I have heard of CBD, what is CBG?

CBD, cannabidiol, has become very popular and common over the years. We see it at dispensaries, in online ads, and even at gas stations! In fact, I have been using CBD oil for many years and I know it has helped with a chronic hamstring injury and reduced my anxiety.

But what is CBG and why should I consider taking it? In order to truly understand CBG, we must first learn about CBD. With a basic understanding of CBD you will better understand CBG, but for now, let's just say that CBG is the mother of all cannabinoid plants!

So, what is CBD?

Like I said earlier, CBD is everywhere. However, after talking to people about it, I have quickly learned that there are a lot of myths and misunderstandings of CBD, what it is, and how it affects your body (and mind!).

Will it make me high?

First, CBD will not make you high. It is not possible! I know you may find this disappointing or maybe you're relieved, either way it is important that you understand the difference between CBG and THC-the stuff that'll make you high and what we commonly call marijuana. Let me give you a quick science lesson:

CBD and THC are both active components of the cannabis plant, but our plants and products contain less than .3% THC (the federal limit) and will not have the same psychoactive effects of a plant containing higher levels of THC. It is kind of like the difference between a Fuji apple and a Red Delicious-they both come from an apple tree, but are different varieties.

How is CBD utilized by my body?

Our body has what is called the endocannabinoid system, a complex cell signaling system that regulates functions throughout the body. Its main goal is to keep our body in balance (or in scientific terms: to maintain homeostasis or balance). To learn more about the endocannabinoid system, checkout this amazing article. CBD, a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, is believed to produce the same effect on the body as these endocannabinoids by binding to the cannabinoid receptors, which work to correct imbalances throughout our body. Therefore, when you take CBD, research is suggesting that it will work on the systems in your body that help you maintain homeostasis. And we all know that a balanced body is a healthy body! To learn more about homeostasis, you can click on this link.

What are the benefits of CBD?

You can find a lot of research to support the use of CBD for: anxiety, inflammation, sleep, chronic pain, arthritis, and much more, but the FDA has only approved one CBD for the treatment of seizures. However, animal studies and self reporting indicate many benefits.

CBD, I am your mother…

So now that you have a little background information on how CBD found in the cannabis plant can improve our overall health, let’s learn about the mother of all cannabinoids- cannabigerol (CBG).

CBG is considered the “mother of all cannabinoids'' because all cannabinoids are derived from the acid form of CBG, which is CBGA. In its early stages, the cannabis plant will have CBGA present, but as it grows and is exposed to more light, it converts to CBDA and THCA. The “A” stands for acid and when CBD is heated or exposed to light the acid drops off. Scientists have been working to create strains of plants with higher CBG concentrates to allow the growers and extractors to create products with higher CBG percentages to help people reap the benefits.

So what are the benefits of CBG?

Research supports the benefits of CBG for pain, nausea, inflammation and it even slows the proliferation of cancer cells. There is also substantial research that CBG reduces intraocular pressure caused by glaucoma. (link to article: What is CBG?) Additional research supports that it may be beneficial for treating Parkinson’s and Huntington’s Disease, possibly helps to lower cholesterol, and helps to reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. (link to article: What is the difference between CBD and CBG? )

Personally, I take CBD and CBG simultaneously and find that my body continues to perform at its best using both. I am fit and active and have minimal anxiety. I contribute this to my regular use of CBD and CBG products. I have always taken oil daily sublingually (this means under my tongue), but gummies and vape cartridges are other options. Gummies taste delicious and vape cartridges allow for more immediate relief.

So whether you choose to take CBD, CBG, or a combination of both, you can rest assured that your body is responding and reaping the benefits of this miracle plant!

*For additional research based studies and scientific information, check out our blog called “Research” to learn more about specific studies that support the use of cannabis derived products.