THC, CBD, CBN, and Delta-8 THC may be cannabinoids you’re already familiar with. But that isn’t the entirety of the cannabis lineup — not even close. And as time goes on, more hemp compounds are getting some spotlight time for their useful or beneficial properties.
One of these compounds, a cannabinoid, is CBG, which we have in our Full-Spectrum CBD+CBG Oil. (It also shines bright in The White CBG, one of our hemp flower strains, clocking in at 9.56% CBG.)
Other terms may or may not be as familiar. Phrases like broad-spectrum and full-spectrum can get confusing. Combining that with terms like tinctures, oils, and edible may leave newcomers feeling a little outside of the loop.
Of the 100+ cannabinoids found within cannabis, CBG is one of the more well-studied and better understood. Naturally, its well-versed history might raise the question, “Should I start using CBG oil?”
Everyone is different, so we want to help you find out your personal answer. Let’s get a better understanding of what, exactly, CBG oil is. What’s the importance of “full-spectrum” when it comes to CBG? Better yet, what’s the big deal about full-spectrum CBG oil? We can find out, together.
What Makes CBG Oil So Different?
Before we dig too far into what makes CBG so unique, let’s look at similarities cannabigerol shares between other cannabinoids. CBD and CBG, for example, share many traits in common.
Both are non-intoxicating, for starters. Unlike the infamous THC, neither CBD nor CBG holds the potential to get someone high.
These non-psychoactive compounds do often act as a sort of enhancer for other cannabinoids, however. Known as the entourage effect, the well-known phenomenon occurs between hemp compounds.
But again, what makes CBG different?
Even with their similar therapeutic properties, CBG and CBD have things that make them distinctly different.
One thing that stands out is their molecular structure. While almost identical, like all cannabinoids, they’re still completely different molecules. This directly impacts how each compound interacts with receptors in our natural endocannabinoid system.
How CBG activates those receptors also differs. That’s right — cannabigerol can light up our CB receptors!
Certain areas of the brain can actually react in opposite ways between CBG and CBD.
One example is appetite stimulation. CBG has the potential to encourage appetite. In one study, rats consuming CBG ate twice their normal food intake. On the other hand, CBD had the reverse outcome in a separate study. Food intake drops, demonstrating an appetite suppressant property for CBD.
There are still ongoing studies to observe the full extent of CBG’s impact on our ECS. As such, not all of its interactions with the brain have been fully mapped. Even so, what we do know shows a lot of promise.
What Exactly is “Full-Spectrum?”
While we briefly explore CBG and other hemp compounds, it’s important to understand the forms these compounds come in.
The three forms of a cannabis compound consist of isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum.
Isolates are fairly self-explanatory — it’s just the compound distilled to not have any other compounds. A CBG isolate, for example, would be a pure form of a CBG extract.
Meanwhile, broad-spectrum extracts contain a variety of hemp compounds, though they’re free of THC. Broad-spectrum products allow for the maximum potential benefit from combining cannabis compounds.
Full-spectrum sets itself apart by having up to 0.3% THC present in the mixture. This is not enough to achieve the intoxicating effect found in marijuana but can show up on a drug test if used regularly. The reason full-spectrum allows for THC is to encourage even more potent combinations from the entourage effect.
Research suggests that compounds such as CBG and CBD and their related health benefits are more prominent when combined. Essentially, full-spectrum is the concentrated equivalent of hemp in its natural state.
Here at Ounce of Hope, we understand the benefits of both broad-spectrum and full-spectrum oils. It’s why we provide access to both.
The list of potential benefits of hemp compounds continues to expand with research. We believe everyone is entitled to the opportunity to try one of nature’s greatest gifts. See for yourself how it might benefit you.
Potential Benefits of Full-Spectrum CBG Oil
Now we get into the true meat of the topic. CBG is just a minor cannabinoid among over 100, so why is it important to highlight? The answer lies in its potential uses.
You may already be familiar with CBD’s splendid array of potential benefits. Appetite suppression, relief from nausea, inflammation, and certain types of chronic pain — it certainly makes CBD tempting.
The reason that CBD is introduced as an isolate into full-spectrum and broad-spectrum mixtures is to heighten the concentration. With more readily bioavailable, the chances for it to interact with our ECS in the desired way becomes more likely.
This exact same reason applies to CBG. The focus on CBG and its abilities can either work in tandem with CBD or stimulate an opposite response entirely.
For example, maybe you’re already having trouble finding an appetite. A full-spectrum mixture that focuses CBD might hinder your ability to enjoy a meal even further.
