Everyone talks about CBD and THC, the two most popular cannabinoids by a long shot. Both are important pieces to the therapeutic potential of cannabis, but they hardly make the whole picture. There are countless terpenes, and over 100 unique cannabinoids which can work together in a single strain of hemp or marijuana flower to create a complete cannabis experience that encourages the entourage effect.
Today, we’ll take a look at one of the most important yet often overlooked cannabinoids—CBG. Keep reading to learn why experts refer to CBG as the mother of all cannabinoids.
What Is A Cannabinoid?
Let’s begin with a basic breakdown of what cannabinoids actually are.
These psychoactive compounds are found exclusively in cannabis plants, hence the name, and can have profound effects on the human body.
Each of us has what’s called an endocannabinoid system, a complex network of neurotransmitter receptors that helps regulate key life functions such as memory, appetite, mood, and sleep patterns. Typically, these receptors are stimulated by neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids, which our bodies naturally produce.
However, they can also be influenced by the cannabinoids present in cannabis. It’s the reason THC gets you high and the reason CBD has such vast medical potential.
How CBG Is Made
CBG often gets referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids, since it acts as a precursor to CBD, THC, and CBC.
Like most cannabinoids, CBG begins in its acidic form CBGA. Then specific enzymes in the cannabis plant itself will break that CBGA down into either THCA, CBDA, or CBCA. Once exposed to light and heat, the acidic cannabinoids THCA, CBDA, CBCA, and the remaining CBGA get converted into regular old THC, CBD, CBC, and CBG through a process called decarboxylation.
Most cannabis plants only contain minuscule amounts of CBG naturally. However, cultivators have been experimenting with genetics to create cannabis with higher CBG percentages.
Benefits Of CBG
Like CBD, CBG has promise to be a powerful curative agent with tons of potential medicinal benefits.
For example, research suggests that CBG may be particularly effective at reducing intraocular eye pressure, which would make it incredibly useful in combating conditions such as glaucoma. CBG’s anti-inflammatory properties aren’t just specific to the eye either. One study using rodent models found that CBG reduced inflammation associated with irritable bowels.
Other studies using mice have found that CBG can operate as an effective appetite stimulant without inducing the intoxicating effects that come with THC. CBG has also been shown to have neuroprotective qualities when administered to mice with Huntington’s disease.
When compared to five other cannabinoids, CBG was shown to be the most effective at inhibiting bladder muscle contractions. This makes CBG potentially effective for treating incontinence or other bladder-related issues.
Anecdotally, many consumers take CBG for sleep as it can be an effective insomnia treatment. Unlike other sleep aids, CBG doesn’t leave users feeling heavily sedated or groggy in the mornings.
How To Use CBG
If you’re already familiar with CBD, using CBG won’t be much different. Like with CBD, determining the CBG dose that’s right for you may take some trial and error. It’s always best to start at a lower dose, then titrate up.
Also, take into account how you are consuming your CBG extract, as it will affect the dose. Orally administered cannabinoids, like CBG tea or CBG gummies, have lower bioavailability than other administration methods. Practically, this means you will need more edible CBG than if you were vaping a CBG pen.
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