Overview
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If you have been a cannabis user for quite some time or are just particularly interested in cannabis, you might have already heard about THC and CBD. Those two are the most popular cannabinoid today, and there has been much discussion about their effects and benefits. This post might be different since we will be talking about the lesser-known cannabinoid, but with remarkably good effects, which is the CBD or cannabigerol. Although CBG is not abundant in levels and may not be present in all strains, it is definitely a cannabinoid, which is worth a page in our book.
Cannabigerol Information – What is CBG?
Cannabigerol is a minor cannabinoid that is found in small amounts in cannabis plants. Despite its low levels, the CBG is referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids for an awesome reason. CBG is the mother of all cannabinoids since the other cannabinoids in cannabis plants are derived from the cannabigerolic acid or the CBGA, which is the acidic form of CBG. Due to the rising popularity and special therapeutic effects that cannabis can offer, more interest is being sparked by the THC and CBD levels of the cannabis plants and other cannabinoids, such as the CBG as well.
CBG levels in cannabis plants are low compared to CBD and THC. CBG only comes at 1% levels while CBD ranges from 20% to 25% and THC from 25% to 30% – this is why products derived from rare and purest forms of cannabinoids are pricey. Despite being expensive, CBG has also built its name, in the line of the most well-known cannabinoids, because of its potential health effects and benefits.
How CBG is made
CBG is normally extracted from young cannabis plants since the younger ones contain higher amounts of CBG compared to mature plants. There are strains that are cultivated to produce higher amounts of CBG. These strains include White CBG, Jack Frost CBG, and Super Glue CBG.
CBG is contained in larger amounts in small plants because most cannabinoids start as CBGA, which is the acidic form of CBG. They tend to lessen over time as the plants mature because by then, CBG has already been converted to CBD and THC. Due to scarcity and difficulty when it comes to making and producing CBG, many cultivators have already thought of cross-breeding and genetic modification to help cannabis plants in the production of CBG at higher levels.
How CBG works
CBG, like all other cannabinoids, are processed in the endocannabinoid system of the human body. They also interact with the cannabinoid receptors, which are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. As mentioned in the other articles, the CB1 is mostly seen and active in the brain or the central nervous system. At the same time, the CB2 is distributed around the relevant major organs and the immune system.
CBG will then bind with these cannabinoid receptors and other receptors in the body that are capable of engaging the CBG compound. When CBG can bind to these receptors successfully, they now proceed to send signals to start the mechanism of action and eventually produce the effects and benefits that they bring. CBG compounds can interact with both CB1 and CB2 receptors; however, they can bind more strongly to the CB2 receptors. This interaction has shown that CBG is able to bind with the endocannabinoid system in a couple of ways that are likely to be beneficial and therapeutic.
There is also a huge possibility that CBG is able to produce a unique set of physiological effects apart from those being produced by THC and CBD. CBG is also not capable of producing a defined and intense high because of the absence of psychoactive properties.
CBG and its relation to the Entourage Effect
There is no question that each cannabinoid has its own unique set of therapeutic and medicinal effects. However, when these cannabinoids function and work synergistically, direct and indirect interactions between these cannabinoids and other compounds may take place. These interactions then produce a phenomenon known as the entourage effect that can modify and improve the overall medicinal effect of the cannabis plant. Therefore, when THC, CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids are combined with working together, the user will better affect the mind and body. Many users have claimed that the entourage effect has helped in the reduction of intoxication and paranoia brought about by THC.
CBG vs. CBD
CBG and CBD are both non-psychoactive and come with many health and therapeutic benefits, so they are commonly compared to each other. The most distinct difference between their interaction with the endocannabinoid system. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system indirectly because of its low affinity for the cannabinoid receptors. CBG, on the other hand, can interact directly with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors to efficiently bring out its health benefits towards the body. CBG is also effective in working as a buffer against the psychoactive effects of THC.
When it comes to production, CBG is scarce compared to CBD. This is the reason why manufacturers prefer to produce CBD rather than CBG.
Benefits of CBG
Like all the other cannabinoids and other compounds in the cannabis plants, CBG has its own set of research-proven benefits too. According to studies, CBG can work as a neuroprotective agent that can greatly contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. CBG can function to prevent oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, therefore serving as a neuroprotectant.
CBG has a good deal of contribution to inflammation, too, since it has remarkable anti-inflammatory properties as many cannabinoids do. This makes CBG an effective relief for symptoms that are related to inflammation, and this cannabinoid even has tumor-inhibiting properties, which is indeed very impressive.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBG is also a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent. CBG has remarkable antibacterial properties making it a candidate for a combined treatment against MRSA.
Being an excellent vasodilator with neuroprotective properties, CBG can also demonstrate effects that can help in the treatment of glaucoma y lowering pressure around the optic area.
How to use CBG
The most common and convenient way to enjoy CBG intake is through CBG oil. CBG oils are pure, and they tend to be expensive because they are rare and scarce. If you cannot find or purchase a CBD product, you may still be able to enjoy its benefits by using broad-spectrum CBD oils. The broad-spectrum ones contain all the other cannabinoids, except THC, found in cannabis plants, and that includes CBG. As mentioned above, when cannabinoids are used together, they tend to amplify each other’s effectiveness and reach the entourage effect.
CBG in Products
Unfortunately, CBG is extremely costly to produce and to able to create even a small amount of product, and you will need tons of biomass. This is because CBG is present in minute levels in cannabis plants, and CBG production needs highly specialized chromatographic equipment that can be very expensive.
Growers and cultivators have also genetically enhanced the cannabis plants to produce more THC and CBD, so to extract more CBG, they might also need to work on genetically modified cannabis plants that will be able to produce more CBG. These cultivators and scientists have worked to solve this problem by selecting existing cannabis strains that have a high CBG genetic make-up compared to others. The high CBG cannabis cultivations are referred to as Type IV cannabis.
All the processes and plans will take a lot of time and effort, but there is already something to look forward to since many growers and cultivators are already working to address the problem.
Wrapping up on CBG
Cannabis plants are truly fascinating and awesome in the sense that they contain many amazing compounds with a unique set of benefits and mechanisms of action. It is even more fascinating that each cannabis plant can differ in many ways possible. It might be its physical appearance, aroma, flavors, effects, benefits, and others. Their complex chemical composition brings about the remarkable differences and unique characteristics of each cannabis plant.
Cannabis plants are filled with tons of organic and chemical compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenes, phytocannabinoids, and more. And these compounds are the ones responsible for the health benefits and therapeutic effects that you can enjoy now. From giving you a sense of relaxation to alleviating much-dreaded symptoms and illnesses, cannabis plants definitely got it all for you. It is always good to know and discover more about cannabis plants, and it is great that we are able to add CBG to the famous platform with CBD and THC. We know that many other cannabinoids deserve a spot and deserve to be recognized; that is why we will have to learn about them too.
