What is CBG Oil?

The hemp plant is home to a lot of naturally occurring cannabinoids, including one we’re sure you’ve heard of, cannabidiol (CBD). However, the cannabis plant hosts many other minor cannabinoids: CBN, CBG, and Delta-8 THC.

CBG is unique in that it plays a very specific role in the chemistry of cannabis. CBG is the precursor to both THC and CBD. It’s for this reason that total amounts of CBG typically make up less than 1% of the total plant makeup, as it transforms to create other cannabinoids within the plant.

You’ve likely encountered CBG in small amounts in full spectrum CBD oils because the nature of full spectrum extracts is to maintain as much of the natural phytochemical profile of the hemp crops as to produce well-rounded benefits.

In the same way that full spectrum hemp products produce more potent effects over CBD isolate-based products, CBG in full spectrum form is the best form of CBG oil. This is because of a phenomenon called the entourage effect. Plant compounds will yield greater health effects in combination with complementary compounds. Remember, cannabis plants produce over a hundred different cannabinoids that all compound their effects in the ECS.

While you may see more and more CBG isolate products hitting the market, the best way to add cannabis products into your lifestyle is in a range of cannabinoids either in full spectrum extract or THC-free broad spectrum extracts

 

Hemp has been widely used since its legalisation in many countries, due to its many benefits. Some of its extracts such as CBD are well known to the general public, especially in the form of CBD flowers and CBD oils. However, there are other extracts that provide different benefits and are capable of enhancing well-being. One of the lesser known cannabis extracts is CBGA, although its effects on the body are prodigious.

What is the CBGA?

CBGA is a cannabigerolic acid, one of the many cannabinoids present in the hemp plant. It is, however, one of the rarest, as it is present in very limited quantities. However, CBGA plays an essential role for the cannabis plant: it is a secondary metabolite.

CBGA protects the cannabis plant by necrosing superfluous leaves in a targeted way, in order to regulate the size of the plant. In this way, all the necessary energy can be directed towards the flowers and the production of resin and seeds.  

Commonly referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids”, CBGA is responsible for the creation of other, more well-known cannabinoids. It is one of the first molecules present in the cannabis plant. It is at the very beginning of a molecular reaction, called biosynthesis, which will produce the three main cannabinoids as the plant matures:

  • THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
  • CBDA (cannabidiolic acid)
  • CBNA (cannabinolic acid)

Once the process is complete, almost all of thecannabigerolic acid has been converted, and only a small amount remains in the plant.

Cannabinoids are first present in the plant as an acid, indicated by the letter A. Upon exposure to heat or ultraviolet light, decarboxylation occurs, and the carboxyl group disappears from each molecule. 

Thus, CBDA is converted into CBD, THCA into THC, and CBNA into CBN. CBGA, which is not converted upstream, becomes mostly CBD and THC, but also converts to a small amount of CBG, also called cannabigerol. CBG is therefore a minor cannabinoid compared to THC and CBD, generally representing less than 1% of the final weight of the plant.

Theextraction of CBG requires a different and particularly expensive process to isolate and purify CBG without the need for large quantities of hemp. This makes it difficult to obtain much of it, which makes it a rare ingredient.

In order to maximise CBG harvesting and minimise costs, botanists are developing hemp strains with a higher CBG concentration, some reaching 100% CBG composition. Another method used is to harvest the hemp earlier in its growth cycle, so as to optimise CBGextraction.

CBGA Against Colon Cancer

CBGA could be an ally in the fight against colorectal cancer. As explained above,canabigerolic acid has a cytotoxic role for the cannabis plant, causing the death of superfluous leaves that prevent the proper development of flowers. 

In scientific research on rats, it was found that CBGA could have similar effects on colon cancer cells.

Indeed, in studies conducted, CBGA not only destroyed colon cancer cells but also accelerated the death of these cells and blocked their development cycle. Further research is needed to confirm the effects of CBGA on colon cancer, but the benefits appear to be significant. 

Thus, CBGA is believed to be able to precisely target cancer cells in the colon without attacking healthy cells, but also to stop the growth and proliferation of polyps. If left untreated, polyps can develop into a malignant form, carcinomas.

CBGA could thus prove useful in the prevention and treatment of malignant tumours, particularly in the case of colorectal cancer.

CBGA Prevents Cardiovascular Disease

A scientific in vitro study was conducted in 2018 on a cannabis strain with a high concentration of CBGA, and published in the magazine Filoterapia. The tests in this study showed that CBGA acts as an inhibitor of the enzyme aldose reductase, with a dose-dependent inhibition power 

The enzyme aldose reductase is largely responsible for the production of oxidative stress, causing cardiovascular disease and other problems, particularly in people with diabetes.

By preventing the production of the enzyme that causes oxidative stress, CBGA could enable the manufacture of alcose reductase inhibitors, and thus prevent the onset of complications in diabetic patients.

CBGA would therefore have significant health benefits for people with diabetes, in particular avoiding cardiovascular disease.

