By Rena McCain

Happy Weedsday, everyone! I hope you are having an amazing week.

In MONTROSE STAR’s last issue, I shared information about a cannabinoid called cannabigerol, more commonly called CBG. If you are interested in finding part one of this article, you can find it at GanjaGrrl420.com or MontroseStar.com.

So, back to CBG. Most recreational and medical strains of cannabis, including hemp, have small trace amounts of CBG. Without CBG, THC and CBD wouldn’t exist. CBG is the non-acidic form of cannabigerol acid and is the parent molecule from which other cannabinoids are synthesized. Cannabigerol is thought to be only a minor constituent of cannabis, typically between 0.1 and one percent. But experts rarely measure the amount of CBG in industrial hemp strains, so there is not much information on this particular cannabinoid. However, there seems to be around a 0.2 to two percent range. So here is a possibility of interrupting the enzyme activity when converting CBG into THC specifically. Strains containing more CBG (around two to three percent) have started showing up in countries such as Europe, and these new hybrids should hit the market in 2019 or so.

Growers and cultivators that are interested in producing CBG-rich medical weed strains may try to extract CBG from six-week-old plants to experiment with crossbreeding and come up with a high CBG strain. It would be pretty cool to be able to do this and isolate it this way because CBG is an essential cannabinoid due to its various health benefits, particularly for individuals with conditions affecting their central nervous systems, such as skin disorders, neurological diseases, and chronic pain. Besides that, researchers have found that CBG stimulates bone formation and healing. In a study that was published on PubMed.gov, “Age-related osteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone formation and accumulation of fat in the bone marrow compartment. Here, we report that the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) regulates this process.” Results showed they could stimulate bone marrow stem cells by regulating osteoblast (bone formation) and adipocyte (fat accumulation in connective tissue) differentiation in marrow stromal cells.

CBG also treats another condition. Researchers have found that CBG has shown to have antifungal and antimicrobial properties, which make it a candidate for antifungal and antibacterial treatment. Some scientists believe CBG could be part of an effective treatment against MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus), a highly prevalent antibiotic-resistant strain of bacteria. I would definitely call that a win situation for anyone afflicted by MRSA.

What makes CBD and CBG different?

Even though both of these cannabis compounds are non-psychoactive, there are a few things that make them stand apart. One of the most noticeable differences is that CBD doesn’t interact with CB1 or CB2 receptors directly like CBG.

However, CBG is actually one of the first cannabinoids to be formed in the cannabis plant as it develops.

CBG is sometimes referred to as the “stem cell” of cannabis. It is found in higher concentrations in developing cannabis plants, usually in an acidic form known as CBGA or cannabigerol acid.

CBG increases anandamide production, which is your body’s primary endocannabinoid. This helps to regulate appetite, sleep, and memory. Anandamide also acts on your CB1 and CB2 receptors. Also known as breaking the blood/brain barrier. CBD decreases anandamide’s access to transport molecule-acting fatty acids, meaning it slows down the process of the molecule of entering the system.

Researchers, doctors, and patients still know a lot more about CBD and THC than CBG. However, people discovering its potential is fast becoming a reality. Some strains that are rich in CBG include:

–Destroyer, a good mix between a Columbian/Mexican hybrid and a Meao Thailand, creating a rare variety that’s among the few pure Sativa strains surviving in the world. With a 10 to 15 percent THC level, it’s a potentially beneficial strain for experienced users. While it is a strong strain, it provides a clear-headed high. Although the exact percentage of CBG content isn’t known, it is said to be fairly high.

–Exodus Cheese, containing 15 percent CBG, is a good strain for those just getting started with CBG-rich strains. There’s also less THC in this strain than in Destroyer, thereby making the CBG content more noticeable. When you inhale this flower strain, it produces immediate effects.

–William’s Wonder, perhaps the most noticeable CBG-rich strain with a 30 percent content. Since it does contain more than 20 percent THC, you probably won’t “feel” the CBG in it, but you’ll experience the effects of the strain. It’s a pure indica variety, providing a chill and mellow effect — great for tackling pain, anxiety, depression, and nausea.

While CBG, again, isn’t psychoactive and doesn’t get you high, psychoactivity isn’t the critical factor here. CBG is beginning to reveal itself among the many cannabinoids of the marijuana plant as being a potential therapeutic compound. While it’s not the cannabinoid for movie-enhancement capabilities, it’s likely a good product to use medicinally.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the MONTROSE STAR. Rena McCain is a co-founder of the Cannabis Open Carry Walks. Find her on Facebook at GanjaGrrl420, or via Twitter @sassikatt24 and Instagram at ganja_grrl420. Listen to Conversations with Ganja Grrl & 420 News HQ, McCain’s broadcast on MixLR.com every Sunday morning, 11 a.m. ’til 2 p.m. CST on the MountainHighX station. To listen, download the MIXLR app for Android or Apple. Make an account. Search for and follow MountainHigh10.