Month: July 2023

If you only consider cannabinoids when unraveling the mysteries of cannabis, you’re only looking at one side of the puzzle. Just as important are terpenes — far more volatile, but also vastly more aromatic than cannabinoids. Terpenes may be more like cannabinoids than we give them credit for, though: Find out exactly what terpenes are and compare the most popular terpenes in this guide.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are volatile, aromatic compounds found in Cannabis sativa and a variety of other plant species throughout nature. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find any plant that does not contain any terpenes at all. These compounds are among the primary flavoring and aromatic agents used in nature, and in cannabis, they’re responsible for the delectable bouquet that accompanies each distinct strain.

Where do terpenes come from?

Terpenes naturally emerge during the maturation process in many plants. The moment that a plant begins to give off an aroma during maturation, it’s likely that terpenes are beginning to develop.

Even common flavors in herbs are present due to the presence of terpenes. Mint leaves taste minty, for instance, due to the presence of menthol — a terpene¹.

The development schedule of terpenes is different in each plant. Mint leaves have a mint flavor right from the start, for instance, while terpene production doesn’t begin in cannabis in earnest until the flowering phase begins.

Theories regarding the origins of terpenes vary. What’s clear is that these exceedingly simple compounds contribute a great deal to the complexity of our olfactory and culinary sensibilities as human beings.

What chemical structure do terpenes have?

Unlike cannabinoids, terpenes do not share a common basic structure. While usually quite simple in structure, terpenes span a vast array of different individual structural traits. Some feature cyclic rings while others do not. Still other terpenes consist of chemical pairings so unusual that the mysteries of nature distinctly deepen.

The end result, though, are flavors and aromas so potently sensate that it’s no understatement to say the world would be benighted by their absence. Such a vast body of human creative inspiration has been drawn from terpenes, and it also seems that these compounds have a power to heal that goes beyond merely smelling and tasting good.

What do terpenes do?

Despite their wildly varying structures, terpenes appear to universally exert some degree of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. The exact ways in which these benefits are exerted vary from terpene to terpene, but it’s a genuine mystery of science that terpenes almost always work to reduce bodily inflammation and stress while also contributing aromatic and culinary benefits.

Are terpenes the same as cannabinoids?

No, terpenes are quite a bit different from cannabinoids. That’s not to say they don’t also share similarities — we’ll compare the two categories of compounds in detail below:

Source

Cannabinoids and terpenes are both found in cannabis. While cannabinoids are only found in Cannabis sativa, however, terpenes are also found in many other plants. Both cannabinoids and terpenes are usually naturally derived rather than synthesized, but it’s possible to synthesize both types of compounds if desired.

Structure

Cannabinoids all share a common “mold” or overall structure regardless of how individual cannabinoid structures may vary. The same cannot be said for terpenes, which run the gamut of structures. The structures of most terpenes are comparatively simple, however, while cannabinoids have larger structures with greater molecular mass.

Effects

In some cases, the effects of cannabinoids and terpenes can nearly overlap. The terpene caryophyllene, for instance, acts as a cannabinoid² in the brain and peripheral nervous system.

Generally, though, the simple structures of terpenes are not capable of eliciting the complex neurochemical reactions caused by cannabinoids. Considerable changes to perception are rare with terpenes despite the fact that cannabinoids in the THC family exert psychoactive properties so profound they can only be described as intoxicating.

Legality

There are significant legal and regulatory differences between terpenes and cannabinoids. Put simply, terpenes are not generally regulated in any meaningful way while some cannabinoids are federally illegal drugs.

Until recently, any unique compound that came out of cannabis was generally considered to be equal with THC for regulatory purposes. With the 2014 Farm Bill, however, a separation began between THC and other cannabinoids that culminated four years later in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.

Assuming all goes according to plan, a new Farm Bill should be due in 2023, which will hopefully push the regulation of cannabinoids further forward. All cannabis-specific compounds are still contextualized for regulatory purposes by their association with THC, however — an association that terpenes never had to begin with.

Safety

When ingested at or near the concentrations naturally available in cannabis and hemp, there do not appear to usually be any considerable dangers associated with using terpenes or non-intoxicating cannabinoids. It should be mentioned, however, that terpenes are considered volatile compounds and may combust if improperly stored. In a production sense, at least, terpenes are considerably more dangerous to handle than cannabinoids.

