The first CBG-rich hemp variety approved in Europe

A new variety of hemp has been added to the European Union catalog. It has been selected for its high cannabigerol (CBG).

This new variety, named Enectarol, was developed over 5 years by the Italian-Dutch company Enecta. The variety produces 5.5 % of CBG and less than 0.1 % of THC.

«There is a lack of true hemp flower strains for cannabinoids in Europe, as most varieties in the catalog are spin-offs of fiber strains,» a declared Paolini to HempToday. «New genetics for the industry are evolving at an incredible pace, but the EU Common Catalogue does not reflect this evolution. The lack of new varieties is a sore point for the European hemp industry.»

What is CBG?

CBG (cannabigerol) is one of the 120 cannabinoids found in cannabis. CBG is known as the «mother» cannabinoid, the precursor to CBD, from CBN, from CBC and THC.

The CBG activates both the CB1 receptors and CB2 in the endocannabinoid system, offering the promise that it could have the combined qualities of all the other cannabinoids combined.

Studies have shown that CBG is promising  for conditions such as glaucoma, inflammatory bowel disease and Huntington's disease, and can inhibit tumor growth in some cases; it is known to kill or slow down bacteria and promote bone development.

Last year, the European Commission added the CBG to the cosmetic ingredients database (Cosing), indicating that the compound is safe for use in health and beauty products. When applied topically, CBG acts on the CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors, which are located in the skin.

According to its supporters, this compound derived from hemp has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties that help the endocannabinoid system maintain healthy skin function.