What is CBG?

We are used to hearing all about cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) whenever the topic of cannabis or CBD arises, but what is cannabigerol (CBG)? CBG is a new and upcoming cannabinoid within the hemp industry, which is expected to grow in popularity following in the footsteps of CBD, as another non-psychoactive cannabinoid to join the low-THC consumer market. In recent years, the lesser-known cannabinoid, CBG, has begun to enter the market, with different companies pushing for further research into the cannabinoid and it’s potential and therapeutic benefits.

The cannabis plant contains several chemical compounds, and these compounds are called cannabinoids, there are also terpenes, flavonoids and much more that make up the cannabis plant. The human body’s endocannabinoid system is then able to receive these compounds which assist in the body achieving a healthy balance.

The major cannabinoids that can be found in the cannabis plant are produced from the single compound cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which is the acidic and inactive precursor to CBG. As the plant matures it’s enzymes convert CBGA into some of the major cannabinoid’s precursor compounds such as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). These precursor compounds are then broken down even further into cannabinoids, both major and minor, that are present within the plant strain.

So what is CBG? Well CBG is usually described as being similar to the more widely-known CBD, for instance, CBG is thought to have direct and strong interaction with the endocannabinoid receptors within the human endocannabinoid system, and it is also suspected that CBG can balance out the psychoactive effects that come with THC. These are also characteristics found in CBD, however, early research suggests the therapeutic effects of these two cannabinoids is where they differ.

CBG continues to be studied for its potential uses and effects, including its pharmacological property potentials, however, there has not been any clinical trials as of yet. So far in rat and in-vitro studies, there have been some significant indications of CBG’s benefits and therapeutic effects, as well as potentials to be a promising treatment for a variety of health conditions, although these are yet to be proved in clinical trials. Although promise has been indicated, there isn’t any definitive proof as of yet.

If you currently consume cannabis- by smoking it, by tincture or eating it- you will already be consuming small levels of CBG in its natural form. What is clear at this point is that CBG is slowly growing in popularity as well as the knowledge surrounding it, however currently a lot more research and clinical studies need to be carried out to understand this cannabinoid and its potential benefits.