What is CBG
The hemp plant is made up of many different chemical compounds. Among these compounds are cannabinoids, which are renowned for their various therapeutic properties.
The main active cannabinoids in the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa) are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). While THC is an intoxicating compound which gets marijuana users “high”, CBD has no intoxicating properties and can be used to manage a variety of medicinal conditions. CBD and THC together make up over 40% of the cannabis plant extract.
While CBG is a relatively unknown minor cannabinoid, it sure does pack a very impressive punch. If you are seriously up to date with the latest health trend then you may have already heard of CBG and CBG products. However to most when they think of cannabis products it is usually CBD products that spring to mind.
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. CBG has a huge amount of potential benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties to just name a few. It is also important to understand that CBG does not have the same effects as THC as it cannot get you high or have any other psychoactive effects.
CBG is known as the “The Mother Of All Cannabinoids” because it is the genesis of many major cannabinoids derived from cannabis. Essentially without CBG, CBD oil wouldn’t exist.
As young cannabis plants mature and begin budding, various enzymes and compounds combine to create the precursor to CBG—also called an “early-phase” cannabinoid—called cannabigerol acid (CBGA). CBGA is where all cannabinoids start; as the plant nears the end of its growth cycle and absorbs more and more UV light, CBGA breaks down and converts into THCA and CBDA, the acidic precursors to our two favourite and most prominent cannabinoids, THC and CBD. Unless bred to do so, in most cases, only a very small amount will become CBG.
CBG is derived from young cannabis plants because they contain higher amounts of CBG than fully developed plants. Since CBG constitutes roughly 1% of the hemp plant, it is difficult to obtain sufficient quantities of it for a comprehensive investigation. CBG is the most expensive cannabinoid to isolate, often dubbed the “Rolls-Royce of cannabinoids”. Why? Since hemp contains only minute proportions of CBG, it requires thousands of pounds of biomass to produce a relatively small amount of CBG. Indeed, while researchers believe that CBG maybe thousands of years old, our knowledge of its composition and medicinal uses is still very limited.
Apart from its costs, CBG also poses difficulties for cultivators. This is because the longer a hemp plant takes to mature, the greater the chances are of CBG-A and CBG breaking down into CBD and other cannabinoids. So, cultivators can either grow cannabis solely for the production of CBG, or they can allow the crop to fully mature and sell it for other purposes with a lower CBG content.
How Does CBG Work?
CBG works perfectly in the human body because it fits into the framework of how our endocannabinoid system functions. CBG molecules link with the cannabinoid receptors our bodies already use to regulate many processes.
The endocannabinoid system in the human body is wildly important for regulating brain function, endocrine function, and immunity.
The endocannabinoid system also actively assists in the secretion of hormones related to reproductive functions and stress, among other things. CBG molecules interact with the cannabinoid receptors already present in our bodies to optimise performance and regulate healthy functions.
Learn more: What is Endocabinoid System and why does it matter!
Potential health benefits of CBG
- Antimicrobial
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anticancer
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Is a condition that causes chronic inflammation in the bowel. It affects millions of people across the globe and is incurable.
An experimental animal study conducted in 2013 observed the beneficial effects of CBG on inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers induced inflammations similar to IBD in the colons of mice and then administered CBG. CBG was found to reduce the inflammation and the production of nitric oxide. It also reduced the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the intestines. They concluded that CBG should be considered for clinical experimentation in IBD patients.
IBS
Studies show the effectiveness of CBG in reducing inflammation in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease, something millions of people struggle within today’s society. In a study conducted with mice, significant data concluded that CBG had a positive effect on the symptoms and conditions associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
Appetite stimulant
A 2016 study on rats found that CBG had appetite stimulating effects. Rats that were dosed with CBG were able to eat twice the amount of food compared to the control group. Appetite stimulation can be helpful for chemo-induced appetite loss and appetite issues in HIV patients.
Huntington’s disease
Is a condition that causes a breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. In a 2015 study, researchers examined the potential neuroprotective properties of CBG and other cannabinoids in mice who had an experimental model of Huntington’s disease.
It was observed that CBG acted as a neuroprotectant, protecting the nerve cells in your brain from damage. It also improves motor deficits and preserves striatal neurons against 3-nitropropionic acid toxicity
Skincare
At Miracle Leaf we love CBG for its antibacterial properties when it comes to healthy and nourished skin. It’s the ultimate healer for unwanted blemishes, inflammation, and irritation. You can add few drops of CBG to your favourite moisturiser or apply directly on your skin.
Glaucoma
In a 2008 study on animals, research found that CBG was effective in treating glaucoma. Research showed that CBG reduced eye pressure and increased aqueous humor outflow, a fluid that helps maintain eye pressure and provides nutrition to the eye.
How is CBG different from CBD?
Both CBG and CBD have different molecule structures, neither of which have psychoactive properties, unlike THC.
CBG is the original source of CBD but can be extracted before it’s synthesised into the compound CBD.
So why choose CBG over CBD?
It’s commonly argued that CBG is more powerful since it’s a precursor to all other cannabinoids. People want results, and CBG delivers.
What is the difference between CBG isolate and full spectrum CBG?
CBG isolate is a pure form of CBG that contains no other cannabinoids or compounds from the hemp plant. Full spectrum CBG oil contains all of the cannabinoids (like CBD, CBN, THC, CBC) and compounds that are naturally occurring in the hemp plant (like flavonoids and terpenes)
Full spectrum CBG oil will deliver far better results than CBG isolate.
Read more about it What does Full spectrum means?
What the difference between CBG oil and CBG softgels?
Both products are exactly the same quality and strength. One of the best things about CBG softgels is their discretion and ease of using. For those who prefer to use CBG during the day, a softgels can provide a quiet way to absorb cannabinoids without raising too much suspicion. And because they come in an easy-to-recognise form, you can take them with water and skip the natural flavours that come with CBG oil tinctures. CBG softgels are precisely dosed at 15mg each. This one strength will fit any person, beginner or experienced. You decide how many softgels you need as everyone one Endocannabinoid System is unique and we have different health requirements.
1 CBG softgel = 5 drops of CBG oil
Is CBG legal?
It is legal, as long as the production does not exceed the legal allowance of THC. THC is still a controlled substance in the UK.
