Cannabigerol (CBG) is among the active composites in the cannabis plant called cannabinoids. It occurs in lower concentrations than other constituents such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Recently, scientists have enhanced their interest in CBG compared to past constituents that had outshined the component. Marijuana researchers first discovered CBG in 1964 in Israel by Raphael Mechoulam and Yehiel Gaoni. At the moment of discovery, the inventors had not revealed the importance of CBG; however, researchers found it possibly beneficial with time. Scientists have shown that CBG, among other cannabinoids, causes a notable effect on human organs. CBG works by influencing the endocannabinoid system in the human body is a collection of enzymes and chemicals. Experts have found that combining the cannabinoids appears to be beneficial compared to using individual cannabinoids. It is currently not yet known the full benefits of CBG; however, according to recent research, it is a helpful tool to assist with psychological and physical conditions.
Lets find out about CBG
Formation
CBG is derived from Hemponix Seed, and it is legal provided that the plant contains, at most 0.3% THC. The lack of cannabinoids is one of the issues affecting producers of CBG products. It is rare to find strains with up to 1% of CBG; however, those technologically advanced have a CBG production of more than 20%. Hemp consists of minute levels of CBG, making it expensive to produce. It requires thousands of biomasses to form small quantities of CBG insulate. Producers tend to use ethanol, hydrocarbon, or carbon dioxide extraction to extract CBG from the biomass. CBG extraction should occur during the early stages of a plant’s growth. The more time the plant takes to mature, the increases its probability of converting the present CBG into another cannabinoid. Consequently, farmers must decide if to produce while young to capitalize on the CBG content. The suitable time to harvest the plants is six to eight weeks into the flowering stage. CBG extraction demands modernized and expensive machinery. The chromatography equipment helps separate and clean extracts, and it should be precise. The increased manufacturing fee makes it hard to get CBG products in markets.
Uses
Marijuana and hemp are both cannabis plants that help in CBD extraction. However, the difference comes in processing the product. Cannabis consumption in its wholeness, whether eaten or smoked, gives some amounts of CBG in its original state. It exists in different forms such as gummies, soft gels, chewing gum, and topicals. CBG products are hard to identify because it takes about 20 times extra plant matter in extraction. The production cost of even small batches of CBG extracts is very high.
Antibacterial Effects
CBG has indicated antimicrobial properties when tested against a bacterium. CBG would be a significant component in the production of antibiotics. The staph infection is resilient to one of the most potent antibiotics, thus rendering it a deadly fatal infection. However, CBG fights any resistant bacteria.
Bladder Complications
A study showed that CBG could help with bladder contractions in mice. CBG was the most operative cannabinoid, serving the same purpose in human contractions.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
CBG seems to contain anti-inflammatory properties, which could likely assist in controlling the symptoms of diverse chronic illnesses. Chronic irritation relates to conditions, for instance, arthritis. Also, it helps with other serious ailments such as depression, high blood pressure, cancer, and heart disease.
Appetite Stimulant
During research conducted in 2016, experts discovered CBG as an effective appetite stimulant. The inventors conducted their experiment on mice by giving them CBG and distinguished their feeding behaviors. The ones that consumed CBG increased their general food intake, though the quantity of food taken and the duration remained constant. They did not find any adverse effects where CBG was used for treatments in rats. Thus, it could become a successful therapy for conditions such as anorexia.
Neuroprotective Effects
It could serve as an antioxidant, thus preventing the nervous system from harm. In an animal study, the researchers found that it would help maintain neurons in diseases such as Huntington’s. Additionally, it would recover motor shortages.
Other Uses
CBG could reduce tumor growth by acting as a direct inhibitor. In research done in 2006, CBG would aid with breast cancer. Also, it could be helpful in the treatment of glaucoma since it minimizes intraocular pressure. In an experiment, scientists administered it to cats and identified an increase in eye pressure generating a fluid that sustains eye pressure and gives the eye nutrition.
Side Effects
Breeders have created different CBG strains such as White CBG, Goliath, and lemon diesel. There are several cases reported by CBG users, such as calmness. Excessive consumption could result in fatigue, dry mouth, diarrhea, and increased appetite.