9 common & popular terpenes

Both as standalone ingredients and as additions to cannabinoid products, terpenes have skyrocketed in popularity over recent years. Familiarize yourself with the top 9 terpenes and their aromas below:

1. Limonene

– Found in Citrus fruits
– Potential Effects: Anti-inflammatory³, pain relief, focus & energy
– Flavor & aroma profile: Citrusy, sharp, sour, floral

2. Myrcene

– Found in: Mangoes, hops
– Potential Effects: Antioxidant, sedation⁴, pain relief
– Flavor & aroma profile: Dank, lush, murky

3. Caryophyllene

– Found in: Peppers, cloves
– Potential Effects: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, CB2 activation
– Flavor & aroma profile: Spicy, peppery, cinnamon

4. Pinene

– Found in: Conifer pine needles & sap
– Potential Effects: Anti-inflammatory, neurocognitive, respiratory⁵
– Flavor & aroma profile: Pine, mint

5. Linalool

– Found in: Lavender
– Potential Effects: Pain relief, antioxidant, sedation⁶
– Flavor & aroma profile: Floral, sweet, lavender

6. Terpinolene

– Found in: Fruit trees
– Potential Effects: Relaxation, antioxidant, pain relief
– Flavor & aroma profile: Pine, citrus, other terpenes

7. Eucalyptol

– Found in: Eucalyptus trees
– Potential Effects: Cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular benefits⁷
– Flavor & aroma profile: Eucalyptus

8. Borneol

– Found in: Ginger, thyme, other herbs
– Potential Effects: Pain relief, antioxidant, drug enhancement⁸
– Flavor & aroma profile: Camphor, sharp, balsamic

9. Nerolidol

– Found in: Ginger, jasmine, tea tree, and more
– Potential Effects: Sedation, antioxidant, antifungal⁹
– Flavor & aroma profile: Jasmine, lemongrass

How to use terpenes in products

Terpenes are increasingly in demand as ingredients in cannabinoid products. Shoppers are becoming aware that terpenes are naturally present in cannabis, and they do not believe they are getting the full cannabis experience without the presence of terpenes.

Generally, shoppers prefer cannabis-derived terpenes. However, botanical terpenes (meaning terpenes from non-cannabis sources) can usually be substituted without any reduction in product quality. To ensure that quality remains maximized, botanical terpenes should be mixed by a competent producer.

Terpenes can be added to tinctures to improve their flavor and effects. They can be added to topicals to make them naturally aromatic. Terpenes can even play a role in cannabis mints and tablets — the options are endless.

Summary: Are terpenes important?

Though they have historically been overlooked during the development of the cannabis industry, it’s certainly starting to appear that terpenes are just as integral to the beneficial effects of cannabis as cannabinoids.

Not only is cannabis stripped of its most flavorful and aromatic parts when terpenes are omitted, but its benefits are also purposelessly limited. While they might be perfectly fine as therapeutic substances on their own, cannabinoids seem to only reach their full depth of expression when accompanied by terpenes.

As time goes by, adding terpenes will become standard practice in the cannabinoid industry. Start incorporating terpenes into your products today rather than waiting to be swept away by this mounting trend.

Terpene FAQ

Finish out our inquiry into terpenes with these answers to common questions:

1. Are terpenes sativa or indica?

Terpenes are neither indica nor sativa in themselves, but they are nonetheless the compounds that cause indica or sativa effects in cannabis. By combining in hundreds of unique ways, terpenes elicit specific effects in cannabis that have been identified as “indica” or “sativa.” Without terpenes, all strains of cannabis would be roughly the same in terms of flavor, aroma, and even effects.

2. Are terpenes good for you?

All terpenes researched so far appear to offer at least some degree of beneficial effects in the human body. Even more impressively, not a terpene has been discovered that appears to be entirely bad for human beings.

That doesn’t mean you should consume terpenes at will, thinking they will always be good for you regardless of the circumstances. Only use professionally formulated products made by certified and trusted terpene manufacturers.

