With more and more research coming in favor of different cannabinoids, we are seeing an increased influx of cannabinoid products capturing the health and wellness space. CBG, or cannabigerol, is one such cannabinoid that has become somewhat popular in recent years.
You’ll notice that brands are now constantly pushing a mix of CBD and CBG products. Organic CBG oils are known for their pain-relieving properties, sleep-inducing properties, and overall health-boosting properties.
Even though it’s quite an old and well-known cannabinoid in the scientific sphere, among the general public, it’s still not as popular as CBD. One reason is the lack of studies on it, but slowly the demand is picking up.
So if you are planning to try CBG in the near future, this article has got you covered. We will cover everything from its origin to how it makes you feel so that you can make an informed decision for your health and wellness journey.
What Is CBG?
CBG is a natural compound belonging to the cannabinoid family, found in cannabis sativa plants. Cannabis plants have hundreds of cannabinoids, including CBG, CBN, CBD, THC, and more.
Each has its own set of healing and health-boosting properties. CBG was first discovered in 1964, but research on it has remained limited. Its concentration levels are quite low, around 1% in cannabis plants, which makes it hard to extract and costly as compared to other cannabinoids like CBD and THC.
CBG is known as the mother of cannabinoids because, as the plant grows, it synthesizes into other cannabinoids. Its acidic form, CBGA, gives birth to CBDA and THCA. It carries on the legacy of CBD and doesn’t have any intoxicating effects like THC.
It works in a similar manner to CBD and is capable of producing pain, anxiety, and stress-relieving effects upon consumption.
How Does CBG Make You Feel?
CBG can improve your mood, reduce your pain, and make you feel stress-free, focused, and in better control of your body. It doesn’t have intoxicating effects, so you won’t feel high or stoned, which makes it perfect for day-to-day consumption.
Whether you need to wind down after a long and hectic day or need to calm down ahead of tense events, CBG can be a perfect aid. It works by impacting the receptors in our brain and endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is a complex nerve-signaling network responsible for maintaining a state of balance in our body by controlling various physiological processes.
Our body produces its own set of cannabinoids known as Anandamide and 2-AG, which react with CB1 and CB2 receptors to produce nerve-calming and soothing effects. Through such interactions, the endocannabinoid system controls our anxiety levels, stress response, pain perception, appetite, memory, and more.
When we supplement our body with other cannabinoids by taking CBG oil or gummies, this process becomes even more efficient. CBG also impacts TRP channels, COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, 5-HT1A, and alpha-2 receptors.
That means that it’s effective against both neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Some initial preclinical trials show that CBG is capable of reducing intraocular pressure. It has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumoral, anxiolytic, neuroprotective, skin-enhancing, and appetite-improving effects.
Potential Side Effects Of CBG
It’s very rare for someone to experience side effects from consuming CBG products. Cannabinoids in general are very well tolerated by the human body because it already produces some on its own.
Plus, it’s almost impossible to overdose on cannabinoids because you’ll need to consume way more than one can normally consume in a day. Still, all humans are built differently, and in some rare cases, it may have some negative reactions.
The common CBG side effects include dehydration, drowsiness, fatigue, and nausea. That’s why some experts recommend consuming cannabinoids with other foods, which can reduce the chances of nausea symptoms.
Beginners should always start with a low dose, as the body takes some time to adjust to new inclusions in your diet and may get overwhelmed due to high doses initially. If you feel any of the above-mentioned effects and they don’t go away within a few hours, then it’s time to reduce the dosage or stop the consumption altogether for a few days.
How To Consume CBG For Best Effects?
You can consume CBG products in many forms, but ultimately, it’ll depend on your personal preferences and the intensity of the effects you are hoping for.
It’s best to use full-spectrum products that contain both CBG and CBD, along with cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients. This creates an entourage effect due to the synergy between these hemp compounds and leads to potent and long-lasting effects.
Brands like Colorado Botanicals offer full-spectrum oils with CBG and CBD in a 1:1 ratio, allowing you to get a precise dosage and the goodness of both cannabinoids. Many people prefer to take CBG oil sublingually, as it results in faster absorption of cannabinoids in the bloodstream, allowing the user to feel calm and focused within 10–20 minutes of consumption.
The only drawback is the earthy hemp taste that all CBG oils have, and it can discourage people from making it a regular part of their wellness routine.
If you belong to this category, then CBG gummies are best for you. Unlike oils and tinctures, CBG gummies come in a variety of refreshing and delicious fruity flavors. Each gummy comes loaded with a precise amount of cannabinoid, which makes it a much more convenient consumption method than oils.
All you have to do is eat it like candy whenever you feel like it. The only drawback is the slower onset time because of lower bioavailability. Gummies can take up to an hour and a half before kicking in, so you’ll have to plan when to take them in advance.
Ideally, people take them after dinner, and by the time they are in bed, gummies start to make them relaxed and stress-free. So yeah, all methods have their pros and cons; just choose the ones that work best with your goals and wellness routine.
The Final Note
In conclusion, CBD can make you feel focused, relaxed, and anxiety-free, and provide relief from both inflammatory and neurological pain. You can safely consume CBG oils or gummies whenever and wherever you feel like.
Because of its non-intoxicating nature, CBG won’t make you feel high or stoned. For quick effects, you can try CBG oils, and for slow yet long-lasting effects, you can go with CBG gummies.
If you are a beginner, it’s better to stick with the dosage mentioned on the label by the brand. Just be cautious about where you are buying your CBG products from, as due to increased demand, many inferior products have entered the market.
That’s why it’s essential to read the third-party lab test reports for the product and maybe visit your local store first to experience it firsthand. For online purchases, it’s best to stick with trusted and well-tested brands like Colorado Botanicals, which use the highest quality extraction methods and organic ingredients in all of their products.