CBD and CBG for Anxiety: Do they Work?

By now, there’s not a soul on earth that hasn’t heard about CBD’s healing properties. CBD or CBG’s purported mental health benefits, especially for anxiety, are the talk of every public forum and every scientific community. 

Another hemp-based compound called THC has also raked in a fair share of good press and bad press. Unlike CBD, THC is psychoactive, and therefore illegal for use beyond a certain threshold.

However, there’s one cannabinoid that hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves. Its name is cannabigerol, and it’s actually the precursor to all cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, including THC and CBD. 

In the early stages of a hemp plant, CBG is the only compound that exists. Later on, it is converted into cannabigerolic acid and then to other products following a series of chemical reactions.

The problem with CBG is that it’s not found in abundance. Most hemp plants contain only trace amounts of cannabigerol in their structure. 

Furthermore, most farmers breed hemp plants for CBD and THC, which is obvious, considering they’re the most in-demand cannabinoids today. 

However, it’s highly likely that CBG may rise to the same mainstream popularity and attract innovative interest in large scale production, considering its potential medicinal value. Several scientific studies have indicated that the compound may help various conditions, ranging from glaucoma to anxiety. 

In this article, we’ll talk about CBG for anxiety and whether cannabigerol has the same anti-anxiety properties as CBD or not. 

Science Behind CBG and CBD for Anxiety

Both CBG and CBD act on the endocannabinoid system. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is equipped with a vast network of cell receptors that regulate functions throughout the human body. However, while CBG has a direct influence on this system, CBD does not. 

CBG directly binds to the endocannabinoid system’s receptors, thus playing a direct role in their activity. On the other hand, CBD stimulates and inhibits cannabinoids the ECS naturally produces. These compounds called endocannabinoids then regulate important functions, such as inflammation and mood.

Animal-based studies suggest that CBD has a more targeted effect on physical symptoms, such as fighting inflammation and relieving pain. In contrast, CBD has been found to be more potent as a neuroprotective agent. However, these results are inconclusive, and effects may vary from person to person. 

According to growing anecdotal evidence, CBG consumers have reported a reduction in the symptoms of their depression and anxiety. In one mice-centered study, CBG showed an impressive ability to protect nerve cells from oxidative harm. This indicates that it might be used as a viable therapy for neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s. 

Some studies have also shown CBG to stave off bacterial infections, such as MRSA. MRSA is a life-threatening condition with no surefire treatment. Scientific evidence has also come up with findings to link CBG with glaucoma, bladder dysfunction, and inflammatory bowel disease. However, extensive human clinical trials are needed to ascertain cannabigerol’s medicinal value for these conditions. 

CBG for Anxiety: Does It Work?

So, what about CBG for anxiety?

How does this work?

The answer lies in the regulation of GABA receptors in the ECS. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system responsible for regulating important functions, including mood and anxiety. Studies have shown GABA to work better with CBG than THC or CBD. CBG has also been shown to stimulate Alpha-2 receptor activity, which streamlines muscle contraction and provides relief. Because of these findings, cannabigerol is considered a superior option for treating anxiety, depression, and stress. 

Is CBD or CBG Better for Anxiety?

For this, first, we’ll have to narrow down the main symptoms of anxiety disorders. These include: 

• Shallow breathing
• Stomach pains or discomfort (gassiness, bloating)
• Difficulty concentrating or dizziness
• Tension in muscles
• Heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Lack of concentration
• Insomnia
• Irritability

When assessing CBG and CBD for anxiety, both compounds have shown increasing promise to help with the underlying symptoms of anxiety disorders. The research backing CBD’s anti-anxiety properties is more extensive, considering it’s garnered more attention from the scientific community. CBD has especially shown to help with mild types of anxiety, such as social anxiety disorder. 

Although the scientific data on CBG for anxiety is scarce, some studies have found the compound to possess potent anti-anxiety properties. In one research, CBD attached to certain endocannabinoid receptors in the brain that had a direct role in alleviating anxiety and pain. Another study found CBG to increase dopamine levels, thus supporting improved sleep and appetite and reducing stress. 

Compared to CBD, cannabigerol has shown better efficacy to curb ADHD symptoms, such as lack of focus and energy. 

Can You Take CBD and CBG Together?

There are a variety of Cannabis products on the market. However, the two most beneficial types are:

• Full Spectrum 
• Broad Spectrum

Full Spectrum CBG and CBD products contain more than the hundred cannabinoids indigenous to the hemp plant, alongside vitamins, minerals, and other chemicals. Because of this conjoined assembly of cannabinoids, experts consider full-spectrum products to be the most effective form of cannabis. 

This notion is because of the entourage effect, a synergistic relationship between two or more compounds where they amplify and refine each other’s properties. A shining case study of the entourage effect is the partnership between THC and CBD. THC has negative psychoactive effects, but CBD can counteract THC’s effects without compromising its therapeutic potency.

Another similar product is called Broad Spectrum CBD. Broad Spectrum contains every compound there is in its full spectrum counterpart, except THC. Anyone who’s worried about flopping a drug test or getting high can use this alternative. But, the most powerful option to combat anxiety remains Full-spectrum CBG and CBD. 

Final Thoughts on CBG vs. CBD for anxiety

CBG and CBD science are still in its early stages. Most of this research is based on animal models. That said, early findings paint a promising picture. 

However, unlike CBD, CBG isn’t as widespread. Even in state-certified dispensaries, it’s hard to find a good cannabigerol product. 

Bottom-line: Both CBD and CBG have shown to help with anxiety; however, further evidence is needed to understand their anti-anxiety qualities fully.