Cannabigerol, also known as CBG, is often referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids” as there would be no ‘high’ from weed without it. CBGA is the precursor to CBG, the early-phase cannabinoid from which all other cannabinoids begin. CBGA breaks down as the cannabis plant nears the end of the growth stage and converts into either THCA or CBDA, both precursors to the most popular cannabinoids we know and love, THC and CBD. CBG will be present in very small amounts unless the plant is bred to produce more CBG.
CBG is present in both cannabis and hemp plants, and some hemp farmers breed and grow CBG-rich strains. CBG will not produce a ‘high’ and is shown to provide many medicinal benefits as an anti-inflammatory, sleep and appetite aid, and also a cancer inhibitor and treatment, slowing the growth and proliferation of certain cancer cells. CBG can significantly reduce intraocular eye pressure caused by glaucoma and provides some of the same benefits as CBD, although CBG is quite different from CBD on a molecular level and binds to different cannabinoid receptors in the body.