The cannabis plant is home to over 200 cannabinoids and terpenes that have potential health benefits. Following the wild success of delta 8 THC as a legal alternative to the more controlled availability of delta 9 THC, the cannabis industry has sought other less-known cannabinoids to compete in the diverse cannabis marketplace. One of the newest, semi-synthetic cannabinoids called hexahydrocannabinol, usually shortened to HHC.

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a cannabinoid that was first discovered in the mid-1940s. In 1944, the American chemist Roger Adams created HHC when he added hydrogen molecules to Delta-9 THC. This process is known as "hydrogenation." HHC is found in limited quantities in the hemp plant. Although HHC is a naturally occurring compound, it is hard to obtain sufficient amounts to make products. But by certain production processes, companies can convert CBD into HHC to make a wide variety of products.

While HHC has been around for years, it has not been often discussed by cannabis users until recently.. HHC is a minor cannabinoid; it occurs naturally in cannabis, but in amounts too small to make extraction cost-effective - this means that for companies to sell this cannabinoid, they’re going to need to make it in a lab. HHC does, however, have one major legal advantage over delta 8 and delta 10: it isn’t THC.

So how is HHC made?

As mentioned above, Roger Adams is the first person to discover HHC using the process known as ‘hydrogenation’. There are a couple of different methodologies to hydrogenate delta-8 into HHC, but Hydrogenation is simply treating a compound with hydrogen, which causes a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another compound or element, usually in the presence of a catalyst such as nickel, palladium, or platinum. This is done in order to reduce or saturate organic compounds.

Adams originally applied this technique to THC derived from marijuana plants, but since the 2018 Farm Bill came into effect, legalizing cannabis crops with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC, more manufacturers are applying the hydrogenation of cannabinoids to CBD to produce HHC.

When it comes to HHC specifically, Hydrogenation modifies the structure of delta 9 THC by replacing a double bond with two hydrogen atoms, which changes its molecular weight and makes it more stable. According to chemist Mark Scialdone;

“A major benefit to hydrogenation is that it offers stability at the molecular level, assisting with both shelf life, and resistance to heat.”

It should be said, though, that the acronym “HHC'' is also used in scientific literature to refer to dangerous synthetic substances like 9-Nor-9β-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol and 11-Nor-9β-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol. All those Greek letters and super-long hyphenated chemical names are surefire signs that these forms of HHC are synthetic.

What Are The Effects Of HHC?

First, it’s important to note the different types of HHC that are available on the market. There are at least 10 types of HHC:

1. HHC — Hexahydrocannabinol (CAS# 6692-85-9)
2. 7-OH-HHC — 7-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (CAS 64663-39-4)
3. 8-OH-iso-HHC — 8-hydroxy-iso-hexahydrocannabinol (No CAS#)
4. 9α-OH-HHC — 9α-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (CAS# 52171-85-4)
5. 7-9α-OH-HHC — 7-oxo-9α-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (No CAS#)
6. 10α-OH-HHC — 10α-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (No CAS#)
7. 10α-ROH-HHC — 10aR-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (No CAS#)
8. HU211 — 1,1-Dimethylheptyl-11-hydroxytetrahydrocannabinol (CAS 112924-45-5)
9. HU243 — 11-Hydroxy-3-(1′,1′-dimethylheptyl)hexahydrocannabinol (CAS 140835-14-9)
10. HDHHC — 3-Dimethylheptyl-11-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (CAS 140835-18-3)

HHC has very similar effects to delta-9 THC—it's a psychotropic compound that produces feelings of euphoria, changes in perception, altered cognition, as well as other potential properties. When it takes on other forms, it becomes slightly more complicated. Many users report the effects of HHC are similar to that of delta 8 THC in terms of being more heavily weighted towards relaxation than stimulation. HHC is more potent than delta 8 but slightly less potent than delta 9 THC.

We've seen a sudden ride of THC isomers—variants of the notorious delta-9 THC molecule, as people look for a legal means to experience the intoxicating effects of marijuana. Popular THC cannabinoid analog isomers include delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC derived from hemp crops. Although HHC isn’t technically a THC, it does produce similar effects—if you use enough of it. When it’s produced in the lab, an HHC batch is a mix of active and inactive HHC molecules. The active HHC binds well with your body’s cannabinoid receptors; the others don’t.