Sources

1. Kamatou, G. P., Vermaak, I., Viljoen, A. M., & Lawrence, B. M. (2013). Menthol: A simple monoterpene with remarkable biological properties. Phytochemistry, 96, 15–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2013.08.005

2. Aly, E., Khajah, M. A., & Masocha, W. (2019). β-Caryophyllene, a CB2-Receptor-Selective Phytocannabinoid, Suppresses Mechanical Allodynia in a Mouse Model of Antiretroviral-Induced Neuropathic Pain. Molecules, 25(1), 106. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25010106

3. Vieira, A. J., Beserra, F. P., Souza, M. H., Totti, B., & Rozza, A. L. (2018). Limonene: Aroma of innovation in health and disease. Chemico-Biological Interactions, 283, 97–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbi.2018.02.007

4. Surendran, S., Qassadi, F., Surendran, G., Lilley, D., & Heinrich, M. (2021). Myrcene—What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? Frontiers in Nutrition, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.699666

5. Surendran, S., Qassadi, F., Surendran, G., Lilley, D., & Heinrich, M. (2021). Myrcene—What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? Frontiers in Nutrition, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.699666

6. De Moura Linck, V., Da Silva, A. J., Figueiró, M., Caramão, E. B., Moreno, P. R. H., & Elisabetsky, E. (2010). Effects of inhaled Linalool in anxiety, social interaction and aggressive behavior in mice. Phytomedicine, 17(8–9), 679–683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2009.10.002

7. Seol, G. H., & Kim, K. Y. (2016). Eucalyptol and Its Role in Chronic Diseases. In Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology (pp. 389–398). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41342-6_18

8. Zhang, Q., Fu, B. M., & Zhang, Z. (2017). Borneol, a novel agent that improves central nervous system drug delivery by enhancing blood–brain barrier permeability. Drug Delivery, 24(1), 1037–1044. https://doi.org/10.1080/10717544.2017.1346002

9. Bezerra, C. F., De Alencar Júnior, J. S., De Lima Honorato, R., Santos, A. T. L. D., Da Silva, J. B., Da Silva, T. R., Leal, A. C., De Freitas, T. S., Vieira, T. A., Rocha, J. E., Sales, D. L., Filho, J. F., De Sousa, G. R., Pinheiro, A. P., Ribeiro-Filho, J., Coutinho, H. D. M., Morais-Braga, M. F. B., & Da Silva, T. G. (2020). Antifungal Properties of Nerolidol-Containing Liposomes in Association with Fluconazole. Membranes, 10(9), 194. https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes10090194

Sunny California has been known as the spearhead of the cannabis movement since the late 1990s. Things may have taken a more-regulated turn recently, but nothing has changed about California’s ideal cultivation climate and hemp-friendly culture.

As any honest Californian will tell you, taxation and property value will likely be your biggest concerns when setting up shop in the Golden State. That’s outside the scope of our guide, however — below, we’ll simply outline the steps you should follow to secure licensing and efficiently position your new business within California’s bustling cannabis economy.

California cannabinoid legality overview

– In 1996, California voters passed Proposition 215¹, legalizing medical cannabis within certain parameters
– This was followed by Bill 420 in 2003², which expanded the state’s legal cannabis program
– These bills mainly pertained to intoxicating cannabis, however, leaving little provision for hemp
– The 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills legalized hemp cultivation nationwide
– California state law mainly stays within this framework, requiring that hemp cultivators report to counties but not directly to the state
– Hemp cultivation licensing in California is handled by county offices but subject to state government jurisdiction
– Fees, for instance, are standard, but each county has a different application process
– California has very different rules for cultivating hemp and “marijuana”
– Generally, California adheres to the federally backed definition of THC as “marijuana” and other cannabinoids as “hemp”
– A gray area is encountered, however, with “THC-alternative” cannabinoids like THCA and delta 8

Which cannabinoids can I sell in California?

Instead of enacting provisions for specific cannabinoids, California generally reverts to the federal government’s position on cannabinoid law — that delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol is the federally illicit Schedule I drug “marijuana” but that most (if not all) other cannabinoids are “industrial hemp,” a new regulatory category originally carved out by the 2018 Farm Bill. 

