What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It is often referred to as the "mother cannabinoid" or "stem cell cannabinoid" because it's the precursor to other major cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). This means that during the plant's growth, CBG is converted by enzymes into other cannabinoids. Although present in smaller quantities compared to THC and CBD, CBG is gaining attention for its potential therapeutic properties.
Key Points About CBG:
- Non-Psychoactive: Unlike THC, CBG does not cause a "high" or alter a person's mental state.
- Precursor Compound: CBGA (the acidic form of CBG) is the starting material for the creation of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids as the plant matures.
- Low Concentrations: Typically, CBG is found in cannabis in very small amounts, usually less than 1% of the plant’s total weight, though selective breeding has produced strains with higher CBG content.
Differences Between CBG and CBD:
While both CBG and CBD are non-intoxicating cannabinoids, their effects can differ:
- Mechanism of Action: CBG interacts directly with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the brain, whereas CBD has more indirect effects.
- Potential Uses: Although they share some therapeutic applications, CBG is more studied for conditions like glaucoma and antibacterial effects, while CBD is more widely used for anxiety, and broader anti-inflammatory purposes.
How to Use CBG?
The availability of CBG products is still in the early stages, but the variety is expanding as consumer interest grows. Here's a closer look at the types of CBG products available at ZPE.
- CBG Oils and Tinctures: These are among the most common forms of CBG products available. They are typically administered sublingually (under the tongue) for quick absorption into the bloodstream. CBG oils and tinctures offer precise dosing and are often formulated with a carrier oil to enhance bioavailability.
- CBG Isolate: is a highly pure form of CBG, often reaching over 99% purity. This crystalline powder is free from other cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant materials, making it an ideal choice for consumers looking for the most concentrated form of CBG. Isolates can be used in a variety of ways, including as an additive to foods and drinks, mixed into homemade topicals, or taken directly under the tongue. Its versatility and purity make it particularly appealing for individuals with specific therapeutic needs or those sensitive to other cannabis compounds.
- CBG Distillate: is a refined oil that contains a high concentration of CBG, alongside minor amounts of other cannabinoids and terpenes. This product is created through a distillation process that enhances the cannabinoid content while retaining some of the plant's natural compounds, offering a balance between purity and the entourage effect. Distillates can be used similarly to CBD oils and are often found in vape cartridges, edibles, and topicals. They provide a potent, yet broad-spectrum CBG experience, making them suitable for users looking to benefit from a wider range of the cannabis plant's properties.
- CBGA Isolate: refers to a purified form of Cannabigerolic Acid, where CBGA is extracted and isolated from the cannabis plant to achieve a high degree of purity. Other cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant matter, are removed, leaving almost pure CBGA.
- CBGA Crumble: is a type of cannabis concentrate that has a dry, crumbly texture. It is produced using a specific extraction process that preserves the high levels of CBGA, and the concentrate is then processed to achieve a crumbly texture.