A study published in 2010 found that HHC’s effects lasted a long time in rats. Overall, apart from the limited research outlined in this section, there is nothing else to link HHC with the benefits claimed by manufacturers. Certainly, there are no studies on humans that provide any insight.

Is HHC Legal?

Although HHC is not the same as THC, it is potentially illegal if deemed synthetic. The FDA’s Interim Final Rule (IFR) states that synthetic cannabinoids in hemp are illegal, while naturally-occurring ones are permitted. It is true that HHC occurs naturally in hemp and cannabis but only in tiny amounts. HHC manufacturers make it in a lab via a chemical process designed to create more of it.

With the rise of delta 8, hexahydrocannabinol was recognized as yet another form of “legal THC” capable of being sold to the masses. No matter how much marketing material you read, however, delta 8 and HHC will never be equitable. One is a synthetically derived cannabinoid while the other is a natural substance.

We wouldn’t be surprised if HHC starts getting attention from the DEA, as we suspect that considering the need to synthetically create it - HHC falls under the Federal Analogue Act, which automatically classifies analogs of Schedule 1 drugs as Schedule 1 drugs themselves. If the DEA agrees, HHC could have a very short market span.

Is HHC Safe?

As it stands, HHC is rarer and more difficult to derive than delta 8, the HHC market is smaller and less competitive, resulting in comparatively inferior products. Because hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is still very new, there aren't very many studies available that investigate its potential effects and safety - which is enough to tell us that as it stands, it is not particularly safe.

With the limited research on HHC, we highly suggest that you stick to the better known cannabinoids with ample research surrounding it like CBDV which we have done extensive research into and offer safe, legal products containing this cannabinoid.

HHC seems to be following a very similar and dangerous route to THCO, another synthetic cannabinoid taking the industry by storm. We can only hope that the search for something stronger and different does not take priority over the search for something more beneficial and well-researched.

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Some CBD products, including gummies and capsules, contain a pre-measured dose of CBD. CBD vape oil offers another way to completely customize your dosing. With a few simple calculations, you can determine exactly how much vape oil to add and inhale to consume the amount you want.

You can also purchase your CBD vape oil in various potency levels, from as low as 25mg per bottle all the way up to 4,000mg per bottle. If you are vaping CBD simply for a mild calming effect, you can elect for a small dose. Those who are using CBD to treat moderate or severe health conditions may choose a strong, high-potency dose. Vaping CBD is also a good option if you want to take varying doses of CBD depending on the day.

The days of an outdated and frankly inaccurate cannabis classification system are finally over. The market has blurred the lines between quality and craft cannabis for far too long - leaving customers and cultivators with no real roadmap to identify the range and spectrum of the medicinal possibilities contained within cannabis and the unique entourage effects possible from the diversity that it offers.

Experts consider Cannabis Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid the three main subspecies - the issue is that people have used the THC potency of strains to determine superiority. Measuring potency and the effects with this method is a long-outdated classification system, especially when it does not provide accurate labels for customers and budtenders alike. The words “Indica” and “Sativa” were introduced in the 18th century to describe different species of cannabis, but modern research has led to more information that we will share throughout this article.

Historically, this is how cannabis has been defined;

Strains

Cannabis Sativa

Sativa is supposedly uplifting and cerebral, enhancing creativity and productivity. Indicas provide what has been called a “body high,” while Sativa’s deliver more of a “mind high.” Unfortunately, Sativa plants require longer to grow and yield less medicine (flowers) than Indica varieties. Sativa’s smell sweet, fruity, or spicy. This difference in the aroma results from terpenes, the molecules within the plant that are cousins to cannabinoids like THC and CBD. While these chemicals sometimes provide stunningly pungent odors, their greatest benefit to patients is their medicinal efficacy.

The problem with the general ‘idea’ of what a Sativa does, is that there is no accurate spectrum representing an understandable visual for growers and customers to understand easily.

Cannabis Indica

The typical example of Cannabis Indica is a more compact, thick-stemmed bush than its cousins, usually reaching a height of fewer than two meters. The foliage is generally a dark shade of green, some examples appearing to have almost blue or green-black leaves. These leaves are composed of short, wide blades.

Most Indicas are supposedly a rich source of the cannabinoids THC, CBD, and CBN. While Cannabis Sativa often produces a higher proportion of THC than its other cannabinoids, Cannabis Indica usually contains significant levels of all three. Indicas tend to have more body-centered effects than Sativas – enhancing physical sensations, which is not accurately measured either.

