We all know about CBD and THC and the difference between CBD and THC. Broadly speaking, we know that THC is psychoactive, and that CBD has medicinal and relaxant properties. Nonetheless, let’s not forget that THC is also use for its medical properties and that some source claim that cannabinoids work better together (the entourage effect). What about CBG? What is CBG and why is it known as the mother of cannabinoids?

CBG, or Cannabigerol, is one of the more than 120 identified cannabinoids. In addition, it’s known as “the mother of cannabinoids” because it’s a chemical precursor of both THC and CBD and CBC. Moreover, it has been labeled as “the next CBD.”

What’s CBG?

CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. It’s very difficult to extract as it is produced in very low quantities (less than 1%). Despite being present in small quantities, CBG is essential for cannabinoid synthesis as its acidic form is the precursor of THCA, CBDA, and CBCA.

It’s been researched because of its potential properties in the treatment of different conditions. In addition, CBGA is synthesized into THCA, CBDA, and CBCA. Consequently, that explains why CBG is found in such low quantities and why its extraction is more difficult than other cannabinoids.

When cannabinoids age or they are heated, the acidic forms lose their CO2 molecules and turn into their decarboxylated forms, i.e., CBD, THC, CBC, etc.

There are techniques to get higher quantities of CBG. According to Alchimia, “CBG content is higher a few weeks prior to what we understand as the optimal harvest point, around week 6 in strains that we’d normally harvest by week 8.”

CBG Rich Cannabis

The future of CBG depends on the development of CBG-rich strains. As explained before, it’s difficult to get enough CBG because it’s usually found in quantities lower than 1%. In other words, at this moment, CBG is very expensive and much more expensive than CBD or THC products. Therefore, it’s very important to develop CBG-rich strains to reduce the cost of CBG production.

What’s CBG? It’s a cannabinoid that interacts with our endocannabinoid system (CB1 and CBD2 receptors) and it’s been researched for its relaxant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, CBG may have antibacterial properties, which makes this cannabinoid very interesting for the scientific community.

CBG Properties

CBG also has other properties. According to Forbes, it helps to regulate mood and it’s also a potent neuro-protector. Moreover, CBG has pain-relieving properties and also antifungal properties. In addition, there are many promising studies about CBG and its insecticidal properties.

Furthermore, it is also thought that CBG could be efficient in the treatment of glaucoma and certain types of cancer. Additionally, CBG has been researched to treat inflammatory bowel syndrome.

How to Get CBG

Because of the difficulties in obtaining CBG in high doses, there are not currently any products that specifically market themselves as “CBG products”. However, full-spectrum cannabis products do contain CBG, but it’s hard to tell how much CBG your body takes in.

It takes lots of plants to obtain just small amounts of CBG, and that’s why CBG products are so expensive to produce. The next challenge will be to make more CBG and cut down on the cost of making and selling it.

This post was originally published on January 15, 2020. It was most recently updated on February 22, 2022.