CBD & CBG Seeds

Why is it such an unknown cannabinoid?

CBG generally appears in very low concentrations in vast majority of mature cannabis flowers. While CBDa and THCa are found in quantities as high as 20% of the flower’s composition by weight, in well matured cannabis flowers CBG it is virtually non existent. In flowers harvested a bit earlier than we typically might like, up to 1-5% CBG might be present. That means that growers need 20 times more biomass, harvested from premature plants, in order to obtain the same amount of CBG as a typical yield of CBDa or THCa.

Harvesting premature plants and flowers results in a higher CBG yield, but not much more. This puts growers in a quandary, as a premature harvest to justify extracting a moderate amount of CBG sacrifices other potential compounds. And with the high demand for CBD and THC, most growers are unwilling to harvest their plants so early and forgo other cannabinoids in favor of CBG.

However, the selection efforts of seed banks such as Seedstockers have resulted cannabis flowers which stop cannabinoid synethsis at CBG, allowing for relatively huge volumes of CBG to be harvestd from well matured plants which give fantastic yields. These plants are not yet very common in seed catalogs, but they are highly sought after and they are being actively cultivated on a relatively large scale as concentrates, isolates, and distillates of CBG have become increasingly interesting for medicinal investigation. Also, because of the scarcity of the compound in large quantities as high purity concentration, it is particularly profitable for large scale cultivators seeking a legal means of production.

Although studies on its benefits are still quite limited, current findings point to CBG as the next major player in cannabis treatments. However, researchers have yet to determine its safety and possible long-term side effects, as well as the risk of drug interactions. This is in large part due to the scarcity of product for research.

What is CBG?

CBG stands for cannabigerol, one of more than 120 cannabinoids found in cannabis. It was first isolated in 1964, when Israeli chemist Raphael Mechoulam discovered the missing link that explained cannabinoid biosynthesis: cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the chemical precursor of all known cannabinoids.

It is known as "the mother of all cannabinoids" because as the cannabis plant matures, enzymes convert CBG into the three primary acidic cannabinoids: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA).

Because CBG is converted to all of these other acidic cannabinoids, fully mature plants contain only low concentrations of CBG. CBG begins as CBGA, and through decarboxylation, CBGA loses its acid group and is converted to CBG, before it is later synthesized into THCa, CBDa, CBCa, or a few other cannabinoids such as THCVa.

Research suggests that CBG has a partial affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors. THC also produces its psychoactive effects through interactions with these receptors; but CBG has been observed to act as a buffer to this psychoactivity and may even alleviate the feelings of anxiety or paranoia that sometimes accompany the consumption of high levels of THC.

CBG can also stimulate other receptors through other pathways. For example, it has demonstrated a strong ability to increase anandamide, commonly known as the "bliss molecule," an endogenous cannabinoid that helps regulate a wide range of bodily functions, including appetite, sleep, mood, or the immune system.

Research on CBG is still at a preclinical stage, but available studies suggest that it holds considerable therapeutic promise. Its analgesic properties may surpass those of THC without the psychoactive effect; and there is also evidence to suggest that CBG may offer anti-cancer, anti-depressant and anti-bacterial qualities.

As we have discussed, neuroscientists and cannabis experts have introduced a concept where all cannabinoids work synergistically to amplify each other's benefits and mitigate potentially unwanted side effects. And the best example of the 'entourage effect' is the relationship between CBD and THC.
CBD can reduce the psychoactivity of THC, resulting in a less potent high and a reduced risk of becoming anxious or paranoid. THC, in turn, can enhance the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of CBD, as well as add its own positive effects.

When it comes to CBD and CBG, they can also amplify their individual analgesic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. However, they balance each other out in some cases, such as nausea and vomiting. It should also be noted that cannabis plants possess terpenes in addition to cannabinoids. Terpenes are aromatic molecules that provide the distinctive fragrances and flavors of cannabis. These molecules can modulate the action of cannabinoids, adding their character to the effect profile.

In Europe there is no supranational law regulating the production or consumption of CBD or CBG, so both substances are subject to the interpretation of international conventions and the domestic legislation of each country. For example, being a substance that is not controlled, cannabis with CBD is legal in Spain as long as it does not contain more than 0.2% of THC, the permitted level of this substance in industrial hemp crops. Although in other countries such as Switzerland and Italy this percentage rises to a threshold of 0.6%-1% THC.

In fact, the European Parliament has pronounced itself in favor of increasing the permitted level of THC for hemp. It would avoid many problems for growers who, for environmental or genetic reasons, accidentally see the THC level of their plantations increase and end up becoming illegal.