5 Exciting Cannabinoids In Hemp and How They Can Help You
Do you take CBD products or smoke hemp flower and feel that it has a positive impact on your health and well-being? In case you are not aware, there are other powerful cannabinoids such as these 5 dominant cannabinoids in hemp with their benefits and effects that are certainly worth exploring.
However, first it helps to know that the cannabis sativa plant, including the hemp variety, has over 500 compounds that have, so far, been identified by researchers. Out of those compounds over 110+ have been identified as phytocannabinoids (plant based cannabinoids). Cannabinoids are the naturally occurring chemical compounds that constitute the ‘active ingredients’ of the hemp plant.
The two most researched cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which produces the ‘high’ or psychoactivity associated with cannabis and CBD (cannabidiol) that is non-psychoactive. The cannabinoids CBD and THC have been the center of the early research that identified the therapeutic properties of these chemical compounds and spearheaded the medicinal cannabis and hemp products industry. The multiple health benefits of these two prominent cannabinoids have been experienced by millions of people worldwide. Currently, there are several other powerfully beneficial cannabinoids that are attracting great interest with both researchers and in the hemp community that just might be moving the goalposts.
- CBGa (Cannabigerolic Acid): The Mother of Cannabinoids
CBGa is referred to as ‘The Mother of Cannabinoids” because it is the precursor, or acidic forerunner, of the other dominant cannabinoids THCa, CBDa, and CBCa. These acidic precursors then convert into THC, CBD, and CBC as the plant matures and goes through decarboxylation, meaning exposure to heat and light.
The somewhat previously limited research on the health benefits of CBGa has recently taken an important turn with the study that just came out of Oregon State University that CBGa and CBDa “ show the ability to prevent the virus that causes Covid-19 from entering human cells”. These findings have implications that could also indicate the prevention of other viral strains and infections entering cells, possibly including HIV-1 and hepatitis. This has sparked a huge response in the hemp community for CBGa rich products.
High CBG hemp strains are actually predominantly rich in CBGa and most of the conversion to CBG takes place when processed or smoked. This is good news for accessing the benefits of CBGa from CBG hemp flower. The important thing is to use the High CBG Hemp Flower in its ‘raw’ form rather than heating them. CBGa is non-intoxicating whether it is used raw or heated. All of Organic Green Roots dried High CBG Flower and kief are appropriate for anyone wanting to access the benefits of CBGa.
The kief can be added to smoothies or capsules and the flower can be cold extracted or cold infused. Also stay tuned for upcoming Organic Green Roots CBGa isolate as well as a CBGa & CBDa tincture.
- CBDa (Cannabidiolic Acid): The Acidic Parent Of CBD
CBDa is the acidic precursor to CBD and is also non-intoxicating. CBDa becomes CBD when decarboxylated (exposed to heat and light). CBDa was considered by researchers early on to not have therapeutic benefit in its raw form. However further research has shown that, like CBD, although it does not interact directly with the endocannabinoid system it does block enzymes associated with inflammation, thereby promoting pain relief. In addition, CBDa also shows a much higher activity than CBD with the 5-HT1a specific serotonin receptor in the brain, which is linked to anti-nausea and anti-anxiety effects. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found in the brain that regulates anxiety, sleep, nausea and mood.
Currently, the Oregon University Study, sited above, shows that CBDa, along with CBGa prevents the Covid-19 virus from entering the cells (in vitro). This is very new ‘in vitro’ research and it has sparked the need for further research on the therapeutic potentials of CBDa. That said, the cannabinoid CBDa can be accessed in high CBD Hemp Flower and kief in its raw state, which means not applying any heat to the flower through smoking, cooking or any form of extraction using heat.
Organic Green Roots Raw Hemp Kief Concentrate is high in CBDa (178mg per gram) and can be added in its raw form to smoothies, sprinkled on any cold or room temperature food or put in capsules. It can also be added to cold infusions.
- CBG (Cannabigerol) The Queen Cannabinoid
CBG may rightfully be considered the ‘Queen Cannabinoid’ in light of the rise of popularity of CBG Flower in the hemp community. Relatively recent CBG research also points to indications that this non-intoxicating cannabinoid might surpass CBD in various areas of benefits and effects.
CBG has been shown to directly interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) as well as activity in other systems. Although CBD has indirect influence on the ECS and provides similar benefits, the difference of the direct binding of CBG to the ECS receptors represents a mechanism of action that may indicate a powerful distinction in therapeutic potential.
Some of the research, so far, indicates CBG may have therapeutic properties that may have the following benefits and effects:
- Inflammatory response
- Pain release
- Mood enhancement
- Neuroprotective activity
- Antibacterial activity
Current CBG researchers are encouraging further investigation into the unique pharmacology of this cannabinoid and the potential areas of therapeutic uses. It should also be noted that researchers also acknowledge a heightened therapeutic value in the combination of CBG + CBD.
High CBG Flower users report effects of toning down feelings of anxiety, stress and pain and experiencing a deep full body relaxation. High CBG Dominant Flower like Organic Green Roots Orange Cream is great for balancing your mental state and calming your physical state while offering motivation and creativity.
- CBC (Cannabichromene): Powerful Synergy with CBD & THC
CBC is found in relatively small quantities in hemp flower, however, the benefits of this lesser known yet powerful cannabinoid are certainly not small. CBC is prominent in medical research because of its potential benefits and non-intoxicating effects. It has been identified as having promising benefits for brain health due to its impact on neuroplasticity, which is by definition, “the ability of the brain to change in structure or function in response to experience”, or more simply put, the ability to rewire your brain! CBC has also been shown to have other effects on the brain, which are linked to pain perception and mood.
Although CBC has these singular benefits, it has demonstrated that its benefits are amplified when paired with CBD and THC, even in low doses. This is the naturally occurring synergy that is present in certain strains of hemp flower such as Organic Green Roots Blue DelicaC, which provides the synergistic cannabinoid ratio that delivers the benefits and effects of CBC.
- CBN (Cannabinol): Time for Sleep
CBN is created from the ultraviolet light degradation of THCa, the acidic precursor to THC. In other words when harvested or aging plants are exposed to heat, light and oxygen, CBN is formed. This degradation of THCa is what makes CBN a highly sedative compound.
CBN research conducted by Sleepy Hills Lab identified CBN as having powerful sedative effects that are greater than any cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. The lab researchers claim that a 5mg dose of CBN is equivalent to a 10mg dose of Valium. Although there has not been a lot of scientific research of CBN, it has been shown to work synergistically with CBD to provide help with pain response as well as sleep promotion.
The highly sedative properties of CBN position this cannabinoid as a potential natural sleep-aid, like melatonin.
Stay tuned for the upcoming Organic Green Roots CBN Gummies and Tincture that will help you drift off to deep sweet dreamland!
What are your experiences with these cannabinoids? Let us know in the comments!
