CBG: The Next CBD or Something New?

We first highlighted CBG in a November, 2019 piece called ‘CBG: A Potential Mood Booster?’ Since then, our understanding of the effects of this lesser cannabinoid has grown and flourished. In this article, Matt takes a fresh look at what’s known as the Mother Cannabinoid.

The prevalence of CBG offers insight into a growing and evolving medical cannabis industry. With more products featuring this cannabinoid than ever, let’s explore why it’s become so popular.

Over the years, the medical cannabis products available in Washington state have increased significantly in quality and diversity. It was just a few years ago that there wasn’t that much variety available for CBD products. Some different smokable varieties, some edibles. Not the consistent variety we have today, in as many different strengths, potencies, and ratios as you can imagine. 

As growers continue to breed cannabis, cultivate new growing techniques and learn new extraction methods, we are starting to see a rise in the availability of what are known as lesser cannabinoids. These are cannabinoids like CBG (cannabigerol), Delta 8 THC, and others that are typically found in small percentages. There are now products where these lesser cannabinoids are heavily concentrated and dominant, as they’ve been identified for possessing certain helpful qualities. The availability of diverse cannabinoid options gives the consultants at The Novel Tree Medical even more “tools” in our toolbox that can be used to help people. 

CBG’s Great Potential Is Being Realized

CBG is one of the most exciting cannabinoids that we are starting to see in higher concentrations in flower, vaporizers, and tinctures. CBG is the first cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant in its growth process, and is sometimes referred to as the Mother Cannabinoid. Typically by the time a plant is harvested all the CBG will have converted into THC, CBD, or CBC, leaving very small amounts of CBG behind.

Often you’ll see 1% or less CBG in a product, which may slightly enhance the effects and benefits and can be a factor in “the entourage effect”. Recently however, we’ve started seeing products that have significant amounts of CBG and a few products that are nearly all CBG. CBG for medicinal effects has huge potential. It interacts with the same receptors as THC, but where THC stimulates receptors in the brain and central nervous system, CBG seems to calm these receptors. For some, it may even be more calming and relaxing than CBD. More and more, we’re seeing CBG’s potential for helping to alleviate pain, anxiety, and even neurodegenerative issues.

What Products Contain High CBG? 

Many of the companies that we partner with are starting to intentionally breed and utilize higher levels of CBG. Eagle Trees Farm produces their “Where’s My Bike?” strain that is a 3:1 THC:CBG ratio. High levels of THC, but also has significant levels of CBG. This is also one of the primary plants used to make Heylo’s famous CBG Blend cartridge. The effects from this can be mood boosting with a slight intoxicating effect. One of the characteristics that people seem to feel almost immediately is the ‘emotional’ effect. While not as easy to directly measure as pain relief, something that can be mood enhancing has been a great addition to our menu in 2020. Fairwinds has also started utilizing CBG for its anti-inflammatory and potential neuroprotective benefits. Their spectrum 1200 line utilizes both CBD and CBG for a non-intoxicating blend great for inflammation and anxiety. Falcanna recently released their Pacific Sunshine flower with a staggering 11% CBG and less than 1% THC. This product is a game changer for CBG, allowing people for the first time to experience the benefits of CBG in an almost isolated form. People who have tried this have found it to be relaxing without sedation or intoxication, and providing a mood lifting euphoria. 

Look for these products and more at The Novel Tree Medical in Bellevue. Our state-certified cannabis consultants can provide guidance and assist you with selecting the medical cannabis that best fits your unique needs.

Cannabinoid and Terpene Information: More is Better

The Benefits of an Expanded Cannabinoid and Terpene Profile

A lot has changed over the last decade with the transition from black market cannabis, to grey market medical cannabis, and finally to the legally licensed and regulated system that we have today in Washington state. One of the most important changes has been the testing that is required on cannabis products. There used to be no way of telling what you were buying, and more importantly, any indication of the strength and potency of the cannabis. These days everything is tested for at least THC & CBD, but something that we greatly appreciate at The Novel Tree Medical is when an expanded cannabinoid profile is provided by the grower. 

What we mean by expanded profile is any information beyond CBD & THC content or ratio. That can be the quantity of lesser cannabinoids like CBG or THCV, or it could include terpene profiles. Any extra information that can be provided helps us tremendously in finding what the most ideal product for someone will be. Much is still being learned about how lesser cannabinoids, even when found in small amounts, can enhance and alter the effects and benefits of a product. Making that information available to consultants, budtenders, and consumers helps people learn to look for things that they may like and may work best for their unique set of needs.

