one, with ongoing revelations and discoveries shaping our comprehension of their effects on health and well-being. Stay tuned for more updates on the ever-evolving world of cannabinoids! 🌿
References
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