Month: March 2022

The list of cannabinoids catching the eye of the international scientific community grows every day. Recently, cannabicyclol (CBL) has risen to the forefront due to its unique structure and intriguing therapeutic properties. Perhaps a sought-after missing link in the cannabinoid chain, CBL has the potential to perfect the entourage effect and vastly expand our understanding of what cannabis has to offer.

In this informational overview, learn what CBL is, catch up on the latest CBL research, and find out how CBL compares to other cannabinoids. Then, learn what CBL products are available, and begin your preparations for the coming cannabicyclol wave.

What is CBL?

Cannabicyclol is a rare cannabinoid that naturally occurs when cannabichromene (CBC) oxidizes. In this way, cannabicyclol has the same relationship to CBC that cannabinol (CBN) has to THC—both cannabinoids are entirely natural but only appear when another cannabinoid oxidizes.

A variety of factors can cause CBC to oxidize into CBL. Heat, age, and UV light can all trigger the process, but in most cases, CBL is artificially oxidized in a lab. This does nothing to contaminate the end product but simply speeds along the conversion process.

What kind of research is being done on CBL?

Cannabicyclol is one of the least-researched cannabinoids. A full pharmacological evaluation has yet to be conducted, meaning we still don’t have any direct evidence regarding whether CBL might offer unique benefits compared to other cannabinoids.

While this means there’s a lot we still can’t say about CBL, it also makes this cannabinoid a hotbed of possibilities. It’s anyone’s guess what we might learn about CBL in the future, but here’s what we know so far:

1. CBL was first discovered by Raphael Mechoulam’s Israeli team of cannabis researchers¹ in 1966

2. Considerable chemical experimentation² has been conducted upon cannabicyclol since, but little attention has been paid to its potential medicinal uses

3. In 2008, cannabicyclol was detected in a 2,700-year-old cannabis sample³ unearthed in China

4. Recent consumer interest in CBL will likely spur further research—including a comprehensive pharmacological evaluation

Who is the target audience for CBL?

Once products containing cannabicyclol become available, they will most likely appeal to adventurous consumers who are already accustomed to cannabinoids and want to try something new. We don’t know which potential benefits CBL may offer at this point, making it difficult to speculate on this cannabinoid’s eventual appeal with any greater specificity.

What are the effects of CBL?

At the moment, we’re largely in the dark regarding how CBL affects the human body and might alter your mind. Since this cannabinoid is a derivative of CBC, however, it is likely to be non-intoxicating. CBC has thoroughly non-intoxicating effects, and if the relationship between THC and CBN is any example, cannabinoids that emerge via oxidation usually have weaker effects than their origin substances.

What are the benefits of CBL?

Until the pharmacological effects of CBL are fully understood, we only have enough data to speculate on one of this cannabinoid’s potential benefits: its contribution to the entourage effect. The ultimate cannabis experience seems to be hidden away in some as-yet-undiscovered combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The more cannabinoids we have to work with, the more likely we’ll discover new ways to expand the benefits of the entourage effect⁴.

CBL vs. CBD vs. CBG vs. CBT vs. THC

How does CBL compare to other cannabinoids in terms of its effects, benefits, and regulatory status? Let’s find out:

CBL vs. CBD

Other than both being non-intoxicating, CBL doesn’t appear to bear that much resemblance to CBD. The two hemp cannabinoids come from considerably different lineages, after all: CBD converts from CBGa via CBDa while CBL takes the long way around as a metabolite of CBC. We’ll know more about how CBD and CBL square up once we’ve acquired significant data regarding CBL’s potential benefits.

CBL vs. CBG

Likewise, the relationship between CBG and CBL doesn’t seem all that close. As a direct metabolite of CBGa, CBG is only one degree of separation away from the cannabinoid “source” while CBL is a few more degrees removed. The benefits of CBG and CBL may line up in ways that will only become apparent once we’ve learned more about CBL’s effects in the human body.

CBL vs. CBT

CBL and CBT are more related than most cannabinoids. Both substances are derived from CBC: While CBL emerges from CBC due to oxidation, CBT comes into existence when CBC undergoes an enzymatic reaction. As is the case with CBL, future research will reveal the potential benefits of CBT, but the ever-increasing popularity of cannabinoids all-but ensures future research into both substances.

CBL vs. THC

CBL isn’t very similar to THC. These two substances emerge during the maturation of cannabis flower in very different ways, and the effects of CBL and THC are unlikely to line up in any major categories.  While we still do not know about CBL’s effects, it’s very unlikely this cannabinoid induces any degree of intoxication.

Which cannabinoids compliment CBL products?

It might still be too soon to start adding CBL to white label cannabinoid products, but we can still speculate regarding which types of bulk CBL products will be popular once this cannabinoid becomes more widely available. While there will ultimately be infinite ways to include CBL in hemp formulations, we think this cannabinoid will pair most nicely with CBC and CBG.

CBC

In addition to the entourage effect, CBC and CBL combine to offer another type of synergy. CBC itself is relatively new to the cannabinoid market, and pairing CBC with CBL helps consumers familiarize themselves with this entire family of new hemp compounds. Plus, CBL will benefit from the increased legitimacy CBC offers as a cannabinoid that has been on the market for a while already.

CBG

CBD has done so much to change the world, but in the end, it’s only one cannabinoid. This leader of the hemp movement has learned to share space with CBG, which is increasingly viewed as CBD’s equal across the board. Pairing CBL with CBG preserves CBL’s novel mystique while also offering benefits you won’t find in CBD products.

