Haven’t heard of CBG, or more specifically, CBG oil? It’s pretty famous! CBG stands for cannabigerol, and this plant compound has been given the title of mother of all other phytocannabinoids with good reason!
What is CBG?
As the cannabis plant goes through its flowering cycle, CBGA (the cannabigerol acidic form of CBG) goes through an important process. Enzymes held within the hemp plant break down the Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) into various other cannabinoid acids. The most common cannabigerolic acid forms are cannabidiolic (CBDA) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA).
The plant goes through a process known as decarboxylation, which means a heating or aging process. This process converts those acids to CBD, CBG, and THC. In short, this means that without CBG and that specific plant process, those popular cannabinoids such as CBD and THC would not exist. And without CBG, you wouldn’t get any CBD/CBG products such as gummies, balms, topicals, and vapes. Thanks, CBG!
CBG Oil vs. CBD Oil
Now you know what CBG is, and the process the cannabis plant goes through to make it, how is CBG different from CBD? Chemical structure aside, the main difference between CBG and CBD is how they interact with the cannabinoid receptors and enzymes inside the human body.
For example, CBG binds directly with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. This is the system in charge of controlling many of the functions of the organs within the human body. CBD interacts with this system also but not as directly as CBG does.
In this way, CBG has a more direct link for activating these known receptors. By doing so, the human body’s systems can function better without overloading a stressed endocannabinoid system to do most of the work.
Another critical factor to consider is that, like CBD, CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. This means that both CBD and CBG won’t give you that “high” feeling that the cannabinoid products containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) provide.
Safety and CBG Oils
Both CBG and CBD provide many potential health benefits. There are many claims from the CBD industry and also CBD and CBG companies about the beneficial effects of CBD/CBG.
However, not all CBG oils are created equal. Hemp-derived CBD potency and performance can vary significantly between companies and products. The same applies to the various CBG products that are out there.
Before we dive deeper into what makes the best CBG oils, you must always speak to your doctor before you include a CBG oil or CBD oil product into your daily routine. Some CBG oil products may interfere with prescription medications. We advise caution when taking CBD and CBG oil products with specific medicines like blood thinners and antibiotics.
It is worth noting that there hasn’t been much research done on the potential side effects and risks of taking CBG oil products. However, one study using rat models found that the rats responded positively to a CBG oil treatment and had no adverse effects.
Many consumers consider both CBG and CBD products generally safe to take, but it is always a good bet to talk to your doctor before taking CBD/CBG products.
As always, look for companies that use third-party lab-tested results and USDA-certified organic hemp products to make their CBD and CBG oils.
Check out our educational page for lots of information on hemp products, like CBD.
We also offer a QR code on our site and the product label. This means you can see the certificate of analysis which lists the product ingredients and information on all of our hemp-derived CBD products.
Health Benefits of CBG Oils
CBD oils have been widely associated with potential benefits for a healthy body and mind. However, how CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid system means that the effects are felt more directly in the body.
Since CBG works with the cannabinoid receptors of the human body, and each person is different, results may vary slightly. But the most common benefits of taking CBG are:
- Anti-inflammatory properties – There have been some studies that indicate that CBG may have anti-inflammatory properties. For example, a study conducted on mice showed that CBG had a positive effect on inflammatory bowel disease (or IBD).
- An appetite booster – Cannabis munchie jokes aside, CBG products may help increase appetite. This is particularly helpful for those with a medical condition where getting extra nutrients might be challenging. Early studies show that CBG may have an appetite-boosting quality.
- Antibacterial properties – A recent study on rats indicated that CBG had antibacterial properties and could kill pathogenic (or harmful) bacteria. This may be a breakthrough in the world of the hemp plant and the use of CBG oils.
What Are Some of the Other Benefits of CBG oil?
As we’ve just read, CBG oil has many health benefits that support a person’s health and well-being. While research is still new to studying the effects of CBD and CBG, CBD and CBG are both showing great promise in potentially treating several other conditions. The ability to treat anxiety and chronic pain, to name a few.
Here are some ways that CBG can support you in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether you are taking CBD tinctures, gummies, vapes, or topicals, here is what may you also expect from taking CBG:
- Management of daily stress and to help promote relaxation.
- Encouraging the improvement of a person’s energy and focus throughout the day.
- Supporting better sleeping patterns throughout the night.
- Calming inflamed or blemished skin because of a bacterial infection.
Even taking the best CBG oil may not give every person the same results, and there is still much research needed to back up many of the health claims made by taking CBG oil. However, CBG oil seems to be making its own mark in the world of CBD products.
The main reason for taking CBG oil is its digestive system support, its energetic properties, and a way to help support a healthy nervous system. Like coffee or energy drinks, CBG oil gives a person focus and energy. Aside from the energetic effects, it helps promote healthy skin while combating daily stress giving the person a more stable and positive mood.
