You've heard of THC and likely even CBD, but as the hemp cannabinoid industry progresses, a new, far lesser-known compound has emerged that you may not have heard of. "What is CBG?" is becoming the latest question to break into the mainstream narrative.
The hype around CBD and the overwhelming onslaught of misinformation around cannabis may have you a little skeptical about a "new cannabinoid." However, cannabigerol, or CBG, is far from the latest way to capitalize on the 2018 Farm Bill. In fact, until recently, CBG products were uneconomical to produce. Only recently have consumers even been given the option to buy CBG in retail for affordable prices.
In this post, we'll give you a thorough answer to the question "what is CBG?" along with how it is naturally produced, why it used to be so expensive, potential benefits, and everything else you need to know to be at the forefront of the latest cannabinoid products.
So, What is CBG?
CBG is one of the over 100 naturally produced cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. While there is limited research on the compound, early studies and scientific analysis of CBG show tremendous promise. Like CBD, CBG is non-psychoactive so users can experience the benefits of cannabis without the high.
How CBG is Naturally Produced
One of the most interesting aspects of CBG is its journey during the plant's lifecycle. During development, CBGa is naturally formed and then converted into other cannabinoids, mostly CBDa and THCa, the two most abundant compounds in cannabis. Because CBGa is the precursor to these essential components, it is commonly called "The Mother Cannabinoid."
The Challenges of Producing CBG
While CBG is a fundamental part of all cannabinoids, it is only available in small amounts of harvested flower. This is because most CBGa molecules are converted into other cannabinoids, leaving little for extraction.
Even around the time of the CBD boom from 2018 to 2020, CBG products were scarce. It was simply too expensive to harvest enough flower to make a product with a substantial amount of CBG to deliver benefits. But thanks to selective breeding, cannabis genealogists have created high-potency CBG hemp varieties that are economically viable to grow and use for products such as tinctures and topicals.
CBG Effects
The immediate effects of CBG are similar to CBD. You won't feel high, but some users immediately feel relaxation or pain relief after a substantial dose. However, most CBG users don't experience effects right away. Like CBD, the cannabinoid needs to build for the best results.
We recommend using CBG products at least once per day. That way, the cannabinoid will have time to impact your endocannabinoid system (ECS) and deliver benefits. However, everyone is different and processes CBG and other cannabinoids uniquely.
CBG Research
While CBG research is far from comprehensive enough to make health claims, preliminary studies look promising. Here are some of the benefits that are associated with CBG, along with relevant research articles.
Anti-Inflammatory
One of the most prominent bodies of research on CBG was done in Israel, arguably the world's leader in cannabis research, titled "Novel CBG Derivatives Can Reduce Inflammation, Pain, and Obesity." The preclinical study was done in 2021, observing the effectiveness of 3 CBG derivatives on animal models. One of the derivatives significantly reduced paw swelling and inflamed knee joints.
Antibacterial
Another study from 2021, also done in Israel, observed the antibacterial potential of CBG against Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria common in tooth decay. The researchers said the following:
"CBG halts the proliferation of planktonic growing S. mutans, which is affected by the initial cell density. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy showed that the CBG-treated bacteria become swollen with altered membrane structures. Transmission electron microscopy provided data showing that CBG treatment leads to intracellular accumulation of membrane structures."
While this is just one study against one type of bacteria, it definitely calls for more research.
Neuroprotective
One of the most exciting aspects of CBG is its potential as an active neuroprotectant. In 2014, Spanish scientists studied the cannabinoid's potential in treating Huntington's Disease. The study was conducted by intoxicating mice to replicate HD's side effects with 3-nitro propionate (3NP). They conclude in the article, "CBG appears to have a promising neuroprotective profile for the treatment of HD… CBG appears to be particularly active against the mitochondrial dysfunction, calpain activation, and oxidative injury caused by 3NP."
Experts also believe CBG could one day be used as a treatment for other neurological disorders, such as:
Parkinson's Disease
Strokes
Seizures
Dementia
Multiple Sclerosis
While doctors are far from recommending CBG as a treatment for these disorders, we expect more research regarding the cannabinoid soon.
Appetite Stimulation
The ECS is responsible for various essential functions, including mood, sleep, pain, and appetite. THC is a well-known appetite stimulant, AKA "the munchies," however, many people can't or would rather not have to get high to eat a meal.
CBG could be a viable option to increase hunger without psychoactive effects. A 2016 study found when rats were given CBG; it induced hyperphagia (hunger sensation) "by reducing latency to feed and increasing meal frequency" without adverse neuromotor side effects. The finding suggests that CBG could be a viable appetite stimulator because of its unique ability to encourage hunger without overeating.
There is a massive gap in cannabis research in general, and CBG is far less studied than THC and CBD. However, as more people use cannabinoids, the demand for studies will increase. Stay tuned to our blog for more information as we learn about this exciting cannabis compound.
Tips on Buying CBG
As CBG becomes more popular, there will inevitably be more ways to buy CBG. If we learned anything from the CBD craze, it is to focus on the value of the compounds rather than the hype around administration methods. Therefore, you should buy CBG in forms that have stood the test of time, such as tinctures, gummies, and topicals.
Buying CBG can be overwhelming, especially online. Find a retailer that demonstrates transparency by:
Communicating the source of their hemp
making 3rd party lab tests readily available
Lists all ingredients in their products
Bhuvi Farm is a 100% Texas-grown cannabinoid hemp company that grows, extracts, and manufactures full-spectrum CBG products in-house. Check their lab tests and product line for more information on their premium, high-potency CBG tincture and topicals.
Comments