Anyone who delves into the effects of full spectrum CBDa oil will sooner or later come across a lesser-known but fascinating substance: CBGa (cannabigerolic acid) .
Although CBGa is often labeled a minor cannabinoid , scientific research shows that this designation is inaccurate. On the contrary: CBGa forms the biochemical starting point for virtually all other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.

Within the research of Peter Vermeul – founder and owner of CBD Spain – CBGa plays a key role in understanding why unprocessed, full-spectrum extracts have such a broad and powerful action profile.

What is CBGa actually?

CBGa is the acidic precursor to CBG (cannabigerol). In the living cannabis plant, CBGa is produced and functions as the so-called "mother cannabinoid." From CBGa, other well-known cannabinoid acids such as CBDa and THCa are formed through natural enzyme processes.

Only when heated or stored for long periods do these acids lose their carboxyl group – a process known as decarboxylation – and are converted into CBD, THC or CBG.

In cold-extracted, raw full-spectrum oils, CBGa remains intact. And that, in turn, proves to be particularly interesting from a pharmacological perspective.

No high, but broad biological activity

Like CBD, CBG is not psychoactive . It doesn't cause a "high" and binds only weakly to the classic CB1 and CB2 receptors. Yet, its effects are far from limited.

CBG(a) influences, among other things:

• the endocannabinoid system

• TRP ion channels (involved in pain, inflammation and stimulus processing)

• PPARγ receptors (metabolism and inflammation regulation)

• the breakdown of the body's own endocannabinoid anandamide

This versatility explains why CBGa appears in research on themes such as:

• anti-inflammatory

• neuroprotection

• pain modulation

• antibacterial activity

• support for epilepsy

• and even antitumor processes (preclinical)

Why CBGa is most effective in full spectrum extracts

An important principle in the work of Peter Vermeul is that the plant as a whole is more than the sum of its parts .
Full-spectrum cannabis extracts contain not only cannabinoids but also terpenes, flavonoids, and sterols . Together, they create the so-called entourage effect .

Scientific studies show that:

• terpenes can enhance or direct the effects of cannabinoids

• flavonoids have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

• sterols contribute to a balanced immune response

CBGa appears to be more effective in combination with these plant-based cofactors than in isolation. In other words: the natural matrix matters.

CBGa and CBDa: a complementary duo

In raw extracts, CBGa and CBDa almost always occur together. This is no coincidence—and possibly not a disadvantage either.

Both cannabinoid acids:

• are non-psychoactive

• have anti-inflammatory potential

• intervene in different biological pathways

For example, CBDa selectively inhibits the COX-2 enzyme , while CBGa works more strongly through CB2 receptors and TRP channels, among others. This makes the combination interesting for chronic inflammation, pain, and immune-related complaints.

The combination of CBDa and CBGa is also considered promising for epilepsy and viral processes (as in vitro research with SARS-CoV-2 has shown).

Anti-inflammatory as a common thread

One of the most consistent findings in research on CBG(a) is its broad anti-inflammatory effect .
CBG influences, among other things:

• pro-inflammatory cytokines

• oxidative stress

• central inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB

In animal models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) , skin inflammation, and liver inflammation, CBG demonstrated clear protective effects – when dosed correctly. This immediately emphasizes a key principle in naturopathy: more is not always better .

Safety and dosage: nuance is essential

CBGa and CBG have shown a favorable safety profile so far:

• no intoxication

• no addiction potential

• predominantly mild side effects at higher doses

At the same time, studies show that cannabinoids can have a biphasic effect: low to moderate doses support balance, while high doses sometimes have an opposite effect.

That is precisely why knowledge, experience and careful formulation are of great importance – something that is given a lot of attention within CBD Spain's extraction methods.

Why this knowledge matters

The CBGa story shows why full-spectrum CBDa oil is so much more than a trend. It's the result of:

• plant biochemistry

• extraction technique

• and increasing scientific insight

CBGa is not a hype substance, but a fundamental component of the therapeutic potential of raw cannabis extracts.

More depth?

In this blog we have only outlined the main points.
You can find the full article by Peter Vermeul here, including: source references, in-depth mechanistic explanation and the latest research insights around CBGa, CBDa and the entourage effect.

• Medicinal Effects of CBGa in Full Spectrum Cannabis Extracts - pdf NL
• Medicinal effects of CBGa in Full Spectrum Cannabis extracts - pdf EN

👉 Also read our blog: Better sleep with CBGa - Natural support for insomnia