What is CBG? You probably heard of THC or CBD, but did you know that these cannabinoids all come from a single compound within the plant?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a newly studied cannabinoid that’s showing great promise for its medicinal value. It has been commonly dubbed “precursor of all cannabinoids,” and for good reason.
While Cannabigerol is a fairly rare cannabinoid, it still definitely worth learning about. Keep on reading and you’ll be sure to find out why.
Where is CBG From?
Due to the rarity of CBG (usually found in 1 percent concentrations), it is considered a minor cannabinoid.
As you’re probably aware, cannabis plants produce a ton of phytocannabinoids, with CBG being one of the main ones early on in the plant’s development. Before any of the other cannabinoids like THC or CBD can be created, the cannabis plant must first produce Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA), similar to a stem cell, being able to convert to any of the three main lines of cannabinoids: THC, CBD, and CBC.
As the plant continues its growth and matures, specific enzymes move in to break down the Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA) and funnel the resources to create one of the three main subtypes of cannabinoids. The conversion starts when the acids get exposed to either ultraviolet light or heat where it then gets converted directly to THCA or CBDA, where it eventually gets decarboxylated to get converted to THC or CBD.
An interesting thing to point out is that cannabis plants can only produce a finite amount of cannabinoids, therefore once more THC or CBD gets created, there is little to no CBG left over. As a result, many cannabis plants contain extremely low CBG levels, usually in the 1-2 percent range.
That said, many breeders are experimenting with genetic manipulation to eventually produce plants with a focus on CBG content rather than THC or CBD. CBG can also be extracted from the plant in higher quantities if done at the right time, about 6-8 weeks into the flowering cycle, during the budding phase.
How is CBG Different Than CBD?
Like we discussed before, CBG is the precursor to all cannabinoids, so it helps make CBD. That said, the two are still very different compounds within the plant and have utility in treating their own respective health issues.
Similar to CBD, CBG also non-psychoactive and acts upon our CB1 receptors, activating them to counterbalance the cannabis high from THC. However, the difference lies in each of these cannabinoid’s affinity for our bodies’ endocannabinoid receptors.
It is known that CBD generally has a relatively low affinity for cannabinoid receptors, acting mainly through indirectly with our endocannabinoid system, while cannabigerol is thought to induce its effects through direct interaction with the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
The Potential Benefits
- A Potential Cancer Treatment: While there is some overlap, CBG is known to stimulate appetite in rats and may have effective cancer-fighting properties, being able to relieve symptoms of Inflammatory bowel, syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and cancer. CBG studies on rats showed the cannabinoid’s ability to successfully help in the reduction of colitis as well as pain management.
- May Help Treat Glaucoma: CBG has also been shown to greatly reduce intraocular eye pressure, a driving factor in Glaucoma, making it ideal for those who suffer from the issue.
- Possesses Antibacterial Properties Against MSRA: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is known as a type of staph infection that is highly resistant to drugs such as methicillin, rendering it a threatening or even fatal bacterial infection with limited treatment options. Recent studies have showed CBGs potential for becoming a future antibacterial agent towards MRSA.
- A Potential Combatant for Neurodegenerative Diseases: Recent studies have shown that CBG used either on its own or in conjunction with other cannabinoids could be an effective remedy for neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease.
The Top CBG Strains on the Market
While cannabigerol is still quite expensive and hard to produce, there have been some successful strains with high cannabigerol content. Here are some of the top picks to get you started:
Jack Frost
A relatively new CBG strain with a generous 13.5 percent CBG concentration. Its dense nugs are heavily coated in frosted trichomes with a sweet, citrusy, smooth flavor and aroma. Jack Frost CBG is currently considered one of the top CBG strains on the market.
White
The CBG concentrated variant of “The White,” a legendary THC variety. White CBG is known for its thick flowers and frosty coating, boasting a whopping cannabigerol content of up to 20 percent and an almost nonexistent THC content. Much like the original, it has a creamy-lemon aroma from its crystalline buds with a creamy, hash flavor profile.
Super Glue
Filled with colors of purple and green and lined with orange hairs, Super Glue CBG is unique to anything else currently on the market. Super Glue CBG possesses an impressive CBG content of up to 22 percent and is extremely rare due to that. Those who are familiar with the Haze strain will surely enjoy this one.
Stem Cell
The first of CBG strains developed for commercial consumer usage on the market. This breed is relatively odorless, and is filled with resins. Its cannabinoid profile is unmatched, with 99.5 percent of it being made up at CBG alone. A no-brainer for the CBG purist.
Lemon Cream Diesel
A highly relaxing trichome-heavy strain that has potent flavors of citrus and lemon with a hint of sweetness. Lemon Cream Diesel is known for its euphoric body buzz and relaxing effects, while also carry a CBG content of about 20 percent or more. Lemon Cream Diesel is currently the best option for moderately balanced cannabis and CBG experience.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chilling at home or out exploring nature, it might be worth your while to give CBG strains a try.
While this cannabinoid is not particularly psychoactive, it does carry with it a host of therapeutic effects, especially great for when you need to stay on top of your game.
Happy smoking!
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