What does CBG mean?
What does CBG mean?
What is CBG? How best can CBG extracted? How can individuals use CBG effectively? How often should an individual consume CBG? This article explains what CBG does and how effective it is when consumed.
CBG is growing rapidly across the globe. Though not well known, it has endless benefits that can boost your health. More research is being conducted on the potential benefits of CBG. Studies have found that CBG has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and therapeutic properties that can treat minor ailments. Learn more about can cbg make you feel high
What does CBG mean?
CBG means Cannabigerol. You might not be familiar with this compound as it is rare and expensive. CBG is derived from the cannabis sativa plant. It is an important compound as other cannabinoids such as the famous THC and CBD are derived from it. CBG, unlike CBD and THC, is found in smaller amounts making it expensive and rare, unlike CBD. A ripe cannabis plant can only produce 1% of CBG, while a young plant may produce more. Currently, cross-breeding has been done, leading to the production of special species of cannabis plants that are meant for the production of CBG. These species include jack frost CBG, super glue CBG, and white CBG. CBG is not psychoactive, so it cannot interfere with your brain or make you feel high. After it is extracted from the tree, it is used to manufacture CBG oil, the form in which it is both ingested or topically applied.
How is CBG Extracted?
Park et al. (2022) explained that CBG is mostly extracted from a young cannabis plant. As the plant matures, most CBG gets converted into other cannabinoids. If it is harvested from a full-grown tree, very little CBG is found. As we mentioned earlier, scientific inventions have been made, increasing the production of CBG by cultivating species meant for CBG only. There are various ways in which CBG can be isolated from the tree. Some methods are better than others as they produce high-quality CBG. The three main methods of extracting CBG are alcohol separation, hydrocarbon extraction, and the use of CO2. Among these methods, the most preferred one is the use of CO2. Zagzoog et al. (2020) explained that CO2 used in the extraction of CBG filters out towards the end of the process. What remains is a high-quality CBG free from contaminants such as THC. If CO2 is subjected to very high temperatures, it might filter out terpenes and other cannabinoids. Therefore, during the manufacturing of CBG, terpenes are intentionally retained by subjecting CO2 to relatively low temperatures.
Hydrocarbon extraction is a rarely used method as there are very high chances of retaining solvents that can be dangerous when ingested. Many consumers avoid products that have been extracted using this method. When buying any CBG product, do not forget to check the method involved in the extraction of CBG. Alcohol separation is also rarely used as it leaves behind some solvents making CBG impure. There are also chances of retaining higher amounts of THC.
How is CBG Used?
CBG is used in the form of oil referred to as CBG oil. CBG oil comes in various forms, such as capsules and tinctures. It also exists in the form of flavored and unflavored oils. CBG can also be used topically in balms, lotions, and body wash. However, it is mostly used sublingually. CBG oil is not very thick, so you can use a dropper to Squeeze some oil from the can. You can place the oil under the tongue, swallow it or add it to foods, drinks, or beverages such as smoothies, coffee, and tea. An individual can apply CBG oil to the skin. Since CBG contains anti-inflammatory and therapeutic effects, it can help treat diseases such as acne.
How Much CBG, And How Often Should One Take?
CBG products are non-intoxicating. They also do not have serious side effects. Food and Drugs Administration do not control hemp-based products. Any healthy adults can use CBG products to treat ailments and conditions. The amount of CBG depends on your preferences and condition.
Pellati et al. (2018) explained that, if treating very serious conditions such as colon cancer, you may need to take a high amount of CBG. You may also be required to take it more frequently, thrice a day. You can take it at least twice daily for other minor ailments such as bacterial infection. Jung et al. (2019) explained that some people take CBG as a supplement due to its many health benefits rather than intending to treat a certain disease. For such cases, one may take it occasionally, maybe once a week or a month. If you are taking CBG products for the first time, start with a lower dosage and increase with time until you get your intended effects. Try to be patient as the effects might not show immediately. Consistency is also key, do not skip your dosage for better results.
How To Enhance The Effectiveness of CBG
You can make CBG more effective or less effective depending on how you use it and the type of product you choose. Full-spectrum CBG is seen as more effective than others. They contain more than one compound from hemp, making it work better through the entourage effects. Taking CBG under the tongue facilitates maximum absorption of CBG. If you choose to swallow CBG, do it on an empty stomach.
How Safe Is CBG?
CBG is safe for all healthy adults. Even when consumed in a high dosage, it will not make you feel high. So far, CBG has not been found to interact with medications like CBD. However, seeking advice before taking CBG when under medications is still advisable. CBG may have some mild side effects, including increased appetite, fatigue, and sleep.
Conclusion
CBG is a compound from hemp plants separated using CO2, alcohol, or hydrocarbon separation. It is non-psychotropic and holds many health benefits. It is taken in the form of oil. Since it has no serious side effects, it can be taken by any healthy adult. Taking it on an empty stomach facilitates faster compound absorption into the bloodstream. When purchasing CBG products, individuals should consider organically grown and cultivated products. A doctor’s prescription can aid as it can prevent individuals from consuming excess CBG.
References
Jung, S. J., Jung, E. S., Choi, E. K., Sin, H. S., Ha, K. C., & Chae, S. W. (2019). Immunomodulatory effects of a mycelium extract of Cordyceps (Paecilomyces hepiali; CBG-CS-2): a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 19(1), 1-8.
Park, S. H., Pauli, C. S., Gostin, E. L., Staples, S. K., Seifried, D., Kinney, C., & Vanden Heuvel, B. D. (2022). Effects of short-term environmental stresses on the onset of cannabinoid production in young, immature flowers of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). Journal of cannabis research, 4(1), 1-13.
Pellati, F., Borgonetti, V., Brighenti, V., Biagi, M., Benvenuti, S., & Corsi, L. (2018). Cannabis sativa L. and nonpsychoactive cannabinoids: their chemistry and role against oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer. BioMed research international, 2018.
Zigzag, A., Mohamed, K. A., Kim, H. J. J., Kim, E. D., Frank, C. S., Black, T., ... & Laprairie, R. B. (2020). In vitro and in vivo pharmacological activity of minor cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa. Scientific reports, 10(1), 1-13.
