The world of legal cannabis consumption is getting a whole lot more interesting. That’s because of the emerging popularity of new product categories derived from additional compounds produced in cannabis plants – cannabinol, or CBN, and cannabigerol, or CBG.
“CBG and CBN are becoming increasingly popular these days,” said Robert Carroll, founder of Due North Cannabis, the area’s leading cannabis dispensary chain.
“For the longest time we’ve only really heard about the two predominant compounds THC and CBD. The interesting thing is the cannabis plant creates over 100 different cannabinoids, and CBN and CBG are now rising in popularity throughout the cannabis market.”
CBN and CBG are chemical compounds produced in cannabis plants. CBN is produced from oxidized THC and is commonly found in aged cannabis plants. CBG is produced from CBGA and occurs in both young and mature cannabis plants. CBG and CBN do not cause a euphoric high but do have some unique effects and benefits when consumed separately and together.
CBG, or cannabigerol, is considered a minor cannabinoid as it manifests in trace amounts in most cannabis strains.
It was first synthesized in 1964 alongside THC. As young cannabis plants mature and begin budding, different enzymes and compounds combine to create the precursor to CBG—also called an “early-phase” cannabinoid—called CBGA.
CBGA is where all cannabinoids start; as the plant nears the end of its grow cycle and absorbs more and more UV light, CBGA breaks down and converts into THCA and CBDA, the acidic precursors to the two most prominent cannabinoids, THC and CBD. Unless bred to do so, in most cases, only a very small amount will become CBG.
When isolated, CBG demonstrates a number of benefits to the human body. Much like CBD, CBG has been used to combat pain and reduce inflammation without the intoxicating effect of cannabinoids like THC.
CBN, or cannabinol, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis sativa plant.
It can also be produced synthetically. CBN forms when THC degrades due to exposure to heat, air and/or light. It’s a primary reason why higher levels of CBN can be found in aged, dry cannabis. CBN isn’t known to cause the intoxicating psychoactive impacts associated with THC however it is said to have a sedating or relaxing effect.
According to Carroll, the new compounds are going to give cannabis consumers an incredible choice of products with very specific qualities that cater to the desired effects they’re hoping to enjoy from their cannabis consumption.
“You can almost think of it as a major product extension,” he said. “If you’re offering a chocolate chip cookie, for example, you can offer multiple versions with the same flavour or format. One cookie may be high in CBD and relatively non-intoxicating, while another may have a combination of cannabinoids. We’ve seen a lot of edible brands develop products where they have a combination of THC, CBD, CBG and CBN, so you’re getting multiple effects from one product where previously we’ve been buying THC dominant edibles which produce the “high” traditionally associated with cannabis.”
Carroll said that there are as many as 800 new products approved for sale in Ontario this year, with his local dispensaries stocking as many as 1,200 products from which to choose from. For that reason, it’s more important than ever to spend time with an experience “budtender” or “Bud Guide” to learn more about the various product qualities.
“Our job at Due North is to take the time to do the research, provide the proper insights and make sure we’re bringing in quality products. We want to make sure we’re carrying a variety of products with different profiles that meet everyone’s needs.”
As always, Carroll suggests anyone seeking to use these products for health reasons should consult with a doctor first.
Come discover the new CBG and CBN products now available to cannabis consumers.
Visit any one of the three Sault Ste. Marie locations of Due North Cannabis in Churchill Plaza, Pine Plaza or at their new location at 710 Second Line East. They also offer in-store pickup and same-day delivery on their website.
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