Best white label products to infuse with CBL

Once bulk CBL becomes available, which types of products will be best to infuse with the unprecedented benefits of this rare cannabinoid? We think capsules, tinctures, and gummies will lead the way as the emerging CBL market evolves.

1. White label CBL capsules

Capsules are familiar enough to make even brand-new cannabinoids like CBL seem approachable. Plus, capsules are inherently convenient, and hemp consumers have already gotten used to taking their daily doses of cannabinoids in capsule form. It’s simple to combine multiple cannabinoids inside capsules, leaving room for CBL products that target the entourage effect.

2. Wholesale CBL tinctures

Some hemp consumers will be fans of capsules, and others will prefer tinctures. In fact, some cannabinoid users like to have both on hand—tinctures allow more pinpoint dosing but are less convenient while capsules offer unique value thanks to their dose-and-forget simplicity. Crafting a CBL tincture will provide you with opportunities to put your brand’s unique stamp on your products in the form of a singular blend of additional ingredients.

3. Bulk CBL gummies

Gummies are taking the cannabinoid market by storm, and the distinctive appeal of hemp gummies perfectly complements the brand-newness of CBL. Formulable in sweet or sour variations, gummies lend a friendly zest to using hemp that accentuates CBL’s never-before-experienced benefits.

How to succeed with CBL

First, CBD proved the general market was ready for cannabis-derived products as long as they didn’t contain enough THC to get you high. Then, CBG proved the world of hemp isn’t limited to just CBD. Over the intervening years, additional non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBN, CBC, CBDv, and CBGa emerged, further expanding the hemp playing field and revealing the foundations of a much-larger global cannabinoid economy than anyone ever anticipated.

Consider the ongoing emergence of cannabinoids like CBL and CBT as the “fourth wave” of the hemp economy. By now, there are so many cannabinoids available that consumers have overcome their skepticism and will more readily accept each new hemp cannabinoid as it appears. The mystery of CBL is its greatest attribute at the moment, but as we learn more about what this cannabinoid has to offer, CBL will find its rightful place within a pantheon of hemp compounds increasingly viewed as legitimate medicines.

Though it might not be available yet, start planning for your products to contain CBL sooner rather than later. In the near future, the brand that’s best able to blend the benefits of multiple cannabinoids into a single product will command the most consumer attention, so emerging cannabinoids like CBL shouldn’t be exempt from your expectations for the bright future of the global hemp industry.

Cannabicyclol cannabinoid FAQs

1. Is CBL better than CBD?

We don’t know enough about CBL yet to say how it might compare to CBD. On the other hand, we now know enough about CBD to conclude that it might have at least some therapeutic potential against some conditions, resulting in — among other things — a prescription drug being made using CBD. As more CBL research comes in over the next few years, we might find sufficient evidence to start comparing it to other cannabinoids.

2. Is CBL the same as CBT?

No, CBL and CBT are different cannabinoids even though they’re often associated with each other. There’s solid grounds for this association since both cannabinoids are related to CBC, but it appears that CBL and CBT have unique properties justifying conducting research into each cannabinoid in greater detail.

3. Is CBL psychoactive?

There is no indication that CBL is psychoactive in the sense of being intoxicating, but all cannabinoids are psychoactive to some degree — even CBD. With that said, CBL is related to CBC, which is considered to be non-intoxicating. As a result, the logical likelihood that CBL will be found to have intoxicating attributes is very low.

4. What does CBL do to your brain?

We don’t know enough about CBL yet to speculate on the potential effects it might have on the human brain. Studies into CBC, though (the source compound of CBL), suggest that this cannabinoid might interact strongly with the TRP receptors throughout your body, which are involved in inflammation and inflammatory pain. CBL should be researched in more detail both to confirm or deny these purported effects of CBC and also to determine if they might be stronger when offered in the form of this close derivative.

Sources

1. 1. Hashish. Its Chemistry and Pharmacology. (1966). Annals of Internal Medicine, 64(1), 227. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-64-1-227_7
2. 2. Vree, T., Breimer, D., van Ginneken, C., & van Rossum, J. (1972). Identification of cannabicyclol with a pentyl or propyl side-chain by means of combined as chromatography—mass spectrometry. Journal of Chromatography A, 74(1), 124–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0021-9673(01)94980-5
3. 3. Russo, E. B., Jiang, H. E., Li, X., Sutton, A., Carboni, A., del Bianco, F., Mandolino, G., Potter, D. J., Zhao, Y. X., Bera, S., Zhang, Y. B., Lü, E. G., Ferguson, D. K., Hueber, F., Zhao, L. C., Liu, C. J., Wang, Y. F., & Li, C. S. (2008). Phytochemical and genetic analyses of ancient cannabis from Central Asia. Journal of Experimental Botany, 59(15), 4171–4182. https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/ern260
4. 4. Russo, E. B. (2019). The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2018.01969

Dubbed “the plant of the thousand and one molecules¹,” cannabis always provides us with new opportunities for discovery. Although the existence of CBT has been known for some time, the potential uses of this minor cannabinoid have only recently been explored.

With the latest advancements in cannabis science, it’s easy to imagine a world in which even the rarest cannabinoids are readily available. In this guide, you will learn what CBT is, and why you should be keeping track of the rapid evolution of CBT in the cannabis world.

What is CBT?

Cannabicitran (CBT) is a rare—yet naturally occurring—hemp cannabinoid that is also known as CBT-C. It was first synthesized in 1971 by Crombie and Ponsford² At the time, they named it citrylidene-cannabis. In 1974, Bercht et al³ were the first to detect naturally occurring Cannabicitran in Cannabis sativa.. CBT has been a primary target of research and development operations since 2019.⁴ In fact, industry leaders are currently in the early stages of developing a variety of CBT products that could revolutionize the hemp industry by unlocking the unique benefits of this highly promising cannabinoid.

