CBGa & CBG

Abba MedixSeptember 27, 2023

CBG (Cannabigerol)

The production of cannabis is rapidly expanding beyond THC and CBD options. The industry has been shifting to a strong focus on minor cannabinoids with medicinal but non-euphoric feelings that THC generally provides.

Many consumers, when considering Cannabis for therapy, often think of the primary cannabinoids CBD, and THC. But these are only two of the 100+phyto (meaning plant) cannabinoids found to date within the cannabis plant. Two cannabinoids you may be seeing more frequently both medically and recreationally is CBGa (Cannabigerol acid), and CBG (Cannabigerol).

Where do CBGa and CBG come from?

Where does it go?

There are critical steps the cannabis plant must go through during growth before it begins to form cannabinoids. Some of the last steps in its biosynthesis include the alkylation of olivetolic acid and geranyl phosphate to form CBGa, which will then develop into THCa, CBDa, and CBCa.

When you begin growing a cannabis plant, the first known cannabinoid present is CBGa, giving its nickname as the “mother of all cannabinoids”. It will be present in larger amounts in the beginning stages of growth in the cannabis plant. As the plant matures in its growing cycle and is exposed to light, CBGa will make up as little as 1% of the plant, due to its enzymes being broken down and converted into other acidic cannabinoids.

Within our bodies, we have our Endocannabinoid system, which is designed to bring us into a state of balance. It plays an important role in our bodily functions such as regulating mood, appetite, pain perception, focus, concentration, and inflammation. CBGa is raw cannabis, cannabinoids don’t necessarily have to be decarboxylated to become bioavailable for our bodies to use.

CBG provides a unique effect on our bodies. It binds with CB1 and CB2, 5HT1A, and alpha-2 receptors, utilizes TRP Channels, and COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes simultaneously, strengthening Anandamide production. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter in the brain we naturally produce, it enhances pleasure, and motivation, regulates appetite, and alleviates pain and sleep. CBG can work inside and outside of the endocannabinoid system to create effects that CBD and THC are not capable of on their own.

What are the benefits of consuming CBGa?

There is minimal research demonstrating the medicinal benefits of CBG, let alone CBGa. Although discussion on CBGa spiked in January 2022 thanks to research demonstrating it preventing infection of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and it had prevented entry of the virus on human epithelial cells. CBGa also demonstrated to prevent the entry of COVID variants.

CBG is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. Meaning it won’t get you “high”. It can change one’s mood by enhancing feelings of calmness and focus, but it won’t alter your perception like THC can do.

There are several reported benefits to consuming CBG, some studies show that CBG has provided help in;

CBG can be consumed in various ways, such as oils, edibles, inhalation, and topically.

Where can you find these cannabinoids?

You can find CBG through various Licensed Producers.

CBGa is limited in product selection, in Canada legally it is only availiable in isolate at select locations, and not necessarily medically.

Here at Abba Medix, our team has selected several products comprising CBG to ensure our medical patients are addressed not only on what is best suited for their medical conditions but also on their preferred method of intake. Our patients are provided with one of the largest minor cannabinoid selections in the medical industry. Below is a list of our CBG-containing cannabis products.

Oils

Medipharm Labs CBG-CBD 1-2 Advanced Formula

THC: 0 mg/g

CBD: 19 mg/g

CBG: 9 mg/g

RHO Phyto Rapid Act THC-CBG Spray 20-10

THC: 21mg/g

CBD: 0mg/g

CBG: 11mg/g

Capsules

Kinloch Wellness Refresh – CBG + CBD Terpene Enhanced

THC: 0 mg/g

CBD: 23 mg/g

CBD: 28 mg/g

Edibles

Kinloch Wellness Refresh - CBG + CBD Mango Gummy Drop

THC: 0 mg/g

CBD: 20 mg/g

CBG: 20 mg/g

Pearls by Gron Blue Razzleberry 3-1 CBG-THC

THC: 2 mg/g

CBD: 0 mg/g

CBG: 6 mg/g

Pearls by Gron Marionberry Lemonade CBG

THC: 0 mg/unit

CBD: 0 mg/unit

CBG: 10mg/unit

Topicals

Proofly Full Spectrum CBD + CBD +THC Relief Cream

THC: 3mg/g

CBD: 3mg/g

CBG: 3mg/g

Dried Flower and Pre-Rolls

Sage 'n' Sour

THC: 265 mg/g (26.5%)

CBD: 1mg/g (0.1%)

CBD: 16mg/g

Kinloch Wellness Refresh – CBG + CBD 210 Infused Pre-Roll Citrus Orange Terpene

THC: 2 mg/g

CBD: 69 mg/g

CBG: 67 mg/g

VAPES

Common Ground Master Kush

THC: 864 mg/g

CBD: 2 mg/g

CBG: 13 mg/g

POLAR Mimo Live Rosin Vape Cartridge

THC: 744 mg/g

CBD: 0 mg/g

CBG: 30 mg/g

POLAR Northern Lights Live Rosin Vape Cartridge

THC: 715 mg/g

CBD: 0 mg/g

CBG: 28 mg/g

POLAR White Widow Live Rosin Vape Cartridge

THC: 742 mg/g

CBD: 0 mg/g

CBG: 25 mg/g

Concentrates

Abba Medix Orange Dreamer Bubble Hash

THC: 574 mg/g

CBD: 1 mg/g

CBG: 27 mg/g

Abba Vet Mimo Evo Live Hash Rosin

THC: 843 mg/g

CBD: 3 mg/g

CBG: 35 mg/g

MTL Cannabis Sage n Sour Hashish

THC: 431 mg/g

CBD: 1 mg/g

CBG: 25 mg/g

If you have questions about how you could benefit from incorporating CBG into your current regime, contact your physician, or your medical cannabis clinic for more information.

Researched and written by Glen Coyle, Veteran Advisor & Vanessa Horne, Cannabis Therapy Educator, Canada House