CBGa vs CBD: Unpacking Cannabinoid Benefits For Everyone’s Benefit

Fact Checked By

Dr. Max Kerr

Published September 29, 2020 by

Olivia Walters

Don’t be fooled, CBGa vs CBD is not a battle for the best cannabinoid. These two cannabinoids are like fraternal twins, alike in many ways yet different in their own right.

And without one, the other doesn’t exist.

These non-intoxicating cannabinoids[1] both harness the power to reduce inflammation and manage pain. CBGa vs CBD does, however, merit a brief (but easy-to-understand) scientific explanation.

So, what does CBGa mean? What does CBD stand for? This sticky alphabet web is how scientists distinguish between the various compounds in cannabis (marijuana).

One part of cannabis science that often confuses people is decarboxylation.[2] This is the process cultivators rely on to synthesize new marijuana varieties.

When heated, cannabinoids split off into new molecules. It’s useful to visualize cannabis synthesis on a family tree with “the main” cannabinoids at the top. Before THC and CBD (cannabidiol) even see the light of day, CBGa must undergo a series of chemical reactions to transform into these familiar cannabinoids.

Entourage Effect

CBGa, aka cannabigerolic acid, is often called the “mother cannabinoid” since so many others are synthesized from it. As the acidic form of CBG matures, CBGa continues to morph until it can be heated to activate its THC and CBD properties.

Once CBGa loses a CO2 molecule—hence the “de” in decarboxylation—THC and CBD are ready to be extracted.

While everyone’s trying to get their hands on CBD for anxiety, pain management, and insomnia, CBGa has its own range of medicinal properties.

In this article, we discuss the mutually beneficial relationship of cannabinoids. While it’s useful to understand the merits of CBGa vs CBD isolation, consuming them at the same time has a synergistic effect[3] you might not know about. There’s also a must-know secret to feeling better in half the amount of time when you use cannabis supplements (you’ll want to keep reading until the end to hear it).

What is the CBGa entourage effect?

It’s as simple as taking a multivitamin to add more nutrients to your diet. When you use a cannabis product with multiple cannabinoids, the molecules synchronize and release more therapeutic benefits.

Take a look at the entourage effect in action with these findings:

In 2018, researchers revealed how mixing cannabinoids, as opposed to dosing pure THC, could treat breast cancer more effectively.[4]
Another study pinpointed the ways in which a nonopioid THC/CBD extract helped patients with advanced cancer manage their pain better than strong opioids.[5]
The complex molecular profile of cannabis features terpenes, aka the aromatic property, that may help treat mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.[6]

At Sovereignty, we think it’s essential to keep everyone informed about the most up-to-date cannabis research. As we learn more about the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, transparency is key.

Research is still limited, of course, which leaves room for skeptics to question the entourage effect.[7] We will always strive to present both sides of the debate as fairly as possible because Sovereignty believes in the power of choice.

Regardless, the entourage effect is still worth considering, here’s why.

The benefits of taking CBGa + CBD

CBGa has the potential to treat cardiovascular and inflammatory bowel disease.[8] It may also regulate metabolism, which is good news for diabetics.[9]

Mood enhancement and pain relief are also added bonuses of the “mother cannabinoid” (side note: for a more comprehensive reading, check out our article about CBG benefits).

CBGa appears in such small quantities (often less than 1%) and once it’s decarboxylated, non-acidic CBG is even more difficult to extract.

CBD, on the other hand, is easier to find since its popularity has exploded in recent years. People are using CBD for sleep to manage their anxiety and insomnia.

Ways to achieve the entourage effect

Many people smoke CBD “bud,” apply CBD lotion, and micro-dose CBD tinctures into their food and beverages.

Our suggestion is to find a full-spectrum cannabis product you can ingest rather than inhale to speed up the cannabinoid effects.

But before we dish out this secret, what does full-spectrum mean? The term describes an extract that maintains the whole cannabis plant profile.[10] A product featuring cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, CBG, or CBN along with terpenes is a full-spectrum (aka whole plant) extract.

With the entourage effect, having access to more than one cannabinoid is a desirable solution to chronic pain, sleeplessness, and anxiety. For this reason, full-spectrum extracts offer benefits for more people (+18 years old).

Earlier we mentioned knowing a tip for feeling the benefits of CBG and CBD more quickly. Let’s let you in on one of our trade secrets.

Bio-Wrapped™ CBD + CBG

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Bio-what? Biowrapped ™! #cannabinoids are not easily absorbed into the body, and the oils used in many wrapped cannabis products limit absorption even more. We created our exclusive biowrapped ™ cannabinoids that provide their benefits that’ll be more in tune with the bioactivity in your body. 🧎🏻‍♀️ #biohack #higherself #sovereignty

A post shared by Sovereignty (@sovereignty_us) on May 20, 2020 at 2:03pm PDT

Consuming cannabinoids in a powder form promotes faster absorption and effectiveness because of its bioavailability. We use a proprietary method to speed up the metabolism with our Bio-Wrapped™ CBD energy powders and sleep aids.

If you’re still wondering about CBGa vs CBD, why not try our broad-spectrum hemp extracts?

Purpose is a berry-flavored powder with CBG and CBD for increased concentration. You get to double down on two cannabinoids that kick off the entourage effect.

Our formula features Ayurveda medicine to restore energy. The herb Bacopa monnieri is packed with antioxidant value for a total therapeutic experience. People love the balance of the ingredients in Purpose.

“One thing I really appreciate about Purpose is the lack of the “in-your-face” Stevia and monk fruit taste,” a fan shared. “I find way too many powders go to the extreme when it comes to Stevia and monk fruit, and it just ends up ruining the product. This is a perfect balance.”

Swirl the CBG + CBD energy supplement into a glass of water and within five minutes, you start to feel the subtle, energetic effect of Purpose.

We also offer a nighttime sleep aid called Dream for poor sleepers. This CBN + CBD fortified formula helps you drift off to sleep without giving you the drowsy morning “hangover” caused by other sleep aids.

You’ll feel the entourage effect in action when you wake up with more energy after sleeping through the night. Dream is a broad-spectrum hemp extract with Bio-Wrapped™ cannabinoids so you can fall into a more productive and restorative sleep. No more tossing and turning, just dreaming.