If you’ve ever spent any time online (like here) or at your local dispensary, the most popular form of cannabis, THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and Convention on Biological Diversity (Cannabidiol), and its effects may sound like old news. But as both the science and legislation around weed research improve, so does our access to the rest 100+ cannabinoids Existing in the plant, each has its own unique set of properties and experiences.
CBG, or cannabigerol, is called a byproduct of hemp because it manifests in trace amounts in most strains, and it’s been around for years, making a worthy addition to your herbal encyclopedia and your next smoke sesh.
The origins of CBG
Although you may not have heard of CBG, humans have been reaping its benefits for thousands of years, in both hemp and hemp plants. First synthesized in 1964, along with THC, it has been extensively studied for its medicinal potential. It is often called “Mother of all cannabinoids” Because without it, hemp would not have a high percentage.
Do you know the saying that all roads lead to Rome? Well, all hemp leads to CBG.
shape 1: CBG-A is the chemical precursor to THCA, CBDA, and CBCA (not shown). Enzymes in cannabis convert CBGA into THCA or CBDA, which can then be decarboxylated (“activator”) by light or heat energy to create THC or CBD. (Amy Fong/Leafly)
As young cannabis plants mature and begin to bud, several enzymes and compounds combine to form the precursor to CBG – also called “early” cannabis – called CBGA. CBGA is where all cannabinoids begin; As a plant approaches the end of its growth cycle and absorbs more and more UV light, CBGA breaks down and turns into THCA And the CBDA, the acidic precursors of our favorite and most prominent cannabinoids, THC and CBD. Unless they have been bred to do so, in most cases, only a very small amount will become CBG.
CBG in hemp plants
thanks for the 2018 farm bellHemp plants containing less than 0.3% THC are considered federally legal. CBGA is present in both hemp and hemp plants, and because it is directly related to the potency of the CBG and CBD of the hemp plant, growers can derive CBG from hemp plants. In fact, many cannabis growers are now breeding and growing CBG-rich strains that don’t require a trip to the dispensary or a medical marijuana card to get access.
Since CBG is not abundant in most strains, breeders have begun cross-breeding the plants to achieve higher levels of cannabinoids. Farms like Oregon CBD have won multiple awards on CBG white strain which contains about 10% CBG and less than 0.3% THC.
Medicinal benefits of CBG
Despite its negligible numbers in shoots of mature weeds, when isolated, CBG demonstrates a number of benefits to the human body.
CBG, like CBD, is not intoxicating and does not give a high percentage, despite its association with THC. Research indicates It can bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors within the body’s endocannabinoid system, which means that it not only interacts directly with the body’s internal systems, but can also counteract the effects of other cannabinoids, such as THC.
human body endocannabinoid system (ECS) It maintains the body in a balanced state of homeostasis through countless receptors in all extremities, organs, nerves, and systems (eg, digestive, immune, reproductive, and more).
a 2021 Patient Survey The majority of patients indicated that CBG-dominant products are effective in treating chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia, among other conditions.
While there are still gaps to be filled in CBG research, early results indicate that it has several health benefits:
- Reducing eye pressure It acts as a vasodilator. This makes it a promising option for treating and managing the symptoms of glaucoma.
- anti-inflammatory properties when tested on mice with induced colitis, which could prove to be an effective and comprehensive treatment for various Inflammatory bowel diseases.
- Fighting Huntington’s disease in mice, Which causes degeneration of neurons in the brain, by protecting neurons and impeding progression.
- that Alpha-2 . receptor agonistIt is found primarily in the nervous system and regulates blood pressure and heart rate, as well as the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. By inhibiting them, CBG may be able to Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms.
- High potential as a Cancer inhibitors and treatmentincluding breast, stomach, colorectal, and even glioblastoma brain tumors.
- that antibacterial agent, Even against bacterial strains that are resistant to other drugs.
- appetite stimulation, although the studies were only conducted on mice. This may help stimulate appetite in patients with chronic diseases or those who have lost their appetite due to cancer treatments.
Since CBG is non-intoxicating and can be derived from cannabis plants, which are federally legal, it is not a scheduled substance. This means that scientists can now access funding to further study the full potential of this particular cannabis. The best is yet to come!
Differences in Effects in CBG and CBD
The recent influx of cannabis into the market means that there is a lot of information to track. At a glance, CBG may appear to be a different type of CBD, as they are both non-intoxicating and exhibit similar anti-inflammatory properties. But there are key differences that may change the way you consume each.
CBG and CBD do not bind to the same receptors in the body, and they also differ at the molecular level. Since CBG can bind to the same receptors as THC, it is likely to treat problems related to the nervous system, including the conditions mentioned above, such as glaucoma, MigrainesAnd the muscle soreness and stimulate appetite.
CBD, on the other hand, may be More effective for immunity-related conditions Regulating mood disorders.
In research, both are promising Champions The Effects of THC, and does not poison the consumer even when taken in high doses.
Herbal strains with CBG
Since CBG essentially becomes a cannabinoid, most flowers available for purchase at licensed adult use dispensaries will contain less than 1% CBG.
Certain strains, such as White CBG, are bred by hemp farms to produce a higher level of CBG, and will not transmit higher. However, although cannabis growers can legally grow smokeable CBG hemp and manufacture CBG products in states that allow it, they Not subject to the same test criteria Like cannabis.
Inhalation and ingestion of cannabis products with a wide variety of cannabinoids and terpenes may have better medicinal and recreational efficacy than isolation for some individuals – this is called footnote effector whole plant medicine. Even if what you’re consuming isn’t CBG-controlling, CBG can still contribute to an enjoyable or therapeutic experience.
We’ve rounded up some of the best high THC strains that also express CBG:
CBG products are appearing more and more in the adult use, medical marijuana and hemp markets as this cannabis proves time and time again to be worth a try.