Cannabis Hybrids

Typically, a Hybrid is a cannabis plant with Indica and Sativa characteristics. Because cannabis has been cultivated for centuries, most modern strains are hybrid. Pure Sativas and pure Indicas are rare, so most cannabis you'll find these days is a hybrid.

Hybrid strains typically develop either Sativa-dominant, Indica-dominant, or evenly balanced phenotypes. Strain descriptions usually list it that way or display the split as a percentage. Remember that the terms Indica and Sativa strains are most useful for cultivators in determining growth characteristics like how tall plants will grow or how long their flowering cycle will be. Effects share no apparent connection with today's cannabis plants' physical structure, hence why the classification system is largely outdated.

So why is this a problem?

According to SC labs (SC Labs is a company that offers comprehensive solutions for cannabis and hemp testing) co-founder, Josh Wurzer;

“The problem is that there is little standardization when it comes to defining and determining terpenes”

Measuring the superiority of cannabis is confusing, and frankly, the classification system is completely outdated. It no longer only comes down to the strain. The days of just searching out the highest THC totals are rapidly receding. Research has proven that terpenes are at the base of the entourage effect, where previously, it has been considered ‘minor’ information. Cannabis growers and breeders have been assigning labels to cultivars primarily based on aroma profiles and purported effects rather than genetic ancestry or overall chemical similarity. Cultivators, processors, retailers, and consumers could benefit from greater standardization when evaluating product quality and distinguishing label claims.

Because cannabis is a widely used substance increasingly being legalized for medicinal and recreational use, Cannabis’s genetic and chemical variation must be accurately quantified and communicated. Using strain labels like Sativa and Indica are used to describe a cultivar’s morphology, aromas and/or psychoactive effects. However, whether these labels capture meaningful information about Cannabis's genetic and chemical variation is incredibly unclear. This leaves room for inaccuracy and uncertainty in a world growing in popularity faster than any other industry.

In this study, the inaccuracy of reporting is clear;

“This is consistent with previous studies indicating that cultivar names were not reliable indicators of a sample’s genetic or chemical identity”

The study shows that the genetic structure of cannabis explained only 37% of the variance in labeling, meaning that Sativa–Indica labels do not accurately reflect genetic relatedness. When the study looked at the correlation of Sativa and Indica terpenes and cannabinoids, Sativa content was positively correlated with the concentrations of bergamotene and farnesene. While on the other hand, there were significant positive correlations between Indica labeling and three sesquiterpenes: guaiol, γ-eudesmol, and β-eudesmol. This shows that it goes far beyond mere classification, and it really comes down to far more than simple labels.

The contrasting aromas that have been associated with Sativa (that is, sweet) and Indica (that is, earthy) were key discriminators in a sensory evaluation of Cannabis cultivars and mediated customers’ perceptions of potency and quality.

What is the solution?

Simple; replace the three vague classes with six elaborate and detailed classifications instead. On February 16th, – SC Laboratories, Inc., (SC Labs) announced that it has licensed Napro Research LLC’s proprietary data visualization tool PhytoFacts®. Clients testing cannabis through the lab will now have access to this game-changing reporting format and algorithm that provides a visual profile of each strain’s chemical makeup. This new report format is intuitive and helps budtenders and consumers identify the right strain for their desired effect. As mentioned above, the terpene profile proves to be far more important than the breed of cannabis, which means that companies like SC Labs are putting an end to the days of simply seeking out the highest THC percentage. Science has converged to finally prove that terpenes are at the root of the entourage effect that consumers are seeking.

Always looking to level their playing field and eliminate as much bias as possible, SC labs' owners partnered with the event organizers of Emerald Cup and NAPRO research to help reframe the conversation regarding what defines “quality” in cannabis. The Emerald Cup is widely believed to be the World Series of Cannabis competitions as it is rooted in Humboldt County. The partnership is intended to help revolutionize the collective understanding of the true role of terpene content.

The new classification system focuses on sorting flower entries by primary terpene content, leveraging a combined decade of research into Cannabis phytochemistry between  PhytoFacts® coupled with a powerful database of over 250,000 terpene tests and aggregated by SC Labs, going back to their launch of terpene testing on Cannabis in 2013 as you can see below.

What are the new classes?

