By Mitch Rice
If you’re somewhat in tune to the hemp scene, you’ll find that it’s expanding, and fast. A good amount of the recent expansion has been focused on the recreational cannabinoids with psychoactive effects. However, we’ve also seen some growth in the medicinal and therapeutic side of hemp as well! One of the recent cannabinoids to gain traction lately is CBG, also known as cannabigerol.
What is so special about CBG?
In comparison to many of the other cannabinoids, you’ll find that much like CBD, CBG products have become known for their potential therapeutic effects. Although also shown to be effective in such use, another major appeal is the lack of psychoactive effects.
While limited in comparison to currently available research on CBD, it should be noted that the research behind CBG’s uses and benefits are quite promising in terms of potential future medicinal application and research.
One of the most unique factors surrounding CBG is the fact that it’s known as the “mother” cannabinoid. In short, this is because while in its acidic form (CBGa), it’s actually the base compound that cannabinoids such as the more familiar THC and CBD are derived from.
Unique properties of CBG
Much like CBD, Cannabigerol (CBG) has effects that are therapeutic, such as relaxation or anxiety relief. What is unique to CBG, however, is the variety of potential medical uses that have been discovered through recent research. Although more studies need to be conducted, CBG has been shown to be more applicable to some situations than it’s more popular kin, CBD.
Anti-Bacterial & Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Although CBD and CBG are very similar in terms of their molecular structure and methods of binding to the ECS, there’s been a few studies that have shown CBG may be the more ideal option when it comes to providing relief from ailments such as Crohn’s disease and IBD.
In 2017, a study was conducted that surrounded the idea of cannabinoids being used to treat a variety of inflammatory bowel diseases. Although various cannabinoids were included in the study, a key highlight was when it was noted that CBG was highly effective in reducing nitric oxide production in macrophages
Alongside this, another study was conducted that also had shown that Cannabigerol was exceedingly effective when used as an anti-bacterial towards Streptococcus mutans.
Skin Treatment
Alongside this, it’s been shown that CBG has been shown to be effective when used for treating a variety of skin conditions, ranginge from general redness, to inflammation. On top of that, it also has been show via a 3D skin model that it is more effective than CBD, specifically targeting genes such as collagen and elastin. Although more research needs to be done, this is promising for future applications as the use of cannabinoids becomes more accepted in a commercial sense.
The Entourage Effect
A term coined for the effects of different cannabinoids being mixed together, the entourage effect is one of the reasons that CBG has become a popular option among hemp enthusiasts.
In fact, many of the products that are currently available on the market contain both CBD and CBG, and they are generally considered to be beneficial. For example, you’ll find that there’s a variety of products that hone in on this term by being categorized as either full spectrum or broad spectrum. This is essentially a way to differentiate whether a hemp product is refined to only have CBD, or include a more organic mix of THC, CBD, CBG, and even other cannabinoids such as CBDv directly from the hemp plant during processing.
One of the more notable entourage effects is the synergistic effect that occurs when CBD and CBG are used together. When used together, CBD and CBG can work in a more synergistic manner than either alone, meaning that they can work together to produce a stronger overall effect.
The recent Growth of Hemp Derived Cannabinoids
Although hemp has been used for thousands of years, it was only recently that we’ve been able to dive a bit deeper into this plant without fear of repurcussions in the US. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is now federally legal in the United States, given that retailers adhere to a few rules. This has allowed for a great deal of research to be conducted on the plant and the compounds within.
As a result, we’ve seen an explosion in demand for not only CBD, but also CBG and other minor cannabinoids.
Final Thoughts: Is CBG Right for you?
As you can see, CBG is one of the new cannabinoids that’s positioned for long term adoption, much like CBD. Although many consumers may look at CBD as their go-to cannabinoid of choice for relaxation, there are a few stark differences CBG has that make it a potentially more appealing option for some.
On its own, CBG may not be the most attractive option. However, with the entourage effect, which is a name for what one experiences when different cannabinoids are mixed together, CBG may be the perfect addition to your cannabinoid collection.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
