WHAT IS THE CANNABINOID CBG?
When the term “hemp” or cannabis is mentioned, most people immediately think of “getting high.” This is because many people are familiar with the most popular compound of hemp and cannabis plants, which is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This compound is called a cannabinoid, and it’s the one that possesses psychoactive properties (that is, what makes you high).
Another very popular cannabinoid is CBD (cannabidiol). CBD continues to increase in recognition and popularity. In contrast with THC, CBD doesn’t have intoxicating properties and will not get you high. So, if you are considering buying CBD oil, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to the euphoric feeling that THC produces. CBD can increase feelings of calm, lessen pain and inflammation, increase REM sleep, ease digestive issues and so much more.
However, there is another significant compound present in hemp/cannabis, which is often overlooked. It is known as CBG, or cannabigerol. This cannabinoid also doesn’t contain psychoactive properties, nor is it impairing or intoxicating. Basically, CBG is like the less popular kid in high school who has a lot of potential, but is just not considered cool.
Despite it being less common, CBG is considered to be the “parent” of both THC and CBD as both start out in the form of cannabigerol. Here is the technical part: In a cannabis plant, there are two important chemicals involved in biosynthesis. These are geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) and olivetolic acid (OLA) – the building blocks of all cannabinoids present in the plant (there are 113 cannabinoids in total). These two chemicals combine to form cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) which then combines with enzymes to form other cannabinoids. When heat is applied to the CBGA molecule, a non-acidic cannabinoid called CBG is formed.
In order to make CBG into an edible or topical product, first it is extracted from a hemp or cannabis plant and then mixed with a carrier oil. CBG oil is very useful for the human body due to its several therapeutic effects. It can also be made into CBG medical products.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CBG?
Although a lot of research is still being carried out on CBG, it has been found that it possesses quite a number of medical benefits that make it a fast-growing form of wellness supplements for humans that can help treat some conditions and diseases. For one, CBG has anti-inflammatory properties. These make it a great treatment for inflammatory-related conditions such as pain, inflammatory bowel disease, etc. It works by targeting the specific molecules that create inflammation, including painful conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and even cancer. Furthermore, CBG cannabinoid has been promising as it’s found in lab studies to reduce the rate at which cancer cells and other tumors grow and spread. This still is not proven and further research must take place.
CBG studied benefits include:
- anti-inflammatory
- known to relieve IBS/Crohn’s
- good for gut health
- reduces intra-ocular eye pressure caused by glaucoma
- reduces nausea
CBG also has its benefits to the eye. It can serve as a vasodilator and can actually increase fluid drainage from the eyes which reduces intra-ocular pressure.
Recently, CBG has been categorized as an extremely active neuro-protectant, which essentially means that it can protect nerves and neurons in the brain and body.
In addition to these, CBG helps as a pain reliever and a natural muscle relaxer. These physical benefits make it attractive to athletes and sportspeople who often have muscle pain and injuries.
Plus, it can aid in the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis (talk about a jack of all trades!) and can be made into skin-moisturizers to help deal with dry skin, burns, bug bites etc.
Aside from the physical, CBG also has mental benefits. It has been found to contain anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties. It works by blocking serotonin receptors which can lessen feelings of depression. Thus, it has great potential to be used as an alternative treatment for anxiety and depression. The benefits are numerous, making CBG one cannabinoid that is definitely not to be overlooked.
WHAT DOES CBG OIL DO?
CBG needs to be converted into an edible product known as CBG oil, since CBG cannot be consumed directly. It has to be extracted from cannabis before it can be used. The oil can then be used to soothe pain, relieve stress, or help with certain conditions.
WHICH IS BETTER, CBD OR CBG?
CBD and CBG are both cannabinoids which do not have psychoactive properties but have many other physical and mental benefits. Although they possess similarities in terms of benefits, there are also specific aspects of each that make one preferable over the other when compared. Both compounds are all-natural with little to no side effects (except for positive ones). CBD is the more well known cannabinoid, as large quantities of it can be found in hemp or cannabis plants while with CBG, only little traces may be found. Also, young cannabis plants usually contain higher amounts of CBG than matured plants since CBG later breaks down into other cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. This makes CBD more accessible and more likely to be used instead of CBG.
One major factor that gives CBD an edge over CBG is that most of its health and medical benefits have already been proven with loads of research while a lot of research is still being carried out on CBG and it’s effects. Further, it has been shown that CBD reduces epileptic seizures and alleviates pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, improves REM sleep, calms anxiety, calms digestive issues, and reduces migraines. CBG, on the other hand, shows possibilities of reducing tumor growth, treating bladder conditions as well as irritable bowel disease.