‘Jacks + Haze’ Class

• Mostly ‘Sativa’-leaning varietals
• Tasting notes – Fruity, Pinesol, Haze
• Effects – Energizing, Cerebral, Artistically Inspiring
• Common Cultivars – Classic Trainwreck, Jack Herer, Durban Poison, Super Lemon Haze
• Terpenes Profile: Terpinolene, Caryophyllene, Myrcene

‘Sweets + Dreams’ Class

• Mostly ‘Indica’-leaning varietals
• Tasting Notes – Fruity, Sweet, Woody, Hoppy, Herbaceous
• Effects – Relaxation, Couch Lock, Analgesic
• Common Cultivars – Blue Dream, Tangie, Forbidden Fruit, Grandaddy Purple, Purple Urkel, Grape Ape, Cherry AK, God’s Gift, Purple Punch
• Terpenes Profile: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene

‘Tropical + Floral’ Class

• Mostly ‘Indica’-leaning varietals
• Tasting notes – Sweet, Floral, Tropical Fruit
• Effects – Calming, Soothing, Relaxing
• Common Cultivars – Super Skunk, Hawaiian, In the Pines, Dream Queen
• Terpenes Profile: Ocimene, Myrcene

‘OGs + Gas’ Class

• True ‘Hybrid’ varietals
• Tasting Notes – Gas, Fuel, Sweet, Citrus, and Pepper
• Effect – Uplifting, Stimulating, Analgesic, Relaxation
• Common Cultivars – Classic OG Kush, Chemdog, Sour Diesel, Gorilla Glue
• Terpenes Profile: Any combination or shifting codominance of Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene

‘Exotics’ (Rare Terpene Combinations) Class

• True ‘Hybrid’ varietals
• Tasting notes – varied based on chemistry of entry
• Effect – varied based on chemistry of entry
• Common Cultivars – rarest terpene profiles entered into the Emerald Cup Competition

‘Desserts’ Class

• True ‘Hybrid’ varietals
• Tasting Notes – Deserts, Doughs, Citrusy & Spicy
• Effects – Stimulating, Racy, Uplifting, Comforting
• Common Cultivars – Classic Bubba Kush, GSC, Gelatos, Cakes
• Any shift in codominance of Caryophyllene & Limonene

How We’re Using The New System

Because of the reliability and shift in the right direction, Black Tie CBD has made use of the latest testing for our ‘ChemDawg’ strain, as you can see below;

As you can see from the report produced by PhytoFacts®, there’s immense detail about the aroma & flavor, identifying the spectrum of profiles in depth. The particular aroma and tastes lean far more towards earthy with some sweet and fruity profiles. Similarly, the entourage effect is highlighted, giving the budtender or end-user a clear idea of its effects. The relaxation and comfort of the strain are highlighted, with lower energy levels. The report is easy to understand and interpret, and above all the classification is distinct without being confusing.

This goes to show how important terpenes really are, and how the entourage effect varies depending on multiple facets which are not usually shown - including highlights of b-Caryophyllene (3.943 mg/g), Myrcene (3.767 mg/g), Terpinolene (2.605 mg/g). The relevance of highlighting terpenes matters significantly because terpenes have also been identified as a new frontier in cannabis medicine. Until recently, the spotlight has been focused almost exclusively on the therapeutic qualities of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, but as our understanding of terpenes grows more sophisticated, it’s becoming apparent that these aromatic compounds are medicinal powerhouses too.

β-Caryophyllene: β-Caryophyllene is generally the most common sesquiterpene in cannabis, and the most abundantly produced terpene in Nature. Over the last decade, it has gained scientific attention after discovering that it can directly activate cannabinoids receptors. Basically, the β-Caryophyllene terpene acts as a cannabinoid.

This is the terpene that contributes to the ever-so-slight spicy flavor, but mainly to the earthy profiles as well as the relaxation quality of this strain.

Myrcene: Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in modern commercial cannabis. Myrcene has many therapeutic benefits. Like other terpenes, myrcene is believed to have potential anti-inflammatory, potential anti-tumor, sleep-supportive, and other health benefits.

Myrcene characteristically gives our cannabis strain a mildly sweet flavor profile and provides scent notes that are spicy, earthy and muskiness - and also contributes towards that relaxing and calm effect that was mentioned.

