How to Choose the Right Cannabis Product: CBG, Delta 9, and Beyond

Finding your way through the world of cannabinoids, with a jungle of plants producing CBG, Delta 9, and many more, each with different effects and benefits, can feel like an expedition through the jungle. Can what you’re looking for really be that fragment of glitter in the middle of that old heap of rocks? The right cannabis product for people has to be determined according to the need. So, remember, whether you’re a veteran smoker or a newcomer, have fun and use this trusty and informative compass to help you find your way through the world of cannabis. 

Understanding the Cannabinoids: CBG and Delta 9

So, let’s take a step back and dissect a few of the terms before delving into all the cannabis products available. What exactly are cannabinoids CBG (Cannabigerol) and Delta 9 (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol)?

CBG: The Mother of Cannabinoids

It is said to be ‘potentially the mother of all cannabinoids’ These days, there’s a whole supporting cast of non-psychoactive cannabinoids jostling for the public’s sympathy and patrons’ business, and one of the rising stars is CBG, or cannabigerol. It’s said to be ‘potentially the mother of all cannabinoids’, not least because CBD and THC are derived from it. As its initials indicate, it’s structurally similar to two of the Phyto cannabinoids that have industrialized cannabis production into one of the globe’s most lucrative plant industries. Early research suggests that, like CBD, CBG could be helpful in curbing inflammation, and that it too exhibits antibacterial and some neuroprotective properties. Some speculate that it could also be good for glaucoma, inflammatory bowel disease and even anxiety. For the occasional smoker-explorer, CBG products could add an exciting new avenue for experimentation to your menu. We recommend finding high-quality CBG for sale from reputable companies like Simple Leaf. Among its many potential medicinal prospects, it is believed to aid with:

  • Anti-inflammatory properties: Ideal for those seeking relief from conditions like IBS or Crohn’s disease.
  • Neuroprotective effects: A beacon of hope for neurodegenerative conditions.
  • Anxiety and depression relief: A gentle nudge towards mental wellness without the high.

CBD: The Stress-Relieving Star

  • CBD is the soothing cloud in the wild world of weed. If you take both THC and CBD, the THC is like the sun blazing down on your head, the CBD like a cooling cloud, dispersing the anxiety, relieving the pain, calming the disturbances without getting you high. If you need to relax from another stressful day and don’t like the habanero nature of THC and feel weed is too much for you – try some CBD. If you are suffering from some pain and love weed – look for some CBD-infused products that also have some THC. From tinctures and oils to gummies and creams, CBD shines in many forms for health seekers.

Delta 9: The Classic Euphoria Inducer

By far the most famous cannabinoid, Delta 9 is the molecule in cannabis that makes users high. But the high is not all it delivers: Delta 9 can also deliver: 

  • Pain relief: A balm for chronic pain sufferers.
  • Munchies: Calories that you didn’t really plan on eating, but that go down very nicely, all the same.
  • Sleep aid: For those nights when sleep seems like a distant dream.

Beyond CBG CBD and Delta 9: The Cannabis Spectrum

And just because the cannabis world ends with CBG and Delta 9 doesn’t mean that’s the end of the so-called entourage of cannabinoids and terpenes. There are alternatives: Delta 8, with slightly less of a psychoactive punch than Delta 9. These have substantially smaller market shares than Delta 9, but they are worth noting. In terms of terpenes, these tiny, aromatic molecules are known to contribute to the overall effect and experience of cannabis products.

How to Choose the Right Cannabis Product

As a result, your choice of cannabis product should depend on personal preferences, usage goals, tolerance levels and other factors. Below is a quick guide:

  1. Explain Your Mission: Ask yourself what it is you want cannabis to accomplish for you. Are you hoping to escape panic or reach a higher plane of consciousness? The answer precedes the strain. 
  2. Think: You as a Spacecraft: How do you like to ingest? Slow-release edibles, vaporized, directly, smoked (with elaborate paraphernalia or ready-rolled)? Different onset, different timings.
  3. Dosing and Tolerance: Oftentimes the success of your trip depends on proper dosing. Go Low and Slow at first, if you’re trying new products, especially THC products. Tuck. Know your tolerance. 
  4. Legal navigation: Keep your exploration legal. The legal landscape for cannabis varies greatly from planet to planet (country to country) – and even region to region within a planet. Know the laws of your host city and country to avoid unnecessary turbulence.  Delta 9 extracted from hemp is legal in the USA as long as it contains less than 0.3% by dry weight.
  5. Quality and Safety: Buy from legal dispensaries or reputable brands that are transparent about the source of their produce, how they extract their cannabis and test results from a lab. Safety is of utmost importance. 

Wrapping Up

How can you navigate this canvas of cosmic cannabis? Choosing the right cannabis product is like navigating the celestial sphere. All you have to do is exercise a bit of ingenuity until your chart the Stars align you with the right plan. CBD is certainly the calming cannabis, while Delta 9 THC is pure cosmic delight. CBG? It’s the wildcard. Star-seekers will find their favorites here. This was first published as ‘Cannabis: how to choose right’ in the June 2019 issue of Cosmos.

Remember, the cannabis journey is deeply personal, and what works for one astronaut may not suit another. Embrace the adventure, experiment responsibly, and you’re sure to find the cannabinoid companion that aligns with your wellness goals and desires. Here’s to a cosmic voyage into the heart of cannabis exploration—may your journey be as enlightening as it is enjoyable!