When the hemp market first became a booming business, the hemp plant’s compound that was on everyone’s mind was cannabidiol (CBD). CBD remains the most popular derivative of the hemp plant, and for good reason. It essentially offers loads of benefits to the average user. But, CBD is just one of over 100 identified cannabinoids in the hemp plant, as a compound that’s highly deserving of our attention is cannabigerol (CBG).
Like CBD, CBG works with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to provide extremely valuable effects that many people find incredibly useful. In fact, CBG may be the compound that has been missing from your daily routine.
The Origin and History of CBG
Since cannabigerol is a minor cannabinoid in the hemp plant, it makes up only about 1% of the plant’s chemical composition. It earned its nickname “the mother cannabinoid” because it’s the precursor to tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), and all other cannabinoids in the hemp plant.
Note: THCA, CBDA, and CBCA are simply the raw, acidic precursors to THC, CBD, and CBC, prior to decarboxylation to the plant.
cannabigerol was discovered in 1964 and was found to only exist in the hemp plant prior to the plant’s flowering, when the cannabinoid is inevitably converted into the 110+ cannabinoids that eventually make up the plant’s chemical structure.
Is CBG Psychoactive?
Like cannabidiol, cannabigerol’s completely non-psychoactive, since it does not interact with cannabinoid receptors in the brain that yield a psychoactive response, like delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC. This means that you can take even high doses of CBG without getting high in any way.
Can CBG Cause a Failed Drug Test?
Cannabigerol will not cause a failed drug test. Why? Because this cannabinoid doesn’t trigger the release of THC-COOH, the enzyme that breaks down tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is what yields a positive drug test result. Therefore, you can take as much CBG as you’d like without worrying about it causing you to fail a standard drug test.
What are the Effects and Properties of CBG?
Cannabigerol has been given a good amount of attention over the years thanks to its numerous potential benefits. Researchers have seen the value of CBG long before it began to hit the market a few years ago. We know that as a cannabinoid, this compound has the unique potential to offer useful regulatory effects to our overall function, which is what makes these compounds quite unique.
Cannabinoids get their effects from their relationship with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system, which is found in all mammals, keeps the body in homeostasis by sending cannabinoids to attach to cannabinoid receptors located in each system of the body. This binding process allows cannabinoid receptors to regulate functions of the body, to contribute to overall equilibrium of body and mind. Each cannabinoid offers its own series of properties based on the cannabinoids that it most commonly interacts with.
There are two classes of cannabinoid receptors in the body:
- CB1 receptors (located in the nervous system)
- CB2 receptors (found in the immune and digestive systems)
CBG has a unique affinity for CB2 receptors, so its effects on immune and digestive functions are particularly potent.
A vast amount of research has gone into analyzing the potential benefits of cannabigerol. The most well-established benefits have been reported around the globe, ranging from news outlets to online sources, and even from CBN users themselves.
Potential Benefit #1: Antibacterial
CBG has been found to offer strong antibacterial effects, and researchers are studying these effects to see if they may act as a solution to antibiotic resistance.
Potential Benefit #2: Bladder Health
CBG seems to have a unique impact on cannabinoid receptors in the bladder, potentially aiding in regulation of bladder function in a way that could be helpful to those with incontinence.
Potential Benefit #3: Pain Relief
CBG may offer unique pain relief through its analgesic properties as well as its anti-inflammatory properties. The cannabinoid does seem to regulate the way in which the body’s pain receptors respond to painful stimuli, essentially increasing pain tolerance.
Potential Benefit #4: Appetite Stimulant
Acting act as an appetite stimulant, CBG can increase a person’s desire for food. Those who struggle to eat enough throughout the day may find that taking cannabigerol regularly allows them to get the nutrients and calories that they need.
Potential Benefit #5: Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Perhaps the most noted effect is its anti-inflammatory activity, which could be particularly powerful thanks to the cannabinoid’s concentrated effects on CB2 receptors that control the inflammation response. This can be helpful for pain caused by inflammation, along with inflammatory conditions that affect the function of the body. Particular attention is being paid to CBG’s potential effects on inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract.
Is CBG Legal?
Cannabigerol is a completely legal cannabinoid thanks to the passing of the U.S. Farm Bill in 2018. This made the hemp plant and all of its derivatives federally legal, with the exception of any hemp product containing more than 0.3% delta 9 THC.
