A Guide to CBG Oil in Ireland

If you are a health-enthusiast, by now you probably know all about the benefits of CBD and have tried some products yourself. But CBD is only one of hemp's beneficial cannabinoids. Another one that has recently come into the spotlight is CBG. This noteworthy opponent, or better yet, supplement to CBD, is becoming the "it" substance in the health world and has just as many good qualities as CBD, if not even more. So stick with us if you want to know more about CBG oil in Ireland. Here, we will tell you all about CBG oil, its benefits, legality, and more. We will also talk about the differences between CBD vs. CBG. So keep reading this CBG oil guide to learn what this new product can do for you.

What Is CBG?

CBG or cannabigerol is one of the major cannabinoids of the cannabis plant that was first discovered in the 1960s. It's called the mother of all cannabinoids because it's the non-acidic precursor to all other cannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids like CBD, THC, etc., are all derived from the acidic form of CBG, called CBGA or cannabigerolic acid. CBGA is the first cannabinoid that forms in hemp. Then as the plant matures, it's broken down by enzymes into three other cannabinoids including

• Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)
• Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)
• Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA)

After harvesting the plant, these compounds are further processed to create the more well-known cannabinoids such as CBD, THC, and CBC.

As a result of exposure to light and heat, small amounts of CBGA may also break down to its neutral form, which is CBG. The window of opportunity for harvesting a plant with a high CBG content is very slim because this cannabinoid appears in the early stages of the plant's life, from 6-8 weeks. This timeframe is when CBG has not yet turned into other cannabinoids and can be extracted in high concentrations. But even then, the yield will be very low. Due to this scarcity, CBG oil in Ireland is considered a high-end product, but one worth trying.

How Does CBG Work?

The Irish CBG oil works like CBD in the body. It will interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays an important role in regulating different functions like mood, pain, sleep, appetite, etc., and creating balance. This system has numerous CB1 and CB2 receptors in different parts of our body, including our nervous system and immune system. These receptors respond to natural cannabinoids in our bodies, called endocannabinoids, and affect our homeostasis. When you take CBG oil in Ireland, the cannabigerol molecules, due to their similarity with our endocannabinoids, interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors and optimize their performance.

Is CBG Oil Legal in Ireland?

CBG hemp oil’s legality has not been determined like the legality of CBD oil in  Ireland, since this substance is relatively new. However, CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid itself, meaning it won’t get you high, and the determining factor in a product’s legality is its THC content. We can safely assume that the laws surrounding the Irish CBG oil work similar to CBD’s regulations. So if CBG is sourced from a certain strain of hemp and the final product contains less than 0.2% THC, it is legal. 

What Is the Difference Between CBG and CBD?

CBG and CBD are both non-intoxicating phytocannabinoids of the cannabis plant with different molecular structures. CBG is the younger form of cannabinoid and the source of CBD that is found in lower amounts in the early stages of the plant’s cycle. In fact, most cannabis plants contain just about 1% CBG, while they can have up to 25% CBD.

There are trace amounts of CBG in full spectrum CBD oils, but brands are focusing on a more CBG-rich product because studies are showing that this compound is more powerful and beneficial than CBD. Another aspect in the battle of CBD vs. CBG is that there is much lower THC present in CBG oils because the plant has not had the time to convert all the precursor cannabinoids into their matured forms.

Benefits of CBG Oil in Ireland

CBG’s medical properties have not been researched as extensively as CBD’s. The studies that have been done, however, have very promising findings. While they suggest CBG may affect similar conditions that CBD can affect, they show that CBG has further potential and may address conditions that CBD does not impact. We need more research and clinical trials to confirm any of these effects for sure. With that said, let’s take a look at some potential health benefits of CBG oil in Ireland.

CBG for Inflammation

A 2013 study explored the anti-inflammatory potential of CBG on mice with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The results showed that CBG was able to reduce multiple inflammatory markers in the colons of the mice, such as nitric oxide production. 

