Did you know the cannabis sativa plant contains over 540 chemical substances that have been discovered so far? THC (Δ⁹tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the most well-known cannabinoids, but these are just two cannabinoids among over a hundred other cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, all working together to create an interactive synergy called the ‘entourage effect’.
This term describes how these 540 natural chemical substances can work together for a greater therapeutic benefit than any single compound on its own.
Scientists are only now starting to discover the health and wellbeing properties of each cannabinoid and its interconnected relationship to other cannabinoids through this entourage effect.
CBG is a rare entity in the cannabis sativa plant, but it’s turning out to be an important part of the entire plant’s processes.
What is CBG?
CBG (cannabigerol) is one of the less abundant cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant. It makes up only about 1% of the cannabinoids present in the hemp plant.
This is why it has been considered a rare and ‘minor cannabinoid’.
So rare and minor in fact that many manufacturers have not focused on trying to extract and manufacture CBG because of its low concentration in the genetic makeup of the plant.
But even though this little cannabinoid is called a “minor cannabinoid” it is gaining popularity, often referred to as the “mother” or “stem cell” of cannabinoids.
Why?
CBG, like CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the early stages of the plant. CBG’s acidic form, CBGA is the first cannabinoid acid to develop in the plant and is the precursor to the three main cannabinoid lines: THCA, CBDA and CBCA.
This is why CBG gets its nickname “mother of cannabinoids.”
Once these acid compounds are decarboxylated (the process of heating the raw plant so that the chemical structure of the acid changes from to a neutral - non-acid - form) they drop their carboxyl acid.
This means that after decarboxylation, CBGA turns into the neutral form CBG. The same is true for THCA which turns into THC and CBDA which turns into CBD.
This decarboxylation process also produces many other cannabinoids, all of which stem from this ‘mother of all cannabinoids: CBGA’.
What Are the Potential Benefits of CBG?
Turns out CBG works within our physiological systems to produce some really remarkable effects. When combined with other cannabinoids, this compound works synergistically with other cannabinoids to produce some interesting effects.
For example, scientists have seen that, like CBD, CBG can counterbalance THC’s effects and level the consumer out, as both CBD and CBG are non-intoxicating. Scientists are excited about these initial CBG results and are promoting future research with CBG alone or CBG in combination with other cannabinoids.
Research is still limited, but here’s some of what the scientific studies are showing us right now:
- Swelling – CBG has been shown to have great promise in producing anti-swelling effects through lab testing on mice. This can pave the way for promoting relief for many other issues that stem from swelling.
- Eye Health – A 2008 study suggests that CBG might be effective in assisting in maintaining normal eye health and to reduce eye pressure or swelling.
- Malignant Cell Growth – Based on a 2014 study, CBG can be attributed the diminishing growth of unwanted malignant type cells and other growths.
- Maintain Normal Appetite – A recent 2016 study shows that CBG has been suggested to help stimulate appetite.
- Neuroprotective Properties – A study in 2016 on mice found that CBG might have protective properties and assist with normal motor functioning.
- Antibacterial Properties – A 2008 study promotes that CBG has antibacterial properties which can aid in combatting bacterial issues.
Due to its increasing popularity, more research on CBG will be heading our way soon.
Many people believe that CBG is going to be the next big thing as the current research being done suggests that CBG deserves its own bright and shining spotlight.
The more science understands this compound, the more well-known this compound will become.
