Cannabigerol, or CBG isolate, is not really a new cannabinoid since it's always been in the hemp plant, but since most of the research surrounding the potential wellness benefits of cannabis compounds have been focused on THC and CBD, CBG products are new to the market.
You can find CBG in full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate types, just like CBD—In fact, they're most commonly available in CBG isolate because they're cheaper to produce in bulk.
They might have a high CBG concentration on the label, but they're no where near as powerful as CBG extracts in a full spectrum or broad spectrum.
We'll get into the truth about how to use and find isolate CBG, but ultimately, we will explain why full spectrum is your best bet for leveraging the most from this cannabinoid.
What Is CBG Isolate?
Cannabigerol (CBG) isolate is an extract that contains pure CBG—98% or higher. It looks like an odorless and tasteless white crystalline powder.
While you can purchase bulk CBG isolate from some retailers online, most companies infuse CBG isolate into product formulations like CBG gummies, isolate oils, capsules, topicals, or vape juices.
Why Do Brands Use CBG Isolate?
Bulk CBG isolate is cheaper and easier to formulate with. The compound is isolated by chromatography process that separates cannabinoids from their original full spectrum extract, the same way you get CBD isolate.
Isolates are more cost-effective to buy in bulk because it takes less careful extraction and processing measures to preserve all the other phytonutrients in the extract like you would in full spectrum and THC-free broad spectrum preparations.
Experts agree that to leverage the true potential of benefits of the hemp plant.
For enjoy the full potential of any cannabinoid, look for full spectrum or broad spectrum extracts as they contain as close to the hemp plant's natural phytochemical profile to leverage the entourage effect. For manufacturers to get a CBG-rich full spectrum or broad spectrum extract oil, they would need to harvest hemp plants much earlier and use careful extraction processes to preserve the other cannabinoids and heat-sensitive terpenes.
Making a cannabinoid-rich extract is much more labor-intensive all around—but it's worth it. You don't require as high of doses to achieve the desired effects and the effect profile is much more balanced and less prone to adverse side-effects compared to CBG isolate.
How Do You Make CBG Isolate?
Creating a pure CBG extract (CBG isolate) takes expensive and sophisticated machinery. It's not something that could be done at home with any true level of accuracy. First of all, you'd need to find a CBG-rich hemp flower, which is difficult to source. You might as well purchase an already made CBG product.
It's hard to come by CBG extracts because CBG is a minor cannabinoid, so it doesn't exist in high concentrations naturally like CBD and THC. As the hemp plant matures, CBGa converts into other cannabinoid acids like THCa and CBDa, and you get lower concentrations of CBG.
Manufacturers will harvest young hemp plants while they still have high levels of CBGa, and extract the cannabinoid and terpene resin as a full spectrum extract. Popular resin extraction methods include supercritical CO2, butane, and ethanol—not exactly kitchen-safe operations.
Next, you need to isolate CBG from all the other compounds. This is often done with chromatography—washing the extract several times with a solvent until you're left with pure CBG.
Effects & Benefits Of Cannabigerol Isolate?
Many people report that CBG helps improve focus and energy levels, making it a popular choice for maintaining an active lifestyle and boosting productivity when taken alongside their morning coffee. However, there's no evidence to support that CBG isolate will deliver better effects over other extract types.
It has been researched that CBG (cannabigerol) and CBD (cannabidiol) share many similarities, as CBD is derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). While CBG-specific studies are still emerging, some animal trials suggest potential benefits such as neuroprotection, aiding brain cell regeneration, protecting bone health, providing pain relief, and supporting healthy inflammation and skin regulation. [1, 2].
At this time, no CBG products have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent or treat any disease. [3, 4].
It has also been observed to support healthy inflammation and skin regulation in animal studies
Is CBG Isolate Powder Legal?
The same laws as CBD isolate regulate Cannabigerol isolate (CBG), so yes. In 2018, The US Farm Bill came into effect that allowed the production and sale of hemp and its derivatives (cannabinoids, terpenes, fibers, seeds, and stalks).
Hemp and marijuana are both cannabis plants. The official government distinction between the two plant types is their THC concentrations. Farm Bill compliant hemp crops cannot have more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dried weight.
