2020 Cannabinoid Trends
Is CBG “the new CBD”? Or something else entirely?
January 22, 2020
2020 Hemp Industry Event Calendar
February 7, 2020
The hemp market is expanding at a blistering pace. If you’re here, you know that already.
We’ve all heard that the CBD industry is said to reach $22 billion by 2022. But the CBD market is growing more crowded by the day, and CBD isn’t the only valuable cannabinoid that can be extracted from hemp.
Researchers have identified over 120 cannabinoids produced by cannabis sativa L— and all of them can be extracted from hemp. That in mind, why limit your crop to just CBD genetics?
With each new wave of scientific discovery about these minor cannabinoids, the market rushes to catch up. Some of these compounds could have some pretty powerful applications in cosmetics, skincare and wellness industries once the FDA gets on board with cannabis-derived compounds for therapeutic purposes.
If you’re growing hemp for smokable flower or consumable products, this post is for you. Let’s take a look at a few of the up-and-coming minor cannabinoids that are expanding the hemp market — and the possibilities for your future crops.
Hemp for consumables: the new cannabinoids on the block
CBG is only the beginning of the minor cannabinoid trend. As researchers continue to uncover medical potential in hemp’s lesser-known cannabinoids like CBG, CBC, and THCV, the market rushes to cash in.
Keep in mind, studies on these cannabinoids are limited. A lot of them seem to have overlapping properties– but they each have some unique preclinical foreshadowing of their own. Not to mention the confounding aspect of the entourage effect that states that these compounds in the plant work together in ways scientists still don’t quite understand.
The entourage
CBG (cannabigerol)– Already, CBG is shaping up to be the “hot new” non-intoxicating cannabinoid. Misconceptions about CBG production (namely the myth that you can simply harvest plants early to get CBG) have hindered it from realizing its commercial potential, but this is changing– and fast. Early research has inspired a putative laundry list of potential applications for CBG, including dermatological applications, appetite stimulation, cognitive benefits, cosmetic uses and anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory actions.
CBC (cannabichromene)- CBC is the result of a recessive gene, so without extensive breeding, this cannabinoid won’t show up in any commercially viable quantities in your average hemp biomass. Lately, breeders have started to significantly boost CBC production via rigorous cross-breeding techniques aimed at increasing the inheritance of the gene responsible for CBC production. Most of the research into CBC has centred around its potential pain-relieving properties, due to its interactions with TRP receptors. TRP receptors are implicated in heat and pain sensation and are associated with chronic pain treatment.
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin)- While THCV is a propyl analogue of THC, it seems to be possible to be extracted from hemp (legally). THCV is believed to have a number of bodyweight reducing properties, based on preclinical studies that showed THCV antagonizes a receptor (CB1) implicated in appetite, reduced insulin sensitivity, and increased energy expenditure. THCV’s unique properties may have some pretty significant implications for conditions like obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndromes.
CBDV (cannabidivarin)- CBDV is a propyl analogue of CBD, meaning that it’s closely related– but not the same compound. It has been studied as an anticonvulsant that may rival CBD in its efficacy, an anti-inflammatory agent, and as an anandamide-reuptake inhibitor, meaning that it may allow more anandamide (the body’s “bliss” molecule) to circulate in the body, which could mean that CBDV could have implications for mood regulation, anxiety and depression.
A word on genetics
A number of breeders have been experimenting with innovative hemp genetics that feature some of the rarer cannabinoid profiles we’ve covered in this post. In theory, so long as THC levels are under 0.3% THC, there’s no limit to what sorts of innovative profiles breeders will be producing in the near future.
Do your research on minor cannabinoids before you seek out genetics. Because at the end of the day, understanding the chemistry of this plant will help you better understand your hemp biomass buyers. And when you’re ready for seeds, contact us and we’ll connect you to reputable genetics.
Trends in the hemp industry are cropping up fast– don’t let them dictate your harvest before you do your homework. Always know before you grow.
Read More:
(2017) Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a few Promising Leads
