What is CBG and What is it Used for?

The next time you see a picture of a cannabis plant, think about the hundreds of plant compounds it contains.  These compounds are cannabinoids, many of which may have amazing health benefits. One of the most interesting up-and-coming cannabinoids in the field of research is CBG. CBG as a compound is hard to find and hard to research, but has been shown to provide a plethora of benefits. With more and more studies coming out about CBG, how could you not be interested in the benefits?

As science strives to learn more about the elusive compound, we’re unpacking its potential health benefits. We may not know a lot yet, but what we do is fascinating and points to years of interesting research to come.

Here, you can learn what we know so far about CBG and whether it might have some possibilities for your needs. We’ll answer questions like — 

• What is CBG? What is CBG oil used for? 
• What does CBG mean?
• What is CBG good for? 
• What is CBG oil?
• How does CBG work? 

What is CBG?

Of all the hundreds of compounds in cannabis, only a few are widely known.  The most famous of which are Delta 9 THC and CBD. THC is the compound responsible for cannabis’ psychoactive effects, and is typically found in recreational and medical cannabis. CBD is also used medicinally and therapeutically.  Although THC and CBD are very popular, they are far from being the only cannabinoids emerging in popularity.

Cannabigerol, CBG is one compound that researchers are just beginning to study. That’s because it is pretty rare in comparison to other compounds!

While most cannabis plants (Cannabis Sativa L.) contain between 20 and 25 percent CBD, CBG cannabinoid content is about 1 percent.  This rarity makes it hard to get and hard to study.

But some early research shows promise for the health benefits of CBG. Scientists are even working to develop cannabis strains with higher amounts of CBG. This will make further study possible.  Even though it is much less abundant, CBG is incredibly important. It has even earned a pretty cool nickname: “the mother of all cannabinoids”.

Cannabigerolic acid is used to process tons of other cannabis compounds. This paves the way for them to be used in medicinal and therapeutic applications.

CBG vs. CBD

What’s the difference between CBG and CBD?  While CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp, CBG may be more powerful.  Many CBG users report that they feel energized while using CBG, rather than CBD that may promote relaxation.  Both CBG and CBD are excellent cannabinoids for pain relief and overall wellbeing.

Browse our line of CBG Gummies

How Does CBG Work?

One of the coolest things about CBG is the unique way it works. CBG interacts completely differently from several of the other cannabinoids.  

Most cannabinoids work by binding to cannabinoid receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system. But CBG does something special. It doesn’t just bind to the receptors. It actually stimulates them so that they produce their own cannabinoids.

What’s more, CBG works with two types of receptor cells in the brain and nervous system. Some scientists think that that improves neural communication across the body.

This enhanced communication might boost a neurotransmitter called anandamide.  This is also known as the “bliss chemical”. Anandamide earned the nickname because it helps with mood regulation, relaxation, and pain relief. 

The potential result of all this better communication from CBG properties?  Better effects for a wider range of health issues.

Of course, we’re still not 100 percent sure about these theories. But early research seems to indicate that CBG may be a unique and powerful cannabinoid and its neuroprotective properties are certainly vast and exciting.   

Like CBD, CBG is non-psychoactive. This means that CBG in itself is not going to get you high. Instead CBG is used for more potential therapeutic uses.

What Does CBG Do?

The early research points to CBG potentially being pretty amazing for its potential benefits. But what does it supposedly do? What is CBG good for?  CBG’s ability to stimulate the “bliss chemical” is a good indicator of some of its abilities.

Scientists don’t just think CBG might help you feel calm and relaxed. Its partnership with anandamide also suggests that it might potentially play a role in addressing conditions such as:

• Inflammatory conditions (such as experimental inflammatory bowel disease)
• Certain neurological disorders 
• Glaucoma
• Infections
• Cancer Cell Growth

CBG has also been studied as a fantastic antibacterial cannabinoid. 

CBG for Pain

CBD has gotten a lot of time in the limelight for its supposed pain relief capabilities. However, CBG is being studied as another source of pain relief. Like we said earlier, some scientists think it might be more effective than CBD.

This remains to be seen, but we do know that cannabis compounds may work more effectively in tandem. Be prepared to see more combination CBG and CBD products in the future such as our Flowstate CBG Gummies. CBG might also play a role in relieving pain associated with certain neurological conditions. 

What’s the Best Way to Take CBG?

There is no single right way to take CBG. Like most other cannabis derivatives, you can consume it in the way that works best for you.

The main methods of taking CBG usually consist of:

• Inhalation (vapes)
• Ingestion (gummies and edibles)
• Sublingual consumption (cannabigerol oil and drops)

CBG Vapes

You may have heard of Delta-8 vape mixes, and CBD is becoming more common, too.  Lots of people enjoy vaping cannabis extracts. There are a few main reasons why vaping can be a good choice for you!

Vaping is one of the quickest ways to feel the effects of CBG or any other cannabinoid.  CBG binds to the receptors in your lungs, quickly and effectively entering into the bloodstream. You’re likely to start feeling the effects just a few minutes afterwards. A lot of people also prefer vapes because they contain added flavors, unlike basic extracts, which can be strong and herbaceous.

The drawback of vapes is that they have negative health effects, though this depends on how much you use them.

