# CBCA

> CBCA (cannabichromenic acid) is the acid cannabinoid that CBCA synthase makes from CBGA; it decarboxylates to CBC and is usually a minor component of the profile.

- Canonical: https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cbca.html
- Also written: CBC-A, cannabichromenic acid
- Glossary category: Cannabinoids and terpenes · Evidence: Established
- Status: Draft: awaiting expert review · Updated: 2026-10-31
- Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), attribute "GenetixBay cannabis glossary"

CBCA, cannabichromenic acid, is the third major product of the [CBGA](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cbga.md) branch point, alongside [THCA](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/thca.md) and [CBDA](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cbda.md). A dedicated oxidocyclase, CBCA synthase, converts CBGA to CBCA. In most plants this enzyme loses the competition for CBGA, so CBCA stays at low levels in mature flower. Heat or time [decarboxylates](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/decarboxylation.md) it to [CBC](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cbc.md).

## In practice

On a full [COA](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/coa.md), CBCA is typically a fraction of a percent of flower weight. Breeders interested in unusual chemotypes look for it, but there are few CBCA-dominant lines. Because [THCA synthase](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/thca-synthase.md) can itself produce small amounts of CBCA as a side product, some CBCA appears in THC-type plants even without a highly active CBCA synthase.

## Units and formula

Total CBC ≈ CBC + [0.877](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/total-thc.md) × CBCA (CBCA and THCA are isomers, so the factor is the same).

## Don't confuse with

- **CBC**: the neutral form.
- **CBGA**: the precursor.
- **CBDA**: an isomer made by a different synthase.

## Related terms

[CBC](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cbc.md), [CBGA](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cbga.md), [THCA synthase](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/thca-synthase.md), [CBDA synthase](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cbda-synthase.md), [Acid vs neutral cannabinoids](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/acid-vs-neutral-cannabinoids.md)

## Sources

1. Gülck T, Møller BL. 2020. Phytocannabinoids: origins and biosynthesis. Trends in Plant Science 25(10):985-1004.
2. Hanuš LO, Meyer SM, Muñoz E, Taglialatela-Scafati O, Appendino G. 2016. Phytocannabinoids: a unified critical inventory. Natural Product Reports 33(12):1357-1392.