We’re still learning about all the different ways this cannabinoid might affect the human body. Like CBD and CBG, however, CBT appears to be non-intoxicating, and its potential benefits are significant enough to be worthy of growing attention from the international scientific community.

What kind of research is being done on CBT?

Research into CBT is limited at present. In 2011, Japanese researchers isolated a substance chemically identical to CBT⁵ from Rhododendron anthopogonoides, a plant extensively used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It could be argued that TCM practitioners have been using CBT for centuries, lending legitimacy to modern CBT research.

Then, an exhaustive 2018 study published in Natural Product Communications⁶ provided more background regarding the origins of CBT in cannabis. An unstable cannabinoid easily altered by enzymatic reactions, cannabichromene (CBC)⁷, serves as the immediate chemical precursor of CBT in cannabis, not CBGa. This information raises new questions, regarding the metabolism of cannabis flowers as they mature.

The scientific community is eagerly looking forward to the results of research into CBT. This rare cannabinoid’s unique benefits are just now being uncovered, and what we’ve learned so far has the potential to revolutionize the global cannabis industry.

Who is the target audience for CBT?

Right now, CBT most appeals to adventurous cannabinoid consumers who always want to try the next best thing. It is still somewhat of a scientific mystery how this cannabinoid affects the human body and mind at present, but fans of CBD and CBG are endlessly eager to try new, non-psychoactive cannabinoids that may impart unique benefits not offered by other hemp compounds.

What are the effects of CBT?

Based on limited anecdotal testimony, CBT appears to have non-intoxicating effects that largely resemble the effects offered by CBD, CBG, or any other hemp cannabinoid that doesn’t cause intoxication. As one of the most obscure and least-used hemp substances, there isn’t enough anecdotal evidence yet to draw any firm conclusions regarding how CBT will affect individuals on a case-by-case basis.

What are the benefits of CBT?

In the cannabis industry, CBT is sometimes used as an anti-crystallization ingredient since it helps compounds like CBD resist reverting to their natural crystalline states. The chemical structure of CBT has the same relationship to CBD as CBD has to THC, making it useful in identifying cannabinoids in a sample.

A 1984 study⁸  revealed the impact of CBT on glaucoma, potentially making this cannabinoid a non-intoxicating cannabis option for glaucoma patients currently using THC. Given CBT’s unique chemical synthesis within the cannabis flower, we can expect to be surprised regarding what we learn about this cannabinoid’s unique benefits over the coming years.

CBT Cannabinoid Comparisons

To further elucidate the unique benefits of CBT, let’s compare it to a few other cannabinoids:

CBT vs. CBD

In molecular structure, CBT bears a close resemblance to CBD. The two cannabinoids also appear to have similar effects, making CBD and CBT an ideal pair, especially given CBD’s ongoing popularity.

CBT vs. CBG

As a fellow non-intoxicating cannabinoid, CBT and CBG (cannabigerol) are more similar than they are different. CBG is the “parent molecule” from which all the most popular cannabis compounds are made. However, CBT is a much more extensively modified cannabinoid than its parent, CBG.

CBT vs. CBL

Based on what little we know already, CBT and cannabicyclol (CBL) appear to be quite similar. They’re both derivatives of CBC and they’re both non-intoxicating. While CBT emerges via natural enzymatic processes in cannabis, CBL comes into existence when CBC oxidizes.

CBT vs. THC

CBT and THC aren’t very similar. THC is one of the few cannabinoids to cause intoxicating effects, a trait CBT doesn’t seem to share. From a regulatory perspective, the legal status of THC and CBT are also quite different. THC remains a Schedule I drug, while CBT simply falls under the unregulated industrial hemp category of cannabis products.

Which cannabinoids complement CBT?

When CBT becomes available, it will initially be challenging for products containing this novel cannabinoid to gain traction, unless it’s paired with a substance that people are already familiar with. To this end, we suggest combining CBT with either CBD or CBC: CBD to take the well-traveled route and CBC for a more experimental perspective.

CBD

The gold standard of hemp cannabinoids, CBD, is now as trusted as any over-the-counter medicine or natural remedy. As such, it’s the ideal cannabinoid to pair with CBT—especially since CBD and CBT appear to offer similar effects. It’s the most popular cannabinoid on the market, so CBD is available in the widest array of bulk ingredient types.

CBC

CBC is just as ideal of a match for CBT as CBD but for different reasons. CBD and CBT are chemically related. However, CBT and CBC share even more similarities. CBC offers the allure of a new cannabinoid that is, nonetheless, more familiar and approachable than CBT. Like CBT, CBC is non-intoxicating.

Best White Label Products To Infuse With CBT

When will bulk CBT products become available on the market? Three particular product types jump out as ideal matches for the unique benefits of CBT:

1. Wholesale CBT tinctures

Tinctures are the trusted standby of the hemp industry. Consumers are already used to taking tinctures and they rely on them to deliver the benefits of any cannabinoid quickly and effectively.

Tinctures are easily formulable with myriad different botanical ingredients and oils. It’s easy to make a tincture into a unique “business card” consumers can use to identify your brand. What better way to make your brand noticeable than by incorporating a new, exciting cannabinoid!

