What To Know About CBDA, CBGA and COVID-19

You might have seen CBDa and CBGa in the news recently related to their abilities to prevent COVID-19. The report is based on a study conducted at Oregon State University that revealed CBDa and CBGa bind to the COVID spike protein, blocking a crucial step in the infecting process. You might be asking yourself how does this process work? What are CBDa and CBGa? And how can I take these cannabinoids to boost my own immunity? We dug into the study to answer some of the key questions and give you a little background on CBDa and CBGa’s newfound fame.

WHAT ARE CBDA AND CBGA?

CBDa and CBGa are both non-psychoactive cannabinoids that act as precursors to their original cannabinoids. Meaning, CBDa is the raw or acidic form of CBD while CBGa is the raw or acidic form of CBG. 

CBGa, or cannabigerolic acid, is known as the mother of all cannabinoids. Through processes such as decarboxylation, other raw cannabinoids can be converted out of CBGa.

CBGa is not only a strong catalyst within the cannabis plant but also possesses many potential therapeutic benefits such as anti-inflammation, anti-bacterial, mood regulation and appetite stimulation.

CBDa, or cannabidiolic acid, is known as a ‘superiorcannabinoid’ because of its superior bioavailability. Because of its similar properties to CBD, it possesses many of the same potential benefits including reducing inflammation and pain and controlling serotonin levels related to core functions.

WHAT DID OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY’S STUDY FIND?

The main finding of the study, which was conducted by Richard van Breemen, a researcher with Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center, College of Pharmacy and Linus Pauling Institute, found that CBDa and CBGa bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which prevents the virus that causes COVID-19 from entering human cells, according to a press release from the university.

Acids from hemp act as cell inhibitors that are able to prevent and shorten infections, according to van Breemen. The acids bind to the spike proteins, inhibiting the proteins from binding with ACE2 enzymes, an important step in the infection and replication process.

“These compounds can be taken orally and have a long history of safe use in humans. They have the potential to prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2. CBDa and CBGa are produced by the hemp plant as precursors to CBD and CBG, which are familiar to many consumers. However, they are different from the acids and are not contained in hemp products,” van Breemen said in the release.

CBDa and CBGa’s efficacy was discovered through a spectrometry-based screening technique invented in van Breemen’s laboratory. The team tested a number of botanicals and cannabinoids, ultimately determining the two with the highest affinities for the spike protein were CBDa and CBGa, per van Breeman.

It is important to note the studies showed CBDa and CBGa to be effective against the alpha and beta variants of COVID-19. Van Breeman noted in the release, the combination of vaccines with the use of CBDa and CBGa should create challenges for other variants. 

HOW ARE CBDA AND CBGA ADMINISTERED?

CBDa and CBGa both posses a myriad potential health benefits including anti-inflammation, anti-anxiety, anti-bacterial, appetite stimulation and other properties related to core functions. Because of their wide-ranging properties, both cannabinoids are administered in a number of fashions including in tinctures, capsules or pastes and their raw forms. Our in-house chemists and knowledgeable sales team are always available to answer questions related to any cannabinoid and its use. Just get in touch with us!