Hemp is becoming increasingly popular as more people are leveraging the many benefits cannabinoids can deliver. CBD is the most recognized. However, there are over 100 cannabinoids derived from the hemp plant. One of the lesser-known acidic cannabinoids that have been gaining attention recently is Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA). In this blog post, we will explore what CBGA is, how it is extracted, and its various uses.
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What Is CBGA?
CBGA, or Cannabigerolic Acid, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid present in hemp plants. CBGA is known as the “mother of all cannabinoids” as it is the foundational acidic cannabinoid crucial to the formation of other cannabinoids, including THCA and CBDA. Produced in the trichomes of the hemp plant, CBGA is the first cannabinoid to be produced, leading the way for other cannabinoids to develop. When CBGA is decarboxylated, a process where cannabinoids are exposed to heat, it converts to CBG. Most hemp plants yield low amounts of CBGA once matured. However, since CBGA holds great therapeutic potential on its own, some cultivators are using selective breeding to produce plants with higher concentrations of CBGA.
How Is CBGA Extracted?
There are several methods for extraction to obtain CBGA from the hemp plant. These include:
- Solvent Extraction – This method involves using solvents, like ethanol or butane, to extract CBGA from the plant material. The plant material is soaked in the solvent, and the CBGA is separated from other compounds using various techniques.
- Water-Based Extraction – CBGA can be extracted from the hemp plant using water as a solvent, rather than butane or ethanol. This eliminates the need for harsh chemicals, hydrocarbons, and high temperatures producing a safer and cleaner cannabinoid extract.
- Supercritical CO2 Extraction – This technique comprises the use of supercritical carbon dioxide to extract CBGA from the plant.
- Hydrocarbon Extraction – This process consists of using hydrocarbon solvents, like propane or butane, to extract CBGA. The plant material is immersed in a solvent and subjected to various separation methods to isolate CBGA from other compounds.
CBGA extraction can be challenging because of the low concentration of the acidic cannabinoid in hemp plants. Additionally, if high temperatures are used in the extraction process, it can cause a conversion of CBGA to CBG, leaving little of the acidic cannabinoid left in the final extract. The most efficient extraction method to obtain high levels of CBGA is water-extraction technology.
The Applications For CBGA
CBGA’s benefits are numerous, making it a valuable cannabinoid for various industries. Here are some of its applications:
- Medical Benefits Of CBGA – CBGA has several potential medical benefits. Studies suggest that it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with an array of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. CBGA also has the potential to be an effective antibacterial agent, making it a potential treatment for a variety of bacterial infections.
- Cosmetics – CBGA has numerous benefits for skin health and can be used in the cosmetics industry to make skincare products. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that make it useful in treating acne and other skin conditions. Additionally, CBGA has antioxidant properties that can help in reducing the signs of aging.
- The Food Industry -CBGA can also be used to make hemp-infused edibles and beverages to allow consumers to easily obtain the benefits of CBGA.
What products can you buy with CBGA?
CBGA can be used to craft a wide range of products. Here are some of the most popular products being made with CBGA:
- Skincare Products – Many have started to leverage the antioxidant effects of CBGA through a range of skincare products. These include moisturizer, serum, and facewash.
- Toothpaste- CBGA’s potent antibacterial effects have shown beneficial in an array of studies for tooth and gum health.
- Tinctures and Capsules- Tinctures and capsules offer a convenient and easy way to take a dose of CBGA. The CBGA is typically mixed with carrier oil to make both capsules and tinctures.
- Edibles and Beverages- CBGA can be made into a wide range of edibles and beverages, including teas, flavored waters, and gummies. They provide a convenient option for consumers to consume CBGA at home or on the go.
In conclusion, CBGA is a valuable cannabinoid that has several potential uses in various industries. As research on CBGA continues, it is likely that more uses for this cannabinoid will be discovered, further highlighting its value.
