CBD products have exploded in popularity in recent years. Having been thrust into the spotlight as a trendy supplement and wellness product, the compound has become highly-regarded due to its antioxidant effects. CBD is the well-known non-intoxicating component in cannabis, and it’s fairly abundant in many common cannabis strains. But recently, another cannabinoid has been making its mark on the cannabis industry; and its potential therapeutic qualities make it a formidable contender.
Cannabigerol, or CBG, is a less-abundant and lesser-known cannabinoid that is a compound of the cannabis plant. Initial findings indicate it has properties shown to be beneficial in alleviating discomfort from minor aches and soreness. In many ways, CBG likely sounds similar to CBD. But that assumption isn’t entirely accurate. You have to dive in a little bit deeper to discover their key differences.
Product Spectrums for CBG
Similar to that of CBD, there are a variety of extraction methods available for CBG. Specific extraction methods are utilized to obtain a range of consistencies and profiles when formulating hemp extracts. Each extract type serves a unique purpose and has its own individual method of application.
Full Spectrum
Hemp extracts are considered to be full-spectrum when they contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Full-spectrum extracts typically have a dominant CBD or CBG profile that is dependent upon the genetics of the plant.
Broad Spectrum
Similar to that of full-spectrum, the broad-spectrum extract contains a variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, phytonutrients, and flavonoids. The biggest difference between broad and full is that broad-spectrum extracts contain 0% THC. Broad-spectrum extracts tap into the synergistic effects known as the entourage effect.
The entourage effect occurs when CBD is ingested in unison with other compounds from the cannabis plant instead of just being ingested by itself. The theory surrounding the entourage effect is that using the entire hemp plant (rather than a singular aspect of it) provides an additional boost in the health benefits and overall therapeutic effects of cannabinoids.
Isolate
Isolate extracts are the purified form of the desired cannabinoid. CBD isolate and CBG isolate are the two primary isolate extractions pertaining to the hemp market today. Isolate extracts should test at 98%+ CBD or CBG contents for them to be considered pure isolate compounds.
Again, isolate extracts should contain 0% THC, and are ideal compounds in formulating a variety of THC-free products. Isolates do not contain any terpenes, minor cannabinoids, flavonoids, or phytonutrients that are commonly found in full-spectrum extracts.
What Is Isolate?
As the name indicates, CBG isolate is made through the process of completely isolating the cannabidiol from all other plant matter and compounds. Terpenes, flavonoids, and other inactive compounds like plant waxes are stripped from the extract to leave only pure CBG remaining. The final product resembles a fine white powder that contains over 91% – 99% pure CBG.
CBG isolate is odorless, tasteless, and highly concentrated. Due to its high level of purity, isolate is very easy to use for specific dosing, as the dosage should be substantially more accurate than that of less potent blends.
How Can CBG Isolate Be Used?
It sounds trite, but CBG isolate can be used to make anything that has CBG in it. Much like CBD products, this includes edibles, tinctures, sprays, and oils, and a variety of different pharmaceuticals. Individuals with supplement regimens that require highly-accurate dosing and ultra-specific measurements can benefit greatly from CBG isolate.
What Works Best?
In many ways, CBD and CBG are very much alike. Neither of the two compounds produces any mind-altering or psychoactive effects. In fact, both CBD and CBG are known to counteract the psychoactive effects of marijuana by interacting with the body’s ECS to help promote overall wellbeing.
The primary difference between CBD and CBG lies within their unique therapeutic qualities. Though both CBD and CBG share many similar anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic benefits, evidence suggests that it’s possible CBG is even more effective than CBD for certain issues and medical conditions.
With that said, much more research needs to be conducted in the CBG space before any tangible comparisons can be validated. While CBG has shown tremendous potential to date, far more information needs to be compiled to create a true perspective of the benefits the compound has to offer.
Final Thoughts
We touched on the rising popularity of CBG throughout this piece. It certainly is a compound that seems to have much to offer those in the natural wellness world. If you have been considering trying out CBG oil, ensure you are making an educated purchase based on diligent research and consumer reviews. If you still are unsure if CBG is right for you, we highly suggest utilizing a full-spectrum CBD oil or broad-spectrum product, like Cani-Sleep Sublingual Oil Extra.