2. Bulk CBT capsules

Since the dawn of the modern hemp industry, capsules have served as the default alternative for hemp consumers who don’t want to taste their cannabinoids. Bypassing the sublingual route makes encapsulated products not quite as bioavailable as tinctures. Nonetheless, it’s possible to formulate capsules with just as wide an array of ingredients as tinctures, without the need for flavoring. Capsules make CBT more approachable to consumers who are adventurous enough to try a new substance but want to avoid the inherent trickiness of tinctures.

3. White-label CBT gummies

They aren’t quite as carb-free as capsules or tinctures, yet gummies are certainly the tastiest types of hemp products you can infuse with CBT or any other cannabinoid. Making daily dosing with cannabinoids easy and delicious, gummies are the most fun, approachable type of hemp product. These features may help to reduce the level of hesitation consumers experience when trying a new cannabinoid, like CBT.

Preparing for the CBT wave

CBT is hardly the only cannabinoid waiting in the wings. Up until the last decade, research into cannabis was haphazard and mainly carried out by the same teams of isolated Japanese and Israeli researchers. Now that cannabis is increasingly legitimized around the globe, international cannabinoid research efforts have become more cohesive. We’re starting to get some of the first definitive results, regarding the effects of the cannabis plant and the hundreds of distinct compounds it contains.

Alongside CBT, related cannabinoids like CBC and CBL are also rising to the forefront of the hemp industry. If this all seems like too much for consumers to keep track of right now, think back to the status of CBD circa 2010. At that point, nobody could have predicted this then-obscure hemp compound would become a household name within less than a decade.

The consumer market simply needs time to adjust to new trends and entrepreneurs have always benefited by preparing for these surges in sentiment before they occur. It’s never too early to start educating consumers, regarding the oncoming CBT wave. By offering plentiful, related cannabinoids like CBC, you can give your customers a taste of what to expect when CBT products become available.

Cannabicitran FAQs

1. What is CBT distillate?

Cannabicitran distillate consists of isolated CBT combined with a base of hemp distillate. It may contain small concentrations of other cannabinoids, including THC. Distillates also usually include relatively high levels of terpenes and flavonoids that may contribute to the entourage effect.

Even though all available CBT has been made in a lab, this cannabinoid looks just like any other when it is provided in distillate form. Generally, CBT distillate is honey-like in both color and texture, and it has a light floral aroma.

2. CBT vs. CBN?

Though they are both cannabinoids, CBT and CBN have practically nothing in common. While CBT is a very rare cannabinoid that is hardly ever found in cannabis, CBN is a natural oxidant of THC, so it’s found everywhere. Furthermore, we can’t identify any ways in which the effects of CBN and CBT might line up since both cannabinoids have hardly received their fair share of academic attention.

3. What is the difference between H4CBD and CBT?

The primary difference between CBT and H4CBD is their origin: While CBT is rare but naturally occurring, H4CBD can only be made in a lab. These cannabinoids are actually quite similar in terms of what we know about them — both H4CBD and CBT remain largely mysterious to scientists, though new research is underway. You’ll also face roughly the same level of difficulty, attempting to find a reliable source of either rare cannabinoid.

4. What are the benefits of CBT?

At this stage, it’s truly impossible to say much about the potential therapeutic benefits of CBT because this cannabinoid has hardly been researched. This rare cannabinoid appears to share one of CBD’s main benefits: it is non-intoxicating. At this time, there’s no reason to believe it’s any more toxic than other natural cannabinoids.

In its isolated form, CBT is as easy to mix into products as any other type of cannabinoid isolate. If anecdotal reports are to be believed, this rare cousin of CBT may even have unique medicinal benefits to offer. With so few sources of CBT on the market, it can be hard to pin down a reliable supply of this very new — and very rare — hemp substance.

Sources

1. 1. Andre, C. M., Hausman, J. F., & Guerriero, G. (2016). Cannabis sativa: The Plant of the Thousand and One Molecules. Frontiers in Plant Science, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2016.00019
2. 2. Bercht, C., Lousberg, R. J., Küppers, F. J., & Salemink, C. A. (1974). Cannabicitran: A new naturally occurring tetracyclic diether from lebanese Cannabis sativa. Phytochemistry, 13(3), 619–621. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0031-9422(00)91362-1
3. 3. (2019, December 9). GVB Biopharma Begins Research on CBT (Cannabicitran), Unexplored Cannabinoid [Press release]. https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/gvb-biopharma-begins-research-on-cbt-cannabicitran-unexplored-cannabinoid/
4. 4. Iwata, N., & Kitanaka, S. (2011). New Cannabinoid-Like Chromane and Chromene Derivatives from Rhododendron anthopogonoides. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 59(11), 1409–1412. https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.59.1409
5. 5. Pollastro, F., Caprioglio, D., del Prete, D., Rogati, F., Minassi, A., Taglialatela-Scafati, O., Munoz, E., & Appendino, G. (2018). Cannabichromene. Natural Product Communications, 13(9), 1934578X1801300. https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578×1801300922
6. 6. Elsohly, M. A., Harland, E. C., Benigni, D. A., & Waller, C. W. (1984). Cannabinoids in glaucoma II: The effect of different cannabinoids on intraocular pressure of the rabbit. Current Eye Research, 3(6), 841–850. https://doi.org/10.3109/02713688409000797
7. 7. Elsohly, M. A., Harland, E. C., Benigni, D. A., & Waller, C. W. (1984). Cannabinoids in glaucoma II: The effect of different cannabinoids on intraocular pressure of the rabbit. Current Eye Research, 3(6), 841–850. https://doi.org/10.3109/02713688409000797

Since CBN is gaining popularity faster than almost any other cannabinoid, it’s time to compare two of the most common types of CBN extracts: distillate and isolate. Each form of CBN has its unique advantages, but one type of extract might be more ideal for your particular purposes.

