CBGACannabigerolic acid

Aliases.CBG-A · Cannabigerolic acid

The "mother cannabinoid": biosynthetic precursor of THCA, CBDA and CBCA. PPARγ agonist.

Updated on 1 May 2026

Level of detail

Identifiers

Formula: C₂₂H₃₂O₄
Molar mass: 360.49 g·mol⁻¹
CAS: 25555-57-1
PubChem CID: 6449999
First described: 1964
Origin: Plant (precursor acid)
InChIKey: SEEZIOZEUUMJME-FOWTUZBSSA-N

In plain terms

CBGA is the "mother molecule" from which the plant then makes all the other cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBC and so on). Present in large amounts in young flowers, almost gone in mature ones.

Receptors and activity

CB1
Modulator
PPARγ
Agonist
GPR55
Modulator

Agonist
Partial agonist
Antagonist
Modulator
Inverse agonist

Hover over a row for the precise value (Ki, EC50…)

Subjective signature

Hover over an axis to read its definition.

Calm
50
Clarity
60
Sleep
30
Appetite
35
High
30

Editorial estimate, not clinical.

Pharmacology

CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) is the first cannabinoid produced by the plant, from olivetolic acid and geranyl pyrophosphate. Depending on the genotype of the plant, CBGA is then converted by three distinct synthases into THCA, CBDA or CBCA - hence the expression "mother cannabinoid". PPARγ activity is documented (of metabolic interest). In 2021, van Breemen et al. (J Nat Prod, PMID 35040332) published an in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2 entry - a preliminary result, without clinical validation. French regime: cannabis, Table B.

Key sources.

van Breemen · J Nat Prod 2022PMID 35040332

Biosynthetic pathway

The first cannabinoid formed in the plant - olivetolic acid + GPP (geranyl pyrophosphate) → CBGA. Then converted enzymatically into THCA, CBDA or CBCA depending on the strain