Cannabigerol genetics are a relatively new development in the cannabis world and CBG Flower strains are becoming increasingly popular.
While the cannabinoid has been known about since the 60s, stable CBG genetics have not been produced until very recently. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, however, cannabis with less than 0.3% THC has become federally legal to grow this has allowed growers to establish breeding programs that emphasize a range of different cannabinoids.
CBD may have taken much of the limelight so far, but there are signs it will soon face competition from CBG, the so-called ‘mother’ of cannabinoids – It’s called this as it’s the cannabinoid that all other cannabinoids are synthesized from.
Now that high-quality CBG seeds are being developed, a lot of hemp flower sellers are starting to stock CBG strains on their shelves. This article will highlight some of the best out there right now.
CBG is the first cannabinoid to form in the cannabis plant. Therefore, it is regarded as the ‘cannabis stem cell‘ since it is essential to the creation of THC and CBD, or cannabidiol, which are the most abundant cannabinoids found in cannabis. As the plant matures, the acidic form of CBG transforms into THC, CBD and other secondary cannabinoids through a biosynthetic process. As a result, CBG almost disappears.
According to several research studies on its medical value, CBG can fight pain and nausea, and exhibits great potential as an inhibitor of cancer cell growth.
Research has also proven that CBG showcases great anti-inflammatory properties; it can significantly reduce the intraocular pressure caused by glaucoma; and it can be beneficial in the treatment of other disorders such as Crohn’s disease.
A difficult-to-extract cannabinoid
However, and despite its medical appeal, there is a great obstacle hindering CBG’s popularization: its production is really costly, which has granted it the name of the ‘Rolls Royce of cannabinoids‘.
Even though CBG is slowly gaining force thanks to cannabis users (it is one of the most sought-after cannabinoids in extractions), CBG’s price is 5 times higher than CBD’s, and in some cases even higher. In addition, thousands of kilos of vegetable matter are needed to extract small quantities of isolated CBG, as most cannabis plants only contain tiny quantities. If the CBG content of a cannabis crop is only 1%, this means that it is necessary to extract 20 times the amount of biomass to obtain the same CBG concentration.
CBG extraction processes are still being developed and require highly-specialized equipment. Therefore the main factor to help lower CBG’s price is the plant’s genetics: the development of plants with a high-CBG genetic yield, where CBG is the dominant cannabinoid, would help apply more traditional and less costly purification processes.
This means that if we have cannabis strains with a higher CBG content, the extraction cost will be lower as less vegetable matter will be required for its production.
Made in Spain CBG
Hemp Trading, together with the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spanish acronym UPV), have been amongst the first to develop a CBG-rich cannabis strain free from psychoactive components. Not only did they manage to eliminate THC from it, but the CBG concentration was increased to levels of over 15% and up to 18% (the normal CBG level is usually between 0.1 and 0.5%).
The CBG extraction process requires less purification than the process for CBD extraction because CBG is extracted in isolation, meaning it is THC-free and also free from other cannabinoids. This makes it ideal for those interested in legal medical cannabis as well as for industrial applications.
Hemp Trading has now registered a new THC-free, high-CBG genetic called Panakeia. Its seeds and clones are to be produced and distributed by Tesoro Genetics, who specialize in CBD-rich strains, and Front Range Biosciences, a provider of technology for the production of new hemp varieties.
Made in the USA CBG
Thus, Panakeia’s THC-free cannabis seeds have managed to break the ‘hot hemp‘ legal barrier, which stipulates that any cannabis plants containing THC levels of over 0.3% are illegal at federal level and must therefore be destroyed.
The ability to never fail a THC test without the need for a THC purification process makes these strains really attractive for hemp farmers.
Another firm that is also at the forefront of the production of CBG-rich strains is Oregon CBD. This company has just announced that they will finally launch their first CBG-rich line in 2020 after three years of trials that have proven that they can produce flowers with over 20% CBG content, but keeping THC levels well below 0.3%.
Their first two strains are called Stem Cell and White CBG. Oregon CBD have used the latest technology, that was also used to create Panakeia, in order to analyse and map the cannabis genome for then using the data to improve the genetic through breeding and selection processes.
Hemptown USA is another corporation that is currently developing a cannabis plant with over 10% CBG content when in full maturity. With 200 hectares of CBG-dominant hemp in Jackson County, Hemptown USA states that in the last year they have produced around 40% of the total CBG in the United States. Another firm eager to modify CBG’s genetic profile is EcoGen Laboratories: they have been working on CBG crops since 2017, with an analysis certificate currently showing that their CBG-rich strains hold up to 22% CBG levels.
As can be seen, the cannabis industry is excited about CBG, but we still have to see if this cannabinoid becomes as popular amongst users.
So far, CBG is not on most people’s radar. The final pieces of this jigsaw are knowledge and demand. Without a presence on the market, users are unaware of CBG’s attributes; and without CBG-aware consumers, it is tough to develop the presence of CBG on the market.
White Widow High CBG Hemp Flower Strain
Highlights
- High CBG Hemp Flower
- CBGa 19%
- CBG .24%
- CBD-V .05%
While we know Mr. Hemp Flower has already been mentioned on our list, it’s one of the few hemp companies on the market today that offers more than one strain of CBG flower. It’s refreshingly rare if you ask us. As their name suggests, Mr. Hemp Flower knows their hemp, and their CBG flower definitely stands out among the few companies offering CBG flower.
