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What Is CBG? A Beginner's Guide To Cannabigerol
Have you ever heard about CBG? Well, whether you are here because you know a thing or two about CBG or you are here to understand the hype behind CBG, you need to stick around.
This post seeks to define everything about CBG – the “New Cannabinoid on the block everyone is talking about. Frequently, Cannabigerol or CBG usually denoted as ‘the mother of all cannabinoids,’ plays a vital role in forming popular cannabinoids CBD and THC.
Despite being so often overlooked (perhaps because of its scarcity within the hemp plant), CBG is now gaining significant popularity, with numerous companies now shifting their attention to its production.
If you want to know what CBG is, its origin, benefits, uses, and how to use it, keep reading this guide to learn more.
What Is Cannabigerol?
In a simple definition, CBG is a distinctive, lesser-known type of cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. Often stated as the ‘mother of cannabinoids,’ it is the primary component from which other cannabinoids are obtained.
All other cannabinoids are obtained from an elusive acidic form of CBG called cannabigerolic acid. Among the common cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
Although the more prevalent cannabinoids mentioned above are ampler, CBG comes in much lower amounts in marijuana and hemp plants. Because of its relatively low concentrations (below 2 % in hemp and below 1 % in marijuana), CBG is deemed as a minor cannabinoid.
Simply, cannabinoids are simply chemical compounds that occur naturally and which interact with our endocannabinoid system, either indirectly or directly.
This leads to multiple, diverse effects and benefits, although this is dependent on which particular cannabinoid is in question. The results can include better concentration, mood regulation, as well as relieving joint discomfort and muscle relief.
What is CBG Oil?
CBG oil (Cannabigerol oil), generally represents a distinctive extract derived from cannabis plants, particularly the hemp CBG flower with high CBG content. Similar to CBD, its legality resides with the sourcing process.
If the CBG oil is a product of industrial hemp and features a relatively low THC level below 0.3 %, it is not illegal. This means that you can buy it in any of the 50 US states, not to mention numerous countries globally.
Nonetheless, if the CBG oil is extracted from typical marijuana plants and features high THC levels beyond 0.3%, it can be illegal. In that case, it may be listed as illegal in several US states (and under federal law).
Similarly, it is also banned in multiple nations worldwide. Therefore, you must always ensure that you carefully check the label before making your purchase!
How Is CBG Extracted?
Cannabis plants usually produce CBGA (cannabigerolic acid), the originator of the three primary cannabinoid lines, mainly CBCA (cannabichromenic acid), CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), and THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid),
Explicit enzymes found in the plant usually break down CBGA and ‘steer’ it towards these three lines. Afterward, the acids are then exposed to viola and ultraviolet heat or light and transform into the common cannabinoids: CBD and THC.
Usually, CBGA is instantly converted into CBDA or THCA in most cannabinoids strains. As such, more THC content means less CBD and CBG (and vice versa), considering how these compounds are naturally synthesized.
Most hemp strains boast significantly low CBG levels -usually below 1%. Typically, this is why CBG ranks as the costliest cannabinoid when it comes to production and extraction costs. For extractors to generate the same quantity of CBD oil from a CBD flower containing only 20% CBD, producers require to have a 20x quantity of CBG (hemp) biomass.
Owing to the difficulty of obtaining CBG, many cannabis growers have started experimenting with genetic manipulation and cross-breeding of plants to help the cannabis plants generate more CBG. As production of high CBG strains increases, costs for CBG extract should drop, but it may take some time.
Are CBG & CBD The Same? How Do They Compare?
Both CBG and CBD originate from cannabigerolic acid and are non-intoxicating compounds; hence can’t get you high. But while both compounds share several similarities, they also have few differences.
When it comes to similarities, both CBG and CBD interact with similar identical receptors in our bodies. This is as per a detailed 2018 study that also suggests that both compounds boast anti-inflammatory effects.
Besides this, these two compounds mediate the THC-associated psychotropic effect (reduce the high) and also result in the entourage effect, effectively magnifying each of their calming effects when administered together.
Nonetheless, compared to CBD, CBG interacts rather uniquely with our endocannabinoid system. Unlike CBD, whose direct interaction with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain is quite limited, CBG binds to the CB2 and CB1 receptors directly and offers a more natural effect on the endocannabinoid system.
