I first told you about CBD, now let’s talk CBG. As I’ve mentioned many times in this blog, Lost Remedy CBD is full-spectrum hemp oil (FSHO). Full spectrum means that all of the cannabinoids, terpenes and other components present in hemp are in the oil. Those components working together is what gives CBD its punch. That punch is actually called the 
, which means the sum is greater than all the parts.
Put a different way, essentially, the entourage effect is when all the components of the CBD work in concert to support your health. CBD is just one of many components derived from hemp. True the others appear in lesser quantity than CBD, but they are important in supporting what CBD does in our bodies.
First CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of more than 60 compounds belonging to a class of molecules called cannabinoids. CBD oil is made from strains of cannabis sativa that have low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC, also a cannabinoid, is found in a strain of cannabis sativa that contains high levels of THC. These strains are more commonly referred to as marijuana. Marijuana is identified as a Schedule 1 narcotic by federal law. CBD oil, high in cannabidiol, is also a cannabinoid. The human body creates cannabinoids. It contains millions of cannabinoid receptors, mostly in the brain, central nervous and immune systems and skin. Cannabinoids play a fundamental role in the body because the endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates homeostasis, or the general state of balance. The introduction of cannabinoids helps to regulate sleep, appetite, mood, hormones, pain and many other body functions.
Now CBG
Although there is less CBG than CBD in our products, CBG is no less a powerhouse. Remember, it’s working together that makes the effect so much better than each part working alone. CBG, or cannabigerol, also a cannabinoid, is found in the hemp plant. It does, however, appear to be the progenitor of CBD and THC. Let me explain. As hemp grows, the first thing produced is CBGA or cannabigerolic acid. It seems CBGA is a bit of a shape shifter, able to transform into THCA, CBDA or CBGA when acted upon by enzymes in hemp. Heat and ultraviolet light (think sunshine) can change them to THC, CBD or CBG. Now, THC and CBD have been studied in the past. CBG, on the other hand is just recently being studied for its therapeutic properties.
Although there is less CBG than CBD in our products, CBG is no less a powerhouse.
Initial research has been done in the following areas:
- Analgesic – for pain
- Antibacterial – to fight bacterial growth
- Anticonvulsive – to treat seizures and convulsions
- Anti-inflammatory – to reduce inflammation
- Anti-insomnia – to improve sleep
- Antiproliferative – to inhibit growth of cancer cells
- Antidepressant – to boost mood
- Bone stimulant – to encourage bone growth
- Appetite stimulant – to increase appetite
- Brain cell stimulant – to encourage growth of brain cells
If you’ve followed this blog at all, you can see that CBG has many of the same therapeutic properties as CBD.
How does CBG work?
CBG, like CBD, works with the ECS. Here’s a quick refresher about how cannabinoids interact with the ECS.
Everyday stress and environmental factors can compromise your ECS, which can create deficiency. Researchers tend to believe that this deficiency is the cause of multiple underlying health issues. But CBD supplements can fill in where there are deficiencies, helping the ECS keep up its balancing act.
How ECS works
The ECS can be broken down into three components: endocannabinoids, receptors and enzymes. Here is what each does.
Endocannabinoids are molecules produced by your body. Two key endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglyerol, are produced on demand to keep your internal functions operating smoothly.
Endocannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, bind with cannabinoids to help regulate a deficiency. For instance, CB1 receptors found in the central nervous system may bind with a cannabinoid to relieve pain. CB2 receptors on the other hand, manage the immune system and bind with cannabinoids to reduce inflammation, which is the culprit in many diseases.
Enzymes break down the endocannabinoids once their work is complete.
CBD now CBG
Both having such similar therapeutic benefits is no accident. As I said above, the similarities are what give CBD its punch, the entourage effect. When you buy a CBD topical with FSHO, you get all the therapeutic benefits of each one of the components of the hemp plant. Basically, you have these cannabinoids, each with unique properties, interacting with the ECS, providing enhanced therapeutic benefits and few, if any, side effects.
CBG is difficult to find as an isolate because the hemp plant produces lower amounts of it than CBD. But, when the two work together so well in concert with all other hemp components, why would you turn to an isolate? There may be specific reasons, maybe. But that’s a discussion for you to have with your doctor.
Just be sure to do your research and know what you’ve getting. Not all CBD is created equal. If you aren’t sure what to look for, check out these frequently asked questions.