Their White Widow high CBG hemp flower strain contains a whopping 16.7% CBGa and high levels of terpenes that help activate the therapeutic effects of CBG. White Widow is among Mr. Hemp Flower’s top selling CBG strains for good reason. With a profound crisp aroma and a natural taste, White Widow offers an immediate sense of ease to all its users. Unlike other hemp flowers that may leave users feeling lightheaded or even give users a headache, Mr. Hemp Flower’s White Widow provides consumers a relaxing experience that’s free from any psychoactive effects or anxious feelings. For those interested in an easy going, balance-promoting CBG hemp flower, White Widow CBG hemp flower is among our favorite strains on the market today.
John Snow CBG (By American Shaman CBD)
- Avg. CBG percent: 20%
- Sativa, Indica or Hybrid: Hybrid
- Grown Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
- Best Used For: Morning or Day
- Effects: The John Snow CBG strain by American Shaman CBD is one of the most potent CBG strains available today as it’s lab reports show that it’s 20% CBG. This vibrant strain gave me a little too much energy so I like to mix it with CBD flower. I usually do half John Snow CBG and half CBD flower. American Shaman also came out with a few other CBG strains as well.
Stem Cell CBG (By Half Day CBD)
- Avg. CBG percent: 8%
- Sativa, Indica or Hybrid: Hybrid
- Grown Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
- Best Used For: Morning, Day or Night
- Effects: The Stem Cell CBG strain by Half Day CBD is the second CBG strain released by Half Day. Although we don’t like the Stem Cell CBG as much as the White CBG, it’s still worth a try. The most notable effect from this strain was the slight uptick in energy. Stem Cell was a little less euphoric than the White CBG.
White CBG (By Cannaflower)
- Avg. CBG percent: 11%
- Sativa, Indica or Hybrid: Hybrid
- Grown Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
- Best Used For: Anytime
- Effects: The White CBG strain by Cannaflower is undoubtedly our favorite CBG flower strain. This strain in particular is a hybrid but we feel that it also has a slight energy effect to it. I like this White CBG because I feel relaxed while also staying focused.
White CBG (By Half Day CBD)
- Avg. CBG percent: 9%
- Sativa, Indica or Hybrid: Hybrid
- Grown Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
- Best Used For: Morning, Day or Night
- Effects: Half Day CBD recently released a couple new CBG strains both of which I really enjoy. The first is White CBG but I get slightly different effects compared to the White CBG by Cannaflower. This strain gives me more of a euphoria feeling as opposed to the energy effect from Cannaflower’s CBG. It’s also worth noting this strain won the 2019 Oregon Grower’s Cup.
Stem Cell CBG
Stem Cell CBG is among the first CBG hemp strains made commercially available. Though it is one of the originals, it is still, by far, one of the best CBD hemp strains on the market. Though relatively odorless, this resinous strain is still very potent with almost 99 percent of its cannabinoid profile made of CBG alone.
Superglue CBG
Superglue CBG is unlike any other CBG strain on the market. With colors of purple and green, the buds of Superglue CBG hemp plants are both beautiful and flavorful. Those who prefer Haze cannabis strains will love Superglue CBG.
CBG Lemon Cream Diesel Flower
Highlights
- Premium CBG strains
- Euphoric experience
- Indoor, Cannabigerol (CBG) dominant
Sourced from the phytonutrient-rich soil of Oregon, Black Tie is dedicated to producing hemp that’s 100% organic and thoroughly tested. They’ve committed their time and energy in creating top quality hemp flower that offers a number of benefits for all. In other words, for Black Tie, the hemp business is a “labor of love”. A Certificate of Analysis is available on the website for all to see.
Their Lemon Cream Diesel CBG hemp flower strain is packed with an enormous amount of CBG (20.70%). As its name implies, Lemon Cream Diesel presents a creamy lemon taste with hints of grassy like flavors. Filled with a lemony pine scent, this CBG hemp flower will leave users feeling energized, motivated, and focused. Free from any paranoia like sensations, Lemon Cream Diesel contains less than 0.3% THC, and can be taken in the morning or afternoon. If you’re looking for the best CBG hemp flower strain that will bring balance to your day, Lemon Cream Diesel CBG may be what you’re looking for.
This unnamed CBG flower has a uniquely nutty aroma with earthy, hazy undertones. This is thanks to high levels of the uncommon terpene guaiol, which has a piney smell, combined with the sweet and floral bisabolol and peppery caryophyllene. White, diamond-shaped bud produce over 15% CBG and its effects have been compared to that of green tea.
White Widow has got to be my favorite strain that I ever smoked. I bought this one when I visited my friends in Toronto. It gets me moving.. I’m not too lazy, I feel happy. Smoking White Widow is like taking a medication for me. It’s the perfect weed. Seriously.
I have tried two other CBD/CBG strains from my local (Toronto) CBD shops and I gotta say Lemon Cream Diesel has been the best so far. The look and feel of the bud is great you can tell a lot of care went in to growing it. The taste is great as well and id citrus-y also. The body high it gives it subtle but still there, it has a very uplifting effect as well, its really good for stress in my opinion. Highly recommended for medical use.