Cannabigerol, or CBG for short, is one of the lesser-known cannabinoids found in cannabis. But don’t let its obscurity deceive you – Cannabigerol is a powerhouse cannabinoid with a wide range of potential health benefits. So what is Cannabigerol? Let’s go over its history, properties and it’s growing popularity.
What Is CBG?
Cannabigerol is a cannabinoid that is produced in the trichomes, or resin glands, of the cannabis plant. CBG is classified as a “minor” Cannabinoid because it is present in relatively small quantities compared to other cannabinoids like THC and CBD. It was first isolated in 1964 by Israeli scientists Raphael Mechoulam and Yechiel Gaoni. At the time, very little was known about Cannabigerol or any of the cannabinoids for that matter. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that scientists began to study CBG more extensively. CBG is non-intoxicating, so users won’t experience the psychoactive “high” typically associated when consuming cannabis. Instead, CBG seems to work in synergy with other cannabinoids and terpenes to produce a range of potential therapeutic benefits.
How Is CBG Made?
CBG is produced via a process called Cannabinoid Biosynthesis. This is the process by which Cannabinoids are produced in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoid Biosynthesis begins with a compound called Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA).CBGA is then converted into one of three primary Cannabinoids: Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA), Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) or Cannabichromenic Acid (CBCA). THCA, CBDA and CBCA are then further converted into THC, CBD and CBC respectively. Cannabigerol is produced when CBGA is converted into either THCA or CBDA. Once Cannabigerol is produced, it can be converted into other Cannabinoids like THC, CBD and CBC. However, CBG cannot be produced directly from Cannabigerolic Acid. CBG is sometimes referred to as the “parent” Cannabinoid because it is the precursor to THC, CBD and CBC. This is why CBG is sometimes referred to as the “stem cell” Cannabinoid. Cannabigerol has a wide range of potential therapeutic properties that are currently being researched.
How Do I Use CBG?
CBD can be consumed in a variety of ways, which includes:
- Smoking or vaporizing CBG-rich cannabis strains
- Ingesting CBG oil tinctures or capsules
- Applying CBG topicals to the skin
CBG is most effective when used in conjunction with other Cannabinoids and terpenes. This is because Cannabinoids like CBG seem to produce a more potent effect when used together than they do when used individually. This phenomenon is known as the “entourage effect”.
Is CBG Legal?
CBD is legal in most countries around the world, including the United States. In 2018, the US Farm Bill was passed which legalized Cannabidiol (CBD) on a federal level. This means that CBD derived from hemp is now legal in all 50 states. However, Cannabigerol (CBG) is not specifically mentioned in the Farm Bill. This has led to some confusion among Cannabigerol users as to whether or not CBG is legal. The short answer is that CBG is likely legal in the United States, but this could change in the future. It’s always best to check your local laws before consuming Cannabigerol or any other Cannabinoid.
CBG Versus Other Cannabinoids
It is important to note that Cannabigerol is not the same as other Cannabinoids like THC and CBD. While CBG shares some similarities with other Cannabinoids, it also has several unique properties that make it distinct from other Cannabinoids. For example, CBG is non-psychoactive while THC is psychoactive. This means that CBG will not produce the “high” typically associated with cannabis use. CBG is a Cannabinoid with a wide range of possible health benefits. While research into CBG is still in its early stages, the current evidence suggests that CBG has a wide range of possible medical applications. As research into CBG continues, even more helpful uses for this Cannabinoid will likely be discovered. If you are considering using Cannabigerol for its medical benefits, be sure to check your local laws to ensure that CBG is legal in your area. Furthermore, the use of CBG can be beneficial to many medical conditions, but it’s always best to speak with a medical professional before starting any new Cannabinoid regimen.