Most people have heard of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD),  two main cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. However, there is a lesser-known compound cannabinoid called cannabigerol (CBG) which also exists and might prove beneficial for users.

CBG in Cannabis 

CBG is present in hemp at a level of less than one percent. In addition, it is not found in all strains. Interestingly, cannabigerol acid (CBGA) is classified as the precursor to the three leading cannabinoids: tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA), cannabidiol acid (CBDA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA). Interestingly, when THCA and CBDA are exposed to heat or ultraviolet rays they transform into THC and CBD - a process known as decarboxylation. However, when CBGA is exposed to the same process, it converts into THCA. When a plant has a high percent of THCA, then it has exceptionally low levels of CBG which is causing cultivation experts to experiment with genetic manipulation and specific crossbreeding of plants to create greater CBG in plants. 

 

CBG Extraction from Hemp

The successful extraction of CBG from hemp is all about timing. You can extract high levels of CBG about six to eight weeks before the flowering cycle starts.

Medical Benefits of CBG 

All mammals (humans included) have a built-in endocannabinoid system (ECS). The primary function of the ECS is to create a state of homeostasis (balance). Cannabinoids are believed to bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors found in the ECS. The binding creates a positive impact on the receptor’s function. ECS receptors govern pain perception, immune response, moods, and more. They can have a positive influence on the receptors which helps aid in whole-body health. 

CBG binds with the receptors in much the same way as THC and CBD. The potential of CBG to treat a variety of medical conditions is intriguing. 
 

• Glaucoma: Currently, researchers are looking closely at CBG as a way to treat glaucoma because it reduces intraocular pressure significantly. 
• Migraines: CBG appears to act as a vasodilator with strong neuroprotective characteristics which might make it an interesting choice for migraine prevention or treatment because the severe and often debilitating headaches occur because of vascular dilation. 
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Studies have also shown that CBG decreases inflammation in certain disorders like inflammatory bowel disease. 
• Huntington’s Disease: In 2015, research was carried out that looked at CBG’s ability to protect neurons. Huntington’s disease causes nerve cell degeneration in the brain so CBG could potentially slow or halt the damage. 
• Cancer: In medical studies, CBG has been shown to block receptors that are the cause of malignancy growth. One study examined CBG to slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells. It was found to inhibit the tumors. 
• Cachexia: Cachexia (muscle wasting and weight loss) occurs with several diseases such as HIV/AIDS and certain cancers. CBG acts as a therapeutic option to battle cachexia. 
• Bladder Dysfunction: CBG eases bladder contractions which are known to cause certain bladder dysfunction disorders 
• Antibacterial: CBG was used in one study to battle methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that has become immune to several other classes of drugs. Topical formulations of cannabis have been studied since the 1950s to combat skin infections and now it appears that the active ingredient is CBG. 

 

Without a doubt, CBG is promising and further research might reveal the cannabinoid’s true potential further. At Also Organics, we offer a CBG tincture that contains 500 mg of CBG. The tincture comes with a dropper that delivers 17 mg of CBG per dose. 

Please contact Also Organics to learn more.