California entrepreneurs are, therefore, unlikely to run afoul of local authorities by selling products containing popular hemp cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, and CBG. The situation becomes more tense the closer you get to THC, though.

This is the case elsewhere in the country as well, but entrepreneurs in California are especially advised to steer clear of intoxicating, THC-alternative cannabinoids to avoid stepping on the toes of local authorities. Space has been very meticulously cleared in California for adult-use cannabis dispensaries to operate with upstart delta 8 sellers often learning unfortunate lessons³.

It’s understandable if the situation seems illogical at first. As the first state to “legalize weed,” after all, why would California have a problem with people selling intoxicating cannabinoids within its borders?

The key phrase is “regulation.” California wants to make sure it has its hand on all cannabis transactions to ensure designated taxation and safety protocols take place. THC-similar cannabinoids like delta 8 both threaten adult-use cannabis revenue and introduce unregulated products into the market.

Is it legal to grow hemp in California?

Due to the 2018 Farm Bill, it is legal to grow hemp everywhere in the USA. California has not enacted any measures contradicting this federal law, so hemp cultivation is, therefore, legal in California.

As is the case nationwide, California hemp cultivation is regulated. Aspiring cultivators must submit appropriate licensing fees and forms to their local county offices, which then provide approval based on state guidelines. In a nutshell, it’s illegal to simply sprinkle hemp seeds in your backyard and start growing, but California is willing to accommodate would-be hemp growers through an approved regulatory process.

Do you need a license to sell hemp in California?

Yes, it is necessary to acquire a license if you want to either sell or produce hemp in California. It is important to note that this restriction does not apply to finished product manufacturers who use extracts made by other producers. You just need licensing if you intend to cultivate hemp or use it for extraction within California’s borders.

How to get a California hemp license

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) maintains a comprehensive database of the information and forms you’ll need on its California Industrial Hemp Program (CIHP) website⁴. If you feel confident that you’re ready to begin the application process, however, you can go ahead and contact your local county offices.

Generally, finding the appropriate page is as simple as performing a web search for “hemp permit [your county].” If you have trouble finding the relevant forms or contact information for your county, contact the CDFA for assistance.

How much is a California hemp permit?

California requires that hemp cultivators pay $900 per year for an annual hemp cultivation permit. In addition, many countries impose their own fees, often in the order of $100-300 per year. Overall, you should expect to spend more than $1,000 per year on hemp cultivation licensing in California — assuming your application is approved.

Is California a good climate for growing hemp?

California is undeniably one of the best climates in the world for growing hemp or any other crop. Especially in the arable central regions of the state, crop cultivation of all kinds excels. Being a reasonably hardy plant, hemp can also grow in the colder northern regions and hotter southern regions of the state, but more attention will need to be paid to environmental conditions.

The reputation California has rightfully gained as an excellent state for agriculture means there is considerable competition for farmland. In addition, unwanted contaminants can migrate from neighboring farms, making it ideal to source already-extracted cannabinoid concentrates from sustainable or organic farms operating in other regions.

How to start a cannabinoid business in California

Starting a hemp business in California requires a significant series of steps:

1. First, you’ll need to find an appropriate plot of land for cultivation and processing
2. Considerations include improvements, maintenance, and property taxes
3. It will also be necessary to secure employees, navigating California’s labor laws
4. Then, apply for a hemp cultivation license through your local county office
5. If approved, you will then be allowed to sell hemp cultivated on your property
6. You will also be shielded from state law enforcement action as long as your operation remains within acceptable parameters
7. Once you have a finished product, you will need to find customers

To summarize, real estate, agriculture, manufacturing, and marketing are all skills you’ll need to use when establishing a hemp business in California (or elsewhere)

Why you should work with a white labeler

Given the relatively laborious nature of starting a hemp business in California, it’s only natural to consider other options. Hemp private labelers can take many of the most difficult components of operating a hemp business off your hands, providing a steady flow of cannabinoid extracts or even finished products with no need to operate vast tracts of farmland or massive warehouses.

