Active Ingredients of Marijuana: THC, CBD, and CBG
Anyone who knows the cannabis plant knows at least a few of its active ingredients. These include several cannabinoids (not all of which have yet been identified, by the way!).
The cannabinoids, THC, CBD, and CBG, are among the best-known phyto-cannabinoids found in hemp and marijuana. While THC and CBG have already been studied quite well, cannabigerol (CBG) still hides many a secret because it’s more likely to be found in young plants and mostly in the form of its acidic precursor as CBG acid (read more about the differences between CBG and CBD).
Most people who are interested in products such as CBD flowers, CBD hash, and CBD oil are familiar with the formation and effects of CBD and THC. At Down To Earth, you can buy the best hemp oil online in Australia in addition to other premium CBD products.
The Hemp Plant: Jack of All Trades
Until the beginning of the 20th century, the hemp plant had a permanent place as a crop in the industry. Whether for textiles, making paper, or in construction and medicine, cannabis was used in a variety of ways back then before the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, like the sword of Damocles, hung over this versatile plant.
From around 1930, the reputation of the cannabis plant went steadily downhill and was only seen as a psychoactive intoxicant, and its spread was to be prevented at all costs. Its numerous advantages for medicine and industry were forgotten. It would be years before the plant’s legendary comeback.
But today, it’s back: the cannabis plant and its benefits for mankind is about much more than just THC-rich marijuana. It has been a long way to this well-tried and newly resurrected knowledge.
As always, though, before buying CBD oil online in Australia, it is important to consult your health professional.
In Focus: The Active Ingredients THC, CBD, and CBG
But why was the hemp plant so discredited in the first place? It’s mainly about the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which could cause a (not always harmless) intoxication with its psychoactive effect.
At the time, people overlooked the fact that, in addition to this cannabinoid, the hemp plant also contains active ingredients that are harmless to health and even therapeutically interesting: the cannabinoids CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG (cannabigerol), for example. These two cannabinoids have also come under the spotlight of science since the interest in CBD flower, CBD hash/resin, and CBD oil. The sword of Damocles, which was once imposed on the hemp plant, is slowly being lifted.
Buying hemp oil online in Australia has never been easier with Down To Earth.
The Effects of THC
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the full name of this discredited cannabinoid from the cannabis plant (we’ve covered everything about THC here). Like CBD, it’s predominantly found in the flowers of the cannabis plant. It’s these cannabis flowers that are referred to as marijuana, by the way.
In CBD flowers and legal CBD hash/resin, THC can still be present in trace amounts of less than 0.X% (depending on where you are). This is no longer a problem since these products come from industrial hemp, which contain hardly any THC and more CBD (read more about CBD vs THC). THC can be detected in the human body as well as in the plant. Among other things, it promotes the increase in dopamine in the brain by binding to the corresponding receptors.
The Versatile Effects of CBD
CBD is best known for its relaxation-promoting effects. In addition, it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, among many others. It also often acts as an antagonist to THC, thereby inhibiting unwanted effects of this cannabinoid. CBD is also said to have an anxiolytic effect, while THC is said to possibly trigger psychosis. Cannabidiol is the cannabinoid that turns once illegal marijuana into legal CBD weed. And so, marijuana, which contains hardly any THC but a high proportion of CBD, is the new, legal marijuana or ‘marijuana light’. People who want to try CBD products can buy hemp oil online in Australia easily via our online shop.
CBG: The Primordial Cannabinoid
CBG first occurs as CBG acid in the young cannabis plants. But as the plant matures, it’s mainly converted into the precursors CBD and THC acid. Over time, CBDA (CBD acid) and THCA (THC acid) become CBD and THC. Excess CBG acid is later converted into the cannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG). It binds well to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system and, like CBD, is involved in the entourage effect. It also has therapeutic benefits of its own. It made a name for itself, especially in the treatment of glaucoma.
CBG in Cannabis Flowers
The flowers of the young cannabis plant contain CBG, mainly cannabigerolic acid. It’s considered both a precursor to psychoactive cannabinoids such as THC and a precursor to the non-psychoactive CBD. CBG is also said to be able to inhibit the undesirable side effects of THC (paranoia, the development of psychoses). CBG also offers its own benefits as a precursor to THC. In addition, as an individual active ingredient – just like CBD – it isn’t subject to the Narcotics Act.
Final Thoughts
The active ingredients in marijuana can therefore have a balancing effect on one another. It’s crucial to find manufacturers who understand everything about the active ingredients before buying CBD or hemp oil or other CBD products in Australia.
At Down To Earth, all our products are tested by independent labs to ensure their quality and purity. Check the lab reports here.
Of course, if you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment or contact us. We’re here to help!