19-05-2020 10:00:40 - Updated: 19 May, 2020
Cannabis plants contain certain components that can be beneficial to health. In other posts we have discussed THC or CBD, which are the most important, but not the only ones.
Today I want to talk to you about CBG, a minority compound that is gaining prominence, about its medicinal properties, products that are being manufactured and the varieties where it can be found. Let’s get started!
⭐ What is CBG?
CBG is the acronym for Cannabigerol, a medicinal component found in cannabis and hemp plants. It is defined as a cannabinoid that acts as a precursor to other cannabinoids, meaning that its acidic form is eventually transformed into THCA, CBDA or CBCA.
It is a non-psychoactive and legal phyto-cannabinoid in many countries. It was first described in 1964 by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam in collaboration with Professor Gaoni. Years later, in a 1975 investigation, it was discovered that CBGA’s molecule ended up being transformed into other compounds. For this reason the level of regular CBG in cannabis plants is generally low, although lately genetics containing this cannabinoid are emerging on the market.
⛳ Varieties rich in Cannabigerol, cannabis or hemp plants containing more than 1% of this component
We do not have any commercial cannabis varieties rich in CBG for sale at this time. But there are several seed banks and laboratories working at the moment to offer this kind of seeds soon.
In Valencia, Spain, a genetics called Panakeia is being registered and it contains more than 15% CBG and very little or no THC. This is a collaboration between Hemp Trading and the University of Valencia.
CBG Time are medical marijuana seeds from PEV Bank Seeds that come onto the market after a long R&D work, as they contain a very special chemotype…
Bank: PEV Bank Seeds.
Type: Feminized.
Genetics: CBG#1.0 x CBG#1.0.
Flowering period: 55-65 days
Phenotype: 70% indica/ 30% sativa.
Harvest outdoor HN: End of Sept. – Beginning of Oct.
Harvest outdoor HS: End of March – Beginning of April.
Outdoor production: 800g/plant.
Indoor production: 550 g/m2.
THC: 0,1% – CBG: 15%.
In Oregon (USA) they also have a couple of dominant CBG varieties ready for release. The Oregon CBD company has created Stem Cell and White CBG, two strains that contain high levels of Cannabigerol and less than 0.3% THC.
Among hemp varieties with CBG, Santhica 27 and Santhica 70 stand out, two selections that are sold by seeds and clones that can reach up to 6% of Cannabigerol.
✨ CBG Benefits and Medicinal Properties
This component is so special that it interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in more or less the same way as CBD, but it can also mutate its molecule and interact with other receptors.
Thus, Cannabigerol has similar properties to Cannabidiol, but it can also be transformed into THC, and have psychoactive effects, or into CBC and interact with TRPV receptors. So, what is CBG good for? Write it down…
Pain and Anxiety
CBG inhibits the absorption of GABA, which is directly related to the feeling of peace, calm and relaxation. The first studies on this subject were made in 1975.
Cancer
It prevents Colon Carcinogenesis and inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Studies in mice even showed how Cannabigerol promoted Apoptosis, that is, the self-destruction of bad cells.
Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases
This cannabinoid has been shown to have neuroprotective properties. In a 2015 study, it was shown how CBG protected brain cells in mice with Huntington’s disease. It is a great hope for patients with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Antibacterial
It is the most effective cannabinoid both as an antibiotic and as an antibacterial and antiseptic. One of the great problems of the 21st century is precisely the resistance we have created to antibiotics, and CBG has even proved effective in treating diseases such as MRSA, for which Methicillin is no longer very useful.
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-inflammatory properties of CBG were already known, but a 2017 study concluded that it can be very effective in treating intestinal and general digestive system inflammations. Colitis, Crohn’s or irritable bowel syndrome can be treated with Cannabigerol.
Glaucoma
In a study with cats, CBG was found to reduce intraocular pressure, which takes place behind the eye. Other cannabinoids were already known to be useful in this regard, and a combination of several is certainly ideal.
Autoimmune diseases
CBG improved autoimmune system and reduced inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis. It is still early to draw conclusions, but hopefully more studies will follow.
Appetite stimulation
Many hopes have been placed in this regard. It can be a great ally in helping patients on treatment for HIV, cancer and other hunger-inhibiting diseases. In studies with rats it was found that with CBG they eat twice as much, without having the side effects that THC produces.
Skin diseases
In a 2007 study, CBG was found to be effective in treating skin diseases such as Psoriasis and Eczema, in addition to providing general relief from skin inflammations.
👌 CBG products and uses
Products containing high levels of Cannabigerol, or a combination of Cannabigerol and other cannabinoids, are already available in some markets. The most used format is CBG oil as it happens with CBD, but there are distillates, isolated powder, capsules, pills, creams for topical use, crystals, sweets and all kinds of medicinal extracts and concentrates.
☕ How to use CBG
As we mentioned before, most people use Cannabigerol through oil, since it can be taken directly in drops, added to recipes or by refilling capsules with the right doses to ingest.
Isolated concentrates can be dabbed, although it is not the healthiest form of use, a CBG dab at low temperature produces instantaneous effects. In this case, it is better to vaporize than to smoke, since it is a question of minimizing the risks.
📖 Conclusion
CBG is the mother of all cannabinoids, so we can say that it is the most important, because without it there would be no THC, no CBD, no CBC. Do you know any other use or property of Cannabigerol? If so, leave us a comment and if you liked this post please share it.
