CBG (Cannabigerol) VS THCV

In our effort to catalog the many cannabinoids out there, and deliver a comprehensive comparison for our readership, we are onto some very significant, but reclusive molecules.

​If you’re interested in full-spectrum CBD products, then these are important components. Here’s why:

CBG (Cannabigerol)

Beginning with CBG, classified as one of the minor cannabinoids, CBG could be one of the most important cannabinoids that exist.

A bold claim, we are sure, but it’s backed by some common sense.

In the cannabis plant, CBG exists as CBGA (cannabigerolic acid), which is actually the foundation of the three main types of cannabinoids: cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and an acid group, cannabichromenic acid, (CBCA).
CBGA, you could say, is the top of the family tree for all forms of cannabinoids.

CBGA (and other cannabinoids in their acidic state) must go through the process of decarboxylation to become “activated.”

Decarboxylation is the process that makes THC work in an edible form. Likewise, once CBGA is decarboxylated, it becomes CBG. This form has been researched quite a bit as of late and shows lots of promise in the therapeutic realm.

When it comes to the therapeutic benefits found in CBG, it might as well be on par with well-known cannabinoids CBD and THC. What exactly makes CBG so beneficial? For one, CBG has shown potential to be an antidepressant, antifungal, and pain reliever.

The International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute (ICCI), took a deeper look into the synergy of various phytocannabinoids and terpenes found in the cannabis plant. In a paper published recently, they identified the entourage effect, a boosting of therapeutic effects via the combination of terpenes and cannabinoids.

While we always lament at the little research done in the field of cannabis, CBG actually has a strong amount of science backing it already. CBG shows serious promise.

Benefits of CBGStudies show that CBG is an extremely active neuroprotectant and shows great potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington’s disease.
Additional treatments include:

• Glaucoma.
• Inflammatory bowel disease.
• Possible antitumor activity against carcinoma cells.

Luckily for those looking to treat their ailments, CBD and CBG are non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t get users high.

Now to compare CBG with another of its counterparts.

THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

Another cannabinoid poised to become “the next big thing” in cannabis therapy is THCV.

What exactly is the difference between the high of THCV compared to THC, though? Is there any high, and what do drug testing measure look like when compared to the old-guard molecule.

A 2015 pilot trial study aimed to explore the safety and tolerability of repeated THCV administration and its effects on symptoms normally induced by THC. It found that THCV could have a positive influence on some of the negative effects some people experience when smoking strains of cannabis high in THC, such as anxiety, paranoia, or impairment of short-term memory.

THCV also inhibited the increased heart rate that is often a result of THC. This is an interesting phenomenon because often people report a ‘bad trip’ or panic-inducing experience if they’re not familiar with cannabis.

Also, instead of stimulating appetite, this cannabinoid has been shown to suppress the appetite.

Want to lose weight? Maybe try using high THCV products instead of THC.

Perhaps we are likely to see this characteristic of cannabis being promoted more and more in industrial growing conditions.

The big question though, is, does THCV get you high? At lower doses, THCV acted as a CB1 antagonist—in very, very simple terms: does not get you high.

It’s still not conclusive if this is different at larger doses though.
Therapeutic Benefits

What about the therapeutic benefits of this up and coming cannabinoid?

As it turns out, THCV contains quite a few properties to make it a serious contender for medical use. . While studies on THCV are limited, preliminary research shows that it could contain some serious therapeutic potential.

A 2011 study, for example, found that THCV was able to reduce motor inhibition and provide neuroprotection in animal models of Parkinson’s disease.

THCV shows an ability to activate CB2 receptor while blocking CB1 receptors which the researchers say holds promise for delaying the progression of Parkinson’s disease, as well as improving symptoms associated with the disease.

THCV is also believed to promote bone growth.

Research indicates that the endocannabinoid system plays a large role in the regulation of bone cell activity and bone remodeling. A 2012 study also found THCV to decrease oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

The Entourage Effect

As we speak on terpenes and the many cannabinoid molecules, we must mention the entourage effect. Perhaps the reason all these compounds exist in one plant, to begin with.

While well-known cannabinoids CBD and THC are beneficial on their own, when cannabinoids work in synergy, the effects are even greater. This synergy is known as the entourage effect, and in order for cannabis to really work its medicinal magic, the power of compounds found in the entire plant is much, much more intense.

These days there are countless companies selling CBD. Not many, however, are selling products that contain significant amounts of other beneficial cannabinoids such as CBG and THCV. There are some, though.

As a consumer one should be on the lookout for full spectrum CBD products. These are sourced from pure, organic hemp, bred specially to provide the fullest and most potent range of cannabinoids you can find.

Make sure that the CBD companies you purchase from offer a “full spectrum” oil, so you are not missing out on cannabinoids like CBG and THCV.

For one, a wider range of unprecedented therapeutic benefits. Increased research has led to the understanding that various cannabinoids are responsible for several different therapeutic applications. When combined together in the “true” full spectrum CBD oil you’re taking advantage of the entourage effect.

In Conclusion

CBD, CBG, THCV, and CBV are likely the future of full spectrum Cannabis that the market is going to be searching for. Especially as new research constantly updates what we know about cannabis and the compounds it contains.
Sure, cannabis has been used for thousands of years but it’s only now that we’re beginning to understand the true therapeutic benefits.


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