Cannabis has been used from time immemorial in treating various medical ailments. However, it was not until the 20th century that scientific research into marijuana’s therapeutic claims formally commenced.
Over the years, researchers have uncovered numerous compounds in cannabis that account for the plant’s medicinal properties. These chemicals are technically referred to as cannabinoids. You’ve probably come across the terms cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CBD and THC happen to be the most abundant cannabinoids in marijuana. That explains why most clinical studies investigating the plant’s pharmacological applications focus on these compounds.
But while CBD and THC are the most popular marijuana cannabinoids, they’re by no means the only ones. The plant boasts at least 120 other cannabinoids, including cannabigerol (CBG).
Research on cannabigerol’s therapeutic effects is still a work in progress. However, the few findings already published suggest that this compound might be just as effective as CBD and THC.
In this post, we unpack everything there is to know about CBG oil, with a particular focus on how to vouch for the compound’s purity.
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More About CBG Oil
Cannabigerol oil refers to the oil obtained from cannabigerol.
It’s worth noting that, like most cannabinoids, CBG comes in many formulations. Examples include;
CBG oil and CBG tincture are often used interchangeably. However, these two compounds do not denote the same thing. CBG tinctures mainly contain cannabigerol and an alcohol solution, such as ethanol or Everclear. On the other hand, CBG oil contains cannabigerol and suitable essential oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil.
Now, cannabigerol may not be as popular as cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol. However, numerous cannabis traders are dealing in trusted CBG products for sale. Due diligence is all it takes to hone in on a reputable cannabigerol dealer.
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Health Benefits of CBG
As we already mentioned, research on CBG’s medicinal claims is still ongoing. However, the compound has already demonstrated promise in mitigating various ailments.
Cannabigerol may be used to treat most medical conditions that cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol are often prescribed for. Examples include pain, inflammation, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.
A 2013 animal study found that cannabigerol could alleviate inflammation in mice with inflammatory bowel disease. CBG’s anti-inflammatory effects might help people with other inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and cancer. This 2014 study showed that the compound could inhibit the growth and proliferation of malignant tumors among rats with colon cancer.
Cannabigerol oil may also aid vision. According to a study published in 2008, CBG might reduce intraocular pressure. That makes the compound particularly beneficial for glaucoma patients.
People battling poor appetites may benefit immensely from incorporating cannabigerol oil into their lifestyle. A 2016 study established that CBD could impact the endocannabinoid system to produce appetite stimulation as one of the positive effects.
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How to Check the Purity of Cannabigerol Oil
Before you learn how to distinguish between pure and impure cannabigerol oil, it would help to begin by understanding what constitutes purity concerning cannabinoids. CBG purity is mainly analyzed based on the number of cannabinoids in the product.
Cannabigerol oil is available in three different formulations, depending on the amount of cannabinoid in the product. They isolate broad-spectrum CBG oil and full-spectrum CBG oil.
CBG isolates are products that contain cannabigerol as the only bioactive cannabinoid. These products are ideal for people specifically looking to enjoy CBG’s therapeutic properties.
Broad-spectrum CBG oil is formulated to exclude THC. Note that THC is the primary psychotropic chemical in cannabis. So, broad-spectrum CBG oil is perfect for users who oppose marijuana’s euphoria and intoxication. The oil may contain a host of other non-psychoactive cannabinoids, such as CBD, cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), etc. It could also include numerous terpenes. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give the various marijuana strains their signature tastes. There are over 200 terpenes in cannabis. The most notable ones include linalool, pinene, and limonene.
Lastly, full-spectrum CBG oil is formulated with CBG and an array of cannabinoids (including psychoactive and non-psychoactive ones) and terpenes. These products are recommended for seasoned marijuana users. When consumed, full-spectrum CBG oil delivers compounded medical benefits via a phenomenon called the entourage effect.
Technically, broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBG oil may be considered impure, with CBG isolates deemed pure.
However, the fact that CBG isolates contain fewer cannabinoids makes them more potent. The only situation where the quality of CBG oil would suffer is if the compound had artificial impurities.
For instance, during refining, certain chemical additives may be used. Depending on the product formulation, these include flavor enhancers, preservatives, penetration enhancers, etc. CBG oil could also attract toxins like benzene or heavy metals during the extraction process or poor storage. Such chemicals constitute harmful impurities and may slow down CBG’s potency.
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The Bottom Line
CBG oil can contain both good and bad impurities. Suitable impurities are the additional cannabinoids and terpenes, both of which could enhance the oil’s potency. On the other hand, harmful impurities include chemical additives and toxins.
To be sure you’re buying pure CBG, always insist on lab-tested products. Besides, purchase all your CBG products from established retailers.
