What is CBG?
CBG is something that you may have heard mentioned when researching CBD. It can be a bit confusing to try and remember what all these different letters mean so in this blog we are going to break it down for you.
In short, when you buy a high quality Full Spectrum CBD product it should contain CBG.
CBG Basics
CBG, or Cannabigerol, is a cannabinoid. This means that it comes from cannabis plants in the same way that CBD does.
CBG is not the substance that gives you the ‘high’ typically associated with cannabis; that comes from another cannabinoid, THC. CBG is harder to extract than CBD or THC and this means that it can be more expensive.
How is CBG different to CBD?
Whilst CBG and CBD are both cannabinoids, they are not the same. CBG is considered to be a bit different to other cannabinoids. This is because its acidic version (CBG-A) breaks down to form CBG, CBD and THC when it is heated up.
CBG is thought to interact with the body in a different way to CBD. Whilst they both work with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), they perform different roles. The ECS is a cell-signalling system that helps your body maintain homeostasis. This is where everything in your body is functioning healthily, as it should be. This means that the ECS is involved in everything including sleep, mood and memory.
CBD works to make sure that your entire ECS is working as it should be. It encourages your body to release the enzymes and endocannabinoids it needs to function properly.
CBG, on the other hand, works with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your body specifically. These receptors are found in our immune, digestive and nervous systems. This means that these two cannabinoids have different effects on your body.
It doesn’t necessarily make one more important than the other but in an ideal scenario you want both working together.
You can learn more about the ECS and how CBD works.
Is CBG legal?
In the UK there are no laws that govern CBG specifically. The most important thing that determines whether a CBD product is legal is the percentage of THC it contains.
Any product with a percentage of THC above 0.2% is illegal in the UK and most European countries. Make sure the company you buy from provides third party lab reports. This is so you can make sure exactly how much THC their products contain.
What are the benefits of CBG?
Scientific research is taking place into the benefits of CBG. In 2013 a study found that it could reduce inflammation in mice with inflammatory bowel disease. Also, a study took place in 2015 in mice which found that it could have neuroprotective properties especially for those with Huntington’s disease. There have also been studies which have found CBG to have a positive effect on glaucoma, bacterial infections and colon cancer. These studies are all very promising but more research needs to take place to understand its full benefits. New scientific reports are being published all the time so it’s a good idea to keep up to date with any developments that are taking place.
Is CBG safe?
CBG has not been approved for medical use and there is limited research on products that contain high levels of CBG. It definitely won’t get you high but you may experience some mild side effects. Some people report a dry mouth and diarrhoea for the first few days when starting with CBD but this is normally mild.
As with CBD, if you are on any existing medications (including hormonal contraception) we recommend talking to your doctor first or getting in touch with the doctor at Pure Organic CBD.
Where can I buy CBG?
Some companies sell products which have a certain percentage of CBG. However, it is one of the most expensive cannabinoids to produce – it’s even been nicknamed “the Rolls-Royce” of cannabinoids.
This is because only very small percentages occur naturally in plants. More plants have to be grown in order to create large amounts of it.
The good news is that Full Spectrum CBD products also contain CBG. In Full Spectrum products you find small quantities of many cannabinoids which may actually lead to better results because of something called the entourage effect.
At Pure Organic CBD, our Full Spectrum products are Certified Organic and contain all the cannabinoids you need, including CBG, to create the entourage effect.
If you visit the shop you can view the lab reports and find out the exact percentages of each cannabinoid in each product. For example, the Full Spectrum 10% CBD Oil contains 0.12% CBG.
Summarising CBG
Hopefully, this blog has left you feeling a bit clearer about what CBG is and where to find it.
When purchasing Full Spectrum products don’t forget to buy from somewhere where third-party lab reports are available. You should also buy from somewhere which uses Organic products in order to ensure that you’re not using products which contain toxins or pesticides. Read about the importance of buying organic here.
You are buying it when you purchase any Full Spectrum product at Pure Organic CBD. The combination of CBD and CBG will lead to the entourage effect and give you the best results. The reported effects of CBG combined with all the benefits you can get from CBD mean that Full Spectrum products are a great choice. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team!
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