CBG (Cannabigerol) is a rising star in hemp, rivaling CBD as the next non-psychoactive cannabinoid to dominate the low-THC market. Not only does CBG exhibit therapeutic benefits, it’s also unique in that it acts as a chemical precursor to every other cannabinoid in the plant including CBD and THC.
As the market begins to understand CBG’s value, the demand is rising. But the supply doesn’t exist yet, which means CBG’s price per kilo is much higher than the cost of CBD.
This article explores everything you need to know about CBG, including benefits, products, strains, lab testing, and extractions.
What are the Benefits of CBG?
CBG-specific studies are still in their infancy, but laboratory analyses indicate that CBG is a neuroprotective agent with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuromodulatory properties. These properties mean CBG could help treat various conditions, including glioblastoma (a deadly brain cancer), inflammation, and pain.
CBG also possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and scientists have synthesized three CBG derivatives that could be novel drug candidates for treating inflammatory conditions.
CBG is unique compared to other cannabinoids in its interactions with alpha-2 adrenoceptors (nervous system receptors) and 5-HT 1A (serotonin receptor), indicating its potential utility in treating neurological disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and bacterial diseases.
CBG also reduces sensitivity to pain in colitis, which causes inflammation in the gut. This suggests that CBG could be an effective treatment option for relieving pain in people with inflammatory bowel diseases.
Overall, CBG shows great promise as a therapeutic agent in various medical conditions, and further research is needed to fully understand its potential.
CBG vs CBD
Similar to CBD, CBG cannot get you high, but it can help relieve emotional and physical ailments that plague many patients. Both CBD and CBG can ease symptoms of PTSD and OCD, for example, by combating stress, anxiety and depression. These are some of the most common reasons that patients take CBD, along with pain management and inflammation--which CBG can also support.
Perhaps the most proven medicinal use for CBD is seizure prevention, marked by an FDA-approved pharmaceutical drug to treat children’s Epilepsy. Initial research indicates that CBG may also treat this condition. While more research is needed, initial studies indicate that CBG may offer very similar therapeutic value as today’s most popular non-psychoactive cannabinoid.
How Does CBG Work?
CBG interacts with various G-protein-coupled receptors, exhibiting a wide range of biological activities.
Like CBD and other cannabinoids, CBG interacts with chemical receptors in the body, which make up the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The two primary receptors are called CB1 and CB2, which are found in nearly every system of the human body. CB1 receptors are primarily in the brain and nervous system while CB2 receptors are more prevalent in the immune system. CBG interacts with these receptors to help regulate various functions including pain, appetite, hormones, inflammation, and blood pressure. This process is what defines CBG’s ability to promote healing.
Uniquely, CBG also interacts with alpha-2 adrenoceptors and 5-HT 1A, which is significant because these receptors play essential roles in the nervous system and overall well-being. Modulating alpha-2 adrenoceptors can have effects on various functions such as blood pressure regulation, pain perception, and stress response. 5-HT1A receptors, which are involved in serotonin signaling, can have implications for mood regulation, anxiety, and stress management.
Additionally, CBG has been found to increase the level of a protein called corticosteroid-binding globulin in male rats, suggesting its involvement in hormone regulation.
How does CBG Occur in Cannabis Plants?
CBG, like all cannabinoids, comes in different forms. CBG starts in its acidic form known as CBGA (cannabigerolic acid), which can naturally convert to CBG throughout the plant growth process.
CBGA also transforms into CBG when heat is added from sources such as the flame from a lighter, a vaporizer, or heat from an oven. This process is known as decarboxylation.
Interestingly, CBGA isn’t just the acidic precursor to CBG. It also acts as the acidic precursor for all the other cannabinoids’ acidic forms. That means CBGA is responsible for hemp’s full spectrum of cannabinoids and corresponding potency. Under the right conditions, CBGA becomes either CBG or one of the hundreds of other acidic precursors that transform into therapeutic and psychoactive cannabinoids.
Do High CBG Strains Exist?
Yes absolutely. Mickey Kush, created by TGA Genetics Subcool Seeds is one example. However, Mickey Kush is also high in THC, which means it will produce psychoactive effects. Fortunately, hemp cultivators have created several non-psychoactive CBG strains in recent years. These include:
CBG flower prices grew 4% in April 2023, suggesting a growing market for smokable strains like White CBG, White Widow, and Jack Frost. Additionally, CBG appears prominently in oils, tinctures, vapes, and edibles.
Metta Hemp's CBG Disposable Vape Pen, is a user-friendly vape cartridge that combines CBG isolate with full spectrum hemp extract, offering fast-acting and potent effects without any fillers or additives.
3. Wyld Pear CBG + Hybrid Enhanced Gummies
Wyld Pear gummies offer the restorative benefits of THC + CBG as a recovery agent to help relax and support the body, all infused with real fruit, high-quality cannabis extract, and botanical terpenes for a consistently enjoyable experience.
4. CannaAid CBG Tincture 300MG
CannaAid CBT Tincture features 300mg of CBG in a 30ml tincture for a speedier distribution than edibles, which must be digested and passed by the liver.
How is CBG Measured?
CBG is measured through potency tests in the same way that CBD, THC and other cannabinoids are measured. ACS Laboratory’s protocol uses Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) machinery to measure CBG potency in flower, edibles and extracts. HPLC is the preferred instrument for these products due to its ability to test samples at room temperature without requiring heat.
Heat breaks down cannabinoid precursors into different forms (as discussed above) and skews the potency information. HPLC accurately tests both CBGA and CBG for precise results.
How Do I Extract CBG?
CBG is extracted through a chromatography process that uses superfluid liquid solvents like CO2 or ethanol to extract the cannabinoid. During the extraction process, hemp is dissolved in the solution, which draws the cannabinoids and terpenes out of the plant.
The solution is then evaporated with heat under a vacuum to remove all the gas and leave a high purity CBG concentrate behind. Once extracted, CBG products should be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight to preserve potency.
What are CBG Crystals?
CBG crystals are natural crystalline products that are nearly 100% pure. This is the purest form of Cannabigerol available to the market today.
How does it work? The CBG crystals are extracted from hemp or cannabis plants using CO2 solvents.
CBG crystals look like powdered sugar and can be melted under the tongue, sprinkled in smokeable flower or mixed with oils. Some people may also use this pure powder as a dietary supplement by mixing it in smoothies or juices.
Can You Make CBG Kief?
You cannot make CBG-only kief. The process of creating kief uses special sifting machinery to sift powder from the plant’s trichomes. Although you can isolate CBG via extraction, it’s not yet possible to have CBG only flower, so the kief you create will contain CBG along with the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Can You Smoke, Vape or Ingest CBG Through an Oil Tincture?
Yes. Like CBD and THC, CBG can also be smoked in flower form, vaped in an oil or wax, or ingested sublingually using a tincture. However, it’s important to note that CBG has a low boiling point and may require a special vaporizer to preserve its potency.
Why Test for CBG?
At ACS Laboratory, we test hemp and cannabis products for CBGA and CBG because of the incredible potential to ease pain, inflammation, anxiety and more. CBG is one of the most important cannabinoids that determines the plant’s entire chemical profile. Additionally, CBG’s non-psychoactive properties may allow it to replace CBD one day as the industry’s most popular hemp-derived compound.
We’re excited that customers are starting to understand the value of this healing compound and that hemp companies are starting to create high CBG strains. We’re confident that CBG potency tests are vital for brands to successfully market their products. Contact us today to learn more.
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