We hope that you’re already familiar with the cannabinoid known as CBD (but if not, check out our info page!). You may have also seen some of the other “CBs” around as well, like CBC, CBN, and CBG. What are they, and what do they do? It’s high time we introduce you to other miraculous compounds found in cannabis, more importantly on the hemp side of cannabis! This time we’re going to give you the rundown on CBG.
Cannabigerol, or CBG, is like the icy glacier from which two great rivers spawn. It acts as a precursor to its end products - cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both are branches of the same tree which is CBG [1].
CBG is a naturally-occurring compound found in cannabis plants. As the cannabis plant matures and begins to flower, more and more of the CBG present undergoes transition into either THC or CBD.
Like it’s descendant cannabidiol, CBG is non-intoxicating, so you shouldn’t expect the psychoactive effects of THC when using it. In fact, because of the way that CBG interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), it has the opposite effect and can actually counter balance the high from THC [1].
For some consumers, using THC tends to draw them inside themselves and increase their anxiety. CBG can also help here because it can counteract the increased anxiousness from THC with its own anti-anxiety properties.
CBG isn’t intoxicating as THC is, but it can certainly still provide benefits that improve your mood and has been shown to offer relief from anxiety and depression [2].
CBG is best when used with CBD in a broad spectrum or full spectrum cannabis product which contains all the compounds found in cannabis as opposed to an isolate (CBD by itself). When used together, they have a synergistic interaction known as the “entourage effect” which increases the benefits and allows CBG to play its role to its fullest.
Have more questions about what the terms, "full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate," mean? Check out our first blog, "What is CBD," to learn more about the different types of hemp.
Like CBD, cannabigerol is a cannabinoid known for many benefits and has shown promise in the following areas:
Because most strains of cannabis today are bred for producing as much CBD or THC as possible, it’s very difficult to get CBG in high amounts. We do expect strains to develop in future that are higher in CBG at maturity than they are today. For now however, to extract CBG in significant amounts for isolate, the plants must be harvested before their full maturity.
For a plant with an eight-week flowering cycle, this means crops grown to maximize their CBG content are harvested closer to six [9], before the CBG has been converted en masse to CBD and/or THC.
Because the plant is much smaller at harvest, up to 20 times as much biomass must actually be used to extract CBG as CBD from fully grown cannabis [9], which can also make CBG much more expensive compared to the same amount of CBD.
We have one particular lineup that we feel is especially formulated towards this product type; and that's Hyve CBD. Their incredible, three flavored, CBD tincture line has increased levels of CBG; which has been designed to help assist with all of the ailments you have read about above! Their product holds high amounts of CBG at a great price point! Get ready for some rest and relaxation!
Another very popular product category that has gained a lot of traction as well has been the use of CBG hemp flower! We believe we have one of the largest arrays of quality and unique CBG hemp flower strains on the online CBD market!
With companies offering a multitude of CBG flower strains like Foundry Nation, you will have the opportunity to choose from a large stock of product with different CBG and CBD levels. Check out the Cannabinoid Profile on our hemp flower descriptions to take a look at the: nose of the flower, % and levels of different cannabinoids, and any other added features the product may have.
I hope you’ve gained a deeper understanding of what CBG is, how it interacts with your body, and its benefits. Have other questions? Please write to us from the Contact Us page, or comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
-S. Mills
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This is a story of how hemp always finds a way to re-inspire me.
Being a small business owner sometimes offers its own sets of opportunities of wills to be tested. Someone once told me that being an entrepreneur is like having a toddler that never grows up.
