The Rise of Minor Cannabinoids: CBN & CBG

There’s no telling how far the cannabis industry will go. We only recently began to destigmatize the plant as scientists have gained better access to resources for research purposes. Though THC products primarily have a grip on the industry, CBD followed suit in recent years. These days, CBD packaging is common in gas stations, grocery stores, and pharmacies. Healthcare professionals embraced these products more than ever, which is undoubtedly a positive sign of the cannabis industry’s trajectory.

THC and CBD remain the two most common, but there’s significant growth among minor cannabinoids, specifically CBG (cannabigerol) and CBN (cannabinol). The two cannabinoids are among those that are growing in popularity, even though they can be rare. For this reason, they’re usually a bit more challenging to get your hands on, though they boast plenty of health benefits in their own right. Both CBN and CBG share many similarities, from cultivation to extraction. Still, these products have become sought-after recently because they provide therapeutic relief like CBD and a mild euphoric feeling similar to THC. So, if you’re unsure if you prefer THC vs. CBD, these minor cannabinoids could be a solid solution to finding a product that provides both effects. CBN and CBG come in gummies, so it shouldn’t be hard to find similar cannabis edibles packaging for these products. 

According to Grand View Research, the market size of minor cannabinoids in 2020 was $4.9 billion. However, it will multiply in the next five years with an extraordinary compound annual growth rate of 20.1% from 2021 to 2028. Several key factors contribute to their popularity. For one, cannabinoid-based treatments are becoming favored over traditional medicine by doctors, pharmacists, and their patients. Additionally, the help of the Farm Bill in 2018 expanded the opportunities for hemp-based farming, leading to more products and funds for research. It won’t take long to see how minor cannabinoids are surging.

What Is CBN?

CBN stands for cannabinol — one of 100+ cannabinoids in the cannabis plant that provides similar yet milder effects of THC. It’s often regarded as a cannabinoid that provides sleep-inducing effects, though research has also shown that it relies on the terpenes.

CBN is found in young cannabis sativa plants, usually in lower levels, which makes it particularly rare and sometimes difficult to find. However, they can also be produced synthetically, which has been the case recently.

Though THC levels are known to drop in dried flowers after reaching their shelf life, the CBN levels rise. A 1999 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime study revealed that CBN came from oxidized THC. Though it might be challenging to find on shelves, this discovery has undoubtedly led people to rethink how we approach aging cannabis. Instead of regarding it as something to dispose of due to the dwindling THC levels, there are plenty of benefits from the CBN.

While you might have trouble finding CBN in stores, they come in various forms: oils, tinctures, capsules, vape pens, tea bags, and isolate.

What Is CBG?

Cannabigerol, better known as CBG, is the mother of all cannabinoids. The hefty title derives from the early stage of a cannabis plant. When it begins to bud, it breeds CBGA, a cannabinoid of compounds and enzymes. CBGA creates the other cannabinoids, mainly when it absorbs more light. At that point, the exposure to UV lights breaks the CBGA down to THCA and CBDA, which eventually turn into THC and CBD. Though non-intoxicating, it has had pleasant effects when paired with THC.

The Farm Bill, which allowed hemp plants (with less than 0.3%), helped expand our knowledge of CBG, though it still needs to be found in abundance. Since it’s usually found in relatively small doses, it isn’t easy to find, but we’ve seen many growers begin to cross-breed to gain higher CBG levels. It’s an imperative aspect of the plant, mainly since it contains therapeutic benefits similar to CBD. Vital signs show that CBG can work as a cancer treatment and antibiotic. 

CBG is also quite limited, but they’re usually found in oils. In some places, you’ll also find CBG chocolates and gummies packaged in bags for edibles.

Medical Benefits

Because of its lesser-known status among other cannabinoids, there’s limited research on CBN. However, things are changing, and because of recent laws, scientists have found more research behind CBN, and the results are promising. Though nothing is certain, there’s research that indicates the therapeutic benefits.

CBG:

• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Appetite stimulant
• Anti-cancer 
• Anti-Glaucoma
• Neuroprotection

CBN:

• Antibiotic
• Neuroprotection
• Sleep
• Appetite Stimulant

The rise of minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBN has significantly shifted the cannabis industry. While THC and CBD products have dominated the market for years, the popularity of minor cannabinoids has grown due to their unique benefits and therapeutic effects. With the market size of minor cannabinoids set to multiply in the next five years, it’s evident that cannabinoid-based treatments are becoming favored over traditional medicine by healthcare professionals and their patients. As research continues to uncover the potential of minor cannabinoids, it’s exciting to see how they will shape the future of the cannabis industry and transform the way we approach healthcare.