Many of the companies that we carry at The Novel Tree Medical provide additional information on their packaging. Skagit Organics and Puffin Farms are two cannabis growers that really go above and beyond in this respect. They include information on their packaging to help people make the most educated decisions, and to see how a cannabis varietal or strain can change from batch to batch and harvest to harvest. 

Skagit Organics and Minor Cannabinoids

Skagit Organics sources high quality, pesticide-free cannabis from licensed growers around Washington state. They then process this premium cannabis flower into amazing FECO, RSO, distillate, and other concentrates. These high-potency oils can be an amazing and cost-effective way for people with chronic conditions to achieve relief from pain, anxiety, sleeplessness, nausea and many other issues and ailments. 

Each batch of Skagit Organics CBD oil and RSO is tested for cannabinoid content, even minor cannabinoids like CBN, CBD, CBC and CBT.

Every harvest of cannabis, even the same plant from the same grower can have slight variances. So, while we will always have similar products, we might not have the identical product. Skagit’s expanded cannabinoid profile includes at least 10 different cannabinoids including THCV, CBDV, CBG, CBN, and CBT. While many of these lesser cannabinoids are found with less than 1% total quantity, these small amounts can have a major impact, influencing the effects of the THC and CBD. Over time, what you might find is that a product with a small amount of one of these lesser cannabinoids is significantly more effective for you. Going forward you can then look to see if a product has that cannabinoid and have a bit more confidence that it is the ideal product.

Puffin Farms and The Entourage Effect

Puffin Farms grows Clean Green, and Sun + Earth certified cannabis. This means they are going above and beyond what is legally required in Washington to show that they are producing high quality, clean, and ethically sourced cannabis. On both their flower and concentrates, Puffin provides information on dozens of cannabinoids and terpenes. The combination of cannabinoids and terpenes is what we experience as the differences between varietals or strains. If you were to just look at THC percentage, most cannabis varietals look pretty much the same, they mostly have somewhere between 15%-28% THC. However, as most people will tell you there is a huge difference between the effects of Dutch Treat that tests at 20% THC, and Blackberry Kush that tests at the same 20% THC. 

Puffin Farms lists a full breakdown of cannabinoid and terpene levels on their packaging. This kind of detailed information is very helpful when choosing a medical cannabis product for a specific issue or ailment.

This is due to something called the entourage effect, and how all the different constituent compounds work together to interact throughout the body to provide the different effects we experience. One of the primary differences between Dutch Treat and Blackberry Kush are their terpene profiles. Dutch Treat usually is high in a terpene called terpinolene, and this is why Dutch Treat has a bright piney smell. The way this interacts throughout our body, we perceive it to be more mentally stimulating. This is where the “Sativa” effects come from, the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes. 

Blackberry Kush is typically predominant in myrcene which can also be found in hops and may have small amounts of linalool which is also found in lavender. These properties tend to be more calming, relaxing, and sedating. This combination of cannabinoids and more relaxing terpenes is where the “Indica” effects come from. The expanded profile from Puffin Farms allows us to see aspects and numbers down a hundredth of a milligram. While very minor, it can still lead to a unique effect or benefit that people can begin to understand and look for when deciding on which cannabis to purchase. It is also the best way for a medical consultant or budtender to help you select the best cannabis.

More Informed Choices

The more information a grower provides us about a plant’s lineage, how it was grown, and especially an expanded cannabinoid and terpene profile will be the best way to find what cannabis product is ideal for different issues or ailments. It can also help people to figure out what cannabis product may be best for different times of day or different activities. While something stimulating and invigorating might be ideal for a big daytime pursuit, another strain with an opposite profile and calming, relaxing, and anti-inflammatory benefits may be more effective for helping with recovery. We pay very close attention to these details at The Novel Tree Medical. Our team of state-certified medical cannabis consultants can help you learn about the nuances of a strain, terpene or cannabinoid, and guide you towards the most informed choice.

By Matt Kovarsky

What Are Cannabinoids?

