By now, you have probably heard of the new cannabinoid on the block, CBG. At first glance, it might seem like a foolproof venture to make the switch from growing CBD to CBG. There is minimal chance of the novel plant “going hot” (or containing more than 0.3% total THC); the market is oversaturated with CBD; and CBG biomass, oils, and isolates are selling at around 200% more than their CBD counterparts. While the upsides are compelling, they are also misleading.
What is CBG?
CBG, or cannabigerol, is the “mother of all cannabinoids.” This means that CBG can morph into CBD, CBN, CBC, THC and other cannabinoids depending on the seed genetics. In the past few years, seed breeders have created specific strains high in CBG and low in THC, making it a viable option for feminized hemp farmers. Since CBG typically contains less than 0.2% total THC, the market potential can expand to international markets with more conservative THC maximums.
Why is the CBG market booming?
The CBD wave gave way to researchers and scientists looking at the hemp plant in a new light. The latest research has led to an increased understanding of cannabis and its potential in the health and wellness industry. Research is still in the early stages, but CBG has is proving to be as, if not more beneficial than CBD. Many studies are reporting that the parent CBG molecule works directly with the human body’s endocanabinoid system to affect our mood, appetite, pain response, and other physiological factors. With more research, CBG may prove to be an even more powerful compound than CBD.
What are the risks of growing CBG?
Growing CBG plants tends to be more expensive. The seeds/starts/clones cost more, the flower is more fragile, it’s pricier to extract the material, and the market is still relatively new and unpredictable. Market research estimates that in 2019, nearly 20% of wholesale hemp was dedicated to CBG, but only a fraction of that number was successfully monetized by farmers. If you have struggled with securing sales outlets for CBD, merely switching to CBG is unlikely to fix the problem. When deciding if, what, and how to farm feminized hemp, finding buyers should be at the top of your to-do list.
Should you decide to grow CBG, we recommend starting small. Unless you have buyers ready to purchase your post-harvest inventory, making a full transition from CBD could be a risky move. That said, the future of hemp is unpredictable. As researchers learn more about the potentials of cannabis, new information is bound to create a ripple effect in the industry. Be sure to keep an eye on the ever-changing trends and latest cannabinoid superstars!