In this guide, we’ll start by making sure you’re familiar with the basics regarding CBN. Then, we’ll briefly define CBN distillate and isolate before diving into a more detailed comparison.

What is CBN?

Cannabinol (CBN) is a natural cannabinoid that’s considered a metabolite of THC. While THC has strong psychoactive effects, however, CBN won’t get you high. In this way, cannabinol is more similar to CBD or CBG regardless of its origins.

CBN is produced from THC due to oxidation – a natural process when THC ages or is exposed to light or heat. While CBN naturally appears when THC oxidizes, it’s also possible to convert CBN from CBD or other hemp cannabinoids. As a result, CBN is now widely sold online.

What are the benefits of CBN?

As one of the least-studied cannabinoids, the benefits of CBN are not yet fully understood. Extremely dated and limited research¹ tentatively indicates CBN should be further researched in the context of sleep-promotion, but modern research into this cannabinoid has focused more on its potential pain-relief² and neuroprotective³ effects. Regardless of its individual benefits, CBN may boost the intensity of the entourage effect⁴ when included in products alongside other hemp cannabinoids. Remember that the entourage effect occurs when cannabinoids work together synergistically to enhance the effects of each other.

How do you use CBN in products?

While research is sill being conducted about the possible sleep-promotion effects of CBN, the general public seems convinced that CBN shows promise as a sleep aid, leading to a heightening popularity of CBN in sleep-promoting products. Awareness has also spread to some degree regarding research into CBN as an analgesic. However, this cannabinoid is mainly desirable as an accompaniment to other hemp compounds due to its entourage effect.

While the individual benefits of CBN require an expert touch to convey, CBD is now a household name, and many CBD consumers are aware of the entourage effect. As a result, the value of any CBD product is likely boosted in the eyes of the consumer if CBN is also included on the label.

What is CBN extract?

CBN extract is derived from a cannabinoid-rich hemp flower that predominantly contains the cannabinoid CBN. This type of bulk hemp ingredient comes in a variety of forms, the most notable of which are distillate and isolate. The potency of CBN distillate and isolate ranges from 70-97% total cannabinoids, and each type of extract can be included in a wide variety of different product types.

What is CBN distillate?

CBN distillate is a distilled cannabinoid extract that contains high concentrations of CBN. While CBN distillate is more purified than a crude extract, it still retains the minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial substances naturally present in hemp flowers. This attribute makes CBN distillate highly desirable for products like tinctures, gummies, and vape cartridges.

CBN distillate usually has a honey-like appearance and consistency, and it can offer CBN potencies as high as 80%. Some forms of CBN distillate contain trace amounts of THC, but it’s also possible to remove all detectable concentrations of THC from this type of extract.

What is CBN isolate?

CBN isolate consists almost entirely of pure cannabinol molecules. Offering 97%+ chemical purity, CBN isolate is ideal for formulating into a wide variety of products  even if it is not especially usable in its raw form.

Where this isolated product truly shines is in its ideal suitability for combination with other cannabinoid extracts. CBN isolate makes it easy to infuse any new or existing products with the unique and intriguing benefits of CBN.

CBN distillate vs. CBN isolate

Now that you have a general idea of what CBN distillate and isolate are, it’s time to compare these two types of hemp extract in more detail. We’ll pit CBN isolate and CBN distillate against each other in eight distinct categories, and by the end, you’ll be much closer to knowing which type of extract to include in your products:

Effects

Because the extracts contain the same molecule the effects of CBN isolate and distillate should be largely the same. Nonetheless, the effects of CBN distillate may be somewhat stronger due to the presence of minor cannabinoids and terpenes. Then again, CBN isolate often contains higher concentrations of total cannabinoids than CBN distillate, potentially equalizing the intensity of the effects provided by the two extracts.

Powder

CBN isolate naturally comes in a powder form, making it easy to infuse into any bulk cannabinoid ingredient—especially water-soluble powder. Even though it’s honey-like in its natural state, it’s just as possible to translate the somewhat wider benefits of CBN distillate into a water-soluble powder extract.

Liquid

Because of its consistency, CBN distillate is naturally ideal for liquid formulations, including both water-soluble liquid and crystal-resistant distillate. Isolates, like CBN isolate, can also be formulated into liquid formulas even though they are entirely dry in their natural state.

Uses

CBN distillate and isolate have roughly the same number of potential uses even if their potential uses don’t necessarily all overlap. For vape cartridges, the full-spectrum attributes of CBN distillate are more preferable, but CBN isolate may be ideal for formulations that are already complex and difficult to balance. Since it’s possible to formulate both types of extracts to contain undetectable concentrations of THC, CBN isolate and distillate are both equally desirable from a regulatory standpoint.

Products

Examples of products that are ideal for the utter simplicity CBN isolate include:

1. Capsules

2. Tablets

3. Topicals

Products that are ideal for the rich flavors of CBN distillate, however, include:

1. Vape cartridges

2. Tinctures

3. Gummies

In reality, either type of CBN extract can be included in any of the product types listed above. It all depends on what you’re trying to accomplish and the audience you’re trying to reach. Speak with a qualified cannabinoid white labeller to take a more personalized approach to developing your new CBN product.

Minor cannabinoids

Here’s a category in which there’s a clear and distinct difference between CBN isolate and CBN distillate. While CBN distillate features a rich entourage of minor cannabinoids, CBN isolate does not. Due to its purity, the isolate consists solely of the CBN molecule, rendered down into an almost completely molecularly pure state.

