The cannabis plant is made up of 113 (so far) cannabinoids that we currently know of. This means that scientists have been able to identify, and record the presence of 113 compounds within the plant, that each have their own unique and wide reaching effects. Of these 113 identified cannabinoids, perhaps the two most famous are THC and CBD. Read more at Improbable Farmer.
THC & CBD Are the Most Popular Cannabinoids
THC and CBD are what most people use cannabis for. THC is most popular for how it induces psychotropic and mind altering effects – it gets you high. CBD is most popular for the wide range of health benefits that it has. For most people, these two cannabinoids are plenty for them. However, there is another cannabinoid that could be causing quite a stir in the cannabis community right now.
The Newest Cannabinoid Discovery is CBG
Cannabigerol (CBG). CBG was actually discovered in the 1960’s by researchers Dr. Gaoni and Dr. Mechoulam. However, it hasn’t been until recently that its full list of potential benefits has come to light. Let’s explore what CBG is, what it can do, and why it is so important to the cannabis industry moving forward.
What Is CBG?
CBG is considered a ‘minor’ cannabinoid. This is because it typically only exists in the very early stages of the cannabis plant life cycle. You see, in the beginning stages of growth, cannabis plants produce cannabigerolic acid.
This acid later becomes broken down throughout the growth process by enzymes exposed to ultraviolet light or heat. This acid then becomes what we know as THC, or CBD, or other such cannabinoids.
Essentially, CBG is a precursor compound to the famous cannabinoids that we are all familiar with. So, if CBG is merely a stepping stone on the way to THC and CBD, why should we be interested in it?
Are There Any Benefits With CBG?
CBG has been found to be exceptionally useful in the medical field. The way that it interacts with the natural endocannabinoid system within the body, appears to be far more potent than CBD or THC. In essence, when it comes to treating various illnesses, CBG could very well be the way of the future.
CBG Is More Effective Than THC & CBD
Recent studies have shown that CBG is strikingly effective at treating glaucoma, inflammation, preventing the growth of cancer cells, and treating certain symptoms related to cancer treatment. All of these benefits are rather widely known of cannabis, but it appears that CBG is remarkably more effective at it than it’s ‘children’ THC and CBD.
What Is The Future Of CBG?
As of right now, CBG is incredibly hard to isolate and concentrate in large quantities. Due to the fact that it is really only prevalent in the early stages of plant growth, it is hard to grow cannabis strains with a CBG content above 1%. However, growers are hot on the case, and are already developing potential cannabis strains with a CBG content of up to 15%