What is CBG?

CBG, or also known as Cannabigerol, is another medicinal cannabinoid synthesized by the cannabis hemp plant. It is similar in chemical structure to both THC and CBD molecules as they only differ in a couple of substituents off the benzene ring. The reason why these molecules share a similar chemical structure is directly related to the biosynthesis of cannabinoids. To keep it simple, in a live functioning cannabis plants, molecules geranyl pyrophosphate and olivetolic acid will combine to produce cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). CBGA is the acidic form or carboxylate form of CBG (decarboxylated), only when a source of heat greater than that of its boiling point is applied will the carboxyl group become decarboxylated to a hydroxyl group to produce the active form of CBG. But what makes CBGA so special is that it is the precursor molecule, or mother molecule, to many different cannabinoids including CBD and THC. That is why these three cannabinoids share a similar chemical structure. Only when CBDA synthase enzymes or THCA synthase enzymes come along and interact with CBGA are CBDA and THCA made. Cannabigerol is another cannabinoid that scientists claim contain a variety of health effects including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects found in cannabinoids like CBD. With new CBG dominant genetics entering the hemp industry, a new cannabinoid might take the spotlight in this everchanging hemp industry.