We regularly hear about CBD, not to be confused with CBG. But what is cannabigerol (CBG)?
Marijuana has been used for thousands of years because of the many possibilities that this plant offers. It's only recently that scientists have begun to tune in to cannabinoids. Indeed, marijuana is a complex plant with more than 400 chemical compounds. However, the industry has remained focused on two specific cannabinoids: THC and cannabidiol (CBD). Other compounds, however, are beginning to come to light, such as terpenes or cannabigerol.
Cannabinoids are compounds found naturally in cannabis plants. This is not only psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but also various non-psychoactive molecules like cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), etc.
Although CBG is not as popular as its cousin CBD, it has many benefits. Indeed, cannabigerol is becoming more and more common, as it demonstrates a wide variety of medical benefits. Several studies have shown that CBG has promising therapeutic properties, useful for a wide range of disorders. For example, there are antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
What is CBG? Definition
What is CBG? Cannabigerol or CBG is a non-psychoactive compound naturally present in the cannabis plant (along with cannabidiol CBD and other cannabinoids). These cannabinoids have been shown to be effective against a significant number of diseases and disorders. Cannabigerol is the mother of all cannabinoids, it is particularly related to its biosynthesis. This is because other cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA).
CBG Biosynthesis
Cannabis plants produce cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the precursor to the three main cannabinoid lines:
- Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)
- Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)
- Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA)
CBGA is the chemical precursor of THCA and CBDA, playing a key role in the biochemistry of the cannabis plant. Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) can be converted by enzymes into tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), the precursor of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), the precursor of CBD, during the flowering cycle. Once this step is completed, the plant contains only traces of CBGA, which can be decarboxylated to CBG.
In most strains, CBG is converted into THCA or CBDA. Thus, the more THC there is, the less CBG and CBD there are (and vice versa).
Interaction of cannabigerol
Cannabigerol (CBG) interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), including CB1 and CB2 receptors. As a reminder, the ECS is a complex network of neurotransmitters and receptors that work together to signal and transmit information throughout the body. It is in particular this network that will make us feel the pain. Indeed, the endocannabinoid system (ECS), works to maintain the control of homeostasis (balance in the body).
Since CBG is present in small amounts (usually less than 1%) in most cannabis strains, it is considered one of the weakest cannabinoids. But then, why be interested in CBG? Why use cannabigerol?
What are the benefits and effects of CBG?
We already have THC for the psychotropic side, and CBD is very effective if you want to enjoy the benefits of the herb without the adverse effects of THC, including getting high.
All of this is true, but it's important to remember that almost all cannabinoids have something unique to offer. In fact, CBG produces quite exclusive effects.
- CBG helps soothe pain
- Cannabigerol contributes to muscle relaxation and soothing tired muscles
- It influences to improve mood in relation to the level of serotonin in the brain
- Protects and relieves intestinal problems, especially for inflammatory stomach diseases
- CBG promotes the healing process of bones
- CBG for the treatment of glaucoma
- Cannabigerol has neuroprotective properties, useful for Huntington's disease
- This cannabinoid has antibacterial properties to fight against certain staphylococci such as MRSA
- Fights cancer cells, especially for colon cancer.
- CBG also helps stimulate appetite
How to use CBG?
CBG is most easily found in the form of oil. You can consume and enjoy the benefits of pure CBG oil. However, CBG oils are expensive and rare. Indeed, as we have seen, cannabigerol is found in smaller amounts than other cannabinoids in plants. Strain strain strains have a very small impact on the level of CBG found in cannabis plants. Generally, a maximum of 1% of cnnabigerol is found in marijuana plants. While we easily find 25% CBD.
The good news is that you can also reap some of the benefits of CBG by using the best broad-spectrum CBD oils . Broad-spectrum CBD oils contain all the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, including CBG, but not THC.
When cannabinoids are used together, they can increase each other's effectiveness through a phenomenon called the entourage effect.
Use of CBG and entourage effect
As we have just seen, CBG has interesting properties and benefits. You can either consume pure cannabigerol products or broad-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD) products, thanks to the entourage effect.
The entourage effect is a concept that highlights the synergy of cannabinoids and their effects between them. Thus, CBD is most effective when ingested with other cannabinoids at the same time, such as CBG for example. We benefit from the entourage effect with broad-spectrum products. This is because full-spectrum products contain all cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.
So one can enjoy the benefits of cannabigerol with broad-spectrum cannabidiol products.
What are the prospects for cannabigerol?
CBD has been in the spotlight since scientists elucidated its mechanism of action and potential effects. It didn't take long for consumers to want to take advantage of this cannabinoid. Right now, many people rave about the effects they are feeling.
The interest and prospects for cannabigerol (CBG) are only at the beginning. It will likely be similar to the explosion that CBD has experienced. Indeed, early scientific studies look promising, but we need extensive human studies to find out what the cannabinoid is actually capable of.
More and more CBG-rich products extracted from the cannabis or hemp plant are appearing on the market. These products range from unprocessed buds to oils. It is highly likely that CBG will join its cousin cannabinoids like CBD and THC.
Which is better: CBG or CBD?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is often compared to cannabidiol (CBD). They both have many similarities and they both act on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). In addition, both CBG and CBD are non-psychoactive. So they will only create a feeling of high or "high", unlike THC.
A major difference between CBD and CBG is the amount of product that is extracted in cannabis. Most cannabis plants contain only 1% CBG, but up to 25% CBD.
The way CBG interacts with our endocannabinoid system is different from that of CBD. CBG binds directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors and may be more effective in delivering its benefits to our system.
CBD is not superior to CBG or vice versa. Both compounds have similarities, but they work in unique ways. Unlike CBD which is very popular, CBG is still the subject of many studies. No doubt, consumers will become more and more vigilant with CBG, as it grows in popularity.
Thanks to the entourage effect, there is no choice between cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabidiol (CBD). You can enjoy the benefits of each with full-spectrum products such as CBD oil for example. CBG and CBD are potentially a great combination when taken together. By harnessing the qualities of both, consumers can support their well-being in different ways, although we don't yet know exactly what CBG is capable of.
Is CBG safe?
Cannabigerol is safe! Available studies indicate that CBG is safe to use and well tolerated. Unlike THC, the use of CBG does not cause psychotropic side effects.
What is the price of the products?
CBG products are relatively rare and expensive. Extracting and isolating CBG from hemp and cannabis plants is an expensive process. This particular cannabinoid exists only in small quantities. Most cannabis strains contain less than 1% CBG. In addition, producers and growers prefer products based on THC or CBD.
What is the difference between CBD and CBG?
CBD and CBG are both non-psychotropic cannabinoids, which means they won't get you high. They also both interact with the same receptors in the body. The difference between CBD and CBG comes down to the different health benefits each brings. Cannabigerol has different health benefits than cannabidiol. These benefits can also be compatible to treat certain ailments and disorders.
At present, CBD is much more popular than CBG. Therefore, there are more scientific studies and knowledge about the latter.
Is CBG useful for sleeping?
CBG is very useful for sleeping. CBG helps fight against sleep disorders, especially in case of insomnia.
Is CBG better than CBD for anxiety?
CBD in particular has been shown to be particularly useful for milder forms of anxiety CBG, on the other hand, has powerful properties against anxiety but also allows muscle relaxation.Both are connected to the same nervous system. This is explained by the interaction of CBG with our endocannabinoid system (ECS).Cannabigerol binds to certain endocannabinoid receptors in the brain that alleviate anxiety and pain.
Is CBG legal?
CBG is not illegal, unlike THC. There is a lack of regulations and laws to regulate cannabigerol in France and Europe.