CBG Cannabinoid

CBG is one of the eight major cannabinoids found in Cannabis sativa plants. Here, we outline what makes this compound different from other cannabinoids.

  • CBG is a cannabis-derived non-psychotropic cannabinoid.
  • CBG is similar to CBD in many ways but operates primarily in the digestive, immune systems, whereas CBD mainly affects inflammation.
  • Researchers are studying the unique effects of CBG for its therapeutic potential on diseases, conditions, and health concerns.

What Is CBG Cannabinoid?

CBG is a cannabinoid type taken from the cannabis plant. It is a parent molecule, meaning that it is present in the plant from the start but then converts into different cannabinoids as the plant grows. There are hundreds of compounds in cannabis, and CBG is present in both hemp and marijuana plants.

What Is CBG? The Minor Cannabinoid With Major Potential, Explained

Cannabis plants contain much smaller amounts of CBG than other cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol, the compound that produces psychotropic effects. THC originates from cannabigerolic acid, which is the initial form of CBG. The minimal quantities available make consumer products with CBG rare. However, the potential benefits are causing a growth in demand for goods with this non-psychoactive cannabinoid.

Cultivators must take the CBG cannabinoid from young cannabis plants because enzymes break down the CBGA and convert it into other compounds as the plants grow and develop. This process results in minimal remaining quantities of CBG once the plant is fully grown. A matured cannabis plant has high concentrations of THC and cannabidiol but low amounts of CBG. There are some strains of cannabis that contain slightly higher concentrations of CBG. However, growers are working to produce more through genetic manipulation and cross-breeding of cannabis plant types.

Researchers are currently looking into CBG as a potential treatment option for many conditions, such as ALS, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, colitis, diabetes, and more. It may have unique applications in the medical field because it reacts with your body differently than THC and CBD.

How Do CBD and CBG Differ?

Cannabis plants produce CBGA, the initial acidic form of CBG, early in their growth cycle. CBD is one of the compounds that develop from the enzymatic breakdown of CBGA. Closely related to THC, CBD is a common cannabinoid with potential uses to treat health concerns, such as arthritis, inflammation, and anxiety.

Unlike THC, both CBG and CBD are non-psychoactive compounds that interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system. These cannabinoids bind to receptors in the ECS, where enzymes break them down, resulting in a bodily response. Both compounds have the potential to provide the following:

  • Antibacterial properties
  • Anti-inflammatory benefits
  • Mood-balancing effects
  • Anxiety relief

The two compounds have different molecular structures, which may trigger varying physical responses and behaviors. There is limited research into CBG, but it may offer possible uses distinctive from CBD, such as treating glaucoma, Huntington’s disease, or inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers think that CBG interacts directly with the brain’s CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, while CBD interacts with the ECS receptors indirectly.

These differences mean that each compound is best suited to specific conditions. For example, CBG shows the potential to treat hypertension, but CBD does not. On the flip side, CBD may help control seizures, while CBG will not. Therefore, the decision to use CBG depends on the intended goal of the treatment.

How Do You Take CBG?

Because of the low quantities of this cannabinoid present in plants, pure CBG products may be expensive and hard to find. Like CBD, you can make CBG into a variety of products, including:

  • Oils: You can blend CBG oil with a carrier oil to take with food and drinks or sublingually. Due to low availability, these oils often contain high amounts of CBD.
  • Topicals: Consumers apply these products like a lotion or cream. Topicals also have significant levels of CBD.
  • Soft gels: This option offers an alternative for people who do not like the taste of CBG oils. It is the same formula inside a casing for taking orally.
  • Edibles: Like the other products, CBG edibles have a generous quantity of CBD present. Chocolate, gummies, and other edibles take longer to affect the user but last longer than the other methods, too.
  • Isolates: An isolate is 99% pure CBG and guarantees a product free of THC, meaning you will not experience any psychotropic effects.

What Are the Potential Benefits of CBG Cannabinoid?

CBG is showing promise as a possible treatment option for many health issues. Like CBD, it provides potential healing properties without having a psychoactive effect on the brain. Some studies indicate CBG may offer the following therapeutic benefits:

  • Antibacterial properties: A recent study shows that CBG has potential uses for combatting bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease: In tests, CBG reduced inflammation in the bowel and nitric oxide production, indicating possible therapeutic effects for people with IBD.
  • Glaucoma medication: In an animal study, researchers found CBG reduces intraocular pressure and provides the eyes with nutrition and neuroprotective effects. These effects make CBG a potential treatment of glaucoma conditions.
  • Bladder dysfunction treatment: In studies, CBG showed potential for inhibiting muscle contractions.
  • Huntington’s disease healing: This disease involves a breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. In an experiment in mice, CBG protected the nerve cells from damage.
  • Cancer therapy: CBG has shown promise in blocking receptors that cause the growth of cancer cells. In studies, it inhibited colorectal cancer cells in rats. It may also be effective as an appetite stimulant, making it useful during late-stage cancer treatments.

What Are the Side Effects of CBG?

There is not sufficient research available to definitively identify adverse effects on humans. However, CBG products may have side effects if consumers do not use them correctly. People may experience:

  • Dry mouth
  • Diarrhea
  • Change in appetite
  • Weight change
  • Fatigue

Typically, these side effects only occur if users take high doses of CBG. Preventing uncomfortable outcomes can be as simple as following the manufacturer’s instructions or minimizing the oil dose. There are minimal studies on the efficacy and safety of CBG, especially concerning the possibility of drug interactions.

Why Is Cannabis Testing Important?

Testing is an essential part of manufacturing CBG products. It helps:

  • Improve production efficiency
  • Catch potential errors in the process
  • Demonstrate compliance
  • Save time and money
  • Protect the quality of the final output

Nordic Analytical Laboratories offers a versatile selection of cannabis testing for both medical and recreational uses. Our fully certified laboratories in Pueblo and Denver, CO, address a wide variety of client needs. We proudly provide top-quality lab testing and consulting services for Colorado’s cannabis growers, producers, and manufacturers.

Accurate testing is an ongoing need for your business, which is why you want to partner with the best cannabis labs in the area for all your CBG cannabinoid testing. At Nordic Analytical Laboratories, we consistently provide fast, reliable results to make the process as easy as possible for you. Contact our highly-trained experts to learn more about how we can help your business succeed.

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