If you’re at all acclimated with the world of cannabis, you’ve likely already heard of THC and CBD and their many potential benefits and effects. But today, we’re living in a new, modern world of cannabis and hemp, continuously uncovering new information about other minor cannabis compounds, including a new rising star in the cannabinoid game: CBG.
CBG, or cannabigerol, is generally found in smaller quantities compared to other major cannabinoids. The cannabinoid is fairly scarce in mature crops, typically found in very low concentrates of less than 1% by dry weight, compared to THC and CBD, which often range between 20 and 30%.
Of course there’s a reason for this, and it’s why CBG is often dubbed the “mother of all cannabinoids.” And today, breeders are experimenting with innovative ways to maximize plant yields of CBG so consumers can enjoy its many unique, potential benefits.
Where Does CBG Come From?
While we’re just starting to truly dive into this minor cannabinoid, CBG was first discovered in 1964.
Even though mature plants typically have very low percentages of CBG, things look a bit different when you examine the full life cycle of a cannabis plant. Namely, the acidic form of CBG, CBG-A, is the precursor of a number of other major compounds, including THC-A and CBD-A which ultimately become THC and CBD.
That means the precious CBD and THC you see in products today converted from CBG-A at some point.
CBG-A is also present in hemp plants, meaning that hemp-derived CBG from plants with less than 0.3% THC is federally legal and available for consumer purchase. Now that the word is out about CBG, hemp farmers have begun cross breeding plants to achieve higher levels of the minor cannabinoid.
What Are The Medical Benefits of CBG?
It’s important to note that the body of research on CBG, and cannabinoids as a whole, is still growing, though recent studies suggest that CBG can offer a number of beneficial effects to our bodies.
Let’s get one thing out of the way: You may be wondering, will CBG get me high? CBG, like CBD, is non-psychoactive, meaning that no, it won’t provide the intoxicating high that psychoactive cannabinoids, like THC, do. Research also indicates that it can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, so it interacts directly with both the body’s internal systems and can counteract the effects of other cannabinoids, like THC.
So, what’s so great about CBG? How does CBG make you feel, and how exactly does it affect our bodies? Here’s some of what we know:
Glaucoma
Studies have displayed CBG’s therapeutic potential to treat glaucoma. One animal study administered CBG to cats with glaucoma and found a reduction in intraocular pressure and an increase in aqueous humor outflow, which helps to maintain eye pressure and provides eyes with nutrition.
Huntington’s Disease
CBG could also hold therapeutic potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s disease. One mice study found that CBG was “extremely active” as a neuroprotectant, improving motor deficits and preserving striatal neurons against a toxin. Further research has indicated that CBG could be beneficial in treating a number of other neurological disorders.
Antibacterial Properties
Research has confirmed that CBG can work against bacteria and bacterial infections. CBG was able to prevent bacteria from forming biofilms, communities of microorganisms that attach to each other and to surfaces. It was also able to destroy preformed biofilms and cells resistant to antibiotics.
Anti-Cancer Properties
CBG is notable for its potential anti-cancer properties and the way it responds to cancer cells. One study showed that CBG could reduce cancer cell growth in a number of cancer cell lines, including human breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer.
Bladder Dysfunction
The cannabinoid also stands out in its effect on contractions in the human bladder and may be a promising treatment for bladder dysfunctions. A group of researchers reviewed five compounds — CBD, CBD-V, THC-V, CBC, and CBG — and found that CBG was most effective in treating human bladder issues. It also reduced contractions induced by acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain and body that contributes to body functions.
Can I Mix CBG and CBD Together? CBG and Other Cannabinoids?
Combining non-psychoactive cannabinoids, like CBG and CBD together, may also encourage the entourage effect, which deems that the unique effects and benefits of one cannabinoid may alter or enhance the presence of other cannabis compounds. That means, with the help of broad- and full-spectrum hemp-derived products, you can enjoy enhanced benefits of CBD and CBG together.