CBG Edibles

Cannabis edibles like gummies are one of the most popular ways to consume these extracts.

It is easy to incorporate them into your usual routine — just like any other vitamin. You might need to experiment with taking the gummy at night or in the morning, as well as the dosage. CBG gummies might be stronger than you expect, so start small!

There are other cannabis edibles you can find, including lozenges, teas, and even candy. But since CBG is still hard to find, it might be a while before these versions are commonly available.

CBG Drops and Tinctures

So what is CBG oil?

CBG oil is one of the simplest and easiest ways to consume cannabinoids. When you take CBG oil, you use a dropper to place a few drops under your tongue and hold them there for about five seconds.

So why the tongue?  The flesh under your tongue is loaded with special cells that have a direct pipeline to your bloodstream. When you take CBG drops sublingually, the chemicals are quickly absorbed through your mouth. You should start feeling the effects within a few minutes.

So what method of CBG consumption is Best?

People usually choose their method of consumption based on efficacy and personal preference. Some like the ease of taking a gummy alongside their morning coffee. Other people find that they have the best reaction to a sublingual oil.

Ultimately, it may come down to a process of trial and error to find out what works best for you.

Does CBG Have Side Effects?

There is the risk of side effects with any prescription medications, even a natural supplement. The good news is that there aren’t many side effects reported from CBG use.

It’s worth mentioning again that CBG does not have a psychoactive effect. You might feel more relaxed after you take it, but you’re not going to be high and you’re not likely to be impaired.

Some of the more common side effects you might experience include:

• Racing heartbeat
• Drop in blood pressure
• Appetite changes (you might want to eat more or less, both of which can cause weight shifts)
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth

Even though these are the more commonly reported side effects, that doesn’t mean you’ll experience them. Many people take CBG products without any side effects at all.

Just like with every medication, you should talk to your doctor before you start taking CBG. They know your health history and medication usage. They should be able to alert you to any potential contraindications.

OK, what about people who shouldn’t take it at all?

Since we are still so early in the research process with CBG, we don’t know enough to say that it is guaranteed to be harmful for certain people.

There is some suggestion that it might interact badly with some blood pressure thinners. We also don’t know if it could potentially harm a pregnant woman or her baby. There’s no evidence to indicate it, but because we just don’t know, doctors recommend that these people avoid CBG use altogether.

Is CBG Legal?

Yes, CBG is legal to sell and use as of 2018, when the Farm Bill was signed into law. Under this law, hemp-derived compounds are federally legal as long as they contain 3 percent or less THC.

This law covers non-psychoactive cannabis compounds, including CBD and CBG (among others).  So no, you’re not going to get in trouble if someone spots you taking a CBG gummy.

Things get a little murkier when we look at regulation, which happens on a state by state basis. Even though cannabis derivatives are legal under federal law, they are not regulated by the FDA.

What does that mean for you?

Essentially, it means that you should practice prudence in buying CBG products. Companies aren’t held to an official nationwide standard for how to manufacture and label their products. For consumers, that means reading labels and finding a reputable producer.

Choosing a CBG Product

So now that you know that CBG may target certain endocannabinoids more effectively than CBD, what’s next?  With the research in front of you, you can make an informed choice about whether CBG might be a good idea for your needs.

The next step is to meet with your doctor. They can help you review your health history so you can make a safe and effective choice.

The last thing to do is bite the bullet! Or gummy, that is.

Like we mentioned above, there is no right answer when it comes to choosing a CBG product. Some of it is about preference, some is about the health effects you’re looking for. One thing that’s non-negotiable?  Finding a company that produces safe, effective, and tested CBG products.

CBG Products at VIIA Hemp Co.

VIIA Hemp Co. is dedicated to producing great products made from cannabis extracts that are safe, healthy, and effective. We know that research on CBG is still developing. But our goal is to share the unseen side of cannabis to explore its benefits.

We have a whole section of our online shop dedicated to CBG products. This is pretty fantastic, especially considering how hard it can be to find!

Our line of CBG products includes options for drops and edibles. These are full spectrum products, allowing the compounds to work together to provide better results.

Full spectrum cannabis products include a variety of plant compounds. This produces the famous “entourage effect”, which may help each compound work more effectively to help you feel better.

Our CBG products include:

• Flowstate CBG and CBD gummies for improved daily rhythm and energy.
• CBG and Delta-8 gummies to promote mental stimulation and creativity.
• Full Spectrum CBG and CBD drops to improve concentration and energy.

All our products include detailed labels, including all the ingredients and what effects to expect. If there is a psychoactive component included (such as the CBG Delta-8 gummies), that information is included as well.

In other words, we want you to know exactly what you’re taking. This is the best and only way to make sure you stay safe and have the best results for your needs.

To recap, we’ve answered questions in this article such as:

• What is CBG?
• What is CBG good for? 
• What is CBG oil good for?
• Who should take CBG? 

Science is just getting started when it comes to the many cannabinoid compounds. We don’t know as much about CBG now as we might even in the next few years. But this amazing natural compound has amazing potential.

To compare VIIA Hemp Co.’s online CBG offerings, browse our store. Then all that is left is to unlock the benefits of CBG and start feeling more focused and energized.