CBD and THC have each taken center stage for quite some time. You can read more about those cannabinoids here.
But there's a new kid in town that deserves some recognition (though, not new, just lesser-known). CBG is gaining some attention due to a growing body of evidence showing its potential value for various health applications. We'll get to those later! So what exactly is CBG?
Let's get the technical jargon out of the way.
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a cannabinoid that is naturally present in the cannabis plant.
CBGA, which is the acidic form of CBG, converts into one of three major cannabinoid precursors as the plant ages. These are: cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA). The CBGA that doesn't get converted into one of the above or any other secondary cannabinoids will form CBG through decarboxylation. This chemical reaction removes one carbon atom from the acid molecule and activates the compounds in cannabis.
Does CBG Get You High?
No. Like CBD, CBG is one of over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis and is non-psychoactive - meaning it doesn't produce any of the "high" sensations that are typically associated with marijuana.
Cannabis strains generally contain minuscule amounts of CBG, so special growers have begun experimenting with genetic manipulation so more people can benefit from the potential health advantages.
Many people get confused between CBD and CBG - and though the abbreviations are similar, they're very different.
These two cannabinoids are often compared because they both affect your endocannabinoid system in a non-psychoactive way. They both are even touted as great aids in reducing the adverse effects of THC.
But what makes them different from each other?
Scientifically, their molecular structures are entirely different. The molecules have different shapes altogether and therefore bind to your body's cannabinoid receptors in different ways. CBD prefers to activate the 5-HT1A receptor in the body, while CBG acts as an antagonist and blocks the same receptor. This difference makes their effects on the body distinctive as well.
CBG is also found in much less of a quantity in cannabis. The plant generally contains less than 1%, while CBD can make up 25%. So while the benefits of CBG tend to be very promising, the inclusion of it as an ingredient can make for an expensive product. (The good news is, TribeTokes CBD vape oils are full-spectrum - which means they actually contain 10% CBG as well as a host of other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes!)
Together, the two cannabinoids make a great team and combine forces to create a potent anti-inflammatory. We know the potential benefits of CBD alone, like pain relief and help with insomnia, but what else can CBG do for you? Read on.
CBG has a variety of potential health benefits that expert medical researchers have studied. In many promising animal studies, the cannabinoid has been found to help with:
Since CBG is such a small part of the cannabis plant, products you'll find will usually contain other cannabinoids, like CBD as well.
CBG Isolate exists (and is typically pretty expensive), but it doesn't include the other cannabinoids, which isn't necessarily a good thing. When you combine CBG with other cannabinoids and terpenes, you get what's called the entourage effect.
The entourage effect makes the therapeutic benefits stronger because the CBG combined with other compounds, like terpenes, flavonoids, and other lesser-known cannabinoids.
The best way to get a dose of CBG is to purchase full-spectrum CBD products like these that are natural and contain no harmful additives.
Here are some product recommendations that will give you a clean, full-spectrum experience and contains both CBD and CBG:
Just getting started with CBD vaping? Here's some more information: Vaporizing Oils: Your 2021 Guide to CBD Vapes
