You’ve heard of CBD and THC, two of the most researched and well-known cannabinoids of the cannabis plant. But cannabis is much more than those two famous compounds. It is a complex plant containing about 540 chemical substances like terpenes, flavonoids, phytochemicals, and of course, cannabinoids. And not just a few cannabinoids. Of those 540 substances, more than 100 are cannabinoids. Today we’ll be focusing on just one, which is starting to make quite the name for itself: cannabigerol (or CBG for short).

What is CBG?

Even though CBG is rare and hard for consumers to come by, it’s often referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids” because cannabinoids like CBD and THC are derived from CBGA, or cannabigerolic acid. CBGA is the first step in a chain reaction that produces THCA, (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid,) CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), and CBCA (cannabichromenic acid), which eventually transform into THC or CBD.

CBG is not typically found in high quantities in mature cannabis. photo credit

Because CBG eventually produces CBD or THC, the cannabinoid can be found in smaller quantities and on younger plants as opposed to mature ones. Nonetheless, the cannabinoid is becoming more popular as consumers become more knowledgeable about the plant, and breeders — especially in the hemp industry — are producing more CBG-rich strains to meet consumer interest and demand for novel cannabinoids.

CBD vs. CBG

For the sake of comparison, think of CBG like a rarer CBD. Like CBD, consumers may use CBG to combat pain and inflammation, and to obtain other therapeutic benefits without the high from THC. Research on CBG trails far behind THC and CBD, but so far, researchers have found that CBG holds promise to potentially ease symptoms related to inflammatory bowel disease, glaucoma, Huntington’s Disease, and may have antibacterial and cancer fighting properties. 

In general, all strains are low in CBG when compared to THC and CBD, but there are some strains that contain more of the cannabinoid than others. Let’s take a look at strains with the highest amount of CBG. 

Highest CBG Strains

Jack Frost CBG

This sativa-dominant hemp strain is one of the first to be bred to have a substantial percentage of CBG, about 14.5%. Consumers report that this strain produces uplifting and focused effects without a high. 

Madras CBG

From Secret Nature CBD, Madras CBG is an uplifting sativa strain that contains up to 15% CBG and a balanced energizing effect. 

White Widow 

White Widow is known for its frosty trichome covered nugs. photo credit

A sativa dominant hybrid, white widow is a potent Cannabis Cup award winner known for its cerebral and energizing high. Though not bred specifically for CBG, this strain often contains more of the cannabinoid than most other strains. 

Superglue

A genetic combination of an Afghani landrace and Northern Lights, Superglue is a potent indica-dominant hybrid known for its deeply relaxing effects. 

Biscotti

From the minds at Cookies, breeders took strains Girl Scout Cookies, Gelato #25, and South Florida OG to craft biscotti, a flavorful and potent indica.

The Wrap Up

High-CBG strains are relatively new to the cannabis marketplace, but there are some companies in the hemp space selling strains with higher percentages of CBG, including The Brother’s Apothecary, Secret Nature CBD, and Simply Crafted CBD. 

Most strains at the dispensary are not high in CBG, but that could change in the future. photo credit

Remember, CBG is not found in substantial amounts in the vast majority of cannabis available for purchase. Be sure to check a company’s third-party lab reports before buying (which should be readily available on their website) to ensure that you are getting what you are paying for. 

Photo Credit: Shutterstock