What is CBG? Is it better than CBD?

CBG, the mother of all cannabinoids!

Our beloved cannabinoids THC and CBD are derived from the mother cannabinoid, CBG. THC comes from THCA, and THCA comes from CBGA – the acidic form of CBG.

CBGA is transformed into THCA by a novel enzyme called THCA Synthase

Uhhh… What?

THCA: The acidic form of THC

THCA Synthase: An enzyme responsible for catalyzing the formation of THCA from CBGA.

Catalyzing: The process of adding a substance called “catalyst” to a chemical.

Catalyst: A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction while not going through any permanent chemical changes.

Enzyme: a substance produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.

FUN FACT: The concept of catalysis was invented by a woman: Chemist Elizabeth Fulhame, who also discovered photoreduction.

Book written by Elizabeth Fulhame, an underrated but major pioneer chemist.

Elizabeth used something similar to this in order to conduct her experiments.

CBG, like all endo and phytocannabinoids, interacts with the Endocannabinoid System. Similarly to CBD, it does not promote any impairing effects. Studies show that CBG works as an anti-inflammatory, helping treat ailments like IBD, arthritis, endometriosis, and helps treat pain derived from inflammation. While more studies on this minor cannabinoid are needed, research currently available shows promising results in the use of CBG for glaucoma, Huntington’s Disease, cancer, and also shows that the cannabinoid is effective as an anti-bacterial, appetite stimulant, and as a muscle relaxant.

Endocannabinoids: Neurotransmitters produced by our own body and that interact with our Endocannabinoid System. So far we have discovered two: Anandamide and 2-AG (2-Arachidonoylglycerol). Endocannabinoids help regulate appetite, motivation, and pleasure. More studies are needed for an in-depth understanding of endocannabinoids.

Phytocannabinoids: Cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. Naturally occurring chemicals.

Endocannabinoid System (ECS): Comprised of CB1 and CB2, which are cannabinoid receptors in our nervous and immune system, our brain, and throughout our body.

Minor cannabinoids: Found at very low levels in the cannabis plant.

Since CBG is a minor cannabinoid, extracting it can be expensive – CBD might be the best option for those looking to save money on their wellness routine. Since it’s more abundant in the plant, it’s cheaper and easier to extract. The market for CBD products is booming now that the substance is federally legal and becoming more and more mainstream. The high competition causes the prices of CBD products to go down. The rarity of CBG products also contributes to the higher cost.

CBD has similar benefits to CBG, also acting as an anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighter, muscle relaxant, and having neuroprotective properties. Some people wonder which cannabinoid is better, but it’s really about what works best for you and what your body responds to! There’s “no definitive answer” in cannabis consultations, because the regimen you create with cannabis is very personal. Your bioavailability, your eating habits, your metabolism, your lifestyle – all of that will affect the results you’ll get from different products and strains! A cannabis coach can help you learn what the compounds in cannabis do, and how they interact together. They can teach you about different methods of consumption and how to boost your bioavailability. They can suggest products and strains that exhibit a certain profile… but ultimately, they cannot tell you that their suggestion will definitely provide a specific effect. Tracking your usage and experimenting with different products, strains, terpenes, and cannabinoid ratios is the best way of figuring out what makes your ECS happy! If you’d like a printable journal, feel free to reach out to us at info@cannawisemed.org. You could also try a tracking app, like Tetragram or Youkti.