Of the many active compounds known as cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, one newly found compound is standing out for its unique properties. Cannabigerol, also known as CBG, is a cannabinoid found in industrial hemp and potent strains of cannabis.
In comparison to other popular cannabinoids THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), CBG exists in lower concentrations. Today, scientists continue research discovering the growing beneficial properties that this specific cannabinoid carries.
Learn what is known about CBG, where it can be found, how it works in our bodies, and how exactly it can be useful to users.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol, also known as CBG, is a newly found cannabinoid that is present in cannabis. Unlike another common cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBG has no psychoactive properties and will not give users a high effect. CBG was first discovered in Israel in 1964, where cannabis researchers first formed isolations to CBD, THC, and CBG in the cannabis plant. This isolation has then opened the door to discoveries and new products regarding these cannabinoids, especially CBG.
CBG flower contains CBGA (cannabigerolic acid), which is a compound that doesn’t break down into a final component of CBD, CBN, or THC. Instead, the CBGA compound in the CBG flower synthesizes with other present cannabinoid acids. When CBGA is heated and inhaled (typically by a process called decarboxylation), it is then broken down into CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) and THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), further breaking down into CBD and THC.
In short, most cannabinoids in hemp and cannabis result in breaking down into another compound, (for example, CBDA transforming to CBD), except CBGA. After disbelief in CBG’s significance and further research proving otherwise, scientists now understand CBG to be the mother cannabinoid in the plant.
Hemp plants often contain larger levels of CBG. Any cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC is considered legal hemp to grow under the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill. Because of this, breeders were able to create legal hemp that contains higher levels of CBG and as a result, have contributed to the various CBG hemp flower strains available today. As brands and companies grow CBG hemp flower strains for the cannabis market, discoveries and information grow as well.
How Does CBG Work in the Body?
The CBG in hemp flower, along with other cannabinoids, works to influence the endocannabinoid system in our bodies. The endocannabinoid system includes a group of receptors (CB1 and CB2) and endocannabinoids our body naturally produces. The role of these receptors and this system is to regulate physiological functions and maintain homeostasis within the body. When cannabinoids from hemp and cannabis are consumed, these two sets of compounds bind together due to similar shapes and chemical makeup. Research has shown how CBG binds primarily with CB2 receptors. In the endocannabinoid system, CB2 receptors are throughout the body and responsible mostly for the immune system. When CBG is consumed in high doses, it can function to block other compounds from binding with CB1 receptors (responsible for the nervous system and brain).
The endocannabinoid system and its complex reaction with cannabinoids is a process that scientists today are still attempting to decode and untangle. While there is still more to be discovered, there are many benefits of CBG that have made exciting growth for this interesting cannabinoid.
What is CBG Used For?
Research has provided an abundance of information about the benefits of CBG, yet we don’t fully know everything. In what is known today, initial research has shown that it may be useful for a wide range of conditions and treatments, both physical and psychological.
Because of the chemical reaction of CBG and other cannabinoids, CBG flower is often high in CBG and naturally low in THC. This allows those who consume CBG flowers to enjoy this type of hemp flower calmly without any potent psychoactive effects. CBG is often suggested to alleviate stress after a long day, or to feel blissed and relaxed without a strong high effect.
Over the past few years, studies in animals have suggested further insight and information regarding the healing properties of the cannabinoid CBG. From the discoveries gathered, CBG has potential for relief in the following ways:
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Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Researchers who formed a study on CBG for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) found that CBG reduced the inflammation of IBD and relieved symptoms of colitis. With this information, it is suggested that further study of CBG may also help more inflammation conditions. Chronic inflammation is also associated with conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes. Although more research is required, the cannabinoid CBG suggests hope for patients who suffer from serious chronic inflammatory conditions.
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Glaucoma
In a mice study done by scientists, it was recorded that CBG has therapeutic hope for treating glaucoma. The study showed those who were administered CBG had a reduction in eye pressure and an increase in aqueous flow, the fluid produced by the eye to provide nutrition.
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Huntington’s Disease
Huntington's Disease is a condition that breaks down the nerve cells in the brain. A 2015 study examined the potential of neuroprotective properties of CBG and other cannabinoids of mice with this disease. CBG reacts as a neuroprotectant that protects the nerve cells that are damaged in the brain.
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Antibacterial Benefits
A 2020 study of CBG suggests the antibiotic potential of cannabis. It found that CBG has antibacterial properties that can fight against bacteria strains such as methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
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Combating Cancer Cells
A 2018 research published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research suggests that CBGA may play a crucial and therapeutic role in targeting colon cancer cells. CBG cannabis extracts were involved in a cytotoxic activity in colon cancer cells by inducing programmed cell death in the body called apoptosis. In the study, the CBG extracts were active in this process and revealed this cannabinoid to be specifically helpful in preventing or suppressing the progression of these colon cancer cells.
Does CBG Get You High?
CBG hemp flower contains less than 0.3% of THC, resulting in little to no psychoactive, high effects when consumed. However, some users who are not experienced with intoxicating cannabinoids such as THC may feel these effects differently. CBG is also a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants that contain more than 0.3% THC, such as in cannabis sativa and cannabis indica strains. Although CBG in isolate form cannot get you high, if mixed with the right cannabinoids, CBG can induce these effects in strains already containing higher levels of THC.
Is CBG Safe and Legal?
