CBG (cannabigerol) is a lesser-known cannabinoid (cannabidiol). It is not found in large quantities in most cannabis strains but it is essential to learn more about it. Due to the nature of such compounds, more THC means less CBG and CBD. To increase CBG, breeders try to experiment using genetic manipulation and cross-breeding of plants.
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What's the difference between CBG and CBD?
CBG acts as the precursor of other cannabinoids. It is known to have direct interaction with the brain’s CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. CBD on the other hand has a low affinity for cannabinoid receptors. It is known to interact indirectly with the endocannabinoid system.
As a cannabis plant becomes mature, CBGA, which is CBG’s acidic form is converted by enzymes into ratios of three main cannabinoid precursors: THCA, CBDA, and CBCA. The amounts of CBGA that are not converted into such precursors or other cannabinoids, and with the aid of decarboxylation is formed. This is why CBG is only 1 percent by weight in cannabis strains.
What Is CBG Good For?
Same as CBD, CBG is used for treating pain minus the intoxicating effects of THC and other cannabinoids. According to research, CBG also has therapeutic effects. However, only a few human studies support this, and more research is needed. Animal studies, on the other hand, reveal the following therapeutic benefits of CBG:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
This is a condition that causes chronic inflammation in the bowel system. This is incurable and it affects millions of people. This is based on the animal study in 2013.
Huntington's Disease
This is a condition that brings about a breakdown in the nerve cells found in the brain. Based on a 2015 study conducted on mice, CBG and other cannabinoids showed potential neuroprotective properties; it protects the brain’s nerve cells from being damaged.
Fighting Cancer Cells
In a 2014 study, researchers saw the effects of CBG on rats that suffer from colon cancer. They have observed that CBG showed potential in blocking the receptors that enable cancer cells to grow, and this prevents the growth of colorectal cancer cells.
Glaucoma
In a study conducted on animals, researchers found out that CBG has therapeutic properties that help treat glaucoma. In the study, CBG was administered to cats suffering from glaucoma. Eye pressure reduction and an increase in aqueous humor outflow were observed among them. Aqueous humor outflow is a fluid that the eyes produce to maintain eye pressure and give nutrition to itself.
Antibacterial Properties
A study on the antibiotic potential of CBG in 2020 revealed that it has antibacterial properties. This is particularly true against the methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This is a bacteria that causes staph infections. It is also drug-resistant.
Psoriasis
This is a condition that affects the skin, making it reddish and thick. CBG helps through the inhibition of this effect, which in turn prevents the symptoms. More studies have to be done, but CBG has shown potential in fighting skin conditions.
Anxiety and Depression
CBG has also shown promise in helping with emotional regulation. Based on a study done on rats, CBG has been shown to inhibit GABA and serotonin. This suggests that the compound might have antidepressant properties.
Does CBG Help with Focus?
Users have often reported feeling more alert and focused after using CBG. One of the possible explanations about this is CBG’s potential as a neuroprotectant. The compound also helps with anti-inflammatory function and has been seen to help with neurogenesis or the growth of new brain cells. It’s possible for this to lead to much better focus and attention.
CBG is not like THC. It does not make you feel high or intoxicated. Cannabigerol is not a psychotropic drug yet it is slightly psychoactive. It has no capacity to impair reasoning like THC. However, when this compound is taken in large amounts, it can give a sense of euphoria and cause some relaxation in the brain and muscles. CBG may also be used to aid sleep due to its calming effect.
How Do You Take CBG?
Just like CBD and THC, CBG can be ingested in flower form, sublingually through a tincture, or vaped in an oil or wax form. It is crucial to state that CBG has a low boiling point. it may also require the use of a special vaporizer to ensure the preservation of its potency.
As a beginner, it is said that it’s better to start with a full spectrum CBD extract. This may serve as a good precursor that develops your tolerance to CBG before you resort to CBG isolates. After the full-spectrum CBD products, you may try the CBD flowers. To enjoy CBG’s full benefits, go for the premium-level bud.
