Chemical
structure of
CBG
In each issue, we ask our go-to science
columnist Dr Richard Cunningham a
complex question only the scientifi cally
minded could answer. Here, Dr
Cunningham looks at developments
with CBG, the minor cannabinoid that
looks set to sweep the UK’s cannabis
market.
CBG stands for Cannabigerol
It is one of the numerous plant cannabinoids found in the
genus Cannabis.
Among THC and CBD, the cannabinoids that most
people will be familiar with, and several others, the
phytocannabinoid cannabigerolic acid (CBGa) acts as a
parent molecule.
CBGa in the presence of specifi c enzymes transforms
this molecule to its acidic precursors – such as
tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) or cannabidiolic acid
(CBDa).
Over time, with heat, the acidic precursor formed will lose
a molecule of CO₂ in a process called decarboxylation to
yield THC, CBD and CBG.
Can you get ‘high’ from CBG?
Like CBD, CBG will not get you high. It has no mind
altering effects.
The CBG content in most plants is generally very low, with
levels reported as being less than 1% on average. However,
some hemp growers have managed to selectively cultivate
some varieties with much higher CBG content levels.
While there have been no clinical studies to assess the
effects of CBG in humans, current and ongoing laboratory
research is under way to determine its pharmacological
properties.
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