Oh, I'm soooo excited to tell you all about CBG. We're JUST starting to get CBG products up here in Canada but many of my American students at the Cannabis Coaching Institute are using and loving CBG for mood disorders like anxiety and depression, gut health issues and more!
CBG is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBG does not produce any effects that make you feel high or stoned.
Instead, it is known for its potential therapeutic benefits, which include reducing inflammation, easing anxiety, and boosting mood. CBG is also being studied for its ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. However, there is almost NO research on CBG in humans, so we have to take all this good news with a grain of salt. After all, people don't necessarily react like Petree dish cells or rats.
The bottom line is that even though more research is needed to confirm these effects, preliminary studies and anecdotal reports suggest that CBG may be a promising natural treatment for various conditions.
If you're interested in learning more about CBG and its potential health benefits, then this is the blog for you. You'll learn:
1. What does CBG Stand For? What is CBG?
2 What are the potential benefits of CBG?
3. What are the potential side effects of CBG?
4. How to take CBG?
5. How to Dose CBG?
6. Where to get CBG (with a discount code!)?
1. What does CBG stand for? What is CBG?
CBG stands for cannabigerol (can-ab-a-JEER-ol). It is often referred to as the "mother cannabinoid" or the "stem cell cannabinoid" because all cannabis plants first grow CBG. As the plant matures, the CBG is transformed into THC and CBD, which is why, up until recently, only young cannabis plants could produce it.
Over the past few years, new breeding practices have made it easier to grow CBG-rich plants which is why we have more of these cannabinoid products on the market.
(If you're yelling at me through the screen right now, yes, I know that the cannabis plant actually produces CBGA, THCA and CBDA. But I can't do ALL this education by myself! We need more Cannabis Educators out there!)
2. What are the potential benefits of CBG?
As we know, research on this molecule in humans is still pretty limited. In fact, according to the amazing folks over at CannaKeys, there still haven't been many clinical trials, so we have to take all these potential benefits with a grain of salt.
On the flip side, all you have to do is Google "CBG users report" or "CBG users" or "CBG works" and you'll see so many testimonials about singing the praises of various CBG strains or chemovars. Or, phone a friend! Someone in your circle is likely taking CBG - so ask around!
But what does the research say about CBG?
Like other cannabinoid molecules from the wonder plant, CBG acts on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The whole goal of the ECS is to keep the REST of your body in balance. It's like a "master control system" for so many things.
Some potential benefits of CBG include:
reducing inflammation
relieving pain
promoting healthy skin and hair growth
well-tolerated appetite stimulant
Huntington's disease
Alzheimer's disease
other neuroprotective properties
glaucoma
may help with MRSA
may help protect the brain from damage caused by strokes
antifungal
These properties make CBG a promising option for treating various conditions. If you're wondering, CBG is a very "flexible" molecule and acts on many other targets throughout the body, just like CBD.
Of course, further research is needed to confirm these potential benefits and to determine the best way to take them. However, the current evidence suggests that this natural cannabinoid could be a valuable addition to the medical cannabis landscape.
3. What are the potential side effects of CBG?
Overall, CBG is considered to be safe and well-tolerated by most people. After all, the cannabis plant is non-toxic and has never killed anyone in its natural form. But, as we know, everyone responds differently to cannabis, so side effects are possible. Here are some of the more common CBG side effects reported:
dry mouth
dizziness
drowsiness
low blood pressure
mild gastrointestinal distress
Most of these side effects are temporary and can be resolved with a lower dose. However, if they persist or become severe, it is important to speak to a healthcare provider.
Importantly, if you're taking CBG in oil form, it's sometimes the oil itself that causes issues, especially stomach upset. MCT is a very popular carrier oil for cannabis products, but many people are bothered by it. Try switching oils or even going the DIY route. It's super easy to do.
4. How to take CBG
There are many different ways to take CBG, depending on your preferences and what you want to get out of your CBG experience. Some common CBG ingestion methods include vaping, oil tinctures, and edibles.
Dry Herb Vaping CBG
If you are a beginner who wants to start off slowly, one of the best ways to take CBG is by dry-herb vaping. Dry-herb vaping is a quick and easy way to get the benefits of CBG without having to worry about any unwanted side effects because it's easy to control the dose.
Additionally, many people find that vaping CBG can be more flavorful and enjoyable than other CBG ingestion methods, plus you get the benefits of the terpenes.
I never recommend using a vape pen. See why here.
CBG Tinctures or Edibles
Alternatively, if vaping isn't appealing, you may want to try using a tincture or an edible instead. Under the tongue, tinctures can be a great option if you want the CBG effects to kick in fairly quickly, while edibles typically provide longer-lasting results but also require more wait time.
Whether you choose vaping, tinctures, or edibles as your primary CBG ingestion method, there are plenty of options available so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of this powerful plant compound!
5. How to Dose CBG: How Much CBG Should You Take?
Before we start, you know I'm not a doctor, right? So, this isn't any sort of medical advice.
Okay, let's go.
There are several factors to consider when determining how much CBG to take.
The CBG dosage you choose will depend on your individual goals and preferences. For example, if you are interested in optimizing cognitive performance or boosting mood, then a lower CBG starting dose may be best.
On the other hand, if you are trying to manage chronic pain or help with mood disorders, you might need a bigger dose.
Additionally, your CBG dosing should consider any preexisting medical conditions or medications you are currently taking - but you're going to talk to your doc about those, right?
Most people generally start with a dose of about 5mg of CBG once or twice a day. If you're purchasing an edible or tincture, 5mg is easy to find, but what do you do if you're vaping? My suggestion is to take one puff and wait at least 20 minutes before trying two puffs and so on.
If, after a couple of days of consistent dosing, you're not noticing an improvement in your symptoms, increase in 5mg doses every 3-4 days until you land at your sweet spot. Figuring out cannabis dosing is a process! That's why I created my Complete Cannabis Consultation, so I could be a guide for you as you figure it out.
Of course, the absolute best way to know exactly what is working for you when trying new cannabis products and doses is to track your use. If you haven't already heard of Strain Print, check them out and then download their truly fantastic tracking app.
6. Where to get CBG (with a discount code!)
USA
If you live in the United States, you're in luck. Because of the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp and non-THC-containing plants, you can easily access high-quality CBG flowers online and maybe even in your local dispensary.
If you're looking to smoke or vape, you don't need to do anything further, but if you'd like to make CBG oil, you can follow this simple process for CBD oil to make it easily and inexpensively.
If you're not the DIY sort, you're STILL in luck! At www.healercbd.com, they have a wide range of products, including excellent, whole-plant-derived CBG oil. You can grab your first bottle for 20% off using the code: revealcannabis.
Canada
Meh. We are JUST starting to get some CBG products at the Ontario Cannabis Store recently, but we still don't have access to a wide range of flower. I'm hopeful that this is going to change soon, but for right now, I just stare down at my American friends with envy while they sing the praises of CBG.
What are your thoughts on CBG?
Have you tried CBG? If not, you may want to. This cannabinoid is showing a lot of promise for a wide variety of health conditions. Although more research is needed, the early results are very promising.
CBG doesn’t seem to have any major side effects, making it a potentially good choice for those seeking relief from various conditions.
If you’re interested in trying it out, head to your local store and ask about CBG, or check out Healer and grab a bottle of CBG oil for 20% off with the coupon code: revealcannabis
Tell us your thoughts on CBG below!
With love,
Andrea
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