CBG – The Mother Of All Cannabinoids?
How did the tale of CBG start? In 2012, the first two states made it legal to consume marijuana for recreational purposes. By 2016, more than half the states in America had legalized medical marijuana.
Unlike before, when cannabis was taboo and was registered as an illegal drug, we can now venture fully into studying the plant and its components.
Therefore, scientists, investors, and other stakeholders are dedicating more resources to this research; the next few years are bound to be quite insightful.
Behind all this mystery, however, lies several general facts that we already know about cannabis.
The first of these is that marijuana (cannabis with more than 0.3% THC) and hemp (cannabis with less than 0.3% THC) consist of numerous molecular compounds, called cannabinoids.
These compounds all affect the body differently.
Alongside CBD, THC, and CBN, another cannabinoid, CBG, has been getting the spotlight in the world of hemp and cannabis.
So, What Is CBG?
CBG (Cannabigerol) is a cannabinoid that hasn’t yet received the attention and recognition it deserves.
Like CBD and CBN, CBG is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in cannabis and hemp plants. This cannabinoid is slowly grabbing the attention of researchers, investors, and stakeholders in the medical field.
Preliminary research cites CBG to be the ‘mother of cannabinoids.’
This is because many cannabinoids start as CBGA, a form of CBG. CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) provides the material needed for the synthesis of other cannabinoids.
CBDA, THCA, and others are formed when CBGA is broken down.
This is perhaps the reason why CBG is only present in young, maturing cannabis plants.
In older samples, it is relatively minimal: sometimes less than one percent. This is because, as mentioned above, it is used to synthesize CBD, THC, and all other cannabinoids.
How Other Cannabinoids Form From CBG
As mentioned above, CBG starts as CBGA, or cannabigerolic acid, which is the building block of the other three main cannabinoids.
From CBGA, tetracannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) are formed.
When THCA, CBDA, and CBCA are exposed to heat or ultraviolet light, they break down into their corresponding cannabinoids.
Since these cannabinoids all have the same foundational compound, hemp plants with more cannabinoids will have less of the other.
For example, hemp plants with lots of CBD won’t have as much THC.
What Is The Difference Between CBD Oil And CBG Oil?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the more researched cannabinoids.
It is found in abundance in hemp plants- it’s now possible to plant cannabis strains that only contain CBD.
This way, people can benefit from cannabis products without worrying about getting high.
CBG works in the same way. However, since it isn’t as widely studied, it’s not easy to state with much certainty the health benefits of this compound.
Just like CBD, CBG oil reacts with the body by binding with C1 and C2 receptors in our endogenous cannabinoid system.
It’s likely that CBG and CBD do have some different properties and effects; these are bound to come to light as more studies are undertaken.
CBG, Other Cannabinoids, And The Enhanced Effect
CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp plants.
Others, like CBN and CBG, do exist, but in smaller volumes.
These cannabinoids all affect the body in their own different way. Therefore, it’s possible to extract CBD, CBG, and CBN as individual concentrates and oils.
This makes it possible to tap into specific benefits and effects.
There’s been much talk about the ‘entourage effect’ or enhanced effect in the recent past.
This refers to the concept of these cannabinoids work better when used together than when administered individually.
This is why full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products are becoming so popular; when combined with other cannabinoids like CBG, CBD products become more potent and tend to have stronger effects.
The entourage effect is why it’s so difficult to say one cannabinoid works better than the other.
Is CBG Good For Pain?
One of the reasons why hemp and cannabis products are so popular is their purported potential wellness benefit.
Although these pain-relieving properties are widely attributed to CBD, studies conducted on CBG and CBGA point out that this cannabinoid could affect the body’s endocannabinoid system similarly.
Like CBD, CBG has no intoxicating effects, meaning it can be used without affecting your sobriety.
WORD OF CAUTION: CBG is not an approved cure for pain. Always consult your doctor before turning to any supplement to manage health conditions.
CBD And Its Potential For Managing Glaucoma
Glaucoma is one of the more common diseases of the eye all over the world.
People suffering from this disease tend to have too much fluid in their eyes; this fluid then exerts pressure in your eyes; that is, it increases intraocular pressure.
Glaucoma imposes intense pain behind the eyes, which can be very uncomfortable.
Remember, your body’s endocannabinoid system is made up of receptors and enzymes that are found in numerous organs and body parts, including the eyes.
When you use CBG oil, this compound binds with C1 receptors in the eyes, thereby activating them.
This helps reduce intraocular pressure.
DISCLAIMER: Glaucoma is a serious health condition, and CBG oil is in no way a cure. Although it may be helpful in managing the symptoms, you should seek professional help immediately if you suspect you are suffering from this condition.
How To Find A Reputable CBG Distributor In Your Area
As more and more companies get into the business of selling cannabis products, it would help to be vigilant and careful about what you buy.
Before buying CBG products from any retailer, it’s important to make sure they’re a legitimate company and that their products are top tier.
Like every other business out there, it’s possible to find low quality and counterfeit products circulating in the market.
This is why you should make a point of going for high-quality CBG at all times.
A company that’s worth its salt will typically have a huge inventory of cannabis products. Such a retailer will also offer many different ways to consume these products, be it oils, lotions, or bath soaps.
Considering the times we live in now, it would also be quite convenient to pick out a retailer that offers online sales services.
Many distributors even offer door-to-door deliveries.
Remember, there are quite many THC-free strains and products in the market, meaning you can now benefit from cannabis extracts without getting intoxicated.
If you have any questions regarding CBG or any other cannabinoid, feel free to talk to us today.