Beyond their unique, organic properties, CBG is relatively more difficult to extract and generate than CBD. Based on CBG’s scarcity in the cannabis plant, producing it is a more delicate and expensive process. Usually, many companies shift their attention to extracting CBD isolates rendering CBG products more rare and costly.
What Are The Benefits Of CBG?
Although the research and materials on CBG are reasonably limited, several studies suggest that CBG offers multiple benefits. Here are some of the few benefits associated with CBG:
Treatment of Glaucoma
According to a 2008 study, medical cannabis can help treat glaucoma, partly due to CBG. Also, CBG is effective since it minimizes intraocular pressure.
Relief From Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Results from a 2013 study conducted on mice indicate that CBG reduces inflammation caused by inflammatory bowel disease.
Treatment of Huntington's Disease
Results in a 2015 study that was conducted on mice with Huntington’s disease indicated that CBG might potentially help in the treatment of this neurodegenerative condition, among others.
Treatment of Bladder Dysfunctions
One study published in 2015 outlined that CBG exhibits positive signs of effectively treating bladder dysfunctions. Moree work needs to be done in CBG research, but preliminary studies are showing great promise.
Potentially Helping With Bacterial Infections
Finally, one 2008 study proposes that CBG can effectively kill bacteria, particularly MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) known to cause drug-resistant staph infections. Such infections are usually somewhat dangerous and difficult to treat.
While all these studies are quite promising, it is vital to keep in mind that they don’t necessarily confirm the CBG benefits. More research is necessary to grasp the impact of CBG in the human body fully.
Does CBG Have Side Effects?
The fact that only a limited number of research and studies on CBG are available make it difficult to conclude there are side effects. However, there have not been any significant side effects observed as long as it is consumed in regular doses.
Before you proceed to purchase and add CBG to your daily regimen, you must always ensure you consult with your physician. This is particularly important if you are on prescribed medication or you suffer from underlying medical issues.
How To Use CBG
CBG is predominantly produced for consumers as CBG oil. While you can enjoy the benefits of CBG by using CBG oil, these oils are expensive and rare.
Fortunately, you may also enjoy the same benefits associated with CBG by using broad-spectrum CBD oils. These CBD oils boast all the cannabinoids present in cannabis plants, including CBG.
When combined, cannabinoids can boost each other’s efficiency through a unique phenomenon known as the entourage effect. Although supplies are scarce, if you are a CBD business owner, you can purchase our bulk CBG Isolate to us in your products to give customers a trendy and effective isolated cannabinoid.
We can also provide high CBGa kief for your commercial operations and can pump out thousands of pounds of CBG kief each month.
Where To Buy CBG Oil
Getting the best CBG oil can be quite challenging since it is somewhat harder to extract it than CBD because of higher production-related costs. What’s more, neither CBG nor CBD is regulated by the accredited Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As such, you need to do more research to ensure you get the best quality product.
Unfortunately, even in the locations and outlets where it is offered, the chances are that prices are much higher compared to the already pricey CBD products. If you want to buy CBG oil, the best way to ensure you get the right product is by choosing to purchase CBG oil from reputable sources that carry out third-party testing on their products.
Does CBG Oil Make You High?
Fortunately, CBG oil will not get you “high” like THC. Just like with CBD, cannabigerol is naturally slightly psychoactive, not psychotropic. Both CBD and CBG have different effects on the brain and unique to the impact of THC. What’s more, they don’t feature any intoxicating effects.
When in reasonably high concentrations, CBG can induce distinctive euphoria and relaxation effects. However, most of the effects associated with this cannabinoid are not psychological.
What Is CBG?: The Final Word
Undoubtedly, CBG is growing in popularity, although the research on its effect is still relatively scarce. Although several studies have proposed that it has several potential benefits, only a little is available on its side effects. This is in addition to how it may potentially react when used with various medications.
Even so, if you are still interested in adding CBG oil to your routine, it might be more prudent and more comfortable to just go for top-shelf full-spectrum CBD products, which also include CBG. While at it, ensure that you consult with your healthcare provider before using these oils with any medications or if you suffer from an underlying medical conditions.