Terpinolene: Terpinolene, a terpene dominant in about one in ten cannabis strains, is recognized for its woody smell combined with floral citrus notes. In addition to its fresh aroma, terpinolene is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Terpinolene is considered more multidimensional in comparison to other cannabis terpenes.

These combined effects and profiles of terpinolene are why there are more fruity aromas and comforting effects. The combination of all three highlighted terpenes should indicate the importance of a more accurate and science-backed classification system to ensure that all effects, aromas and profiles are accounted for.

Without having to handle the substance, users and budtenders can now have a true discourse about the desired flavor, fragrance, and potential effects of cannabis. Consumers may now finally buy cannabis online with ease thanks to the new classification system and PhytoFact® information.

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Sometimes the most minor of molecules are the ones with the greatest impact. Such appears to be the case with CBG—the “first” cannabinoid that develops in cannabis. This seemingly insignificant cannabinoid is actually responsible for the creation of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids catching the attention of scientists and consumers the world over.

Usually found in concentrations of <1% in most hemp plants, it’s no wonder this compound hasn’t received as much attention as others. However, that is quickly changing as more information is being unveiled about this once-overshadowed cannabinoid.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at CBG and the role it plays in the production of other cannabinoids. We’ll also explore its unique effects on the body, and how it differs from other hemp-derived cannabinoids.

What is CBG?

CBG, or cannabigerol, is a phytocannabinoid. Unlike endocannabinoids, which are produced by the body, phytocannabinoids are sourced from plants like cannabis. CBG is what's known as a non-intoxicating cannabinoid—it doesn’t get you high.

CBG: a not-so-minor cannabinoid

By the time cannabis is harvested, dried, and processed, it usually contains only trace amounts of CBG (below 1%). Hence, it is generally labelled a “minor” cannabinoid.

However, CBG—or rather, its acidic form, CBGA—is actually the first cannabinoid acid to develop in the cannabis plant. As such, it is sometimes referred to as the “stem cell” of cannabis. It is found in its highest concentrations in flowering cannabis plants. The acidic form is simply CBG with an extra carboxyl group—the “A”.

As plants continue to grow, enzymes convert CBGA into either THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), or CBCA (cannabichromenic acid).

Following harvest, plants are usually dried and processed. The heat or UV light used in these scenarios breaks down these acidic cannabinoids into their non-acidic counterparts, such as THC, CBD, and CBC. This phenomenon is known as decarboxylation—the removal of a carboxyl group.

Decarboxylation also produces many other cannabinoids (at least 100), all of which originally stem from CBGA.

Most of the cannabis strains on today’s market are bred to be high in THC and/or CBD; and the more THC or CBD present in a plant sample, the less CBG. Hence, strains usually contain only small amounts of CBG.

However, some breeders are experimenting with crossbreeding, genetic manipulation, and even unique harvesting patterns to create strains that contain higher levels of this cannabinoid.

Bedrocan BV Medical Cannabis in the Netherlands, for example, has began harvesting some of its plants earlier to create a final product with higher levels of CBG.

What are the effects of CBG?

As we mentioned earlier, CBG is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. Therefore, it does not interact with the endocannabinoid system in a way that interrupts mental faculties. However, just like any other cannabinoid, CBG does interact with the endocannabinoid system in a variety of ways.

CBG has been shown to increase appetite in two rat-based studies conducted by researchers at the University of Reading (UK) in 2016 and 2017.

Some studies also suggest that CBG may inhibit the growth of some tumours, while others show it may have neuroprotective effects. A 2014 study published in the PLoS One medical journal also claims that some CBG-derived products could suppress the body’s immune response.

Dr Bonni Goldstein, a medical doctor specialising in medicinal cannabis, claims that CBG can inhibit GABA neurotransmission in the brain, as well as affect pain, inflammation, and more.

“When GABA [uptake] is inhibited, you actually have muscle relaxation and you have anti-anxiety effects, so it [CBG] appears to promote similar effects that CBD Oil has. It also appears to have antidepressant and some modest antifungal properties” said Goldstein in a video for WeedMaps.

In 2013, researchers from the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Naples Federico II (Italy) tested the effects of CBG on an experimental model of experimental Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The researchers found that CBG has potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).

Unfortunately, because CBG has been overshadowed by cannabinoids THC and CBD, not a lot of research has gone into fully understanding this cannabinoid and its effects. However, that is slowly changing as people begin to realise the potential and importance of this compound.