As long as your CBG product comes from hemp plants, it's federally legal. However, some states may have their own regulations regarding cannabis derivatives, so you should check with your local laws.
Beware Of Synthetic Cannabinoids On The Market
Synthetic cannabinoids were much more prevalent on the market before the US Farm Bill was passed. However, they haven't entirely disappeared. Synthetic cannabinoids are lab-made compounds that resemble mind-altering cannabis compounds.
These were often sold as "legal" options to marijuana, marketed as "liquid or herbal incense," but they were found to be extremely dangerous and have since become illegal, classified as "New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)."
While plant-derived cannabinoids are found to be safe and well-tolerated, synthetic cannabinoids are not.
Unlike THC, CBG, and CBD, there have been lethal cases of people overdosing from synthetic cannabinoid compounds [5].
To make sure you're buying a safe and effective cannabis-based product, always read the Certificate of Analysis conducted by an accredited third-party lab.
How To Use CBG Isolate Powder
To use CBG isolate powder, you have several options:
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Smoking: You can sprinkle the CBG isolate onto hemp flower before smoking it. However, be cautious as smoking can cause lung irritation, and it's challenging to measure the exact amount ingested.
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Topical Application: Blend the CBG isolate into lotions and balms. This method is useful for targeting tired muscles and allows for localized application without the risks associated with smoking.
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Edibles: Incorporate CBG isolate into food and beverages. This approach is similar to how pure CBD isolate is used and can be a convenient way to consume CBG without inhalation.
Remember, smoking cannabis products may not be suitable for everyone due to potential lung irritation and the difficulty in controlling dosage.
No Entourage Effect
There is not enough evidence to support that CBG on its own in an isolate extract can yield more potent benefits than having it combined with the natural plant cannabinoids and terpenes.
It can make the extract much weaker and off-balanced. Hemp's phytochemicals help balance the overall effects to prevent adverse effects and amplify the benefits of the other cannabinoids.
With CBG isolate, you're missing out on CBN, CBG, and terpenes that also deliver subtle benefits to the endocannabinoid system. While you may be tempted to shop for a CBG isolate because of the cheaper CBD price tag, you'll get a lot more bang for your buck in terms of effects and potency with cannabinoid and terpene-rich extracts.
FAQ
What is CBG Isolate?
Cannabigerol (CBG) isolation is an extract that contains 98% or more pure CBG. It has the appearance of an odorless & tasteless white crystalline powder.
How to make CBG Isolate?
To make CBG isolate, extract the plant material rich in CBG using a solvent like CO2 or ethanol. Purify the extract through a series of filtration and chromatography processes to remove impurities. Then, subject the purified CBG to crystallization or distillation techniques to obtain the CBG isolate in its pure form.
What are the effects of CBG Isolate?
The majority of investigations on cannabigerol use full spectrum extract rather than CBG isolation. There is no data to suggest that CBG isolate is more effective than other extract types.
How to use CBG Isolate Oil?
There are several factors that affect CBG isolate oil's dosage, such as individual body chemistry, desired effects, and product potency. Start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed, while closely monitoring your body's response.
Resources:
- di Giacomo, V., Chiavaroli, A., Orlando, G., Cataldi, A., Rapino, M., Di Valerio, V., ... & Ferrante, C. (2020). Neuroprotective and neuromodulatory effects induced by cannabidiol and cannabigerol in rat hypo-E22 cells and isolated hypothalamus. Antioxidants, 9(1), 71.
- Valdeolivas, S., Navarrete, C., Cantarero, I., Bellido, M. L., Muñoz, E., & Sagredo, O. (2015).
- Borrelli, F., Fasolino, I., Romano, B., Capasso, R., Maiello, F., Coppola, D., ... & Izzo, A. A. (2013). Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease. Biochemical pharmacology, 85(9), 1306-1316.Chicago
- Pucci, M., Rapino, C., Di Francesco, A., Dainese, E., D'Addario, C., & Maccarrone, M. (2013). Epigenetic control of skin differentiation genes by phytocannabinoids. British journal of pharmacology, 170(3), 581-591.
- NIDA. 2018, February 5. Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2/Spice) DrugFacts.
