Up until recently, most of the cannabis market has been content to focus on the two primary compounds of the plant –THC, and CBD. But lately smaller, and lesser-known compounds are having their time in the spotlight, and this shifting focus opens up an opportunity for new vistas of cannabis use. One compound in particular is taking the community by storm – CBG.
What Is CBG?
CBG or בannabigerol is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is commonly known as the “mother of all cannabinoids,” as many other cannabinoids are derivatives of cannabigerol acid (CBGA), the acidic form of CBG. Although found in smaller quantities compared to other cannabinoids, the compound is still very much in demand.
With most plant strains only containing approximately 1% of CBG, consumer products derived from the compound are both scarce and generally expensive. As scientists learn more about the potential benefits of the compound, its popularity continues to grow.
Where Does CBG Come From?
The compound is generally derived from the cannabis plants still in the early stages of growth, as it contains higher amounts of CBG before it is fully developed. The amount of CBG in the plant also varies by strain. Some strains such as Super Glue CBG, White CBG, and Jack Frost CBG contain higher amounts of CBG than other strains and are cultivated specifically for their high CBG percentage.
THC and CBG both start as the acidic form of CBG, CBGA. This is why as the plant develops, its CBG content lowers and begins to develop into other compounds. By the time the plant has fully developed, most CBG has evolved into THC and CBD.
What are the Effects of CBG?
CBG, like the majority of cannabis compounds, is processed by the body’s endocannabinoid system. These are the molecules and receptors responsible for maintaining the body’s optimal state in any external environment. Once it enters the body, CBG mimics the effects of endocannabinoids, a natural compound produced by the body.
Like CBD, CBG has been proven as an effective painkiller without creating the highs associated with THC. Additional research has shown that CBG can have other therapeutic effects, but human studies on the effects of CBG are still rare and more research needs to be done before conclusions are drawn.
Some of the beneficial effects CBG has had in preliminary studies include alleviating diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, glaucoma, and Huntington’s disease. The compound has also been shown to have antibacterial properties and may help fight cancer cells by blocking the receptors in the body that lead to cancer cell growth.
How Can I Get CBG?
CBG is the new kid on the cannabis compound block. While it has the potential to provide many of the same benefits as THC and CBD without the drawbacks and some benefits that are uniquely its own, more studies are needed to confirm the effects of this unique compound.
For those who already want to begin experiencing its benefits, CBG is available to consumers, most commonly in oil-based products. Unfortunately, these oils are still expensive, but you can still experience some of the benefits of CBG from broad-spectrum CBD oils, which generally contain trace amounts of the compound