What is CBG Oil?

A comprehensive guide on CBG oil

CBG oil has recently started gaining attention in the health and wellness sphere, but what is this substance really? Where does it come from and how has it been used throughout history? In this blog post, we will delve into these questions and provide an easy-to-understand explanation of CBG oil.

CBG stands for cannabigerol, one of over 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBG is sometimes called the "mother cannabinoid" because other cannabinoids like THC and CBD are derived from its acid form, CBGA (cannabigerolic acid).

Unlike the more well-known cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is psychoactive and produces a "high," CBG is non-psychoactive. This means that CBG does not affect your mind in the same way that THC does.

CBG oil is an oil that contains concentrated amounts of CBG. It is usually extracted from industrial hemp, a cannabis variety that is rich in CBG and contains very low levels of THC.

How is CBG oil extracted?

There are several methods for extracting CBG oil from the cannabis plant. Here are the most common:

CO2 extraction:

This method is considered the most effective and pure. By using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2), CBG can be separated from the plant material without using harmful solvents, resulting in a pure and potent CBG oil.

Ethanol or alcohol-based extraction:

This method uses high-grade alcohol to extract CBG. The alcohol is used to dissolve the plant material and extract the cannabinoids. After the alcohol has evaporated, a concentrated oil remains.

Olive oil extraction:

This is a simple and safe method often used by home producers. It involves heating the cannabis plant along with olive oil to extract CBG. The downside is that the final product is not as concentrated as with other methods.

Historical use of CBG and cannabis

Cannabis and its derivatives have a long history that spans thousands of years. Here are some key milestones:

Antiquity:

Cannabis has been used as medicine and in religious rituals since 2700 BC in China, where Emperor Shen Nung is believed to have documented its medical uses. In ancient India, cannabis was used as part of Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments.

Middle Ages:

During the Middle Ages, cannabis was used in Europe to treat pain and illnesses, while doctors in the Muslim world also incorporated cannabis into their medicinal mixtures.

Modern times:

In the 1800s, cannabis became a common ingredient in medicines in the Western world. However, in the 20th century, anti-cannabis legislation began to spread, limiting its use. This changed with the discovery of cannabinoid receptors in the human body in the 1990s, leading to renewed scientific and medical interest in cannabis.

Current uses of CBG oil

Today, CBG oil is used to manage a variety of health conditions and symptoms. Here are some of the most common uses:

Pain relief:

Many people use CBG oil to manage chronic pain, as research has shown that CBG can influence the endocannabinoid system in the body, which plays a role in pain regulation.

Anxiety and depression:

CBG oil has calming effects and may help reduce anxiety and depression. Several studies have shown that CBG can interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, which may improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Sleep disorders:

For those who have trouble sleeping, CBG oil can be helpful, as CBG can promote better sleep by reducing anxiety and pain, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Skincare:

CBG oil is also used in skincare products to treat inflammatory conditions like acne and eczema, as its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.

Neurological conditions:

Research has shown that CBG may have potential in treating neurological diseases such as glaucoma and Huntington's disease. Its neuroprotective properties make it an interesting subject for further studies.

Despite its potential, there are also critical views on CBG oil. Since the market for CBG products is relatively unregulated, there is a risk that products may be mislabeled or contain contaminants. It is important to choose products from reputable manufacturers that offer third-party testing to ensure quality and purity. While there are promising studies on the health benefits of CBG, research is still in its early stages.

More comprehensive clinical trials are needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety. The legislation surrounding CBG varies from country to country and even within different regions of the same country. It is important to be aware of local laws and regulations before purchasing or using CBG products.

CBG oil is a versatile product with potential health benefits rooted in thousands of years of medicinal use. Despite its potential, it is important to approach CBG with a critical eye, be aware of its legal status and safety aspects, and always choose high-quality products from reliable companies.

With continued research and regulation, CBG oil may continue to play an important role in modern health and wellness.

There are also a number of other cannabinoids that positively affect our skin and overall health. Here you can read more about CBD.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10337483/

https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/376/2/204

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9666035/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/cannabigerol