State laws can and have altered the Farm Bill in order to ban certain cannabinoids within their state lines. However, CBG remains fully legal in all 50 states throughout the country.
Is CBG Safe?
Cannabigerol is classified as a safe cannabinoid. It’s nontoxic to the body and has not been shown to present either major side effects nor major withdrawal symptoms. Overall, even high doses are generally well tolerated by the body.
It is important to remember though, that all cannabinoids have the potential to interact with certain medications. Cannabinoids like CBG among others may suppress the CYP3A4 enzyme, which is responsible for metabolizing many commonly taken medications including pain medications, depression medications, and anxiety medications. If this enzyme is suppressed, doses of medications may fail to fully metabolize in the body, and instead accumulate in the bloodstream to potentially dangerous levels.
While cannabigerol is not associated with any particularly dangerous side effects, consuming high doses of it could cause short-lived effects including:
- Dizziness
- Grogginess
- Sleepiness
- Temporarily reduced blood pressure
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
What Kinds of CBG Products are There?
Cannabigerol can be added to all kinds of product formulations, allowing us to choose from a wide variety of product types depending on what type of experience we’d like to have. Remember, each delivery method alone is unique and valuable in its own way.
- CBG Vapes: These can come in the forms of vape cartridges, bottled vape oils, and even disposable devices. Each allows us to vaporize CBG as an alternative to smoking. Inhaling cannabinoids in general offers the fastest-acting, strongest, and most short-lived effects of all. Different strain options, with terpene profiles borrowed from popular strains of the hemp plant can also be found.
- CBG Tinctures: Consist of a cannabigerol extract that has been diluted in a carrier oil, with various milligram strengths available. Intended mainly for sublingual administration, they conveniently come in dropper bottles.
- CBG Edibles: Infused with a concentrated cannabigerol extract, they offer up to 8 hours of effects which are felt a bit more subtly than other delivery methods. Gummies are the most popular, but other types of edible products can be found on the market.
- CBG Capsules: Ultimately classified as edibles, but they come in capsulated form to be swallowed rather than chewed, and usually contain fewer ingredients.
- CBG Flower: Refers to raw hemp flower that is specially bred to yield high levels of cannabigerol. You can find numerous strain options to enjoy and choose between pre-rolls and loose flower buds.
- CBG Dabs: These are concentrates of the hemp plant which contain very potent levels of cannabigerol compared to other types of products. They are used with a dabbing device, which flash-vaporizes the dabs to make them easy to inhale.
- CBG Topicals: Allow us to apply the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabigerol to the skin so that they may absorb into the muscles and joints quickly. The effects remain localized, thus targeting troublesome areas.
Can CBG Be Taken with Other Cannabinoids?
Yes, as all cannabinoids can be taken with one another, since there is no negative interaction and they all come from the same plant source. In fact, combining cannabinoids can offer synergistic value to your daily routine. For instance, combining CBD and CBG together may make both more effective. You can also find lots of products that combine cannabigerol with other cannabinoids, which shows you that it’s perfectly fine to take this compound along with others if you so choose.
Note: If you decide to take more than one cannabinoid, it is best to still speak with your doctor first.
What is the Ideal CBG Dosage for Beginners?
Cannabigerol does not cause intoxicating effects, and therefore, you don’t need to worry about taking too much of it as a newbie and getting feelings of paranoia or anxiety that can occur when too high of a THC compound is taken. CBG is nontoxic as well, so like we mentioned earlier, higher doses are generally well-tolerated.
Still, most people find that CBG is effective at a dosage of about 25mg-40mg in the form of an edible, capsule, or tincture. Or, 2-3 puffs of an inhalable product. So, you can start with this amount and see how it makes you feel. Over time, you may decide to increase your dosage amount gradually to get the results that you’re looking for.
Rogue Shop Has Your CBG Needs Covered!
Cannabigerol may not be as well-known as CBD or delta 8 THC, but it’s clear that this cannabinoid has a lot to offer with unique effects that make it stand out amongst the over 100 individual cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. CBG is particularly helpful for anyone who is looking for a cannabinoid that really targets inflammation, and as a cannabinoid, it supports the overall function of the body’s endocannabinoid system.
At the Rogue Shop, you can find a nice variety of CBG products to choose from, with each product offering something unique to your daily experience. Now, if you’re ready to find out what makes this cannabinoid such a spectacular hemp derivative, explore our CBG products today to find a top-quality and lab tested formula that speaks to your daily needs.
