In recent years, the scientific community has turned its attention to a lesser-known cannabinoid, Cannabigerolic acid (CBGa), for its potential role in maintaining the balance of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). I've dubbed this ECS Balance Control - a few easy words that can become very complex - and fast.
Let's delve into the nuances of CBGa and interactions with the ECS. Few offer insights into how this compound might contribute to overall health and well-being in this manner, as most tend to focus on the action of the Cannabinoid for the purpose desired vs. how it interacts with our ECS.
For example, consumers flock to THC to relax and for recreation as well. Others look at THCa on the medicinal side, and even more, have engaged in using CBD in various forms.
The simple fact is that most cannabis consumers have never heard of CBGa, let alone used it. Oregon State University made a lot of noise over both CBDa and CBGa during the Pandemic. The roar of excitement over that turned into a distant echo for the average person in the Cannabis Movement.
What didn't do that is the use of THC; throughout the Pandemic, people flooded marketplaces online and off to get as much of the 'essential' plant as they could.
This surge of THC used to relax during lockdowns caused a plethora of imbalances within the Endocannabinoid System for people all over the nation - and much of the world that uses Cannabis now.
Understanding the Endocannabinoid System
As we explore the specific role of CBGa, it is essential to understand the Endocannabinoid - or ECS. The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system identified in the early 1990s by researchers studying receptors and an 'endocannabinoid' named 'Anandamide' - known as the Bliss Molecule.
The ECS regulates various functions and processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and reproduction. The ECS exists and is active in your body even if you don't use Cannabis.
CBGa is often referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids as it is a precursor to the three major cannabinoid lines: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA).
It was once found in its highest concentration in young cannabis plants and decreases as the plant matures. Unlike THC, CBGa is non-psychoactive. Nowadays, there are several different CBG Cultivars that produce CBGa - some of them have no THC or CBD.
CBGa and ECS Balance
The potential of CBGa in influencing the ECS is a growing interest - after all every THC user is interested in gaining more efficacy - and so are CBD consumers. CBGa is thought to interact with the ECS by working with the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 and a host of other receptors in our bodies.
These interactions have been found in research to have the potential to contribute to the homeostasis or balance of our internal organs. By affecting the ECS, CBGa may help regulate various physiological and cognitive processes, thereby contributing to the balance and functioning of the ECS.
How do people use CBGa Crumble? Can it replace a T Break?
Utilizing CBGa Crumble, a concentrated form of CBGa known as the Hash of Hemp - can be done in many ways. Some people will add it to prerolls or bong loads; others will ingest it in the raw form or use Oral Syringes of CBGa Oil made from the crumble, as almost all find that doing so amplifies the effects of THC, allowing individuals with higher tolerance to experience more pronounced benefits from THC consumption.
This modulation by CBGa can be beneficial for medicinal users seeking the therapeutic effects of THC without having to increase their dosage substantially. Many who use various oils have learned about CBGa and enjoy 'Getting Balanced' within their ECS.
The Research on CBGa and ECS
Studies on CBGa are still in their nascent stages, but early research suggests promising avenues. For instance, some research indicates that CBGa may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial in managing conditions influenced by inflammation.
Moreover, its potential in neuroprotection and as an antioxidant suggests a wide range of therapeutic applications. However, it is crucial to note that more comprehensive clinical trials are necessary to understand fully the extent of CBGa's impact on the ECS.
In conclusion, while CBGa is not as well-known as other cannabinoids like CBD or THC, its role in maintaining ECS balance is gaining recognition. As research continues to evolve, this cannabinoid could emerge as a significant player in cannabinoid-based therapies, offering new avenues for health and wellness.
References
1. The Endocannabinoid System: An Overview; Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience.
2. Cannabigerol (CBGa): The Precursor to All Cannabinoid; Journal of Cannabis Research.
3. The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol; 2021 PubMed
