Strengthen Your Defenses Naturally with CBDa and CBGa

If you already use full-spectrum hemp, you may have seen two lesser-known compounds pop up on labels: CBDa and CBGa. These are the “acidic” forms of CBD and CBG that occur naturally in raw hemp before heat converts them into their better-known counterparts.

Interest in CBDa and CBGa has surged because early laboratory and animal studies suggest they may support healthy inflammatory balance, gut comfort and more. Below, we explain what they are, how they work, what the science really says and how to choose quality products that keep these delicate compounds intact.

Quick disclaimer: This article is for education only and is not medical advice. Speak with a qualified health professional before using any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medicines or have a medical condition.

What are CBDa and CBGa?

Cannabidiolic acid (CBDa) and cannabigerolic acid (CBGa) are naturally occurring, non-intoxicating cannabinoids found in raw, unheated hemp. CBGa is often called the “mother” cannabinoid because the plant uses it to biosynthesise other acidic cannabinoids, including CBDa and THCa.

When hemp is heated or stored for long periods, these acidic forms can lose their carboxyl group in a process called decarboxylation, converting CBDa to CBD and CBGa to CBG. Keeping hemp closer to its raw state preserves CBDa and CBGa’s distinct profiles.

Why are people excited about them?

1) Inflammation and COX-2 signalling

Early bench studies show that CBDa may selectively inhibit COX-2, an enzyme involved in the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. In cell assays (experimental methods that use whole cells to measure biological responses), CBDa inhibited COX-2 at low micromolar concentrations, with far less effect on COX-1, suggesting a potentially favorable selectivity profile compared with many common NSAIDs. These are preclinical findings, but they help explain why some users associate raw hemp with a “soothing” feel.

2) Nausea and gut comfort

Animal research suggests CBDa interacts with the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, which is deeply involved in nausea pathways. In shrews and rats, very low doses of CBDa reduced vomiting and nausea-like behavior and enhanced 5-HT1A signalling. Human data are still needed, but the mechanism is biologically plausible and aligns with many users’ anecdotal reports.

3) Viral entry research that made headlines

In 2022, a peer-reviewed study from Oregon State University reported that CBDa and CBGa bound to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in vitro and blocked pseudo-virus entry into human cells at micromolar concentrations. This does not mean hemp prevents or treats COVID-19 in people, but it is a noteworthy laboratory signal that these acidic cannabinoids can interact with biologically relevant proteins. Subsequent commentary and institutional summaries emphasized the in vitro nature of the work.

4) Broader receptor activity and “defence” signalling

CBGa and CBDa engage a web of cell targets beyond CB1 and CB2, including transient receptor potential (TRP) channels that sense temperature and chemical stress, and nuclear receptors like PPAR-γ that influence oxidative stress responses. Reviews published in 2024–2025 summarize antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical models. Again, most data are preclinical, but they map to pathways that help the body maintain homeostasis under everyday stress.

Bioavailability: Do acidic cannabinoids absorb differently?

One practical reason to keep CBDa in the mix is absorption. Emerging human and translational data indicate that carboxylated cannabinoids like CBDa may reach higher blood levels and absorb faster than their decarboxylated counterparts at comparable doses.

Recent pharmacokinetic work reported superior absorption for CBDa and questioned whether “full-spectrum” alone guarantees better uptake, pointing instead to formulation details. Veterinary and human-oriented studies have seen CBDa achieve similar or greater exposure than CBD, with lipid carriers such as lecithin improving levels further. More research is ongoing, but the early pharmacokinetics are encouraging for low-and-slow use.

How CBDa and CBGa may support everyday defences

When people talk about “defences”, they usually mean the body’s ability to maintain balance in the face of daily stressors. While we should avoid over-promising, the mechanisms above suggest a few commonsense roles:

Inflammatory balance: Selective COX-2 effects and TRP modulation could help nudge the body toward equilibrium after exercise or long workdays, complementing diet, sleep and movement.
Gut and motion comfort: 5-HT1A interactions make CBDa a candidate for supporting calm stomach signals in situations prone to nausea. Human trials are required, but the animal work is unusually potent at low doses
Cellular stress signalling: CBGa’s activity at PPAR-γ and TRP channels is consistent with antioxidant and homeostatic effects observed in preclinical models.

