CBD deserves every ounce of acclaim it’s received as the world’s most popular alternative to THC. In fact, you might have noticed we’re quite fond of New York CBD at Medical Mike’s. But CBD isn’t the only non-psychoactive cannabinoid with intriguing physiological effects. We think it’s time CBD shared the spotlight with another member of the hemp family–CBG.

Medical Mikes Full Spectrum CBG Oil


What is CBG?

CBG (Cannabigerol) stands on its own as a therapeutic, non-intoxicating compound, which transforms in other cannabinoids during hemp’s flowering phase. And when combined with CBD in full spectrum products, CBG can support an even wider array of benefits. That’s why Medical Mike’s is developing a new Reserve Line featuring a hybrid CBD CBG formula. 

So what makes CBG so special? And how do CBD and CBG synergize in hemp products to create even more dynamic benefits? Here we explore.
 

CBD vs CBG: Do they get you high?

Both cannabinoids are non-intoxicating. That means you absolutely will not get high from ingesting CBD or CBG products derived from hemp.
 

CBD vs CBG: What are the effects?

Seizures:
As of today, CBD is the only hemp cannabinoid to receive FDA approval for medical use. Proven an effective anti-seizure treatment, CBD can dramatically reduce tremors in childhood epilepsy. But CBG does not display the same anti-convulsive effects, according to preliminary research. 

Depression/Anxiety:
CBD is also touted as one of the most natural methods against symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. These effects are precisely what makes CBD so popular as a natural aid for daily stress and emotional suffering. While CBG doesn’t exhibit the same anti-anxiety powers, it offers a host of important benefits.   

Pain:
Research on CBG is in its infancy, but even the U.S. government wants to know more. In 2018, The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) announced plans to research CBG for pain relief due to the cannabinoid’s known analgesic properties.

Pain is one of most overly-medicated conditions, which has led to widespread opioid abuse and countless deaths. Patients are calling for safer alternatives, and CBG may be one game-changing solution. 

Anti-inflammatory:
Inflammation is one of the main causes of stress and aging that affects every system of the body. Both CBD and CBG are potent anti-inflammatories, which can help relieve a variety of conditions including pain, sore muscles and skin irritation. CBG’s strong neuroinflammatory properties can even support treatment for conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS), according to a study in Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology. 

Additional benefits:
Research shows CBG contains neuroprotective properties, which can possibly support treatment for degenerative conditions like Huntington’s disease. CBG is also known for its potential to ease Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and even slow the growth of cancer cells in animal studies. But that’s not all. CBG also exhibits antibacterial properties, which can help target infectious disease. 

The list of CBG’s potential benefits are endless, and we are so excited for what future research may reveal. But we want to be clear: CBG is not FDA-approved to treat any medical conditions today. Large scale human clinical trials are needed to prove what pre-clinical research and observational studies predict. 
 

CBD vs CBG: How do they work in the body?

Like CBD, CBG communicates with chemical receptors in the body, which make up the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The two primary receptors of the ECS are known as CB1 and CB2, which exist in nearly every system of the human body. CB1 receptors are primarily concentrated in the brain and nervous system. While CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system. This interaction is what explains the ability of cannabinoids to promote healing. 

But they don’t all interact the same way. For example, CBD works primarily by sending indirect signals to CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBG “talks” to them directly, by binding with these receptors to help regulate a variety of functions. However, CBG has a much weaker binding affinity than cannabinoids like THC, which is why it doesn’t get you high.

CBD vs CBG: What are the most popular strains?

High CBG strains are far less common than high CBD strains. Why? CBG is the acidic precursor to other cannabinoids, including THC, CBD, and CBC. That means CBG can transform into these cannabinoids during the plant’s growth cycle. And when the process is over, only trace amounts of CBG are left behind.

However, with the right seed selection and growing conditions, anything is possible–especially when customers like you demand it. That’s why the team at Medical Mike’s are sourcing top hemp growers in New York, Vermont and Colorado who are experimenting with these rare hemp seed genetics.