CBGA Increases Metabolism

A computer simulation in 2019 revealed the effects of CBGA on metabolism, and its ability to increase metabolism. CBGA stimulates lipid metabolism and prevents excessive lipid accumulation by activating PPAR (peroxisome proliferator receptors ). 

These receptors are responsible for regulating metabolism, but can lead to diseases such as diabetes, excess cholesterol or triglycerides if they malfunction. By activating PPAR receptors, CBGA compensates for the dysfunction and regulates the storage of fat tissue.

If the effects of CBGA are confirmed by in vitro studies, it could be of great help to people with metabolic disorders.

CBGA Fights Epileptic Seizures

CBD is widely used to alleviate epileptic seizures, notably in drugs such as Epidiolex. But the choice of CBD over another cannabinoid is more a matter of consensus than of real medical certainty, in the absence of extensive studies. 

Australian researchers therefore conducted a study in 2021 to compare the effects of CBGA, CBD, CBG, and CBGV on seizures. The results of this study indicate that CBGA is much more effective than CBD or any other cannabinoid in combating epileptic seizures, particularly in children.

Researchers are conducting extensive studies to capitalise on the benefits of CBGA and produce a drug that effectively combats epileptic seizures in children.

What Does CBG Stand For?

CBG stands for cannabigerol.

Cannabis sativa plants are a natural source of over a hundred phytochemicals known collectively as cannabinoids. To date, most medicinal research focuses primarily on the most abundant cannabinoids, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which have both shown incredible, natural health benefits in mammals. 

The acidic form of cannabigerol, CBDa (cannabigerol acid), is the parent molecule to better-known cannabinoids —CBDa transforms into THCa and CBDa, essentially the raw, unprocessed forms of THC and CBD.

When dried and heated, a chemical reaction, called decarboxylation, removes the cannabinoid molecule’s carboxylic acids; transforming THCa, CBDa, and CBGa into, THC, CBD, and CBG.

Why Does Hemp Produce Cannabinoids?

It’s amazing how cannabis plants produce so many compounds that interact with the human endocannabinoid system—but why does it produce them in the first place?

It’s believed that cannabinoids protect the cannabis plant from the sun’s harmful UV radiation and harsh climate conditions. Another theory as to why cannabis plants produce cannabinoids is to defend against pests. Many cannabinoids have both  anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

A flowering hemp plant begins to produce crystal-like molecules, known as cannabinoids. CBGa emerges around the 3/4-week mark of the flowering phase. As the plant is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, the CBGa molecule transforms into either THCa, CBGa, or CBCa. This is where the CBG cannabinoid aptly gets its reputation as the parent molecule.

To yield more CBG from the hemp crops, farmers need to harvest their crops before the molecule transforms into other cannabinoids, or hyper-concentrate the small amounts of CBG in full grown hemp plants. However, this harvest will substantially lack THC and CBD levels produced in the later flowering phase.

7 CBG Benefits According To Recent Studies

As research progresses in the cannabis space, more and more attention is placed on CBG. It’s important to note that research is still in its early phases, and there’s still a lot to uncover about the benefits of CBG and potential side effects.

We’ve rounded up the most interesting research to date on the mother of all phytocannabinoids. These findings give insight into what is CBG used for and opens up potential in future research into CBG oil benefits.

1. CBG May Help To Support Focus

Users often report a sense of alertness or focus related to CBG. One of the possible explanations for this effect is that CBG has shown great potential as a neuroprotectant. CBG helps to support healthy inflammatory function and has even been shown to possibly support neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells—possibly leading to greater capacity for focus and attention. 

2. CBG May Help To Support A Healthy Appetite

Marijuana, the cannabis plant potent in the psychoactive compound THC, has been comedically associated with the munchies. CBG seems to share this appetite-stimulating trait with THC. Inducing appetite can help certain people get an adequate amount of nutrients into their bodies.

Overindulging in junk food is typically what comes to mind with the marijuana munchies. However, there are cases in which an increase in appetite is beneficial, such as for those experiencing a lack of appetite for various reasons.

In a study conducted with rats, CBG was found to increase the appetite in well-satiated rats without producing any dangerous side-effects.

3. CBG May Help To Support A Normal Stress Response

One of the many reasons people turn to hemp-derived CBD oil is to manage their emotional well-being. It turns out that CBG may be more beneficial to help support a normal stress response over its famous counterpart, CBD.

Both CBD and CBG help to inhibit the breakdown of the neurotransmitter, GABA. Increased concentrations of GABA may have potent relaxation effects that help to regulate the stress response .

However, there’s another mechanism at play in which CBG helps to support stress management. CBG happens to be a potent 5-HT1A serotonin receptor antagonist. Studies suggest that CBG inhibits serotonin’s uptake, which means a higher concentration of this neurotransmitter may stay active in the brain, helping to support mood.

4. CBG May Help to Support Eye Health

There’s a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors in eye tissues. It turns out, the endocannabinoid system may play a vital role in maintaining eye health.