Naturally-Occurring Compounds Like THC and CBD and What They Do

There are many factors at play that influence the relief you may feel when smoking or ingesting medical cannabis. Chief among these factors is the cannabinoid profile, or, simply put, what naturally-occurring chemical compounds your cannabis possesses, and in what specific quantity. These compounds interact with numerous receptors throughout the body, much like nerve cells passing through synapses in our nervous system, resulting in the effects we experience.

THC and CBD are two of the most common cannabinoids, and people often base their choice of product or cannabis strain on the levels of each or ‘ratios.’ While THC:CBD ratios are a good starting point, it’s important to consider other cannabinoids that may contribute to relieving symptoms as well. There are over 60 unique cannabinoids found in cannabis, but we’ll focus on the of the 5 most commonly found.

5 Most Common Cannabinoids Found in Cannabis

THC

While known more popularly for its psychoactive or mood-elevating effects, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can have relaxing, sedating qualities as well, and has been used to treat numerous symptoms of chronic pain. THC stimulates receptors primarily in the central nervous system; the brain, the spinal column, and the gut. A 2016 study cites THC’s ability to reduce pain in those suffering from the symptoms of cancer when combined with CBD.

CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) is increasingly known for its non-psychoactive, pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory qualities. CBD modulates receptors in the central & peripheral nervous systems, and the immune system. Most notably, studies have demonstrated CBD’s ability to reduce epileptic seizures. The National Institute of Health published an article in 2019 which outlines the several studies bearing evidence of the neuroprotective effects of CBD.

CBN

Like CBD, CBN (cannabinol) is touted for it’s non-intoxicating effects. Studies have pointed to CBN’s antibacterial qualities when tested on strains of bacteria. Additionally, CBN has been shown to possess appetite-stimulating effects, as evidenced in this 2012 study.

CBG

CBG (cannabigerol) is considered a relatively minor cannabinoid and is present in far fewer cannabis strains. It’s becoming increasingly known for its mood-elevating, anxiety-relieving effects. On more physiological grounds, CBG has demonstrated beneficial effects in fighting symptoms of Irritable Bowel Disease (IBS).

CBC

CBC (cannabichromene) is being studies for its potential benefits for a host of medical disorders including cancer, chronic pain, and depression. A 2006 study found that after CBD, and CBG, CBC possessed the greatest ability in inhibiting the growth of various cancer cells.

Our team of state-certified medical cannabis consultants are the best resource for guidance in the area of selecting the best medical cannabis for your specific needs. We look forward to assisting you!

Lesser-Known Cannabinoids

The cannabis plant produces hundreds of different cannabinoids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges that “the marijuana plant has chemicals that may help symptoms for some health problems.”

There are over 1000 companies growing and producing cannabis products in Washington state. Our focus at The Novel Tree Medical is to have the cleanest, highest quality, and widest variety of products to help Alleviate variety of symptoms.

Most people are familiar with THC and CBD, but in terms of potential benefits this plant  may have  we are just scratching the surface  focusing on these two components. “Lesser” cannabinoids, such as THCA, CBDA, Delta 8 THC, CBG and CBT, tend to be found in small percentages in the plant. With new breeding and extraction methods, we are starting to see products with significant levels of these cannabinoids. 

As cannabis continues to become more accepted throughout the country, we will see more tests and studies done on the lesser cannabinoids. This is one of the most exciting parts about our job; through advancement in science and policy change, we will have a better understanding about what these lesser cannabinoids are, what they can do, and how they can provide relief to those in the future

THCA & CBDA 

The cannabis plant produces THCA and CBDA, the acidic precursors to THC and CBD. While these cannabinoids don’t have the same intoxicating effects as THC, that certainly doesn’t mean they don’t have other qualities. THCA is currently being investigated for its potential benefits as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotectant. Because THCA can interact with the CB1 receptors in the brain and the gut, it can be used as an anti-emetic to help reduce nausea. CBDA is currently being researched because of its affinity for serotonin receptors (the same receptors that are targeted by SSRI medication).

THCA and CBDA

Fairwinds 1:1 FECO is an amazing and unique product as it delivers equal amounts of THC, CBD, THCA, and CBDA. This powerful blend of cannabinoids and terpenes with a proprietary extraction method that preserves flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and polyphenols provides one of the most effective cannabis products on the market today for severe and chronic conditions.

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Delta-8 THC

The official name for the THC that we all  know  and love is Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol;  Delta 8 THC is a variant of THC that appears to be 33% less intoxicating than traditional THC, it also seems to have an affinity for the gut. The very consistent feedback that we get from products with D8-THC is that it can reduce nausea while stimulating appetite. Many people that we help going through cancer treatments, or with certain illness of the gut have reported tremendous relief with products containing Delta 8 THC. 