In California, the pressure of government bureaucracy is greater than perhaps anywhere else in the country. It is especially beneficial, therefore, to California hemp businesses to outsource production to neighboring states. Even companies located as close as Oregon have much more leeway in their production processes while maintaining a standard of quality that even California’s storied excellence could not exceed.

Summary: Should I launch a cannabinoid business in California?

No matter what anyone may say, California remains the land of opportunity. More successful brands and companies have launched in California than any other state, and even its most fervent detractors must admit that California seems to naturally breed ingenuity and progress.

So, it’s certainly not a bad idea to launch a hemp business in California. It’s simply worth recognizing from the outset that the state’s current economic outlook and regulatory climate make it difficult to handle every single step of the process on home soil.

Hemp is just cheaper to grow and process in neighboring states like Oregon, for instance — which is why all the best hemp companies are located there. If California were to adopt more pro-business policies in the hemp space, the situation could be reversed. For now, though, we say this:

– Start a hemp business in California to gain direct access to the largest base of informed customers in the world;
– But outsource as much of the process as you can to avoid excessive tax and regulatory burdens.

California cannabinoid business FAQ

Fill out your dossier on California hemp regulations and economics in the following FAQ section:

1. How do I get a hemp license in California?

In California, hemp licenses are acquired through your local county office, not directly through the state. In the state-issued application, it is required that you demonstrate both the means and knowledge required to run a hemp operation.

A $900 fee must also be paid on a yearly basis, initially to receive licensing and then every 12 months thereafter to remain licensed. California county offices also impose their own fees, often in the order of $200 per year.

Once a completed application has been provided along with full fee payment, you will receive licensing to grow hemp in California — assuming your application is approved. If you have any questions about your hemp cultivation application after it is submitted, contact your local county office, not the California state government.

2. Can you grow hemp in your backyard in California?

No, it is illegal to simply begin growing hemp on your property in California without first acquiring proper licensing from the state government. During this licensing process, you must demonstrate that you have an adequate space for growing and processing hemp on a commercial scale — for most Californians, a backyard just won’t cut it.

3. Do you need a license to sell CBD in California?

No, it is not necessary to acquire licensing to sell CBD products in California. Licensing is only required if you intend to cultivate, process, and then sell CBD in the state. Counties and municipalities within California, though, may have imposed registration or taxation schemes on CBD sales. Check with your local chamber of commerce for more details.

4. Where can I find the California hemp permit form?

The form used to apply for a hemp cultivation permit in California is provided online on the CDFA website. Click here to be taken directly to the downloadable PDF form. While the same form is used statewide, individual California counties each have their own application processes. Visit your county’s webpage on hemp cultivation to learn more.

5. How do I get a San Diego county hemp license?

Everything you need to acquire a hemp cultivation license in San Diego county is available on the county’s Agricultural/Weights and Measures website. On this page, you can find links to all applicable forms as well as detailed educational information pertaining to hemp cultivation specifically in San Diego county.

Sources

1. CA Secretary of State – Vote96 – Text of Proposition 215. (n.d.). https://vigarchive.sos.ca.gov/1996/general/pamphlet/215text.htm
2. Vasconcellos. (n.d.). SB 420 Senate Bill – CHAPTERED. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/03-04/bill/sen/sb_0401-0450/sb_420_bill_20031012_chaptered.html
3. Lombardo, D. (n.d.). Delta-8 seller busted in Ocean Beach. San Diego Reader. https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2022/feb/11/stringers-delta-8-seller-busted-ocean-beach/
4. California Department of Food and Agriculture. (n.d.). CDFA – Plant – Industrial Hemp. https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/industrialhemp/

Before it takes on its final form, every cannabinoid in Cannabis sativa begins as something else. Most of the cannabinoids we already know and love — CBD, CBG, and CBN, for instance — all come from a common source: CBG.

Cannabinoids in the “varin” family, however, trace their roots back to a different compound. In this guide, we’ll learn what CBGV is to find out where it fits into the modern cannabinoid pharmacopeia.

What is the cannabinoid CBGV?

Cannabigerovarin (CBGV) is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in certain phenotypes of hemp and cannabis. Via enzymatic processes that occur either during the natural maturation of cannabis or in a laboratory environment, the precursor of CBGV, CBGVa, transforms into CBDV, THCV, CBGV, or most other cannabinoids in the “varin” subcategory.

