CANNABIGEROVARINIC ACID (CBGVA)

There are plenty of cannabinoids within the cannabis plant. We know most of them, while some are still waiting to be discovered. Cannabigerovarinic Acid is a derivative of CBG, and may offer use some insight when it comes to the formation of other cannabinoids.

What is Cannabigerovarinic Acid (CBGVA)?

Without a doubt, the most popular cannabinoids people know of are Tetrahydrocannabinol – (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). However, the cannabis plant does not make these cannabinoids in a straightforward manner.

Rather, cannabinoids in an acidic form, like CBGVA, are decarboxylated to create some of the more popular cannabinoids we know of. CBGVA is a type of acidic compound that creates a smaller molecule once the acid has been decarboxylated.

For this reason, CBGVA is what we call one of the ‘precursor cannabinoids’.

CBGVA is a precursor cannabinoid of CBGV, and CBGV is derived from cannabigerol (CBG).

Discovery of CBG Derivatives

In the year 1964, CBG was first discovered in Israel by researchers Yehiel Gaoni and Raphael Mechoulam.

These two marijuana plant researchers were able to isolate CBG, THC, and CBD from the cannabis plant. At that point in time, they may not have not been able to see how important their discovery was. Their research is now the basis for most cannabinoid synthesis and formulation work/research.

CBGVA as stated earlier is another building block for cannabinoids. It is a naturally occurring cannabinoid, just like it’s close relative cannabigerolic acid (CBGA).

Any cannabinoid that has “V” in its name means it contains divarinolic acid, which causes them to have fewer carbon atoms than the rest of the cannabinoids without “V”. 

So far, there is very little information available about CBGVA. The negative stereotypes and constant legal battle with cannabis across the world is limiting research and studies done in regards to the compounds found in the plant.

How Does CBGVA Work In Our Bodies?

The honest answer is, we know little about how cannabinoids, like CBGVA, work in our bodies.

That said, we do know that we possess an endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for many things revolving around endocannabinoids. It can also utilize phytocannabinoids (plant chemicals).

Just like every other cannabinoid, CBG functions by impacting the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) within our body.

The major function of this system is to ensure the regulation of physiological functions and maintain an internal balance.

Related: How Does CBD Work in Our Bodies?

Are There Therapeutic Benefits of CBGVA?

The medical benefits of CBGVA are basically unknown at this point. Hopefully we’ll learn some more about its’ medical use in the near future.

Since CBGVA is also one of the produced acids of CBG, we can infer certain potential benefits. Of course, these are just speculations, and need to be proven.

Eyecare

Although research has only been conducted on lab animals, there are reports that CBG can play an active role in the treatment of glaucoma.

Anti-bacterial properties

There are scientific reports that say CBG has strong anti-bacterial properties, especially against drug-resistant MRSA. Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that cause resistance to the power of antibiotics. Research shows that CBG helps to prevent the formation of these biofilms.

Pain relief

A study done in 2010 shows that CBG can serve as an analgesic – perhaps even better than THC. The study done on rats shows that CBG can act as an alpha-2-adrenoreceptor agonist, which means it can control the sensation of pain in rats.

Related: Using CBD Oil for Pain Management

Relaxation and Anti Anxiety Effects

There is a small school of thought that suggests using CBG, and even CBGA, to help induce a relaxation. This can also help curb feelings of anxiety. I could not find any scientific data to back this up, nonetheless, some cannabis ‘experts’ still make this claim.

Interesting Facts About CBGVA

• CBGVA is another building block for cannabinoids. It is also a naturally occurring cannabinoid, just like CBGA. 
• CBGVA produces CBGV through the process of decarboxylation.
• Synonyms include: Cannabigerovarinic acid | 64924-07-8 | CBGVA | 29M8M4ZTH4 | 3-[(2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienyl]-2,4-dihydroxy-6-propylbenzoic acid
• Molecular formula: C₂₀H₂₈O₄
• Molecular weight: 332.4

References

COLASANTI, B. K. (1990). A Comparison of the Ocular and Central Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabigerol. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 6(4), 259–269. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/jop.1990.6.259 

Maya A. Farha, Omar M. El-Halfway, Robert T. Gale, Craig R. MacNair, Lindsey A. Carfrae, Xiong Zhang, Nicholas G. Jentsch, Jakob Magolan, Eric D. Brown. Uncovering the Hidden Antibiotic Potential of Cannabis. ACS Infectious Diseases, 2020; DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00419

Banerjee SP, Snyder SH, Mechoulam R. Cannabinoids: influence on neurotransmitter uptake in rat brain synaptosomes. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1975;194(1):74-81