Whole-plant thinking: keeping the “acidic” fraction intact

Because heat converts CBDa and CBGa to CBD and CBG, extraction and finishing methods matter. If your goal is to retain acidic cannabinoids:

Opt for low-heat or raw-style extracts that explicitly list CBDa and CBGa.
Look for full-spectrum options when appropriate, since terpenes and flavonoids can also engage COX, TRP and PPAR pathways
Check the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for CBDa and CBGa content, along with terpene profile, heavy metals, residual solvents and microbial testing.

Formulation can also influence uptake. Lipid carriers like MCT or lecithin can improve cannabinoid absorption in general, and some studies suggest lecithin-based carriers may increase CBDa exposure.

Safety, quality and the current regulatory landscape

Non-intoxicating: CBDa and CBGa are non-intoxicating. Quality full-spectrum hemp products should remain below 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight in the United States, though laws vary by state and country.
Regulatory status: In the United States, the FDA has not created a route for CBD or related cannabinoids to be marketed as dietary supplements or added to foods in interstate commerce. The agency continues to issue warnings about disease claims and product quality. Many states set their own rules, which can differ. In the UK and EU, CBDa and CBGa products are also subject to Novel Food regulations, meaning only approved formulations can be sold as ingestibles. Always check local law.
Quality matters: Independent analyses regularly find variability in cannabinoid content across the market. Buy from vendors who publish current, batch-specific CoAs from accredited labs and who avoid disease claims. Resources from public health bodies also caution about possible drug interactions and liver effects with cannabinoids in general. Consult your clinician if you take medicines that carry grapefruit-style warnings, anticoagulants or antiseizure drugs.

Practical tips for using CBDa and CBGa as part of a daily routine

Start low and observe: Because acidic cannabinoids may absorb efficiently, many people do well starting with a very low amount, then adjusting over a week or two. Pair with food that contains some fat to aid uptake. Early-day or split dosing is common for steady support.
Choose formats that protect acids: Raw or minimally heated tinctures and capsules are ideal for preserving CBDa and CBGa. If you cook with hemp oil, add it at the end to avoid decarboxylation. Store in a cool, dark place to minimise conversion over time.
Blend with lifestyle basics: CBDa and CBGa should complement, not replace, fundamentals. Prioritise sleep, fibre-rich plants, hydration, movement and stress-management habits. These pillars do more for your defences than any single compound.
Log your response: Track how you feel for two to four weeks. Note energy, exercise recovery, gut comfort and any side effects. Adjust only one variable at a time.

FAQs

Will CBDA or CBGA make me feel “high”?

No. They are non-intoxicating. Any full-spectrum hemp product should meet the legal THC threshold where you live. Always verify with a current CoA.

Is there solid human evidence yet?

Human data for CBDa and CBGa are limited but growing, especially around absorption. The strongest findings today come from cell and animal models. That is why we frame these compounds as supportive rather than therapeutic.

What about the 2022 virus study I saw online?

That was an in-vitro study showing CBDa and CBGa bound the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and blocked entry into cells in a dish. It does not prove benefit in humans, but it sparked new research interest.

Can I take CBDA or CBGA with my medicines?

Some cannabinoids interact with liver enzymes that metabolise medicines. Speak with a healthcare professional who understands cannabinoids, especially if you take medicines with narrow therapeutic windows.

Key takeaways

CBDa and CBGa are raw, non-intoxicating cannabinoids that the plant makes before heat converts them to CBD and CBG.
Preclinical research suggests roles in inflammatory balance, gut comfort and cellular stress signalling, with intriguing in-vitro antiviral findings. Human studies are still limited.
Early pharmacokinetic data indicate CBDa may absorb efficiently, so low-and-slow approaches make sense. Formulation matters.
Quality, legality and lab transparency are essential. The FDA has not approved CBD-family cannabinoids as dietary supplements in interstate commerce. Check your local regulations.