While the Internet is crawling with information regarding THC and CBD — two of the most mainstream cannabinoids available today — CBG has failed to garner the same attention. Despite many studies suggesting cannabigerol has the same or even more powerful therapeutic properties than CBD, many consumers are unaware of its existence.
Many people who visit cannabis stores and see a product labeled CBG instantly grimace at the packaging as though they’re holding some sort of counterfeit CBD in their hands.
You’ll be surprised to know that CBG is called the mother cannabinoid because it gives rise to all other cannabis-derivatives, including CBD and THC. It is also thought to help alleviate the symptoms of various conditions, from glaucoma to pain.
If you’re in the market for a cannabigerol product you can trust, here’s a comprehensive guide to nudge you in the right direction:
Check The Extraction Means
Before anything else, check the extraction method used to make your CBG product. Is it Supercritical Co2 extraction? If not, then look elsewhere. Other methods will yield an impure and contaminated product, riddled with dangerous chemicals.
The plant source is also another consideration. Hemp-based cannabigerol is superior in quality to one sourced from marijuana. This is because the hemp plant contains trace amounts of THC — the main psychoactive substance known for causing a high.
Make Sure the CBD Products are Broad or Full Spectrum
There are three types of CBG products you should settle for when shopping:
- Broad Spectrum
- Full-spectrum
Full Spectrum contains every cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is, therefore, considered the most effective option. Cannabinoids, in combined form, share a synergistic relationship called the entourage effect, which enhances and refines the therapeutic properties of cannabis. Individually, CBG may not act as potently and efficiently.
Broad Spectrum is another great choice. These products contain every cannabinoid except THC. Because THC is illegal beyond certain amounts and may show up in drug tests, broad-spectrum products provide a safer alternative.
Look for Third-Party Testing Reports
AS a consumer, you have the right to demand transparency from the vendor. Never believe the packaging. The cannabis industry is highly unregulated, and most of the advertising is misleading. Choose a company that supports independent third-party lab testing and publishes a detailed analysis of product ingredients on their website.
This information gives you the peace of mind you need to ensure your product doesn’t contain harmful pesticides, such as heavy metals and pesticides.
Find Out The Country of Origin
If your cannabigerol geography is a bit off, choose a US-based product. Hemp is a heavily regulated crop in the states, so your CBG product is highly likely to follow legal obligations.
Many environmental factors, such as soil quality, temperature, and pH, affect the quality of cannabigerol products. Before making the purchase, make sure the country of origin of your product is one you can trust.
Ensure the CBD Products Have High Bioavailability
You can take CBG in many ways. From tinctures and oils to topicals and edibles, the options are vast and sundry. However, the bioavailability of the compound varies from one delivery system to another. For example, if you’re taking CBG oil through the sublingual route, it will directly enter your bloodstream, producing immediate effects.
On the other hand, if you’re taking edibles, the effects will take time to kick in. This is because edibles are first processed in the digestive system, where part of their potency is lost. After this, they enter the bloodstream for absorption. Similarly, Topical CBG is only good for localized skin treatments, as it doesn’t penetrate into the bloodstream at all.
Make Sure Your CBD doesn’t contain These Additives
Additives are unwanted quantities in CBG products. If you’re buying flavored cannabigerol products, make sure they are all-natural, i.e., contain only ingredients like essential oils. Also, check whether these contain any potential allergens.
The GMO status of CBG products also poses a big question mark. While the FDA believes GMO’s are safe to consume, science is still tentative. When it comes to a natural product like CBG, why take the risk? Why make yourself susceptible to pesticide exposure when you can easily get organic products on the market.
Choose Your Best Price
If you scour CBD products on Google, you’ll come across millions of products, each with a different price tag. You’ll be tempted to buy the cheapest product. But, cheaper doesn’t mean good. In fact, most cheap products have a high likelihood of turning out fake. So, what price should you settle for? One that’s not too good, to be sure. Generally, the cost of high-quality CBG products is somewhere between 100 and 120$ for 300 mg.
Decide Your Intended Use and Dosage
The next step is to decide your intended use. For instance, if you want to use CBG for arthritic pain, it’s best-advised to buy a topical product rather than a vape or edible. This is because the cream or lotion will directly act on the painful area affecting your skin or joints and provide instant relief. It would help if you also considered dosing.
The dosage will vary from person-to-person, depending upon height, tolerance to cannabis, weight, and many other factors. The best way is to start with low doses and then pick your way up to find your sweet spot.
Consider How Much THC the Product Contains
According to the farm bill, any CBG product containing more than .3% of THC is illegal. Unfortunately, most of the products available on the market have misleading labeling. This is because the FDA hasn’t imposed strict controls on CBD sales and distribution, allowing many companies to cross legal lines frequently.
Please make sure the vendor you’re buying the product from is ISO certified and publishes comprehensive third-party lab results, listing every ingredient in their products for consumer trust and transparency.
Some research suggests that THC may exacerbate the conditions of people with mental disorders, such as schizophrenia. It has been shown to induce hallucinations, and delirium, among other serious side effects. So, it’s best advised to practice caution and consult with your physician before taking CBD.
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