Delta-8 THC

From JV Ranch we have the Delta 8 / CBD 1:1 ratio RSO. The equal combination of CBD and Delta 8 THC provides a non-intoxicating effect throughout the whole body, while reducing nausea and stimulating appetite. Great for pain, stress and anxiety, or issues of the gut a little bit of this RSO in the morning is a great way to start the day.

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CBG

Known as the Mother Cannabinoid, CBG is the first cannabinoid produced in the cannabis plants. Through the plant’s life, enzymes will convert CBG into THC, CBD or CBC. While most plants are harvested after this conversion, selective breeding allows growers to harness the mood enhancing effects that CBG seems to provide (we lovingly refer to CBG as CB-Giggles). It has also been researched for its anti-inflammatory qualities, reducing intraocular eye pressure for glaucoma patients, as well as reducing inflammation of the gut experienced by IBS patients. Some studies also show CBG as an effective anti-bacterial agent, especially against MRSA.  

CBG

The CBG Blend Cartridge from Heylo has the highest levels of CBG that we’ve ever seen in any cannabis product. With 42% THC and a staggering 16% CBG, this cartridge is uplifting and euphoria-inducing. Heylo characterizes the effects from their CBG Blend cartridge as being good for dancing, socializing (at a distance), relief, and the best day ever. After trying this one for ourselves we would definitely have to agree with Heylo’s assessment.

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CBT

CBT (Cannabacitran) is one of the most recent cannabinoids to be identified in the cannabis plant. CBT seems to appear as the byproduct of processing cannabis oil, more likely to be found in high CBD distillates. While we don’t yet know the way that CBT interacts with receptors throughout our body or what specific effects it may have, we are excited to see what further research brings us. See this great exploratory blog post on CBT from our friends at Heylo.

CBT

Skagit Organics Sour Tsunami CBD Distillate. Skagit Organics provides an incredible laboratory analysis on their packaging, listing 11 different cannabinoids. This gives a much better idea about a product than just THC and CBD testing. While we would typically highlight this product for a great high CBD (71%) to low THC (5.8%) ratio the level of CBT (3.5%) is the highest that we’ve seen in a product to date.

CBG: A Potential Mood Booster?

A cannabinoid that’s gaining popularity due to its Reportedly Uplifting effects

There are over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis, and one that has been in the works of research of late is CBG, or Cannabigerol, what is considered to be the first cannabinoid. CBG is the primary cannabinoid produced when the cannabis plant first grows.

While there is still plenty of research to be done, we know that CBG is considered a a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and has not been shown to produce an intoxicating effect. This makes it an option for those who’d like to avoid the often euphoric effects that can result from consuming THC-heavy cannabis strains or products.

We have noticed a trending pattern among consumers using high-testing CBG products for symptoms related to mental health. Many have reported it being a remedy for their general depression, seasonal depression, and anxiety. 

A Welcomed Mood Boost

Two cannabis products containing high CBG concentration.

Personally, I have enjoyed searching for concentrated products such as vaporizer cartridges and edible cannabis oils with higher levels of CBG. Two products that have been helping me alleviate seasonal depression and enhance my positive mood have been the 5:1 Zulu Time vaporizer cartridge by Puffin Farm and the Super Lemon Haze distillate fully extracted cannabis oil (F.E.C.O).

The Zulu time cartridge is a 5:1 CBD to THC ratio with 1.6% CBG and has helped immensely. I’ve found that with a small amount of THC, it makes me feel very calm and relaxed, yet enables me to laugh and enjoy myself without being intoxicated. I find this product to be very helpful during times when I am feeling overwhelmed with anxiety and need fast-acting relief, as the effects can be felt almost immediately.

Alternately, The Super Lemon Haze F.E.C.O edible oil is a high THC product that only takes a rice grain size of oil consumed orally, taking effect within about 1.5 hours and lasting 6-10 hours. This high THC oil containing over 4% of the CBG cannabinoid provides long lasting relief of my symptoms of depression and is a very cost-effective product to use with how little is needed for consumption. 

There are many products available with higher levels of CBG to try, we encourage you to meet with one of our consultants to help guide you to an option that may work best for you. -Keiana