CBG – What Does It Stand For and What Does It Do?

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Last Updated on 4 months by Plain Jane

For a pretty long time, cannabidiol or CBD reigned supreme as the most important organic compound in all of hemp’s chemistry. But research has proven that despite its dominance as the most prolific strain in hemp, it’s not necessarily the end-all-be-all.

Today, numerous other cannabinoids have come out of the woodwork to demonstrate their power, and cannabigerol or CBG stands as one of the formidable names looking to overthrow CBD as the poster child for hemp products.

What are Cannabinoids?

Before we get into the CBG discussion, we first have to talk about cannabinoids in general. The hemp plant touts rich chemistry that mainly involves the presence of cannabinoids. These organic compounds are unique to the Cannabis sativa L. plant and aren’t found in any other species in the plant kingdom.

According to studies, there are about a hundred different cannabinoids found in hemp, and each one interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and central nervous system to varying degrees.

For the longest time, CBD or cannabidiol singlehandedly dominated the hemp market because of its elevated concentrations in the hemp plant. Accounting for 25% of all of hemp’s cannabinoid content, CBD earned a reputation as a natural wellness must-have.

However, down the line, researchers soon discovered that a heightened concentration doesn’t necessarily equate to potency. For instance, CBG makes up just 1% of hemp’s chemistry but delivers profound effects that — when omitted — could change the way hemp works entirely.

Cannabigerol — Small Yet Mighty

Cannabigerol or CBG is just one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in hemp. Accounting for less than 1% of hemp’s cannabinoid profile, CBG once eluded scientists and researchers.

Presently, the literature exploring CBG’s intricate details remains scarce. But what we do know is that CBG expression tends to be most pronounced in hemp strains with the lowest THC content. This leads experts to postulate that there’s an inversely proportional relationship between the two compounds.

What are the Benefits of CBG?

It’s difficult to put a finger on the specific effects that CBG provides. In fact, the same can be said for any cannabinoid. That’s because in general, these compounds work together to deliver the effects that hemp is known for. So on their own, it’s a challenge to isolate the specific benefits that each one is responsible for.

Nonetheless, present research asserts that CBG might have a large part in mood, physical relief, and appetite regulation. According to anecdotal reports, the compound produces noticeable effects including but not limited to:

• Reduced physical discomfort
• Stress relief
• Appetite regulation
• Sleep quality enhancement
• An elevated sense of productivity and motivation
• Mood normalization

As of writing, researchers are still trying to confirm whether CBG can provide specific, targeted benefits for certain health conditions. And while the research remains in its fetal stage, results prove to be promising for those seeking alternative methods to treat and manage certain medical issues.

What CBG Products Can You Buy?

Today, CBG products exist in the same wide array that CBD products come in. Edibles, tinctures, oils, and topicals all saturate the market and incorporate CBG as its main cannabinoid ingredient.

However, unlike CBD products which you can make at home, extracting and producing CBG products might not be quite as accessible. The process involves highly technical steps and equipment that aren’t typically available at home.

To extract CBG, manufacturers soak the hemp in a superfluid liquid solvent to extract the cannabinoids in the plant. They then use a chromatography process that exposes the extracted plant matter to high heat so that only the CBG is left behind.

Once everything else evaporates, the CBG concentrate can then be used to produce a sundry of CBG products like edibles and oils. 

Based on findings, CBD concentrations tend to be higher in younger hemp plants. But generally, CBG concentrations remain relatively low, so manufacturers need to use large amounts of plant matter to extract enough CBG for their products. That’s why today, CBG comes at comparatively more expensive prices.

Can You Get High with CBG?

No, you can’t get high with CBG. It’s worth revisiting the 2018 Farm Bill whenever you feel confused about what cannabinoids can get you high. According to the law, any part of the Cannabis sativa L. plant is deemed legal as long as it contains 0.3% THC or less.

That is, any part of the Cannabis plant that has only 0.3% THC or lower falls into the hemp category, making it federally legal. If the sample contains even just a lick over 0.3% THC, it falls in marijuana territory.

The reason why THC has become the basis for hemp legality is that it’s the only cannabinoid that causes psychoactive effects. The organic compound produces mind-altering symptoms that may make a person feel ‘high’, thus making high THC cannabis illegal.

That said, cannabigerol has never been reported to cause any psychoactive effects, simply because it doesn’t possess any of the qualities that THC does. So despite coming from the same plant, they produce entirely different effects.

How to Choose CBG Products

It can get confusing to choose a CBG product. And because they’re pretty pricey, it would be a major pain to unknowingly buy bunk. So to make sure you’re choosing a product that isn’t a bust, consider these tips:

• Only buy from reputable vendors – Choose brands with a well-established reputation. Look at reviews and do some digging on forums like Reddit to learn more about a vendor’s reliability.
• Check lab reports – Certificates of analysis let you look into the dirty details of a product. Read the lab reports and check for quality. A trusted vendor should always be willing to show authentic, verified reports.
• Avoid eye-popping deals – CBG products are expensive, and while some vendors try to dial their prices down, these products remain within a certain price bracket. If you spot a deal that’s too good to be true, it probably is.

Ready to Give CBG a Shot?

There’s so much more to hemp than just CBD. So before you reach for a fresh stash of CBD goodies, why not give good ol’ CBG a try? Coveted for its effects that relax and soothe the system, this organic hemp compound also offers mood-boosting and appetite-regulating effects that can have you feeling like a million bucks.