Which is Better CBD Oil or CBG Oil?
CBG oil has yet to overshadow the popularity of CBD oil, but there’s so much that CBG oil has to offer. Whether it’s a CBD, CBG, CBN, or one of the other minor cannabinoids, products made from the hemp plant seem to all possess some benefit. But which one is better? CBD oil or CBG oil?
CBG oil can provide much of the same benefits as CBD, and in some hemp extract products, both CBD and CBG are blended to give a more potent effect. To say that CBD oils outshine even the best CBG oils isn’t necessarily true.
However, the best CBG oil should be made from organic whole-plant hemp extract and feature both of these compounds to receive the full effect of the product. A full-spectrum hemp extract product is best since it contains both cannabinoids and THC, terpenes, and other flavonoids.
That said, some people prefer a CBG isolate, too.
CBD and CBG both have merit, and both can pack a punch. You can’t go wrong with either choice. But a product that contains both is your best bet for a total CBG experience.
Some CBD Terminology
If you are new to the CBD CBG market, you’ll notice a lot of terminology being thrown around, especially from those within the CBD industry. People may see terms like “other cannabinoids or minor cannabinoid,” “full-spectrum CBG oil,” “hemp oil,” and “CBG isolate” and wonder what it all means!
Many CBD companies use these terms inaccurately or mislabel their products altogether. Do your research before you buy CBD or CBG oils. If the product is not third-party lab tested and does not contain organic hemp, it might not be worth purchasing. To dispel some of the confusion out there surrounding CBD, let’s look at some of the more commons CBD terms you’ll come across:
- Terpenes: Terpenes are known for their aromatic qualities (or the smell associated with cannabis plants). However, some terpenes may also affect the CB1 and CB2 receptors within the body, similar to cannabinoids. These same receptors are responsible for sending signals to the nervous system. When this happens, it indicates which parts of the body need help, such as stress or pain relief.
- Minor cannabinoids: CBG, CBN, and other cannabinoids in cannabis plants are typically smaller than a cannabinoid like CBD. Most cannabis plants contain CBG, CBD, THC, and other minor cannabinoids. Many products combine these cannabinoids with CBD and THC to make a more potent product like CBG soft gels, CBG oil tincture, and other CBG oil products.
- Hemp: Hemp is the non-psychoactive cannabis plant variety that contains very high levels of CBD but low levels of THC (0.3% or less). Hemp oil is manufactured from the pressing of hemp seeds, and hemp oil contains many nutritional benefits, including omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids – known to help with brain function. USDA-certified organic hemp is something to take note of, especially if you’re searching for the best CBG oil product to take.
- Full-spectrum: A full-spectrum product like a full-spectrum oil tincture means that whole-plant hemp extract contains numerous cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Many people prefer these products claiming they make the best CBG oils. This claim might be because this form of CBG/CBD is approximately four times more potent than a pure CBG/CBD isolate product.
- Broad-spectrum: Broad-spectrum CBG is similar to full-spectrum CBG since it is a whole-plant hemp extract. However, there may only be trace amounts of THC to no THC at all. Some prefer this type of CBG product since they feel better taking it before a drug test. Broad-spectrum contains more CBG than the other active ingredients in the product.
- CBG isolate: This form of CBG is similar to CBD isolate, which means that the product is only pure CBG with all other hemp compounds removed, including THC. Some users only use CBG isolate products, claiming that this type is the best CBG product because it is a pure form of CBG, containing zero THC.
Is CBG Oil Legal?
Since the 2018 Farm Act, hemp and hemp products have been made legal in 50 US states. The Food and Drug Administration allows hemp products that contain 0.3% THC or less to be grown, cultivated, processed, and sold.
Even though 50 US states have made it legal, some states have still not legalized CBD or hemp products yet. CBD School recommends you check into you local and state laws, so you can be fully aware of the laws surrounding industrial hemp.
Some Final Thoughts on CBG Oil
In recent years, hemp-based products have become increasingly popular. This is mainly due to hemp products’ purported therapeutic and holistic properties.
Much of its success comes from one of the main cannabinoids we’ve all heard of – CBD. With many claiming CBD contains a wide range of potential benefits, from stress relief to managing chronic pain, CBD has taken the cannabinoid world by storm.
As with any CBD product, people taking CBD/CBG should get professional medical advice first to see if these products are right for you. Talking to a doctor will ensure that CBD/CBG will be safe for you to take and cause no serious problems with your health.
Like CBD, CBG has many potential health benefits. CBG oils combined with CBD provide a more complex and complete product. You’ll want to make sure the product you purchase uses no artificial ingredients, uses only organic hemp, and is free of heavy metals, solvents, and other harsh chemicals.