CBG & CBD Cannabinoids
The following is a brief explanation of CBG and CBD, 2 of the many cannabinoids found in Cannabis Sativa. What they are, what they do and what’s the difference? Will it make me high?
CBG (Cannabigerol), often referred to by experts as “the mother of all cannabinoids,” is the cannabinoid from which other types of cannabinoids (including CBD) are derived, says Michelle Sexton, a naturopathic doctor who works at the Pain Trauma Institute in San Diego. “CBG is the first compound in the biosynthesis (the production of chemical compounds by a living organism) of the other cannabinoids,” she adds. since CBG is a starting compound in the cannabis plant, young cannabis plants are typically used to source the cannabinoid because when the plant is ripe, there isn’t much CBG left; instead, the plant is more abundant in THC and CBD, according to Dr. Sexton. Young cannabis plants contain cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), an acidic form of CBG, and, as the plant grows, the CBGA is naturally converted into CBDA and THCA—which can later be converted into CBD and THC when activated by heat, she explains.
CBG is available in many forms, including tinctures, gummies, capsules and topical creams and lotions. CBG is often coupled with CBD in these products because the two cannabinoids can provide complimentary benefits, such as decreasing inflammation and pain, says Fraser Smith, a naturopathic doctor, as well as assistant dean and associate professor at the National University of Health Services in Lombard, Illinois.
CBD (Cannabidiol Full Spectrum (<.03mg THC)
CBD oil is made by extracting it from the cannabis plant and diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil. It’s one of more than 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, which means it causes the sensation of getting high that’s often associated with cannabis. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. We highlight that phrase, as many people don’t know much about CBD (and it’s various compounds), and they are concerned they might “get high” if they use it. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Most states offer dispensaries if you want to get high. What does (<.03mg THC) mean? This is a legal term that literally means “less than .03% milligrams of THC”. This is because not ALL of the THC can be removed, and this is the limit that is allowed by law (this amount won’t get you high either). (1)
(1) Medically reviewed by Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC — By Jillian Kubala, MS, RD
