As you may know, if you are a regular reader of our Blog, the world of cannabis is constantly evolving and new cannabinoids are discovered every day that expand our knowledge about the plant and its therapeutic possibilities. One of the most recent to attract attention has been CBG9, a compound that promises to revolutionize the cannabis industry. In this article, we will explore what CBG9 is, how it differs from other more well-known cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, and its main potential benefits and applications.
From its discovery to its production and potential effects on the body, we invite you to discover everything you need to know about this promising cannabis compound. We will also discuss current scientific research on CBG9 and how it could be integrated into future medical treatments.
What is CBG9?
CBG9 or Cannabigerol-9 is a cannabinoid that has recently emerged in the field of cannabis research, representing one of the many molecules that scientists have recently begun to explore in greater depth. Unlike the more well-known cannabinoids CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBG9 has been identified in recent years as a lesser-known compound that is of growing interest in the scientific community.
Its molecular structure shares certain similarities with that of CBD and THC, however, CBG9 does not have psychoactive properties, which notably differentiates it from widely studied cannabinoids such as THC and its isomers, such as HHC or THCP. Although its chemical structure may seem familiar, the properties of CBG9 are unique and are not yet fully understood. This cannabinoid has begun to capture the attention of researchers and health professionals due to its potential therapeutic applications.
HHC or Hexahydrocannabinol
HHC or hexahydrocannabinol has been making headlines in the cannabis press lately. This novel cannabinoid, obtained mostly in the laboratory from other cannabinoids or from cannabis extracts, has revolutionized the scene by breaking into the market with products that promise an effect very similar to that of THC, although there are no studies confirming this. Today we tell you everything you need to know about HHC.
CBG9 is primarily being investigated in preclinical settings before it can be tested in human clinical trials. In these initial studies, it has been observed that CBG9 could significantly impact the treatment of several health problems. Areas of interest include its potential to mitigate inflammation and relieve pain, two symptoms that affect a large portion of the world’s population. Research to date suggests that CBG9 could offer promising alternatives to conventional treatments, but further studies are still needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.
In summary, CBG9 represents an emerging field in cannabis research, with potential that remains to be fully explored. As studies progress, this cannabinoid may reveal new opportunities for the treatment of various conditions, thereby providing greater understanding and new options for health and wellness management.
How is CBG9 produced?
CBG9 is produced in the cannabis plant through complex biochemical processes. Its production in the plant follows a similar path to that of other cannabinoids but with its own particularities. Below we detail the general production process of CBG9:
Natural production in the cannabis plant:
- Synthesis of cannabinoid acids: The cannabis plant produces cannabinoids from biosynthetic precursors. The first step in the synthesis of most cannabinoids is the formation of cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which is a key precursor compound. CBGA is synthesized from two fatty acids: olivetolic acid and geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP). This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme CBGA synthase.
- Decarboxylation: CBGA is a cannabinoid acid, meaning it contains a carboxyl group (COOH) in its chemical structure. In order to become CBG9, CBGA needs to be decarboxylated, meaning it loses the carboxyl group. Decarboxylation usually occurs when the plant is dried and cured or when the extract is heated. This process converts CBGA into cannabigerol (CBG), which is a non-acidic form of this cannabinoid.
- Transformation into CBG9: Starting from non-acidic CBG, the formation of CBG9 can occur via different biosynthetic pathways in the plant. These pathways may include the conversion of CBG into CBG9 through reactions catalyzed by specific enzymes in the plant. CBG9 is a variant of CBG, and its exact production can depend on plant genetics and growing conditions.
- Laboratory production: In addition to natural production in the cannabis plant, CBG9 can be produced in the laboratory through synthetic processes.
Cannabigerol CBG: The main precursor to all cannabinoids
CBG or cannabigerol is one of major cannabinoids, since it’s precursor to many compounds of the cannabis plant like THC or CBD. The huge therpeutic potentia of CBG has caused an increase in the number of studies and research conducted about it, from both cannabis breeders and the scientific community.
Chemical Synthesis:
In specialized laboratories, CBG9 can be synthesized from chemical precursors through controlled chemical reactions. This allows obtaining CBG9 in a pure and concentrated form.
- Biotechnology: It is also possible to produce CBG9 using biotechnology techniques, such as microbial fermentation. In this process, genetically modified microorganisms are used to produce CBG9 from sugars and other nutrients.
- Extraction and purification: In some cases, CBG9 is obtained from extracts of CBG-rich cannabis plants, which are then purified to obtain CBG9. This method involves extracting cannabinoids from the plant and separating them through purification techniques such as chromatography.
Final considerations:
- Concentrations in the plant: CBG9 is found in relatively low concentrations in most cannabis strains, which can make its extraction and purification challenging. This is in contrast to more abundant cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
- Ongoing research: Research into CBG9 and its production methods is ongoing. As research progresses, new biosynthetic routes and production techniques may be discovered that could make this cannabinoid more accessible.
As you have seen, CBG9 is produced naturally in the cannabis plant from CBG, which in turn is derived from CBGA. It can also be synthesized in laboratories using chemical or biotechnological methods. The full understanding of its production and properties is still evolving with the progress of research, so it would not be surprising to see further developments in this field announced in the coming years.
Properties and effects of CBG9
Although, as we have mentioned, CBG9 is still in an early phase of study, several properties and potential effects on the body have already been identified:
- Anti-inflammatory: CBG9 shows potential to reduce inflammation in preclinical models, which could be beneficial for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
- Analgesics: CBG9 has been observed to have potential analgesic properties, suggesting that it may help relieve pain without the psychoactive effects associated with other cannabinoids.
- Neuroprotection: Some preliminary studies suggest that CBG9 may have neuroprotective effects, meaning it could protect nerve cells from damage, potentially benefiting neurological conditions.
- Antibacterial: CBG9 has shown antibacterial activity in early research, which could be relevant in the treatment of bacterial infections.
- Appetite modulation: Although more research is needed, CBG9 may influence appetite, similar to other cannabinoids, but with possibly different effects.
- Antioxidants: It has been suggested that CBG9 may have antioxidant properties, meaning it could help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Other effects on the body:
- No psychoactive effects: Unlike THC, CBG9 does not produce psychoactive effects, meaning it does not alter the user’s perception or cognition.
- Interaction with the endocannabinoid system: CBG9 interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is critical for regulating various physiological functions. However, its exact mechanism of action and preferred receptors are still under study.
- Possible impact on chronic pain: Preclinical research suggests that CBG9 may aid in the management of chronic pain, offering an alternative to opioids and other pain relievers.
- Effects on the skin: Given its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial potential, CBG9 could be useful in treating skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.
- Potential mental health benefits: Although more research is needed, CBG9 may have positive effects on mental health, helping to manage anxiety and stress, similar to other cannabinoids.
- Influences on the digestive system: CBG9 may influence the digestive system, affecting appetite and digestion, although these effects have not been studied in depth.
It’s important to note that because CBG9 is in an early stage of research, many of these effects and properties still need to be validated through human clinical trials. Most of the available information comes from preclinical studies and animal models, so caution is required when interpreting these results until more conclusive data is available. We’ll tell you more as new information becomes available!
References:
- Biosynthesis of cannabinoid acids, Yukihiro Shoyama, Masahiro Yagi, Itsuo Nishioka
- Antibacterial cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa: a structure-activity study, Appendino G, Gibbons S, Giana A, Pagani A, Grassi G, Stavri M, Smith E, Rahman MM
- Cannabigerol and cannabichromene in Cannabis sativa L, Marjeta Eržen, Samo Kreft, Andreja Cerenak
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