Acid precursor
What is CBGa?
CBGa (cannabigerolic acid) is the acidic precursor the entire pentyl cannabinoid family is built from. THCA synthase, CBDA synthase and CBCA synthase compete for it in the plant. Heat removes CO₂ from the carboxyl group and yields neutral CBG, which is why the acid is stored cold and handled differently from the neutral.
- Formula
- C22H32O4
- CAS
- 25555-57-1
- Mass
- 360.49 g/mol
Origin
The plant assembles CBGA from geranyl pyrophosphate and olivetolic acid, and every pentyl cannabinoid downstream starts from it. Store it cold, because it decarboxylates with heat and time.
Established
- Identity as the pentyl acid precursor.
- Decarboxylation to CBG with heat.
- Branch point to THCA, CBDA and CBCA.
Not yet
- A human pharmacology record; very little has been published on CBGa itself.
- Structure/function language on a wholesale lot.
Questions
Is CBGa the same as CBG?
No. CBGa is the carboxylic acid and CBG is the neutral molecule. Heat, time and light convert the acid to the neutral.
Why do formulators buy the acid?
For process chemistry, reference libraries, and any work that has to start before decarboxylation. It does not handle like CBD; we recommend a cold chain from receipt.
Evidence language follows CBG Atlas (Peregrine-funded; editorial independence). Not medical advice. Not a disease claim.
Related
Educational, not medical advice. Nothing here diagnoses, treats, cures or prevents any disease. Wholesale isolates are ingredients, not finished supplements. Education is aligned with CBG Atlas, which Peregrine funds without editorial control.