High levels of eye pressure ( ocular hypertension) can result in poor blood flow to the optic nerves, affecting vision. Research suggests that cannabinoids, and notably, CBG, may help to regulate a healthy level of intraocular eye pressure.

5. CBG May Help to Support A Normal Inflammatory Response

While CBD is best known for its role in supporting a healthy immune response, CBG has shown effects on particular inflammatory channels in mice related to inflammatory response.

According to a recent study, CBG limited the actions of significant inflammatory markers, including IL-1, IL-10, iNOS, and interferon-γ.

The concluding observation in the study found that CBG helped to support a normal inflammatory response.

6. CBG Shows Promise To Support Healthy Metabolic Process

A study published in 2019 supports CBG’s potential in effecting fat storage. Specifically, adipocyte tissues closely related to obesity.

This study was conducted via computer simulation, but its positive findings help to progress this research into animal and human studies on CBG and fat metabolism needed to substantiate this benefit.

7. CBG May Help to Support Comfort

One of the more popular reasons people seek out hemp-based products is to help alleviate discomfort naturally.

CBG is found to exhibit more analgesic (comfort-inducing) effects than THC and is a much better GABA reuptake inhibitor than both THC and CBD. Additionally, While we’ve briefly touched on GABA’s effects on the stress response, it’s also a muscle relaxant.

1. CBG May Help To Support Focus
Users often report a sense of alertness or focus related to CBG. One of the possible explanations for this effect is that CBG has shown great potential as a neuroprotectant. CBG helps to support healthy inflammatory function and has even been shown to possibly support neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells—possibly leading to greater capacity for focus and attention.
2. CBG May Help To Support A Healthy Appetite
Marijuana, the cannabis plant potent in the psychoactive compound THC, has been comedically associated with the munchies. CBG seems to share this appetite-stimulating trait with THC. Inducing appetite can help certain people get an adequate amount of nutrients into their bodies. Overindulging in junk food is typically what comes to mind with the marijuana munchies. However, there are cases in which an increase in appetite is beneficial, such as for those experiencing a lack of appetite for various reasons. In a study conducted with rats, CBG was found to increase the appetite in well-satiated rats without producing any dangerous side-effects
3. CBG May Help To Support A Normal Stress Response
One of the many reasons people turn to hemp-derived CBD oil is to manage their emotional well-being. It turns out that CBG may be more beneficial to help support a normal stress response over its famous counterpart, CBD. Both CBD and CBG help to inhibit the breakdown of the neurotransmitter, GABA. Increased concentrations of GABA may have potent relaxation effects that help to regulate the stress response [3]. However, there's another mechanism at play in which CBG helps to support stress management. CBG happens to be a potent 5-HT1A serotonin receptor antagonist [4]. Studies suggest that CBG inhibits serotonin's uptake, which means a higher concentration of this neurotransmitter may stay active in the brain, helping to support mood
4. CBG May Help to Support Eye Health
There's a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors in eye tissues. It turns out, the endocannabinoid system may play a vital role in maintaining eye health. High levels of eye pressure ( ocular hypertension) can result in poor blood flow to the optic nerves, affecting vision. Research suggests that cannabinoids, and notably, CBG, may help to regulate a healthy level of intraocular eye pressure
5. CBG May Help to Support A Normal Inflammatory Response
While CBD is best known for its role in supporting a healthy immune response, CBG has shown effects on particular inflammatory channels in mice related to inflammatory response [7]. According to a recent study, CBG limited the actions of significant inflammatory markers, including IL-1, IL-10, iNOS, and interferon-γ. The concluding observation in the study found that CBG helped to support a normal inflammatory response.
6. CBG Shows Promise To Support Healthy Metabolic Process
A study published in 2019 supports CBG's potential in effecting fat storage. Specifically, adipocyte tissues closely related to obesity [8]. This study was conducted via computer simulation, but its positive findings help to progress this research into animal and human studies on CBG and fat metabolism needed to substantiate this benefit.
7. CBG May Help to Support Comfort
One of the more popular reasons people seek out hemp-based products is to help alleviate discomfort naturally. CBG is found to exhibit more analgesic (comfort-inducing) effects than THC and is a much better GABA reuptake inhibitor than both THC and CBD [9]. Additionally, While we've briefly touched on GABA's effects on the stress response, it's also a muscle relaxant.

Is CBG Legal?

Hemp-derived CBG oil is controlled under the same laws as CBD. As long as the CBG is derived from hemp crops that contain less than 0.3% THC, it’s legal in the United States and Canada. Yet, CBD regulations for sales and purchase may vary state by state and have the potential to change over time. We highly encourage you to always stay engaged and actively follow your local state laws to stay informed. 

Latest Posts

Hello world!

August 29, 2022 1

BoTree is a Agric Solutions company James Messenger Calle Ombu Mar Menor URB Torre Pacheco Murcia Spain 30700.

Copyright © 2022 BoTree. Created by JayDesigns4You

© Created by  8theme - Power Elite ThemeForest Author.