Today’s most popular high CBG strains:

Jack Frost

Stem Cell CBG

Superglue CBG

Lemon Cream Diesel

White CBG

As a New York based hemp company, we’ve been exploring high CBG strains to find the best CBG flower for our Reserve line of full spectrum hemp products. Research and development is still underway, but we’re excited to announce details soon!
 

CBD vs CBG: What are the most popular products?

The most popular CBD and CBG products are generally concentrated oils packaged in tinctures that you take under the tongue. Known as a “sublingual” delivery method, oil tinctures are highly effective because they bypass your digestive system and absorb quickly into the bloodstream. That means sublingual CBD CBG oils can act faster and more effectively than edibles, for example.

That said, CBD edibles are extremely popular and found on almost every shelf of your favorite coffee shop and health food store. You can find CBD in nearly all goodies ranging from chips, to protein bars, to gummies, and even tomatoes.

On the beverage side, you can find CBD in waters, coffee, sodas and juices. CBD is also very common in topical products, from skin salves, to muscle rubs, to treatments and cosmetics.

CBG is less common in edibles and topicals than CBD. But you can find CBG in other popular hemp products such as:

• Full spectrum CBD and CBG vape cartridges
• High potency CBD and CBG capsules
• Smokable CBD and CBG flower
   

CBD vs CBG: Are they legal?

CBD and CBG are federally legal as long as they are derived from hemp and not from its nefariously intoxicating cousin–marijuana. However, not all products are regulated equally. As of today, the FDA has failed to declare CBD legal in supplements, food, and drinks.

While the country waits for guidance, states like New York have moved forward with regulating products that contain hemp extracts like CBD. Late last year, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that allows CBD and CBG in supplements, while requiring strict requirements for safety processing and testing. This bill does not include guidance on edibles and beverages.

At Medical Mikes, a New York based hemp company, we ensure all products are compliant with state and federal hemp regulations as they continue to evolve.
 

CBD vs CBG: How are they extracted?

CBD and CBG can be extracted from hemp using a variety of superfluid liquid solvents to draw them out of the plant and into a solution. The liquid solution is later evaporated, leaving the concentrated CBD and CBG behind. But not every method is as effective or natural as the next.

For example, butane solvents have been shown to leave toxic residue behind. That’s why the team at Medical Mike’s carefully sources high quality hemp CBD processors in upstate New York that use the most natural and effective organic hemp extraction methods. This allows us to obtain the cleanest, most potent CBD CBG products to launch in our new Reserve line.

Our upcoming full spectrum blend, which contains 1,000 mg CBD and 1,000 mg CBG will be extracted via CO2. CO2 extraction is one the most advanced methods because it produces the highest yields without losing hemp’s array of delicate compounds–including volatile terpenes. CO2 hemp extraction is also one the safest methods, because it doesn’t leave behind any residual solvents that are toxic to your body.

At Medical Mike’s, our number one priority is your health. That’s why we only source processors who adhere to the highest standards that customers like you expect.
 

CBD & CBG: Why take them together?

CBD and CBG products work well individually. But together in high concentrations, they produce synergistic benefits that you can’t get from one compound alone. This concept is widely known as the “Entourage Effect,” which theorizes that there’s a very important connection between cannabinoids and the way they communicate together with the ECS. In fact, cannabis researchers Hildebert Wagner and Gudrun Ulrich-Merzenich said when multiple cannabinoids combine in the body, they improve absorption of active ingredients and minimize potential unwanted side effects.
 

Bottom Line:
At Medical Mike’s be believe using CBG and CBD together in full spectrum products creates a dynamic solution that combines the benefits of both–All without getting you high. That’s a winning combination.

Want to learn more about Medical Mike’s upcoming Reserve Line of full spectrum hemp extract?
Contact us today.