CBG vs CBD. What is the difference?

Despite originating from CBG Oils, CBD Oil is completely distinct from CBG in both chemical structure and concentration within cannabis plants.

Because it is only found in trace amounts in dried plant material, it is only recently that manufacturers have begun to focus more attention on optimising CBG levels in products like CBD oils, supplements, and salves. It’s clear that CBG is an essential cannabinoid, but it’s yet unclear exactly how to use it to our benefit.

CBG (cannabigerol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are two of the many chemical compounds present in cannabis which can be used as medication. While they share similarities, there are important differences between them.

The main difference between CBG vs CBD is how the chemicals interact with our brain's cannabinoid receptors.

The cannabis plant contains at least 85 cannabinoids. These are chemical compounds which have an effect on the body by bonding with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. The most widely recognized and well studied of these chemicals is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is famous for being the main psychoactive component of cannabis, producing the high that gives the plant its medical and recreational effects.

However, there are many other less famous cannabinoids which also produce a range of effects on the brain. Two compounds which we will be focusing on in this article are cannabidiol (both CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG). While both CBD and CBG can be isolated from the cannabis plant, the main difference between them lies in how they interact with cannabinoid receptors.

As a result of this difference in action on cannabinoid receptors, CBD and CBG produce different effects when isolated from each other and when combined together in a full spectrum cannabis extract or both CBD product.

CBG vs CBD: What is the difference in effects?

The primary difference between CBD and CBG comes from their unique interaction with cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoid receptors are found all over the body and brain, and modulate pain, inflammation, stress responses, mood etc. The way these chemical compounds interact with our cells is what gives them both their therapeutic and psychoactive effects.

Cannabinoid receptors are made up of many subunits. To date, scientists have identified two subtypes that play the largest role in our experience of cannabinoids: CB1 and CB2.

CB1 is mostly found in the brain, but also present in some other parts of the body. It has been linked to memory formation, reward seeking behavior, motor coordination, pain sensation, and more. CB2 is primarily found in the immune system where it regulates inflammation.

CBG vs CBD: What Is The Difference In How They Interact With Cannabinoid Receptors?

A 2010 study published by a group of scientists from Italy took a detailed look at the structure-activity relationships of CBG, CBD and THC.

The study found that both CBD and CBG interact strongly multiple cannabinoid receptors including the serotonin 5HT1a receptor. However, they differ in how they interact with cannabinoid receptors, mainly with respect to their effects on the endocannabinoid system (the biological system responsible for processing cannabinoids).

For example, CBD has no effect at all on the CB1 receptor, while CBG does. This is because CBD lacks affinity for CB1 due to an extra carbon atom in its molecular structure.

There was also found to be more CBG binding sites than CB2 binding sites throughout many parts of the brain and body, indicating that it's able to affect many different processes via its interaction with cannabinoid receptors.

CBG vs CBD: What Are The Benefits Of Each?

There are many differences between the effects CBG vs CBD produce, which also affects their therapeutic benefits. However, both CBG and CBD have potential uses as medication.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

This cannabinoid is famous for its non-intoxicating nature. It's this quality which has made CBD useful in treating children and people who can't tolerate the 'high' associated with THC and other cannabis compounds.

Also, CBD has been found to be an effective anticonvulsant, effectively treating seizures and epilepsy. This has been demonstrated in both animal and human studies.

Another study found that CBD reduced psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations which are often difficult to treat. These promising results show that CBD could be a useful medication for people with psychosis resulting from conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

While CBG has been found to be non-psychoactive it does appear to improve the effects of THC. This is because, like CBD, it can modulate and reduce the negative side effects such as anxiety and paranoia that THC causes in some people.

As a result of this 'boosting' effect on THC, CBG appears to increase the pain relieving qualities of THC. This could make CBG useful in strains of cannabis used for medical benefits and purposes.

With Covid-19 impacting us for the last two years, the world is rapidly searching for ways that we can effectively manage the virus, despite the variants that constantly pop up. Finally, it seems that research is progressing and it’s the cannabis industry at the forefront of the latest research advancements by researchers affiliated with Oregon State University. These researchers conducted a study that suggests that cannabis compounds prevent Infection by the Covid-19 Virus.

The COVID-19 pandemic includes at least 272 million cases worldwide, 5.3 million deaths, and over 600 000 new cases daily. While the rollout of vaccines is underway, the rapid spread of COVID-19 underscores the need for new treatments.