If you want to capture the boost offered by the entourage effect, therefore, you’ll need to go with CBN distillate instead of CBN isolate. CBN distillate contains small concentrations of CBD, CBG, CBC, and other minor cannabinoids, potentially augmenting its effects in a myriad of subtle ways.

Ongoing research

The majority of research into cannabinoids—including research into CBN—focuses on the effects these hemp and cannabis compounds exert when isolated. A growing call is emerging, however, to get to the bottom of the impact of the entourage effect on the benefits of cannabinoids, leading to more research involving cannabinoid distillates. Regardless of which type of extract is used, we’ll learn more about how to use this cannabinoid in products with each new CBN study published.

How do I choose the right CBN extract?

Now that you’re familiar with all the important details regarding CBN distillate and isolate, how do you choose the right type of CBN extract for your exact purposes? Let’s take a look at some of the facts.

In the past, cannabinoid isolates were desirable due to their lack of THC. These days, however, it’s just as possible to remove all detectable traces of THC from distillate, eliminating this advantage.

In the modern hemp market, the main reason you wouldn’t use CBN distillate is to avoid unbalancing a product formulation. If a product already contains a cannabinoid distillate, for instance, increasing the ratio of oils in the formulation could be undesirable. In this case, you could add the benefits of CBN to the product using an isolate extract instead.

The reality is that there are dozens of factors like this to consider when choosing the right cannabinoid extract: all of which are equally important. That’s why it’s best to put your product line together with the expert guidance of a reputable hemp white labeller.

CBN isolate vs. distillate: The bottom line

CBN isolate and distillate may contain the same cannabinoid, but the differences between these two cannabinoid extracts can take an expert touch to properly discern. Choosing the wrong extract could doom an otherwise promising product, but including the right kind of CBN in your product formulation is the first step toward success in the rapidly evolving fringe cannabinoid market.

To unlock the potential benefits of CBN to the fullest for your customers, it’s best to formulate your CBN product line with the help of experienced hemp private labelers. At GVB Biopharma, we exert full vertical integration throughout the production process to ensure the highest possible standards of quality and reliability, and we have the expertise necessary to deliver key insights on product formulation and customization. Contact us to get started.

CBN extract comparison FAQs

1. Is CBN isolate or distillate better?

When comparing CBN isolate to CBN distillate, it would be a mistake to consider one type of extract to be inherently superior to the other. CBN isolate might be the inferior decision in some situations, but there are also plenty of product types in which oily distillates are the wrong choice. Weigh the pros and cons of both CBN isolate and CBN distillate to determine which type of cannabinoid extract is ideal for your particular situation.

2. What is CBN isolate good for?

CBN isolate is ideal for applications in which you want to add a certain amount of CBN to an existing formulation that already contains cannabinoids. This simplified form of extract can also be suitable for use on its own, but shoppers increasingly demand broad-spectrum or full-spectrum extracts in their cannabinoid products. Easy both to handle and to measure for accurate dosing, consider CBN isolate as the reliable workhorse that might nonetheless be a bit less imaginative than other forms of CBN extract.

3. Is CBN distillate water-soluble?

No, CBN distillate is not water-soluble unless otherwise specified. We do, though, offer a water-soluble CBN distillate liquid — contact a client support representative to learn more about this innovative and versatile product type.

4. How much CBN do you need to use?

Due to a general lack of research into this cannabinoid, there is no definitive answer regarding how much CBN each individual should use. Based on the research that has been conducted, though, it appears that there is very little risk associated with using even high concentrations of CBN. While it’s always appropriate to start using any cannabinoid at a low dose, it is recommended to consult with a doctor to determine a dose that is safe for you.

Sources

1. 1. Karniol, I. G., Shirakawa, I., Takahashi, R. N., Knobel, E., & Musty, R. E. (1975). Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabinol in Man. Pharmacology, 13(6), 502–512. https://doi.org/10.1159/000136944
2. 2. Wong, H., & Cairns, B. E. (2019). Cannabidiol, cannabinol, and their combinations act as peripheral analgesics in a rat model of myofascial pain. Archives of Oral Biology, 104, 33–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2019.05.028
3. 3. Weydt, P., Hong, S., Witting, A., Möller, T., Stella, N., & Kliot, M. (2005). Cannabinol delays symptom onset in SOD1 (G93A) transgenic mice without affecting survival. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, 6(3), 182–184. https://doi.org/10.1080/14660820510030149
4. 4. Ferber, S. G., Namdar, D., Hen-Shoval, D., Eger, G., Koltai, H., Shoval, G., Shbiro, L., & Weller, A. (2020). The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. Current Neuropharmacology, 18(2), 87–96. https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159×17666190903103923

The carboxylic acid CBGa (cannabigerolic acid) plays a critical role in the development of popular cannabinoids during the maturation of the cannabis flower. Recently, CBGa has come into the spotlight due to its usefulness in synthesizing cannabinoids. This cannabinoid precursor became even more famous when CBGa was included in a groundbreaking OSU study into cannabinoids and COVID¹.

In this guide, learn what CBGa is, how it’s different from CBD and CBDa, and everything we know about its benefits so far. With CBGa products now available on the internet, the time has come to demystify this hemp compound and explain its unique properties.

What is CBGa?

Cannabigerolic acid (CBGa)² is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis and hemp. CBGa is the carboxylic acid precursor to cannabigerol (CBG), which means CBGa turns into CBG when exposed to stimuli that trigger decarboxylation. (the removal of a carbon atom from the CBGa molecule).

