Cannabigerol (CBG): Before CBD and THC

Cannabis in its full spectrum is an elaborate map that no two components can do in isolation. A map consisting of an interconnected system. The discovery and explosion of CBD’s endless potential is relatively recent compared to its notoriously intoxicating counterpart, THC. Beyond the wellness hype is another medicinal treasure trove – cannabigerol.

Introduction of CBG

Minor domains in the intricate structure of cannabis now deserve attention.

In Canada, Whistler Medical Marijuana Corp carries its own unique THC:CBG strain, Shiatsu Kush, available to ACMPR patients in British Columbia. A profile of 6–8% THC and 5–7% CBG makes this an exceptionally unique chemovar.

GW Pharmaceuticals, the developers of Sativex and Epidiolex, have patents for CBG formulations but no released products as of July 2019.

While in the United States and Europe, a few companies have hemp-derived CBG isolates available.

Others are working to breed stable seed lines of CBG, or are hunting down cannabis strains for a breed suitable for making extracts.

Bluebird Botanicals.

Before THC

Acid cannabigerol is also known as CBGa. This is the first cannabinoid to flourish in cannabis chemistry. It typically occurs in minute concentrations and is not easily captured as it rapidly converts to either THCa, CBDa, and/or CBCa. Which route it will take depends on individual growing environments including but not limited to acid, light and heat. The genetic influence of each variety on its own composition also plays a constantly important role. Breeders manipulate these traits to achieve the desired result.

The development of cannabigerol-dominant cannabis and hemp strains is now an ongoing achievement for some producers. Pheno-hunting, breeding, using a two week shorter grow cycle, or lower temperatures with a higher PH are all strategies these breeders have implemented. Efforts have also been made to stop certain enzymes that promote cannabinoid metamorphosis, a biological process known as isomerization.

What is “sour” cannabigerol?

The letter “a” stands for an additional “acid”, a basic carboxylic acid. With the extra small appendage, the cannabinoid is too big to cross your blood-brain barrier. The unstable acid addition dissipates when you apply heat when smoking, vaping, or cooking. Active cannabinoids small enough to enter your brain remain intact during a process commonly referred to as decarboxylation.

Skip CBD

Liberty Cut Cookies by Liberty Farms is known to contain little to no CBD alongside ~22% THC while still containing around 3% CBG.

In most strains, CBGa converts to CBDa before becoming THCa. Breeds with rare, still underrated genetics do not have a CBD pathway. Genetics and ultimately enzymes exist in these rare strains that can rapidly convert cannabigerol directly into tetrahydrocannabinol. For example, certain phenotypes of GSC can carry this unusual trait.

A quick look inside a huge medicine cabinet

Moving through cannabigerol’s cabinet, we find varying evidence for many medicinal properties; It is important to explore it as a versatile anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective and regenerative tool, as an antibacterial agent and as a regulator of the endocannaninoid system.

All point to widespread therapeutic potential for:

• Cancer
• Huntington’s disease
• WOMAN
• glaucoma
• immune dysfunction
• Pains
• muscle cramps
• IBD
• bladder dysfunction
• antiemetic
• PTSD
• fear
• psoriasis
• cachexia
• MRSA

As well as many anti-inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.

This list of effects is certainly worth exploring to understand how each compliments and compares to CBD.

Beyond an introduction

Cannabis studies are constant. Research is happily unrestricted for licensed manufacturing and science communities. In the future we can confidentially discuss the miraculous effects that are currently being observed in mice. Through these studies, specific strains, and limited product testing, a vague understanding of how cannabigerol works is being brought to light.

Science will delve deeper into their quest. For now, we can travel through the information that has already been presented. Follow Cannabis Life Networks’ new series to find out exactly what cannabigerol is.

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