You’ll also find a wealth of additional combinations, like CBN and CBG together. Sometimes, combining cannabinoids with fewer overlapping effects can help to usher in an overall more balanced experience.
Does CBG make you sleepy? It doesn’t appear to be a characteristic of the cannabinoid, but research has shown CBN and CBD may assist with improving sleep quality. Is CBG good for anxiety? Again, we don’t have the data to confirm yet, but CBD could potentially help.
How to Use CBG
There are plenty of ways to try CBG out for yourself today, including CBG edibles, CBG capsules, CBG pre-rolls and flower, CBG extract, and CBG oil. You’ll find plenty of products combining CBG with different ratios of other cannabinoids, including psychoactive combinations like gummies with THC and CBG.
While there’s no such thing as a CBG drug test, consuming even trace amounts of THC is enough for a test to detect it. For folks looking for no THC, there are also plenty of broad-spectrum products available. These typically include all of the compounds from the plant, helping to optimize the overall effects, just without the THC.
Our Favorite CBG Products
As research and breeder knowledge continues to grow, CBG is becoming increasingly more accessible to consumers. A simple search for “CBG products” will usher in an overwhelming amount of options. Fortunately, these two gems easily have your CBG needs covered.
Evn CBG Recovery Gummies
(BATCH, sponsored) Evn’s CBG Recovery Gummies.
For a well-balanced, effective CBG gummy, look no further than Evn’s CBG Recovery Gummies. The vegan, full-spectrum, green-apple flavored delights are enriched with 20 mg of CBG and 20mg of CBD. According to the company, the 1:1 ratio of these CBG CBD gummies helps your body to reset and recover so you can come back with better balance and focus.
If you’re looking for organic CBG, Evn’s got you covered with their hemp sourced for organically grown, family-run hemp farms. All of Evn’s products are tested and third-party lab results are available directly on the site. The company also offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and free shipping on U.S. orders over $25. If you can’t get enough, Evn also offers a variety of options for a recurring subscribe and save delivery.
BATCH CBG Oil
(BATCH, sponsored) BATCH CBG Oil.
Self-described as the company’s “rarest blend yet,” BATCH crafted this CBG oil for curious CBD connoisseurs looking to explore the full scope of benefits that hemp can offer. This full-spectrum CBD CBG oil also has a 1:1 ratio (either 1,000 or 2,000 mg of CBD and THC per bottle) and between the two cannabinoids; the formula is vegan and crafted without GMOs, pesticides, or parabens; and the orange and lemon oil gives it a tart citrusy flavor.
BATCH’s CBG Oil is also made with organic CBG and hemp, all products are tested with third-party lab results on the BATCH website, customers can enjoy quick shipments within 24 business hours, and BATCH offers a 30-day happiness guarantee. BATCH also has a subscribe and save program for recurring deliveries and some savings to boot.
How We Chose Our List
Because hemp-derived cannabinoid products today are so prevalent, it’s important to consider a number of factors when shopping for CBG or any hemp-derived cannabinoid products.
Third-Party Labs/Certificate of Analysis
Third-party labs give you an unbiased look at what cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds are inside of your product. This also helps to ensure that hemp-derived products contain no impurities, are federally compliant, and that the company is actually giving you everything the product claims to contain.
Quality, Effects, and Ingredients
Along with lab reports, we looked at customer reviews, how products are made, the types of ingredients used, and how they relate to the product’s desired effects. Not all hemp-derived cannabinoid products contain all-natural, non-GMO, and organic ingredients, but given the growth of the industry, it’s also easy to avoid products with artificial flavors and chemicals.
Hemp Sources
The products on this list were made with hemp grown in the U.S. and have transparent information on their grow processes. Most brands should have no reason to hide this information.
Company Reputation
A trustworthy cannabis brand should be open about its story, experience in the industry, and the processes behind its products. It’s typically easy to see what brands have been in the space for some time. We recommend steering clear of brands with empty websites or limited online information.