What is CBG? It’s Not CBD

What is CBG?

CBG is the mother of all cannabinoids!!! CBG is known as the “precursor” cannabinoid because all other cannabinoids evolve from CBG.

As the cannabis plant grows, the cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is exposed to ultraviolet light and heat, as well as specific enzymes that break it down, and the CBGA is converted to both THCA and CBDA. Because CBG is needed to create THC/CBD, typically there is very little CBG present in the plant once converted, usually less than 1%. This conversion takes place in the younger stages of the plant’s life, about 6-8 weeks in.

What Does CBG Do For Me?

Currently, there are many different studies in the early stages about CBG and its benefits to humans, with more information being made available as more studies are done. Right now, we know that like any cannabinoid, CBG is processed by your body’s endocannabinoid system. This is made up of molecules and receptors that help keep your body regulated and healthy. CBG works as and imitates an endocannabinoid in our bodies.

The human body has 2 types of these cannabinoid receptors, known as CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found in the nervous system and brain, while CB2 receptors are mostly found in the immune system. CBG works by bonding to both receptors and helps to strengthen the function of the anandamide, which is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for the following:

  • Regulating appetite
  • Improving digestive health
  • Regulating sleep cycles
  • Enhancing pleasure and motivation
  • Alleviating pain

Unlike THC, CBG has little to no psychoactive properties, and will not give off a high.

Holding ganja leaf to the sky

CBG vs CBD

Both CBG and CBD work in similar ways to improve your overall health and are beneficial to many different systems in the body. Like CBD, CBG does need to be taken daily and accumulate in the body for the full effects. Both act to reduce inflammation as well as pain regulation.

Surprisingly, CBG is found to be more effective in treating and preventing migraines, as well as easing muscle pain and aches. This is because of the aforementioned “bonding” process, which makes the CBG more efficient at delivering its benefits. However, CBD is typically better suited and is more popular for reducing overall inflammation. This is because it is more accessible/readily available, as well as more potent than CBG; you would need to use a lot less CBD to achieve a similar effect.

Important Notes About Cannabinoids 

The biggest differences between CBG and CBD would be the amounts of the elements that are found in the cannabis plant – CBD typically makes up about 25% of the plant, whereas CBG is about 1%.

There are reports each of these may offer side effects; dry mouth and increased heart rate are sometimes associated with CBG use, while CBD may cause excess fatigue in some people.

We hope you’ve learned a little about CBG and we’d love to introduce you to some great products in the store. Drop by and ask us what we have.