Plants have a long history of providing a vast array of benefits to human populations. Apart from serving as food, plants also secrete several chemicals that can be purified to assist in the treatment and prevention of diseases commonly encountered in animals, including man. These plant chemicals or phytochemicals are secondary metabolites synthesized by the plants to protect them against pests and diseases. They can also act singly or in synergism to provide several therapeutic potentials to man.

Just like every other plant, the cannabis plant is rich in several phytochemicals like the cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils. There are over 100 different cannabinoids, including Cannabidiol (CBD), delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN) and other cannabimimetic. These phytochemicals are configured to interact with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system (CB1 and CB2). This level of activity and interaction between these plant-based cannabinoids (Phytocannabinoids) and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) receptors is responsible for a vast array of benefits, including serving as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-depressant, and even anticancer agents.

Every member of the phytocannabinoid family interacts with the ECS receptors in a unique way. In this article, we shall focus on the role of CBD and its potential therapeutic benefits in the body. Please note that all medical claims in this article were written based on data available from scientific research and not official statements from the FDA and other regulatory bodies.

What is CBG and what are its benefits?

What is CBG?

Cannabigerol or CBG is one of the numerous phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis or hemp plant. Just like CBD, it is not intoxicating but comes in handy by offering a vast array of therapeutic benefits to users. CBG is often referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids. It begins as an acidic precursor cell or molecule known as cannabigerol acid or CBGA, which is capable of transforming into CBG while in the pathway.

 

This pathway is necessary for the protection of most compounds when present in living systems (plant or animals). In most cases, these active plants are stored or transported in their inactive forms, which are usually acidic like CDGA, and are activated in the presence of light, oxidation, and heat. Once the right environment is achieved, the body releases enzymes that can act to transform these molecules into their active/inactive states.
One unique feature of CBG is that its acidic form (CBGA) also serves as the precursor for every other cannabinoid present in the body. This means without CBGA, there will be no THCA, CBDA, and other precursor cells. Each cannabinoid reaction always starts with CBGA, which then morphs into either CBG or any other acidic precursor.

Is CBG Safe?

Although most of the benefits stated above are linked with the ability to CBG to elicit beneficial roles in non-human lab animals, there is a great potential of the compound to replicate the same activity in human populations when the right dosage and cannabinoid spectrum is taken into due consideration. Just like CBD, CBG is non-psychoactive and plays significant roles in activating the CB1 receptors for pain and brain activity without the usual high. This shows that CBG is worth trying out.

Even with these levels of great potential, CBG products are hardly found in the market hence encouraging the need to create pure CBG-based products. If you intend to enjoy some of these benefits, it is advisable to purchase full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD products since they may contain a varying concentration of CBG. Make sure you study the Certificate of Analysis to double-check if CBG is present in the final product.

Since there are lots of benefits and interest associated with CBG, cultivators, and cannabis plant breeders are exploring ways to boost the production of CBG plants for medical cannabis as well. This feat can be achieved via genetic engineering or selective breeding, and with time, we will have CBG rich cannabis strains.
Don’t forget to contact our team of experts if you have any questions on the use of CBG for any conditions, our team of experts will love to hear from you soon.

Will CBG replace the CBD as a choice phytocannabinoids? Only time will tell.

Ian Parkes

Ian has been writing for a number of high growth industries for the past decade. Having plied his trade in the craft beer industry, Ian drew parallels between that and the world of CBD and soon became fascinated. Ian enjoys writing about innovation in the industry, particularly as it relates to the development of the leading brands.

See all posts by Ian Parkes

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