Those familiar with cannabis know about cannabinoids like THC and CBD, but is CBG (cannabigerol) the next big thing? CBG isn’t present in large quantities in the majority of cannabis strains, however it is definitely a cannabinoid worth learning about for numerous reasons.
Breeders are experimenting to see how they can obtain higher yields of CBG. For example, they are experimenting with genetic manipulation and cross-breeding plants. Some seed companies are crossing strains in hopes of producing plants with higher CBG contents. Scientists are also able to extract higher levels of CBG through a lengthy extraction process. For these reasons, CBG is extremely expensive to produce and is often referred to as the “Rolls Royce of cannabinoids”.
There are tons of potential medical benefits associated with CBG. Scientists have experimented with CBG on specific physiological systems and problems. The results of these experiments have been promising.
Currently, there are many CBD companies selling their products online. In the near future, you will find many of these companies transitioning to adding a combination of CBD and CBG products to their product lines. A CBD company that plans on adding CBD products with more concentrated CBG levels is WE R CBD.
How is CBG Made?
CBG is referred to as a minor cannabinoid since it is present in such low levels (less than 1% in most cannabis strains). Cannabis strains produce CBGA (cannabigerol acid), which is the precursor to three cannabinoid lines: THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), and CBCA (cannabichromenic acid). Particular enzymes within the cannabis plant process CBGA down and guide it to one of the three lines. The acids are then exposed to either ultraviolet light or heat, and they become the cannabinoids we know as: THC and CBD. In the majority of cannabis strains, CBGA is immediately converted to CBDA or THCA. Therefore, a strain with higher THC means less CBD and CBD (and vice versa).Breeders are experimenting to see how they can obtain higher yields of CBG. For example, they are experimenting with genetic manipulation and cross-breeding plants. Some seed companies are crossing strains in hopes of producing plants with higher CBG contents. Scientists are also able to extract higher levels of CBG through a lengthy extraction process. For these reasons, CBG is extremely expensive to produce and is often referred to as the “Rolls Royce of cannabinoids”.
What are the Potential Medical Benefits CBG Provides?
The endocannabinoid system built-in within the human body works to keep the body in its balanced state of homeostasis. While there are details on how cannabinoids work, we know for sure the endocannabinoid system performs different functions specific to each area of the human body.There are tons of potential medical benefits associated with CBG. Scientists have experimented with CBG on specific physiological systems and problems. The results of these experiments have been promising.
- Endocannabinoid receptors are present in eye structure. CBD has been found to be extremely effective in treating glaucoma, since it reduces intaocular pressure.
- In experiments on mice, CBG was found to be effective in reducing the inflammation characteristic found in inflammatory bowel disease. In a 2015 study, CBG worked effectively in protecting neurons in mice that suffered from Huntington’s disease.
- CBG is also showing great promise in fighting against cancer. CBG has been found to block the cells that inhibit cancer cell growth within mice. One study showed CBG inhabiting the growth of colorectal cancer cells, which resulted in slowing colon cancer growth. CBG has shown to be extremely promising in potentially curing colorectal cancer.
Currently, there are many CBD companies selling their products online. In the near future, you will find many of these companies transitioning to adding a combination of CBD and CBG products to their product lines. A CBD company that plans on adding CBD products with more concentrated CBG levels is WE R CBD.
