By now, you are probably no stranger to hearing about CBD. Perhaps even a few CBD shops have popped up in your area. Although CBD has become the cornerstone for all the common cannabis based products, there might be a new cannabinoid hitting the scene, CBG. Why is CBG the next big thing?
Advancement in technology and extraction processes now allow us to isolate CBG from the cannabis plant, which was nearly impossible before. More research is being conducted daily on the myriad of cannabinoids available and how they benefit our health. CBG is just that, a newly researched cannabinoid with promising potential! Let’s look a little further into the benefits of CBG and how it might differ from CBD.
Cannabinoids, What Do They Do?
Cannabinoids, also referred to as phytocannabinoids, are the plant derived chemical compounds, found in the cannabis plant. They can manipulate, affect, or even bond with the cannabinoid receptors in our body. Cannabinoid receptors in our body you say? Yes. All living things with vertebrae have an Endocannabinoid System, (ECS). The ECS is found in the brain, nervous system, organs, bones, muscles and it can even affect our immune system. The two best known cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the compound that is responsible for making you “high” off of cannabis, while CBD has no psychoactive effect. So where does CBG come into play?
What Is CBG?
Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is the precursor to both THC and CBD. It is not psychoactive on its own. When it converts into CBG, however, some of its properties change while others remain the same. CBG is short for cannabigerol and is one of the newest cannabinoids in research today. CBG has no psychoactive effect while boasting antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. It also reduces inflammation without causing psychoactivity. It has also shown promise as an anticancer compound that inhibits the growth of cancer cells. CBG has been shown to increase anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid, that helps regulate the immune system, sleep, appetite, and mood.
The 2018 Farm Bill has allowed for the legalization of hemp and all of the plant’s derivatives. CBG oil is legal at the federal level in the United States. As long as it’s hemp derived. Hemp is legally defined as a cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC.
CBG is considered the ‘Mother of all Cannabinoids’, and it’s “children” are CBD, THC, and all of the other myriad of minor cannabinoids produced. CBG was difficult to cultivate previously because it is only found in saplings – immature plants. The major factors are the strain of the hemp and the timing of cultivation. The budding phrase is the optimal time for harvesting, as this is right before the hemp plant naturally begins to develop other critical compounds that change the type of final plant it will be, hemp vs cannabis.
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is perhaps the most researched cannabinoid for its medical benefits. There is ample evidence to suggest that CBD may be able to help treat chronic pain, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune conditions and many other ailments.
The major difference between the CBD hemp and industrial hemp is in their intended purpose of use. Industrial hemp is cultivated mainly for its seeds and fibers, while CBD hemp is grown exclusively for its flower. CBD hemp is mainly cultivated for its cannabinoids and should be grown from female seeds only.
CBG and CBD are both non-psychoactive, so they don’t produce a “high” feeling.
How Are They Different?
CBD and CBG have similar properties when it comes to the potential of assisting in the repair of cellular formation, hence why they are being researched for anti-cancer and anti-tumor possibilities. Anecdotally, they both are touted for their anti-inflammatory properties. However, CBD is being utilized to help assist with psychological disorders, and is being heavily researched as a neuroprotectant. In 2018, EPIDIOLEX was approved as the first and only FDA‑approved prescription cannabidiol (CBD) to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in patients 1 year of age and older. While CBG is believed to have more of a physical reaction with the body, as it is beginning to be researched for its possibility in assisting with physical disorder, potentially Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gladder control deficiencies. Research on CBG is in its infancy.
Which One Should I Choose?
If you are wondering whether you should take CBD or CBG, the fair answer is, BOTH! Some research suggests that when multiple cannabinoids are utilized in conjunction, the overall health benefits increase as well. This term of synergistic effect that is produced by combining several cannabinoids together at the same time is called “The Entourage Effect”. It is a proposed mechanism by which cannabis compounds, other than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), act cohesively with our ECS to modulate the overall regulations of our body’s systems. It provides compounds (for visual purposes, imagine it similar to a multi-vitamin) to boost our immune system, improve sleep, reduce stress and even balance our mood. The more elements combined, ie. CBD, CBG, terpenes, etc. the more likely the entourage effect will occur.
Is CBG Easy To Find?
CBG is now accessible from many reputable vendors. There are isolated CBG doses in tinctures and capsules as well as 1:1 ratios, meaning one part CBD to one part CBG. Remember to always start off with a light dose. You can always increase to find the desired strength as needed. Remember to always read the label and beware of over inflated milligram claims. If a bottle is boating thousands of milligrams, there is an error on the label or they are false claims. Do your research and your own math to know how many milligrams are valid for the container size you are looking to purchase.
BOTTOM LINE
There is still so much research needing to be done on cannabinoids. Beware of false claims. Make sure you are buying from a company that provides their third-party verifications, are organic and gluten free. Price is not always an indicator of quality but usually if it’s too affordable, some corners were cut. Go for a CBD and CBG manufacturer you can trust. Consult your physician before starting a CBD or CBG regime and research any possible interactions with prescription drugs. We look forward to all the future research on the teeming health benefits of cannabinoids and how they can continue to improve our lives.