What’s interesting about most hemp products is that they all start off interconnected. No matter the final product, everything is part of the cannabis plant. All the chemicals we hear about most often — CBD, THC and now CBG — originate on the same plant, in varying levels. It’s the little details that make them each different, and the differences that make each special.
Starting out the same
Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG) are both cannabinoids. In fact, you can’t get to CBD without having CBG first. It’s the cannabinoid responsible for the production of CBD. Before cannabinoids become CBD, they’re CBG. It’s all the same until it’s not.
Because their origins are the same, both CBD and CBG are non-psychoactive. Both also are demonstrating use in the healthcare industry. They offer the possibility of treating chronic pain as well as a variety of illnesses.. Both are also considered neuroprotectants. This means they may prevent or slow the progression of a disease so that secondary injuries won’t occur.
Extracting the differences
Differences begin to arise when we look at the concentrations of the cannabinoids themselves. CBG has its highest concentration in flowering cannabis plants. Once harvesting takes place, only trace amounts exist. It’s replaced by large concentrations of CBD. Because of this, CBG typically has a reputation as a minor cannabinoid. It also makes CBG very expensive to produce.
To compare, the average yield of CBD content from a single plant is about one pound. On the other hand, to get only a small amount of CBG isolate, you need thousands of pounds of biomass. This makes CBG production extremely costly. It has even earned CBG the nickname, “the Rolls-Royce of cannabinoids.” While it’s possible to increase the levels of CBG extraction in hemp biomass, farmers will need to make adjustments to how they grow and harvest their hemp to do so.
Addressing clinical issues
Research into both CBD and CBG has shown their potential to effectively treat many illnesses. While there’s nothing definite yet, the possibilities of each cannabinoid has piqued the interest of the wellness industry.
CBD
CBD has had more time in the wellness market. Products are widely available and may people turn to it to help them treat chronic pain along with numerous illnesses such as:
- Epilepsy
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Cancer
CBG
CBG may have significant healing properties as well. IIt’s also more potent than CBD. CBG applications include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant and appetite stimulants. “Research is relatively sparse regarding the therapeutic benefits of CBG, when compared to the apparent wealth of information available on THC and CBD within the cannabis science community. But there are early studies linking the compound to a whole host of potential therapeutic uses,” says Alexander Beadle from Analytical Cannabis. CBG may help effectively treat:
- Depression
- Osteoporosis
- Colon cancer
- Psoriasis and eczema
- Insomnia
- And more
Treatment options
According to Marijuana Doctors, “CBD has a higher chance of offering benefits than CBG. However, you can supplement your CBD treatment with CBG medicine.” This means which cannabinoid you use, and in what dosage, will directly depend on the issue you’re treating.
Mixing together
The truth is, you don’t have to think of these two cannabinoids separately. They each function a little different, but sometimes the best option is to combine them. The “Entourage Effect” is when a blend of cannabinoids work together to offer a superior treatment. CBD and CBG can work, synergistically in a single product, where the user may see boosted therapeutic effects.
Together, these two key players can work against inflammation, anxiety and physical pain. Even as CBG gains traction on its own in the hemp industry, it’s pairing with CBD is also becoming more well-known.
Processing your hemp crop
It’s up to you whether you decide to extract CBD or CBG from your hemp crop. What’s important is working with a knowledgeable team able to get you a superior, final product. With high-end equipment and extensive understanding of hemp processing, Arbor Vita8 is ready to convert your hemp biomass. We offer a complete suite of services from seed to final product that allows us to support and assist you as a hemp farmer every step of the way. To learn more, contact us today.
