Culture

The Next Generation of Medicinal Cannabis: High-CBG Strains

By
Sirius J

Cannabigerol, a small non-psychoactive component of cannabis, shows significant promise as a treatment for glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and skin diseases, but its mostly unavailable in the medical marijuana market. Does a cheap and natural source exist for this rare medicinal cannabinoid?

All the major cannabinoids in marijuana come from cannabigerol (CBG); enzymes in the trichome turn CBG into THC, CBD and CBC. Since it’s the precursor for the major compounds, very little of is left over in mature flowers. Harvesting early doesn’t necessarily lead to high amounts of CBG; trichome scientists believe CBG gets turned into THC, CBD or CBC almost soon as it gets made.

Medical marijuana patients have access to high-THC and high-CBD cannabis, but what about high-CBG strains? They are rare, but they exist.

Certain strains of European hemp (which produces high CBD) can carry a genetic mutation that causes the “CBD-gene” to become inactive, and the plant accumulates cannabigerol instead of CBD. Botanists have shown this is a recessive trait, but it’s still possible to harness CBG-producing genetics for patients and dispensaries around the world.

While it may take some time, have confidence that CBG-only strains will soon be as available is CBD cannabis. Hybridization between these different types of strains will allow patients to use medicinal cannabis tailored to their needs and preferences in a way people only can dream of today.

Sirius J

By
Sirius J
Tags: CBDCBG

Recent Posts

The Gift of Flavor

Chef Maverick creates feel-good sauces and snacks that cater to dietary restrictions.

49 mins ago

DEA Challenges Bid To Use Psilocybin Under ‘Right To Try’ Legislation

The DEA is challenging an attempt by a Seattle physician to give psilocybin to terminally…

1 day ago

Louisiana Legislative Committee Unanimously Passes Adult-Use Cannabis Framework Bill

If signed into law, the Louisiana bill would establish a regulatory framework for recreational cannabis,…

1 day ago

Weed Made Me Less Angry. Now It Sometimes Makes Me Mad.

I was once angry. But weed helped. Then, weed kinda made me angry again.

1 day ago

Vegans Rejoice as Farmers Switch from Chickens to Hemp

A trend is emerging among poultry farmers who are converting operations to industrial hemp farms.

1 day ago

Study Reveals State Cannabis Legalization Lowers Immigrant Deportation

There's just a false sense of security related to the federal government to worry about.

1 day ago