Another research in 2018 studied the effects of CBG on neurological inflammation. Scientists saw an improvement in neuronal survivability and a reduction in the neurons’ inflammation and oxidative stress. So the Irish CBG oil can become a powerful anti-inflammation solution with further research. 

CBG for Microbial Infections

CBG oil in Ireland might also be an effective antimicrobial remedy, according to a study in 2020 that discovered CBG’s antibacterial properties against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Another study in 2021 also pointed to CBG’s antibacterial potential by testing it against the cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth, Streptococcus mutans. After administering CBG to the bacteria, scientists saw a change in the microorganism’s cell membrane and a drop in pH, both of which made the bacteria weaker. 

CBG for Glaucoma

Another potential benefit of CBG oil in Ireland is related to glaucoma. A study shows that CBG can reduce intraocular eye pressure and increase aqueous humor outflow in patients suffering from glaucoma. The study suggests that this is due to the presence of cannabinoid receptors in the eye area, and with further research, CBG can turn into an effective treatment for this condition. 

CBG for Huntington’s Disease

Cannabinoids can also become promising remedies for neurological conditions like Huntington’s disease. This is a rare and inherited neurodegenerative condition that destroys nerve cells in the brain and currently has no cure. 

In a 2015 study, scientists administered CBG to rodents with this disease and observed how this cannabinoid improved cell regeneration and oxidative stress in the subjects’ brains. They also saw an improvement in motor coordination as a result of CBG, which shows this compound’s potential in reversing the damages of Huntington’s Disease.

CBG for Colon Cancer

The Irish CBG oil may also be a remedy for colon cancer, as it is shown in a 2020 review. This article highlighted the studies on mice with colon cancer, in which scientists observed that CBG and CBGA reduced tumor growth by blocking TRPM8 channels. CBG also suppressed the generation of new colorectal cancer cells. 

CBG for Appetite

Studies on CBG show its effectiveness as an appetite stimulant which can be helpful for cancer patients who lose their appetites as a result of chemotherapy. In a 2016 study, scientists examined the appetite-boosting properties of this cannabinoid in rats. Subjects that were given cannabigerol oil every three days ate twice as much as their peers in the control group that did not receive any CBG. 

CBG for Bladder Dysfunction

Lastly, the Irish CBG oil may also benefit those who deal with bladder dysfunction. Research suggests that different cannabinoids may affect the bladder’s contractions. A 2015 study examined the effects of five non-psychotropic cannabinoids on bladder contractility. It found that CBG was the most effective one against this dysfunction, followed by THCV, CBD, and CBDV.

Are There Side Effects to Using CBG Oils?

Due to the positive responses from users of Irish CBG oils, not many studies have been done on the side effects of this natural substance. However, if you use too much of any product, you can expect consequences. Side effects of excessive CBG are similar to those of CBD and may include diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects will subside within a few hours, and not everyone will experience them. Each person responds slightly differently to CBG, so it’s important to find the dosage of the product that works for you and not go above that. 

What Are the Challenges to Producing More CBG Oils?

The extraction of CBG oils in Ireland is a costly and time-consuming process, and that is why you hear less of this product compared to CBD oils. Since the time window for extracting pure CBG is very narrow and the yield is very low, it’s not an economic option for most companies to invest in. However, many cannabis breeders are trying to develop more CBG-rich strains to make this product available to everyone. Until then, CBG oil remains a high-end product in the world of cannabis. 

Try CBG Oil in Ireland for Yourself

Now that you know all about CBG oil, you can decide if you want to try it out and see its effects for yourself. This cannabinoid has much to offer, and current studies included in our CBG oil guide have only scratched the surface. If you decide to go for it and use this oil for a specific condition, consult your doctor beforehand and start with low doses. If you want to stick with the traditional CBD oil, Full Circle Hemp has got you covered. We provide third-party lab-tested, premium CBD products for all of Europe. Visit our shop now to enjoy the best of what Ireland has to offer.