Just as CBG is being researched as much for its role in cannabis maturation as for its individual benefits, CBGV has also garnered a considerable degree of attention for such an obscure cannabinoid. The justification follows thusly: “Varin” cannabinoids are viewed as potentially superior alternatives to their conventional counterparts. Since CBGV plays a crucial role in the formation of these alternative cannabinoids, it’s of great interest in the context of laboratory synthesis.

Origins

CBGV naturally begins forming toward the end of the Cannabis sativa maturation process. While it is only available in salient quantities in certain phenotypes of cannabis, CBGV is present in at least trace amounts in almost all cannabis phenotypes so-far bred or discovered.

As cannabis came into existence, it appears nature followed its usual path of trying out multiple simultaneous sets of relatively similar compounds. Cannabinoids in the “varin” family seem to be less evolutions of normal cannabinoids and more natural variations that might have unique properties.

Structure

Structurally, both CBG and CBGV are quite a bit different from CBD, THC, and most other cannabinoids. Like CBG, CBGV only sports one cyclic ring. The remainder of the body of the compound is made up of a long tail with the typical alkyl chain jutting out from the other side.

In the case of CBGV, this alkyl chain is shorter by two hydrocarbon groups. Scientists are still investigating the impact that this slight chemical difference might make, but shorter alkyl chains are a shared attribute among all “varin” cannabinoids.

Effects

In terms of experienced effects, CBGV remains too much of an unknown cannabinoid to make any definitive determinations regarding how it may feel different from CBG. On the other hand, research has been conducted into the potential medical benefits of CBGV, going some distance toward differentiating CBG from CBGV.

What does CBGV do?

Overall, the effects, uses, and pharmacokinetics of CBGV are firmly still under study. In contrast with cannabinoids like CBD that have been in common use for quite some time, CBGV is considerably rarer and is substantially under-researched.

Initial inquiries show, however, that CBGV may be like other cannabinoids in offering some degree of anti-inflammatory benefit¹. Due to the popularity of CBG in skincare, CBGV has also received attention in this context: The cannabinoid served as a focus of a 2016 study² into the usefulness of cannabinoids for acne, for instance.

Aside from this very limited scope of study, not much concerted effort has yet been put into firmly delineating the unique characteristics of CBGV. Increased popularity among consumers would certainly push the subject of CBGV more firmly under the eye of academia.

Is CBGV the same as CBG?

No, CBG and CBGV are very different cannabinoids. They each have unique chemical structures: Whereas CBG features the full alkyl chain sported by most conventional cannabinoids, CBGV features the shorter chain indicative of “varin” cannabinoids. Any difference between the cannabinoids in the context of experienced effects and medical benefits is still being determined.

CBGV vs. CBG

To better understand the differences between CBGV and CBG, we’ll compare the two cannabinoids in detail below:

Source

Inherently, CBGV and CBG are hardly different at all in regards to their source. The two cannabinoids might go through slightly separate developmental paths as they mature, but they both develop in Cannabis sativa during the normal process of maturation.

For practical purposes, on the other hand, CBG and CBGV are usually sourced differently. In selectively bred strains of cannabis, CBG is now abundant enough to be extracted and purified without any conversion process being necessary. There are no strains of cannabis yet, however, that naturally contain high concentrations of CBGV. As cannabinoids in the “varin” family gain popularity, the situation might change.

For the present moment, CBGV is usually converted from CBG or another similar cannabinoid. This enzymatic conversion process is generally considered safe, but it does add an extra step into the equation that might be worth keeping in mind.

Structure

Structurally, only a slight chemical change separates CBG from CBGV. Scientists are still determining how this difference might make varin cannabinoids uniquely useful for research and medical purposes, but it’s clear to see that cannabinoids like CBGV have different structures from their conventional counterparts.

Effects

Overall, it appears that the effects of CBGV are very similar to those of CBG — both in terms of experienced effects and potential neurochemical interactions. Just as the differences in effects between CBD and CBDV shouldn’t be overlooked, though, it’s important to consider how the slight chemical difference between CBG and CBGV might result in different effects.

