The Lesser Known Cannabinoids - CBG & CBN
What is CBG and CBN?
The cannabis plant contains about 120 cannabinoids. Of this estimated number, only two are considered to be widely known; cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is more popular among users who are aware of and looking to avoid the psychoactive effects that THC is known for.
Recently, other cannabinoids like Cannabigerol (CBG) and Cannabinol (CBN) are now being explored, but before we look deeper into these lesser-known cannabinoids, let's first take a look at CBD and THC, CBD extracts and isolates, and lastly, full spectrum CBD.
CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) accounts for 40 percent of the cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant and is steadily growing in popularity. Its popularity is mainly due to the following:
- CBD is easy to incorporate into your daily routine, thanks to the many products currently available today.
- CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn't get users high like THC does.
- Many CBD products are even pet-friendly!
THC in CBD
CBD contains trace amounts of THC. The legal limits set forth by federal law through the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (AKA the 2018 Farm Bill), is 0.3%. This low amount will not give you the euphoric "high" feeling that THC is synonymous with.
CBD Isolates and Extracts
These forms of CBD exclude all of the terpenes that give the cannabis plant its flavor and distinct aroma and, all of the other cannabinoids.
CBD isolate is CBD with zero THC and is considered to be the purest form of CBD. Making CBD isolate is achieved by utilizing a 5-step process involving extraction, winterization, filtration, decarboxylation, and distillation. Manufacturers who want to produce CBD crystals will then add a sixth step called crystallization.
CBD extracts typically come from a Sativa strain as opposed to an Indica. They can usually be found in CBD oils, which can be easily incorporated into various products such as lotions, creams, and pills. CBD extracts and isolates are great for new users who prefer to not ingest any THC, no matter how negligible the amount.
But is CBD in its purest form the best kind of CBD? Let's just say that CBD users who don't need to exclude THC should not rule out taking full-spectrum CBD.
Full Spectrum CBD
Many CBD users are exploring full spectrum CBD products and for good reason. a full spectrum CBD product will include everything extracted from the cannabis plant; terpenes, plant lipids, cannabinoids, flavonoids, and the above-mentioned trace amounts of THC, but not exceeding the federal limit of .03%.
Some studies seem to indicate that CBD is more potent when it works with THC and the full array of other cannabinoids. When THC, terpenes, and other cannabinoids are preserved and combined with CBD, this results in what is referred to as the "Entourage Effect". Essentially, when the Entourage Effect is at play, all of the cannabinoids work synergistically to potentially provide the most optimal effects CBD can offer.
Cannabigerol (CBG) and Cannabinol (CBN) are among those cannabinoids found in full spectrum CBD products.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid that stems from the decarboxylation of cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Decarboxylation is the scientific term used to describe the chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide via heat or light.
Interestingly enough, CBGA is the parent molecule from which other cannabinoids are synthesized, and the highest concentrations of CBG are mostly found in young cannabis plants, which in turn limits the amount that can be extracted as the plant matures. With that, ongoing experiments on cross-breeding plants to increase CBG yield has been keeping growers busy.
CBG can be taken in a liquid form as CBG oil or in powder form as CBG isolate.
What is CBN?
If you've ever consumed old cannabis and became sleepy, then you have most likely consumed a high dose of CBN.
Cannabinol (CBN) is yet another non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is ironically derived from the cannabis plant's main psychoactive chemical, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBN is extracted in trace amounts and is found mainly in cannabis that has been purposefully aged from being stored. And much like CBG, it can be consumed as a liquid CBN oil or in a powder form as CBN isolate.
How do CBG and CBN differ from CBD?
Cannabigerol (CBG) and Cannabinol (CBN) are found at opposite ends of the lifecycle of the cannabis/hemp plant. Since these two cannabinoids are extracted at specific times in the life cycle of the cannabis plant, and only in limited amounts, CBG and CBN products are considerably rare, and quite appropriately, more expensive.
CBD, on the other hand, is not limited by such specific conditions and is therefore relatively easy to procure.
CBD CBG CBN FAQ
Can you take CBG and CBN together?
Yes, it's safe to take them together. Take note that one is not necessarily better than the other. When you take CBG and CBN together, the most common effect is that they will enhance or balance out each other's effects.
Can you take CBG and CBD together?
Yes, it's perfectly safe to do so. They tend to balance each other out, with CBG working directly on the receptors and CBD stimulating the enzyme that produces the body's natural endocannabinoids.
Can you take CBN and CBD together?
Yes, you can. Like the previous two combinations, both cannabinoids are likely to enhance or balance out their respective effects.
And lastly, remember the "entourage effect"? That comes into play when you combine two or all three cannabinoids together.
Exploring The Benefits of Full Spectrum CBD, CBG and CBN Products
While it must be noted that the indications from studies are not definitive proof, they do create a hopeful future for all cannabinoids, including the popular duo of CBD and THC, and the not-yet-widely-recognized CBG, CBN, and many others yet to be as exhaustively researched.
So if you're curious to try CBG and CBN, visit our Concentrates page. You can also throw in some of our Full-Spectrum Powder, which is very much like our CBD Isolates, but still with the full range of minor cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes.
There's so much for you to discover in the world of CBD and its fellow cannabinoids, so feel free to explore!