UV light, age, and heat can all cause decarboxylation, but some CBGa researchers and entrepreneurs want to catch this carboxylic acid before it settles into its final form. If you expose CBGa to certain natural cannabis enzymes, it will change from the precursor to CBG to the precursor to CBD, THC, or a variety of other cannabinoids.

As a result, CBGa is not only valued for its own benefits. This carboxylic acid is also hotly desired for its ability to turn into other compounds.

CBGa effects

Like CBD, CBDa (CBD’s precursor), and the vast majority of cannabinoids, CBGa is non-intoxicating. People who have used CBGa generally report that it has effects that are similar to those of CBG, which—in turn—are usually reported to be very close to the effects of CBD.

Like CBD, CBGa will not cause any form of intoxication, but it won’t provide exactly the same type of non-intoxicating effect as CBD. Results vary depending on the individual, but CBG is usually reported to be more energizing while CBD is more relaxing.

As with all cannabinoids, the effects of CBGa will vary significantly based on how you use it. Orally ingested, CBGa will deliver long-lasting but relatively mild effects. Inhaled, this cannabinoid precursor will provide much stronger effects that persist for a significantly shorter duration.

CBGa benefits

Even though this hemp substance hasn’t received as much attention as CBD or CBDa, a considerable amount of research has been conducted into the potential benefits CBGa may have to offer. In 2018, for instance, scientists investigated the ability of CBGa to reduce levels of heart-harming enzymes.³ Then, in 2019, researchers took a look at CBGa’s usefulness in combating metabolic disorders⁴.

What did the OSU CBGa study say?

Most recently, researchers at the University of Oregon included CBGa as one of the hemp substances they investigated in relation to COVID-19⁵. The OSU researchers wanted to find out if cannabinoids could neutralize spike proteins using both computer models and chemical assays.

In the end, CBGa and CBDa were among the compounds identified for further study due to both cannabinoids having shown possible activity against the spike protein. As a result, CBGa has suddenly been thrust to the forefront of the conversation surrounding cannabinoids and coronavirus.

Does CBGa fight COVID?

We don’t know enough about CBGa yet to be sure whether or not this compound prevents COVID-19 infection or mitigates the symptoms of this infectious disease. Based on the results of preliminary studies, however, the scientific community would certainly be justified in investigating the potential usefulness of CBGa, CBDa, and other hemp compounds for COVID in more detail.

CBGa vs. CBD

Compared to CBD, CBGa is in a completely different class of compounds and has a significantly different chemical structure. CBGa is a carboxylic acid while CBD is a stabilized cannabinoid, and these two hemp substances also appear to exert different effects.

The effects of CBD are often described as relaxing, and the same goes for CBDa. Users hardly ever report that CBD improves their energy levels, though, but CBGa appears to sometimes have an almost stimulating effect.

CBGa vs. CBG

CBGa and CBG are two sides of the same coin. On the one side, we have CBG, the stabilized form. On the other hand, we have CBGa, its carboxylic acid precursor.

Scientists are starting to discern, however, that CBGa and CBG aren’t exactly alike. For one thing, it’s easy to transform CBGa into a wide variety of different stabilized cannabinoids while the same can’t be said for CBG.

What is CBGa’s decarboxylation temperature?

CBGa converts (decarboxylates) into CBG at 110°C⁷. This means you need to heat CBGa molecules to at least 110 degrees C (230 degrees F) to convert it into CBG. It also means you’ll need to keep your CBGa below this temperature if you plan to use enzymes to transform it into a different carboxylic acid.

What is the best CBGa dosage?

At this point, we don’t know enough about CBGa to provide guidelines for its dosage. The FDA has not even released dosing guidelines for CBD yet, indicating that official standards for CBG and CBGa use are likely many years in the future. If you intend to use this cannabinoid precursor in the interim, just follow the usual dosing procedure you use when trying new hemp compounds for the first time: Start small, and increase your dosage over time as desired.

Does CBGa make you high?

No, just like CBG, CBGa does not have an intoxicating effect. While CBGa might affect your mental state differently than CBD, this cannabinoid precursor’s mildly energizing effets don’t reach the threshold for intoxication. On the contrary, using CBGa might make you feel vaguely upbeat or more prepared to face the day’s challenges.

Is cannabigerolic acid in CBD?

Yes, most CBD products contain trace concentrations of CBGa. Concentrations of CBGa in CBD products, however, rarely exceed 1%, making it difficult to experience the benefits of this cannabinoid by using full-spectrum CBD alone. If you want to enjoy everything CBGa has to offer, ingest this cannabinoid in a product that has been specifically designed to contain high concentrations of CBGa.

How potent is CBGa flower?

Recently, CBG-rich hemp flower has become popular on the internet, with the main active compound in CBG flower being CBGa. The CBG-rich hemp flowers contain high amounts of CBGa because they have not yet undergone decarboxylation thus, the majority of the CBG they contain is still in the form of the carboxylic acid CBGa. At present, the most potent CBG hemp flower contains around 20% total cannabinoids, of which CBGa constitutes a maximum of around 15%.

Where can I buy CBGa products?

You can buy various types of CBGa products online. CBGa products sold online are available on both a retail and wholesale basis. A variety of hemp brands have started offering products containing CBGa in the wake of the OSU COVID study, and there are a few different online CBGa bulk suppliers and white labellers to choose from.

Some examples of popular CBGa product formulations include:

1. CBGa tinctures

2. CBGa capsules

3. CBGa topicals

4. CBGa tablets

5. CBGa gummies

Can I buy CBGa wholesale?