Potency

There is no reason to believe that there is a considerable potency difference between CBG and CBGV. In the case of intoxicating cannabinoids like THCV, the varin counterpart is usually less intoxicating. CBG is not intoxicating at all, though, so it’s useless comparing it to CBGV on these grounds. Rather than being more or less potent than CBG, CBGV is most likely simply potent in different ways.

Legality

There shouldn’t be any legal or regulatory difference between CBGV and CBG. Both cannabinoids share equal distance from THC, after all, which is the only cannabinoid usually individually targeted for regulatory action. If CBGV is converted from another cannabinoid rather than naturally sourced, however, agencies like the FDA and DEA may view it somewhat differently.

Safety

There’s no reason to believe that a salient safety difference exists between CBG and CBGV. It’s worth echoing once more, however, that the equation changes slightly when you convert cannabinoids from other substances. Depending on how it is processed, conversion from CBG could introduce contaminants during CBGV production. That’s part of why it’s important to only work with large, established cannabinoid manufacturers.

Availability

Compared to CBG, the availability of CBGV is relatively poor. CBG-rich strains of hemp are now abundant, but similar strains rich in CBGV have yet to appear. Certain intrepid cannabinoid manufacturers, however, are starting to make CBGV available at the same caliber of quality that has become standard for CBG and other cannabinoids.

How to buy CBGV online

Despite becoming more mainstream, CBGV is still a relatively rare cannabinoid. Thus, it logically follows that only the largest, most-established cannabinoid manufacturers should offer CBGV. If this cannabinoid is offered by a smaller company with little-to-no track history of producing other cannabinoid products, you have every right to look into their background in more detail.

CBGV products should always be accompanied by thorough lab reports covering cannabinoids, terpenes, and contaminants. The labs that produce this rare cannabinoid should be thoroughly certified and use state-of-the-art equipment.

The bottom line: CBGV is the future of cannabis

Overall, CBGV sales may never make up an incredibly large portion of the cannabis economy. By saying that CBGV is the future, we rather mean that it’s part of a new generation of cannabinoids that will one day dwarf the pharmacopeia that we have so-far put to use.

Like most cannabinoids aside from CBD and CBG, there remains a massive amount to learn about CBGV. Working hand in hand with regulators, the most successful CBGV brands will be those who carefully express the cannabinoid’s unique benefits while simultaneously determining where it fits into the larger cannabis puzzle.

CBGV FAQ

To better understand what CBGV is and does, let’s take a look at a few related questions:

1. What are the benefits of CBGV?

So far, scientists believe that CBGV might have anti-inflammatory benefits that could be useful in the context of acne. The same can be said of most cannabinoids, however, showing that there’s plenty of room for further research to shed light on the unique properties of CBGV.

2. What is CBGVa?

Cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVa) is the precursor compound to CBGV. Before it takes on the oxidized or decarboxylated form of CBGV, this cannabinoid begins its life as the acidic CBGVa, an ultimately unstable compound that changes into CBGV under normal conditions like most cannabinoid precursor compounds.

3. Where can I find CBGV for sale?

Online sources of this cannabinoid remain highly limited, but it’s certainly possible to find CBGV for sale on the internet if you look hard enough. As a general rule, cannabinoid manufacturers that already have a wide-ranging retinue of products are the most likely to also carry CBGV. If you aren’t sure whether your favorite cannabinoid manufacturer offers CBGV or not, it can’t hurt to ask.

4. Are there any CBGV strains?

No, we aren’t aware of any strains of hemp or cannabis that are particularly high in CBGV. Strains rich in CBG are now commonplace, but just as there are no high-CBDV strains despite the popularity of CBD, there are not yet any high-CBGV strains regardless of how popular CBG may have recently become.

Sources

1. Burstein, S. (2015). Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 23(7), 1377–1385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmc.2015.01.059

2. Oláh, A., Markovics, A., Szabó-Papp, J., Szabó, P. T., Stott, C., Zouboulis, C. C., & Bíró, T. (2016). Differential effectiveness of selected non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids on human sebocyte functions implicates their introduction in dry/seborrhoeic skin and acne treatment. Experimental Dermatology, 25(9), 701–707. https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.13042