Most of the world seems to have caught wind of the many powers of CBD. With its endless bounty of applications, Hemp & Cannabis-derived CBD has completely flooded the market of natural wellness products over the last few years. Many have discovered CBD seeking an alternative to over-the-counter pain relievers, boosting immunity or focus, a natural sleep aid, or simply to relieve stress. Cannabidiol (CBD) first exploded in the Hemp & Cannabis industry after years of research proved it to be a truly remarkable treatment for various forms of epilepsy and seizure conditions, especially for children. Charlotte’s Web, one of the first strains grown to isolate the specific CBD cannabinoid, was actually named after a young girl who was successfully treated using CBD to reduce the number of daily seizures she suffered. Charlotte’s Web(TM) based out of Boulder, Colorado is now one of the most successful Hemp Based CBD companies on the market.
CBD vs CBG
Now that CBD has truly become a household name, it’s time for a second superstar cannabinoid to claim its fame…enter CBG! What is CBG? Many consumers do a double-take when they hear the acronym CBG, which stands for Cannabigerol. CBG is affectionately known as the Mother of all Cannabinoids, as it tends to develop early on in the growth phases of Hemp and Cannabis, which then aids in the development of other phytocannabinoids and terpenoids as the plant matures. Phytocannabinoids are organic compounds that naturally develop in the hemp & cannabis plant that bind to our body’s own Endocannabinoid receptors, which allow us to us feel the effects of the plant’s magical powers. Terpenoids, more commonly known as 'Terps', are naturally occurring oils found in all kinds of plants, herbs, fruit, and trees which not only produce a variety of aromas and flavors but also aid in the delivery of a plant’s beneficial properties. It is believed that a broader combination of cannabinoids & terpenes creates a synergistic reaction that provides greater effects. This is why it’s important to look for Broad or Full Spectrum hemp products, as the potency can be directly correlated to the cannabinoid content & terpene profile. Within these extracts, you'll find a variety of cannabinoids which include CBD, CBG, CBDa, and therefore a broader range of effects on the mind & body. CBG tends to target different Endocannabinoid receptors (CB2) than what CBD typically binds to (CB1).
So, what are the benefits of CBG?
While CBG is revered to have many similar wellness properties to CBD including anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, treating chronic pain and inflammation, recent studies have shown that this big brother to CBD may have even more potent medical benefits. In fact, several research groups including Harvard University have stated that they believe CBG could be the most medicinally-impactful cannabinoid to be discovered - giving THC a run for its money! In addition to showing significantly positive results in treating patients for anxiety & depression, nausea, and insomnia, CBG has proven to be a profound analgesic, antiseptic (antibacterial), and even contains anti-cancer agents. When combined with the right terpene profile and other cannabinoids, CBG may be able to help combat tumor growth and provide significant pain relief for cancer patients. CBD & CBG work harmoniously when taken in unison to deliver remarkably potent relief from inflammation, pain, and oxidization (i.e. stress on the body & mind). Both cannabinoids are considered to be strong antioxidants and immune-boosters. Many are turning to CBG oil (similar to CBD oils/tinctures), as well as seeking out in edible, topical and smokable forms to utilize in stress and pain reduction. This cannabinoid's popularity is growing rapidly, and it's only just begun...
CBG is also one of the rarest, or least-produced, cannabinoids in most strains of Cannabis, hence why it is just now finding its way to the industrial hemp, nutraceutical, and consumer goods markets as an isolated compound. In the last few years, several strains of Hemp have been developed to produce high amounts of CBG, while maintaining low amounts (<.03%) of THC to meet federal limits. Hemp plants that are grown for CBD & CBG, that produce little to no traces of THC, are considered ‘non-psychoactive’ as they do not get you ‘high.’ With only several legal CBG-producing strains of Hemp on the market, there is a limited quantity of this powerful cannabinoid that can be used for smokable, edible, topical, medicinal & other consumer-based products. That being said, CBG is regarded as a truly ‘Premium” Hemp Product and holds an even higher price than many CBD products out there. The fact that it might be one of the most profound and effective applications of hemp to date certainly justifies the value.
While it may be one of the newer and more 'rare' cannabinoids hitting the mainstream market, there are more and more CBG products popping up. You will start to see more strains containing CBG labeled on Cannabis products at your local dispensary. CBG is rapidly gaining popularity in beauty & skincare products, tinctures and gummies. In the medical industry, doctors have begun recommend patients suffering from certain terminal illness towards Hemp & Cannabis strains rich in CBG.
Keep an eye out for our two Metolius exclusive strains of CBG - ‘Sour G’ and ‘CBG White’. Both of these can now be found in a variety of our products including River Rolls (CBG & CBD pre-rolls), River Rocks (CBG flower finished with distillate & kief), and River Logs (CBG hemp cigars).