Background Information:

In January 2021, this study looked into the possibility that cannabis may offer some help for patients with COVID-19. The study looks at one of the primary biological events that occur in patients with severe acute respiratory distress cases from COVID-19, something called a “cytokine storm.”

C.Sativa, a type of cannabis, was found in a cytokine storm study to reduce multiple cytokines and pathways related to inflammation and fibrosis. Two of the cytokines that C.Sativa reduced were TNFa and IL-6, which are thought to be the main targets when trying to block a COVID-19 cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

In another study done in September of 2020 on mice, they found the following;

“Several reports demonstrated that cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant, can block IL-6 in several models of inflammatory diseases.”

What do the studies say in 2022?

A report on the research, “Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants,” was published online on January 10th, 2022 by the Journal of Natural Products.

COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Researchers have found that the viral spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 to the human cell surface receptor angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is a critical step during the infection of human cells. The researchers looked into the following possibility:

“Therefore, cell entry inhibitors could be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as to shorten the course of COVID-19 infections by preventing virus particles from infecting human cells.”

Researchers discovered that cannabinoids increase the cell’s response to several key proteins produced by the coronavirus genome, which is an effect that had not been discovered prior to the study. Researchers also looked at how the proteins from the genome operated in human kidney cells and healthy control cells, both with and without cannabinoids.

Cannabis and its effectiveness against new variants:

The spike protein is the same part of the virus targeted by Covid-19 vaccines and antibody therapies. In addition to the spike protein, SARS-CoV-2 has three more structural proteins as well as 16 nonstructural proteins and several compounds van Breemen characterized as “accessory” proteins, all of which are potential targets for drugs developed to prevent Covid-19.

The two compounds commonly found in hemp - called cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid, or CBDA - were identified during a chemical screening effort as having potential to combat coronavirus. In the study led by Richard van Breemen, a researcher with Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center, they found that cannabinoids bound to spike proteins found on the virus and blocked a step the pathogen uses to infect people, stating that;

“Cannabigerolic acid and cannabidiolic acid prevented infection of human epithelial cells”

This means that cell entry inhibitors, like the acids from hemp, could be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and also to shorten infections by preventing virus particles from infecting human cells. They bind to the spike proteins so those proteins can’t bind to the ACE2 enzyme, which is abundant on the outer membrane of endothelial cells in the lungs and other organs.

The study then goes on to state that the most important piece of evidence found was that CBGA and CBDA were equally as effective against the alpha and beta variants. The abstract ends off on a highly positive note, expressing that cannabinoids do in fact have the potential to prevent and likely treat infection by SARS-CoV-2.

What other benefits could cannabis pose for Covid-19?

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1. Anxiety
   The number of people reporting high levels of anxiety has sharply elevated during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The factors most strongly associated with high anxiety during the pandemic include loneliness, marital status, sex, disability, whether someone feels safe at home or not and work being affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
   
   There is understandable concern about the impact of the pandemic on people’s well-being. Fortunately, though, compounds within cannabis have shown impressive anxiety-reducing qualities, particularly CBD, which has been shown in studies to increase serotonin activity and lower cortisol levels.

Is Cannabis safe to consume for Covid-19 patients?

While most people consume cannabis by smoking it, it is not the only way to consume it. Companies like ourselves offer multiple variations of consumption like edibles, tinctures and more that have very low THC, yet still offer the same benefits.

After the last two years of uncertainty, illness and chaos due to the pandemic, it’s relieving to see that cannabis has shown a lot of potential in fighting against COVID-19 and could potentially offer new solutions to tackle the pandemic.

Where can you get CBDA and CBGA products from?

The team here at Black Tie CBD is relieved and grateful that we’re a part of an industry that is helping to better global health in such an impactful way. As a company, we've seen the value in CBDA products and we've just released our brand new CBDA isolate so you can keep safe too.

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It's going to be a big week for Black Tie CBD! The crew is headed to Portland tomorrow to welcome the winner of the Golden Ticket Raffle, and to begin our Harvest at the farms. We are planning to bring you a live stream or 2 on our YouTube, new videos, and a ton of new images of the crop. We had a small setback with our main Instagram being taken down without reason, but we will be back with an even better page. Keep up with us on our trip for a lot of exclusives and what we've had going on at the farms.

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