CBG may be consumed as CBG oil, capsules, sublingual drops, topicals, and other alternative options. For you to choose the best product, you have to figure out first your goals for taking CBG.
Here are a few pointers when taking CBG: Check the product label and follow the dosage instructions written there. Begin with a small dose of CBG, and work your way up as you become more tolerant of it. If you sense any adverse effects, lower the dose of CBG. You can keep a journal to keep track of your experience.
There is no existing direct evidence of adverse effects from taking CBG whether it is immediate or long-term. The best advice to follow is to find your own right dose by following the steps listed above.
Can You Smoke CBD?
Smoking CBD is not the only way to consume this popular compound, but it is one of the most effective ways to enjoy the benefits of this cannabinoid. The method of consuming CBD has an effect on how long the compound will take effect. The inhalation method is an effective way to consume CBD due to how quickly it can be absorbed by the body. Once CBD is smoked or vaped, the cannabinoids are sent directly to one’s lungs, absorbed by the bloodstream, and circulated to the entire body. It reaches the peak of plasma concentrations within three minutes after consumption.
In a 2007 study, it has been observed that CBD can be detected only up to 72 hours after smoking while another study revealed that CBD can only be detected in the blood six hours after it is ingested as soft-gelatin capsules.
People often consume or smoke CBD through a vape, pipe, joint, or pen. It can be swallowed as a pill as well or be administered as a lotion or tincture. However, vaping and smoking CBD can provide more benefits than other forms of CBD consumption cannot.
More research studies are showing CBD’s health benefits which include the effect of CBD on epileptic attacks, reducing seizures. CBD is also used in alleviating anxiety and depression and even insomnia. Smoking CBD may also help those who like to quit smoking nicotine.
Are There CBG Edibles?
Just like CBD, there are also CBG edibles. Due to the federal legislation of industrial hemp, producers and processors can easily isolate CBG and offer it in the market as CBG oils, vape pens, tinctures, topicals, and edibles. It is crucial to find the CBG product that has the best effects on your endocannabinoid system. Keep in mind to purchase CBG products only from companies that can give you a certificate of analysis from a credible lab along with a complete list of ingredients.
Can You Vape CBG?
Some companies offer CBG in vape cartridges. These are as convenient as pre-rolls. For as long as you are sure that the ingredients found in the cartridge are safe, there is nothing to be worried about vaping.
CBG is known to have the lowest boiling point at 52˚C/126˚F, but even at this particular temperature, it can already stimulate bone and brain cells to grow.
The compounds CBG and CBD are almost similar in composition. They both provide multiple health benefits. This means that these two compounds don’t really compete with one another. They have the tendency to complement each other when they are both used together.
What Are the Side Effects of CBG?
There are some high-dose users of CBG who reported some side effects of the compound. These include tiredness, dry mouth, diarrhea, changes in appetite, and weight changes which may be brought about by the reduced appetite.
Is CBD Psychoactive?
CBD is psychoactive, but not at the same level as THC. It does not give off the high that is often associated with THC. CBD has shown promise in treating depression, anxiety, and seizures.
Is CBG a Controlled Substance?
In the US, CBG from marijuana is illegal based on the Controlled Substances Act while CBG that comes from hemp is legal. The international legal framework also appears positive. CBG is not part of the U.N. Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961. It appears not to be controlled by any other existing treaty. The implication is that countries are not required to control CBG in their territories. This means that CBG is legal in international law and is quite ready for export.
Is CBG Better than CBD?
Both CBG and CBD are beneficial cannabinoids, but CBG slightly offers more health benefits than CBD. It has shown promising effects and results in several health conditions due to its neuroprotective and cell regeneration properties.
CBG also works well compared to other cannabinoids in treating and preventing bladder issues, cancer cell inhibition, muscle contractions, and anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits. CBG and CBD come from the same plant. It is recommended to use them together to create the entourage effect.
CBG may also be used on dogs. The suggested product is the CBD oil or extract that is intended for humans. It’s better perhaps if the oil or extract has a particular flavor or aroma to entice your pet to take it. CBG also reduces stress and offers various other benefits.