In contrast, a full-spectrum mixture with more CBG or equal parts CBG to CBD may help. You’ll find you stand a chance to actually be hungry and have an appetite. Finally, you can look forward to that meal ahead.
There are a handful of reasons that people might consider incorporating CBG oil into their daily routine. We’re going to look at just some of the many benefits full-spectrum CBG oil appears to provide.
Anti-Inflammation
First, we want to highlight a top reason our full-spectrum CBD+CBG oil shines. CBD and CBG both demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties. They each work well against inflammation alone, as well as in combination, according to a clinical trial on the subject.
A full-spectrum oil that combines 500mg CBD and 500mg CBG, then, is the perfect solution against your inflammatory woes.
Appetite Stimulation
As we covered earlier, CBG can noticeably improve appetite. A 2017 study shows that there’s a potential therapeutic application for cannabigerol. Those suffering from appetite loss, cachexia, and other wasting diseases may find relief.
Unlike THC, CBG doesn’t have intoxicating effects while still boosting your appetite. A win-win for users that don’t want to get high but still seek an appetite.
Bacterial infections (such as MRSA)
Another surprising and powerful effect demonstrated by CBG is its ability to act as a potent antibiotic. It may prove to be one of the most powerful and useful applications of CBG as a whole.
Researchers tested 18 different isolated cannabinoids, including CBG, against MRSA. CBG outperformed every other cannabinoid by an astonishing margin. It even managed to work as well as Vancomycin, an extremely powerful antibiotic.
In our modern world, bacterias are evolving and becoming far more resilient to antibiotics. The potential to use CBG as a new form of antibiotic is valuable beyond belief. Full-spectrum CBG oils may hold extremely potent antibiotic properties in the future.
Antioxidant Properties
Along with its antibacterial properties, CBG, and other cannabinoids, appear to be natural antioxidants. Of course, we can always go for a healthy round of antioxidants. There’s another reason it’s good that CBG has these properties, however.
Cannabigerol, along with other cannabinoids, may help in the prevention and/or treatment of a wide variety of oxidation associated diseases. These hemp compounds’ ability to scavenge free radicals helps to prevent the oxidation process and reduce metal ions.
“Free radicals” are what create a chain reaction within the body to alter or affect other molecules in your cells.
Antioxidants like CBG help to break this chain reaction, preventing the damage that these free radicals can cause.
Cancer
The medicinal world observes CBG holds a particularly interesting potential benefit. Clinical tests on lab mice reveal CBG inhibits the spread of abnormal cell proliferation.
In simpler terms, CBG stopped melanoma from morning in mouse skin during testing.
The research sheds light on CBG’s anti-tumorigenic properties. In fact, it opens up the doors to find out more about how cannabigerol might help prevent cancer, in general. With more time and research, it stands to become a contender for fighting such a debilitating disease.
Neurological protection
CBG is proving to be no slouch in other fights as well.
A 2015 study reveals the potential for the cannabinoid to help fight neurodegenerative conditions, such as Huntington’s disease, too. Cannabigerol shines as a potential neuroprotectant. We hope to see this finding lead to better treatments for those plagued with the diseases in question.
Glaucoma
Finally, more research is necessary, but a 2008 study reveals medical cannabis’ effect on glaucoma. CBG, specifically, may be partially responsible for cannabis’ potential efficacy.
The reason it seems like a likely culprit is its ability to reduce ocular pressure. This would relieve the symptoms associated with glaucoma directly. It could even lead to a slowdown in glaucoma’s effects on eye strain and loss of sight.
CBG’s Benefits
This is by no means a fully fleshed-out list of all of CBG’s benefits. It does, however, act to highlight some of its most prominent potential.
This new era in cannabis discovery is proving to be ever fruitful and the benefits and applications keep stacking up.
Should You Start Using CBG Oil?
Everyone is different, so we’ll leave this question up to you. Now that you know more about CBG and its potential, you understand what it can do for you.
Even beyond the CBG, a full-spectrum CBG oil will likely contain CBD, too. We recommend starting a daily routine of CBD and CBG, along with other compounds in a full-spectrum extract.
Over time, you’ll see the true benefits that hemp has to offer. Far beyond the list here, expect to reap countless benefits that CBG, CBD, and hemp, in general, can provide.
And, just like anything you ingest, there are still things you should think about beforehand. If you are on any type of medication, it’s important to know if and how CBG may interact with them.
To this extent, you should always double-check with your healthcare provider before adding a full-spectrum CBG oil to your regiment.
For those who do want to try out a full-spectrum CBG oil, we’ve got you covered here at Ounce of Hope. Add our full-spectrum CBD+CBG oil to your cart today to start or add to your wellness journey.