What Is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of the many chemical compounds, known as cannabinoids, found in the cannabis plant. CBG is a minor, non-psychoactive cannabinoid that may help regulate bodily functions, maintain homeostasis, and provide antibacterial properties. This cannabinoid is known as “the mother of all cannabinoids” because it converts into other phytocannabinoids. The compound starts as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and as hemp matures, CBGA breaks down into tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), the precursors to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidol (CBD), and cannabichromene (CBC). After these conversions occur and only a small amount of CBGA remains, hemp breaks down even further into CBG. This cannabinoid works to help decrease inflammation, pain, and nausea while also potentially promoting relaxation and boosting mood.How Does CBG Work?
The human body naturally produces cannabinoids which are referred to as endocannabinoids. These compounds work in the endocannabinoid system to maintain homeostasis (balance) by binding with receptors. Cannabinoids, like CBG, can imitate endocannabinoids and bind or interact with the receptors, helping to send signals to the body to improve health and overall balance in the system. CBG binds to the Cannabinoid-1 (CB1), Cannabinoid-2 (CB2), and Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptors to produce many beneficial effects.What Are the Effects of CBG?
CBG is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help with chronic pain and inflammatory conditions. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of CBG may provide benefits associated with certain skincare needs. Preliminary research suggests CBG may promote bone growth through its interaction with receptors in the endocannabinoid system. CBG may also reduce pain and nausea, provide stress relief, boost mood, and promote relaxation. While many consumers find CBG products essential in their daily routines, these products are not one-size-fits-all. Before introducing CBG into your routine, discussing your options with a healthcare professional and seeking more information may be helpful.
How Does CBG Interact with CBD?
CBG can be combined with other cannabinoids, like CBD, to create an entourage effect that may enhance the effects of all combined cannabinoids. At CBD Kratom, we offer CBG products, and many of these products combine CBG with other cannabinoids. Full spectrum products contain a full profile of cannabinoids, like CBG, and other compounds including flavonoids, terpenes, essential oils, and fatty acids. Broad spectrum products also contain a full profile of cannabinoids and other compounds with any trace amounts of Delta-9 THC removed.How Much CBG Should I Take?
The amount of CBG you choose to take will vary depending on your specific needs and/or desired effects. Finding the right CBG product is largely based on an individual’s needs and preferences as research suggests people respond differently to various dosages and consumption methods. Products with CBG are often available in combination with other cannabinoids, like CBD, which may factor into the dosage that works best for you and your needs. Cannabinoids are fat-soluble and interact with phytochemicals, like terpenes, so the food you eat may impact your personal experience. We suggest starting with the recommended serving size and gradually increasing or decreasing as needed to feel your desired effects. Starting with a small serving for one week may be helpful in determining your specific response and tolerance to the CBG product. If you do not achieve the desired effects, slowly increase your dose. Adjust weekly until you feel the desired effects.
Is CBG Legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill confirms all derivatives, extracts, and cannabinoids in hemp are legal. However, all final products must contain 0.3% or less of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Although there are no current age restrictions
from the federal government on hemp-derived products, our company policy states you must be 18 years or older to purchase CBG products, and 21 years or older to purchase inhalants or smokables.
What Are the Different Ways to Take CBG?
CBG is available in several forms including oils, tinctures, cartridges, flower, edibles, beverages, topicals, oils, tinctures, cartridges, and flower. We also offer CBG products that combine the benefits of other terpenes and cannabinoids. Before introducing CBG into your routine, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.Tinctures or oils are a popular method for taking CBG due to their convenience and ability to produce effects quickly. Apply the recommended dosage under your tongue with the dropper and hold the oil in place for a minimum of 60 seconds to allow for maximum absorption through the capillaries. After holding for the allotted time, swallow the CBG oil. You will likely begin to feel the effects of a tincture or oil within 10-15 minutes. Typically, consumers report the effects last for about four to six hours.
Smokables
Smoking and/or vaping is one of the easiest ways to consume CBG, and provides more bioavailability which means you can absorb more of the CBG than you would with other forms like edibles and topicals. CBG vapes come in the form of cartridges filled with CBG oil. The CBG is consumed through inhalation and absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream. Inhalation provides instant effects that may last anywhere between two to four hours.
Edibles
Edibles, like gummies and caramels, are an easy and discreet way to try CBG. This form introduces CBG through the digestive system into the bloodstream. You will likely begin to feel the effects of edibles within an hour and a half or two hours. The effects of edibles typically last longer than other CBG methods of delivery, about six to eight hours.
Beverages
Water soluble CBG can be dissolved into beverages such as coffee, tea, smoothies, beer, wine, and many other drinks. Through a process called nanoemulsion, water soluble CBG creates fast acting effects by dissolving rapidly into the bloodstream. Beverages provide instant effects that may last up to about two hour.
Topicals
Topicals work best for any pain that is in a centralized location. The CBG absorbs directly into the skin and activates nearby cannabinoid receptors to alleviate pain. This method is best for inflammation and muscle pain. Relief typically peaks after an hour, but for fast-acting effects, use the topical after taking a shower or applying heat to open your pores.