You are probably aware of CBD and THC, the most well known Cannabinoids on the market. But are you familiar with CBG?

What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are a unique class of active chemical compounds that act on receptors in our cells and alter the release of neurotransmitters in the brain.

CBD:

CBD is in one of the fastest growing markets. The fact of this being that CBD is a compound derived from the Hemp and cannabis plant. This product has the same benefits of THC, without the psychoactive effects(no feeling of being “high”). There is a growing body of scientific evidence that stands behind CBD and supports/proves its benefits.

With CBD being one of the most well-known and important compounds found in the Cannabis Plant, it is not the only one. This plant is derived of over 100 different cannabinoids, one of those being CBG. While there is an abundance of information and research about CBD there is not as much awareness of CBG and its benefits. CBG shares some similarities with CBD but has its own unique set of therapeutic properties.

What is CBG?

CBG is short for Cannabigerol, which is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, very similar to Cannabidol(CBD). This non psychoactive compound contains less than 0.3% THC, and is the so called “mother” for all the well known cannabinoids. CBG was discovered in 1960 as the most important component in the Cannabis plant growing process. CBG converts CBDA, THCA, and CBCA into what we know as CBD, THC, and CBC.

Although both hemp and marijuana are considered cannabis, hemp produces less than 0.3% THC. CBG is more prevalent in industrial hemp plants, increasing its legal accessibility and making more efficient production. (At Nectar Stick CBD we use all Hemp derived CBD, CBG and CBN.)

So CBG is *not* the same thing as CBD then?

Not exactly. CBG is essentially the “parent” cannabinoid, meaning that every other cannabinoid starts out as CBG and eventually converts to other cannabinoids like THC or CBD. To keep it simple, CBG essentially helps create CBD, while they are both cannabinoids, they are different compounds from the plant.

Depending on how the CB1 and CB2 receptors work with your endocannibinoid system, CBG seems to be much more effective and direct than CBD.

CBD and CBG are the same in the fact that they do not have psychoactive effects (meaning they won’t get you high).

What are the benefits of CBG?

Studies show that the main way CBG works directly with your body to create an overall sense of wellness by interacting with your own Endocannibinoid system. The Plants Endocannibinoid system as well as our own have a very similar genetic makeup, meaning that the cannabis plant is able to naturally interact with our receptors. Because of this we are able to see natural benefits from the Cannabis plant.

The specific Benefits we see most with CBG is Anti-inflammatory assistance, as well as a mood booster. CBG has shown to act as an agonist of 5-HT1A receptors, which manages the release of neurotransmitter serotonin. This allows you to feel more alert and have an overall sense of Relief, which is why it is said to boost your mood!