In what is known today about CBG, there are no adverse or intense side effects of smoking CBG hemp flower. Side effects that have been reported so far include common side effects that are known for cannabis - this includes dry mouth, drowsiness, nausea, or coughing.
When it comes to the manufacturing and production of CBG, it remains more difficult and scarce compared to THC and CBD. However, there are CBG hemp strains that provide promising therapeutic and health benefits that are available through Black Tie CBD.
What is the Difference Between CBD and CBG?
CBD and CBG flower may have slightly different effects when smoked. Many users suggest that CBG dominant strains provide more energizing, alert effects than CBD strains that often compel relaxing effects. Because of the research collected from both cannabinoids, CBD is generally used for patients seeking chronic pain while CBG is often treated for gastrointestinal, inflammatory conditions.
Another primary difference between CBG and CBD is its availability. CBD hemp flower has been studied and produced by manufacturers and breeders for over a decade, while the discoveries and statistics of CBG are still advancing in information. As a result, CBD flower is more commonly sought because of its sources and information available. Luckily, Black Tie CBD not only offers you high-quality CBD and CBG hemp flower, but hemp flower with high concentrations of both therapeutic cannabinoids.
What are the Best Strains of CBG Flower?
With the ongoing discoveries and studies being made regarding CBG hemp flower, there are still quite a few different CBG strains available today. There are plenty of potent varieties of CBG that all generally have a frosted white appearance and are less sticky and dense than CBD or THC flowers. Here are some of the best CBG strains available, featuring CBG strains from Black Tie CBD.
- Cinderella CBG Hemp Flower: This CBG dominant strain is the most common CBG strain from Black Tie CBD. The appearance of these buds is dusted in frosty, white trichomes that give it a glistening and dreamy shine. As an indica hybrid hemp strain, Cinderella CBG is perfect for relaxation with its airy and sweet aroma.
- Lemon Cream Diesel CBG Hemp Flower: This strain is potent in CBG with 16.2% and another hot strain from Black Tie. The appearance of Lemon Cream Diesel is a light green with the tips of the buds looking frosty white. Streaks of yellow and green make this flower easily breakable and smoked in various methods. The flavorful taste profile of this CBG hemp flower is like fresh lemons and pine, with a diesel smell and touches of creamy floral notes.
- Super Glue CBG Hemp Flower: This CBG strain has a piney, earthy scent that is aromatically rich in flavor. This bud is a medium green tone with dark orange terpenes surrounding the dense buds. The smoke of Super Glue CBG is smooth and provides a warm buzzing sensation that begins within your mouth upon inhale. With a high 22% CBG level, this strain is subtle yet rich with smooth, calming sensations.
- White CBG Hemp Flower: The name of this strain is true to its frosty white appearance of trichomes that surround the buds. White CBG is a sativa strain that works well with both nighttime and daytime activities. The subtle aromatic and flavor profile of White CBG provides a more smooth effect compared to other CBG strains. When consumed, White CBG will give users a sense of clarity, focus, and relaxation without the drowsy effects of sleepiness.
- Stardust CBG Hemp Flower: This indoor-grown strain is naturally high in CBG with a level of 14.73%. High in the terpene Guaiol, known to promote wellness, it has a prominent piney aroma with wood and rose undertones. The flavor of inhaling Stardust brings an earthy and musky aftertaste that will leave you feeling a better sense of wellness and balance with each puff.
Final Thoughts
In the information that is known about CBG, this cannabinoid holds great promise and potential to many patients and users who seek therapeutic and medical relief from a wide range of diseases. Arthritis, colon cancer cells, and inflammation symptoms in diseases such as gastrointestinal diseases are some of the many conditions that CBG has been suggested to help treat.
As the “mother cannabinoid” of hemp and cannabis plants, the synthesizing of CBG with other common cannabinoids such THC and CBD makes high levels of this compound beneficial to many. Users can enjoy the beneficial effects of CBG hemp flower without the overwhelming, intoxicating effects of THC that is often in cannabis. Black Tie CBD offers a range of popular, smooth, and enjoyable CBD and CBG flower products that are ideal any time of the day.
FAQ
What is CBG Flower?
CBG flower is a Hemp or Cannabis bud that contains a larger concentration of cannabigerol (CBG). CBG is one of the minor cannabinoids found in Hemp and Cannabis alike and has its own unique range of abilities. In its acid form (CBGA) it is considered the mother of all cannabinoids!
What is CBG Flower Good For?
CBG has been found to act on very specific physiological systems and problems, and results for medicinal use are promising. CBG has even been observed to work as a buffer to THC’s psychoactivity and can even alleviate the feelings of paranoia that sometimes come with the consumption of high levels of THC.
What is the Difference Between CBD Hemp Flower and CBG Hemp Flower?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a less abundant cannabinoid, but it has been observed to reduce inflammation, combat pain, and even slow the proliferation of some cancer cells.
CBG may sound similar to CBD on the surface, but dig a little deeper and key differences can be found. Unlike CBD, which has a relatively low affinity for cannabinoid receptors and acts mostly through indirect interactions with the endocannabinoid system, CBG is thought to elicit its therapeutic effects directly through interaction with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
Where Can I Buy CBG Flower?
You can find all of your CBG needs online via the Black Tie CBD Store. We offer a range of premium CBG products, including our award-winning Lemon Cream Diesel flower, as well as CBG Crystalline, CBG Crumble, CBG Kief, CBG Isolate, and CBG Distillate.