If you are closely following the trends in the cannabis market, you’ve probably heard of the recently re-discovered cannabinoid called CBG. First discovered by scientists in the 1960’s, CBG is considered the precursor from which all other cannabinoids are derived, which is why it is known in some circles as the ‘stem cell’ or ‘mother’ of cannabinoids. This unique feature imbues this cannabinoid with massive therapeutic promise, making it a subject of interest among cannabis users and researchers.
What is CBG?
Essentially, Cannabigerol is one of the chemical compounds in the cannabis plant. It is, however, considered a minor cannabinoid because a cannabis plant only contains a very low amount of the compound—up to 1%. Generally, the cannabis plant produces cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the precursor of the major cannabinoids (CBD, THC, and CBC). Over time, natural enzymes convert the CBGA into CBDA, THCA and CBCA, which are, in turn, transformed into THC, CBD, and CBC. It is the small amounts of cannabigerolic acid that remain in the plant after the formation of the three major cannabinoids that are decarboxylated into CBG.
Compared to CBD and THC, CBG yields are very low—10 to 20 times lower. So, one way of obtaining CBG-rich extract is to harvest the cannabis plant much early in its growth cycle before CBGA is converted to CBD and THC. In other words, THC and CBD are forfeited to maximize CBG yields. Another option is crossbreeding, which is very demanding and risky. All these factors coupled with the fact the CBG extraction requires advanced and expensive technologies make CBG products, including CBG oil, very expensive.
How CBG oil works in the body
Like other cannabinoids, CBG attaches to the cannabinoid receptors in the body and that’s why it can help alleviate common health problems. In particular, it binds directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors to provide a more direct impact on the endocannabinoid system.
Potential Benefits of CBG oil
Although research on the full potential of CBG is still ongoing, preliminary findings are quite promising. Here are quick links to what’s currently known about CBG:
- Treating depression: It is believed to boost the production of the endocannabinoid anandamide, which is known to improve mood.
- Anti-inflammatory qualities: In a past study, CBG was shown to lower inflammation associated with colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease.
- Cancer-fighting properties: CBG may block receptors that enhance cancer cell growth.
- Treating glaucoma: CBG might be effective in reducing intraocular pressure hence may have significant therapeutic potential to treat glaucoma.
- Potent Analgesic: CBG inhibits excellent GABA intake capabilities
- Past studies show that CBG may have excellent antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties
- CBG may play a role in bone growth stimulation.
Side Effects
Since there is still limited research on CBG, there is no reliable information on the potential side effects of CBG oil. From previous studies on the compound, CBG seems to be very well-tolerated, has low toxicity, and doesn’t show any significant side effects, especially when taken in normal doses. As always, before you introduce CBG oil into your health routine, it is advisable to consult a physician.
Does It Get You High?
The simple answer is: No, consuming CBG oil won’t get you high. CBG is mildly psychoactive, which simply implies that it doesn’t come with intoxicating effects. Although it may induce relaxation and euphoric effects in high concentrations, the majority of the effects that you are likely to get from this cannabinoid are not psychological.
How to source for CBG oil
Due to the high costs associated with its production, CBG oil is not as common as CBD. So, the stores that currently stock it may charge you higher. Although full spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oil products often contain CBG in their formulas, it is often contained in very limited amounts. So, the best places to buy CBG oil are reputable companies that do third-party testing.
Final Thoughts
It is clear that CBG oil presents an incredible potential for alleviating a wide range of health problems. However, more research is still needed to understand how it works, especially how it interacts with other cannabinoids. Nonetheless, as things stand now, it is safe to say that CBG oil will have many other more fascinating properties that are yet to be discovered by researchers.
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