With clinical trials commencing, we ask: what is CBG and how is it different to CBD?

Ever since cannabis-based medicine became available via prescription in 2015, the public have become increasingly intrigued by the cannabis plant and its complex attributes. With so many terms and abbreviations being thrown around (CBD, CBG, THC CBDA…) it can be confusing, we understand that. Let’s take a moment to break down the difference between two key players: CBD & CBG.

What is CBG?

CBG stands for cannabigerol, a naturally occurring compound found within the cannabis plant, also called a cannabinoid. Cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the most common cannabinoids, but scientists have found loads more, each with their own unique properties. CBG is considered the ‘grandfather of all cannabinoids’ because all cannabinoids start as CBG. Analysis of the cannabis plant has found that during its growth, the first acid to form is CBGA. As the plant matures, CBGA is converted to other acids such as CBDA and THCA. Cannabinoids remain in an acidic form until they undergo a process called decarboxylation, which is an essential part of the production process for creating cannabinoid extracts. It sounds complicated because it’s called ‘decarboxylation’, but by simply exposing the acid to UV light or heat, it turns into the active cannabinoid forms that we refer to as CBG, CBD, THC etc etc.

Does CBG get you high?

In simple terms, no. Like CBD, CBG is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid, meaning it does not possess the intoxicant effects which are sometimes associated with the cannabis plant. The ‘high’ that comes from cannabis is primarily caused by another cannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is psychotropic. By law, CBG products and CBG oil are required to have a negligible amount of THC and all other psychotropic cannabinoids. EthicaCBD go the extra mile to ensure the safety of our customers and purity of our oils. Whether it’s CBG or CBD, every drop is tested in world-renowned labs under strict scientific guidelines.

Check our lab reports here.

Is CBG Legal?

Yes. CBG is completely legal in the UK and being explored as a provider of various therapeutic benefits. CBG itself is just a molecule, like H2O (water), and CBG is completely legal, like H2O. The legality of a product containing CBG could be affected by its other contents, specifically controlled substances, like THC. Similarly, H2O is legal, but a bottle of water would be illegal to sell if it contained controlled substances.

CBG Research & Benefits

As is the case with many cannabinoids, more research is required before concrete claims can be made regarding CBG’s medicinal potential. However, pre-clinical trials have taken place which suggest CBG could pose anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-carcinogenic benefits. These powerful properties are well known for their therapeutic essentiality. More specifically, CBG has shown promise in the treatment of various ailments such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), glaucoma, and Huntington’s disease. Following such optimistic reports, clinical trials are now taking place to determine the medical application of CBG.

How does CBG work / interact with the body?

Within our bodies, there is a complex cell-signalling network called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). In essence, the endocannabinoid system over-arches other systems (nervous system, hormonal system, digestive system etc) and optimises their operations. The ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, the term given to balance within the body. Inflammation, pain and anxiety can be traced back to a lack of homeostasis, along with many other problems people experience. CBG benefits our search for balance by enhancing the function of the endocannabinoid system, therefore helping restore balance and remediating symptoms such as inflammation and pain. At the moment, scientists are still trying to work out exactly how it does this, but they know that CBG interacts with the ECS via the CB1 & CB2 receptors in the brain.

Using CBG – EthicaCBD Sports Gel

Since discovering the therapeutic potential of CBG, many active individuals have been exploring the cannabinoid as a way to boost the post-workout recovery process. In particular, topical (on the skin) applications have gained traction for their ability to directly impact an area of stiffness or soreness. 

EthicaCBD have spent the last year formulating a sports gel which combines the benefits of CBD and CBG (where 1+1=3)* with other essential extracts like camphor, peppermint and black pepper, all known for their anti-inflammatory and remedial properties.  Recovery is a crucial aspect of any healthy lifestyle and we want you to start every day feeling fresh.

*The combination of CBD and CBG is renowned for its potential to possess benefits far greater than the individual cannabinoids in isolation.

What’s next for CBG?

The study of cannabigerol and its connection with the human body is a field which requires a bit more digging. We’ve seen the ways CBG benefits various areas of health and well-being, but the exact CBG properties which lead to those effects require further investigation. Fortunately, the scientific response to CBG’s remedial potential is optimistic, meaning more research is going ahead to determine the mechanisms by which CBG interacts with the human body and the subsequent effects of that interaction. What is known is that CBG is proving to be an increasingly popular option we are likely to hear a lot more about in the near future.