The Cannavist Issue 6 B2C | Page 42

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. 42