Yes, the cannabinoid precursor CBGa is available online from a variety of different retailers. Quite a few different types of CBGa extract are offered, but remember that it pays to choose your cannabinoid supplier carefully.

Only cannabinoid producers with fully vertically integrated operations and comprehensive multi-stage analytics can produce the type of pure, high-grade CBGa you want to formulate competitive products. Hemp white labellers who go out of their way to acquire every relevant certification should also be preferred.

Is CBGa legal?

Like most cannabinoids aside from THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), CBGa generally falls under the definition of “industrial hemp” as per the 2018 Farm Bill⁸. As a result, CBGa products are not considered to be illegal drugs as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. CBGa products that contain less than this THC threshold are widely shipped and sold across state lines.

Can I sell CBGa products?

Yes, CBGa is generally considered to be an industrial hemp product on the federal, state, county, and municipal level, making obstacles to offering CBGa products online or in your local community rare. As a non-intoxicating cannabinoid with immense potential medicinal benefit, preventing the sale of CBGa products does not appear to be a significant law enforcement objective.

CBGa: Final thoughts

CBGa is just one of a growing roster of new cannabinoids that have the potential to entirely disrupt the hemp industry. While the OSU study has recieved a lot of attention lately, COVID isn’t the only application where CBGa research should be furthered.

There are dozens of ways this cannabinoid precursor might improve human lives, and CBGa will certainly play an important role in cannabis synthesis for years to come. For excellent prices on the world’s best bulk CBGa products, contact one of GVB Biopharma’s business development representatives.

CBGa FAQs

1. How does CBGa make you feel?

According to people who have used this cannabinoid, CBGa seems to have an effect similar to CBG.

Keep in mind, though, that many methods of using CBGa result in converting this cannabinoid into CBG, making products like CBGa vapes essentially CBG products instead. Choose your formulation wisely when crafting a best-selling CBGa product, and always remember that there’s a lot left to learn about both CBG and CBGa.

2. What is considered to be a high CBGa percentage?

In hemp, CBGa can sometimes naturally occur in concentrations of 15% or higher. It is the primary form of CBG found in CBG-rich hemp, and it only oxidizes into CBG after hemp is harvested and processed. CBGa extracts should contain at least 40-50% CBGa with most boasting upwards of 60%.

3. ​​What is CBGa used for?

In the world of consumer hemp products, CBGa is only commonly used in products that are specifically designed to feature this niche cannabinoid. It is sometimes added to CBD or CBG tinctures, for instance, to provide differentiation from competing products.

In the world of cannabinoid science, on the other hand, CBGa is very popular as a raw material used to produce other cannabinoids via enzymatic conversion. Dubbed the “stem cell cannabinoid,” it appears CBGa has an important role to play in the future of cannabinoid research.

4. CBGa vs CBG?

Put side by side, how does CBGa compare to CBG? In the end, it’s a bit hard to compare the two cannabinoids since CBGa naturally converts to CBG at relatively low temperatures. The two compounds are definitely chemically distinct, though, and they appear to affect the body in different ways.

This cannabinoid has a unique chemical structure that seems to have made it the subject of intense interest to researchers, potentially suggesting CBGa has something to offer that CBG does not. Both cannabinoids, though, are non-intoxicating and appear to lack significant side effects.

Sources

1. Oregon State research shows hemp compounds prevent coronavirus from. (2022, January 11). Life at OSU. https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/oregon-state-research-shows-hemp-compounds-prevent-coronavirus-entering-human-cells
2. Havelka, J. (2021, January 25). What is CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid) & what does this cannabinoid do? Leafly. https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/what-is-cbga-cannabigerolic-acid-marijuana-cannabinoid
3. Smeriglio, A., Giofrè, S. V., Galati, E. M., Monforte, M. T., Cicero, N., D’Angelo, V., Grassi, G., & Circosta, C. (2018). Inhibition of aldose reductase activity by chemotypes extracts with high content of cannabidiol or cannabigerol. Fitoterapia, 127, 101–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2018.02.002
4. D’Aniello, E., Fellous, T., Iannotti, F. A., Gentile, A., Allarà, M., Balestrieri, F., Gray, R., Amodeo, P., Vitale, R. M., & di Marzo, V. (2019). Identification and characterization of phytocannabinoids as novel dual PPARα/γ agonists by a computational and in vitro experimental approach. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – General Subjects, 1863(3), 586–597. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.01.002
5. van Breemen, R. B., Muchiri, R. N., Bates, T. A., Weinstein, J. B., Leier, H. C., Farley, S., & Tafesse, F. G. (2022). Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants. Journal of Natural Products, 85(1), 176–184. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00946
6. Sirikantaramas, S., Taura, F., Tanaka, Y., Ishikawa, Y., Morimoto, S., & Shoyama, Y. (2005). Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid Synthase, the Enzyme Controlling Marijuana Psychoactivity, is Secreted into the Storage Cavity of the Glandular Trichomes. Plant and Cell Physiology, 46(9), 1578–1582. https://doi.org/10.1093/pcp/pci166
7. Wang, M., Wang, Y. H., Avula, B., Radwan, M. M., Wanas, A. S., van Antwerp, J., Parcher, J. F., ElSohly, M. A., & Khan, I. A. (2016). Decarboxylation Study of Acidic Cannabinoids: A Novel Approach Using Ultra-High-Performance Supercritical Fluid Chromatography/Photodiode Array-Mass Spectrometry. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 1(1), 262–271. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0020
8. Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill. (2019, July 25). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019