By now, most people familiar with cannabis must have heard of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) and their effects, but did you know there are many similar compounds in cannabis? A lesser-known cannabinoid is known as cannabigerol (CBG). It is not present in large quantities in most strains but is nonetheless worth learning about for several reasons. CBG contains some health benefits for the body system. One of these benefits includes helping with Bladder Dysfunction. This article will explore what research has to say about CBG and Dysfunction.
What Is CBG?
(CBG) is a type of cannabinoid that one can obtain from the cannabis plant. It is known as the mother of all cannabinoids. This is because other cannabinoids come from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), an acidic form of CBG.
Other more common cannabinoids we can obtain from cannabis plants include CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CBG is in smaller quantities than other cannabinoids in cannabis plants. In most strains of the plant, only 1% of CBG is present if you compare it to 20 to 25% of CBD or 25 to 30% of THC.
This makes consumer products that we can derive from the cannabinoid rare and often expensive. However, CBG is growing in popularity as a result of the host of potential benefits the cannabinoid has to offer.
How CBG Is Made?
CBG comes from young cannabis plants because they contain higher amounts of CBG than fully developed plants.
Some strains of cannabis like White CBG, Super Glue CBG, and Jack Frost CBG also have higher CBG content than other strains. These strains are specifically cultivated to produce higher quantities of CBG.
Both CBD and THC start as CBGA, an acidic form of CBG. This is why younger cannabis plants contain higher concentrations of CBG.
In fully developed plants with high concentrations of THC and CBD, you’ll find very low concentrations of CBG. This happens because most of the CBG are converting to CBD and THC as the plant is developing.
Due to the difficulty of getting CBG, cannabis growers have been experimenting with cross-breeding and genetic manipulation to help cannabis plants produce more CBG.
How Does CBG Work?
The body’s endocannabinoid system mainly processes CBG. The endocannabinoid system consists of molecules and receptors in our bodies that are responsible for keeping our bodies in an optimal state regardless of what’s going on in our external environment.
In our bodies, CBG imitates endocannabinoids, the natural compounds our body makes.
Cannabinoid Receptors In The Body
Our body contains two types of cannabinoid receptors—CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are in the nervous system and brain, while CB2 receptors are in the immune system and other areas of the body.
CBG works by binding to both receptors where it strengthens the function of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in enhancing pleasure and motivation, regulating appetite and sleep, and alleviating pain. Unlike THC, CBG has no psychotropic effects, so it will not give you a high.
What Is Bladder Dysfunction?
Bladder dysfunction (or urinary incontinence) is the leaking of urine that you can’t control. It’s often an isolating and embarrassing condition that’s hard to talk about for most people. About 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men have bladder incontinence.
The good news is that it is treatable and you don’t have to learn to live with it.
Women Face Different Types Of Bladder Dysfunction, Including:
- Functional—a mental or physical problem that prevents a person from getting to a bathroom in time
- Overactive bladder—frequent urination and urgency
- Overflow—leakage of small amounts of urine because of a full bladder
- Stress—leakage of small amounts of urine while coughing, sneezing, exercising, or laughing
- Temporary—leakage that occurs temporarily because of an infection, illness, or medication change
- Urge—Leakage of large amounts of urine at unexpected times, including during sleep
Causes Of Bladder Dysfunction
Bladder dysfunction can be brought about by many different factors. When you meet with your doctor, he/she will take a family history and history of your urinary issues to help pinpoint the cause of your bladder dysfunction.
Common Causes Of Bladder Dysfunction Include:
- Bladder irritation
- Blocked urethra
- Nerve damage or neurological diseases
- Overactive bladder (sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate)
- Poor health
- Prior bladder or pelvic surgery
- Prolapsed bladder (the bladder drops into the vagina)
- The side effect of medication
- Urinary tract infections
- Vaginal childbirth
- A weakness of muscles in the bladder and surrounding area
CBG and Bladder Dysfunction
Research 1
A study was carried out way back in 2015, where researchers put multiple cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant (except THC and cannabichromene) to test. These cannabinoids were first used in mice with overactive bladders.
Research 2
The results were impressive – CBG is the most effective of all cannabinoids that scientists have put to test. The mechanisms weren’t fully discovered (this takes years of testing). However, they made a point that CBG functions outside of cannabinoid receptors, and instead functions by helping the body and bladder regulate themselves!
Now we don’t like to put a lot of weight into mice studies – but thankfully the study didn’t end there. After the trials in mice, the study moved on to observing the effect the cannabinoids had on the human bladder. They found that again CBG seemed to show a reduction in acetylcholine-induced bladder contractions. This research follows on from studies in 2013 that found that cannabis extracts were able to lower contractions by 19%.
While nothing groundbreaking, it’s always good to have research that can potentially find uses from natural extracts. Especially when it’s as biologically harmless as CBG. No toxicity. No psychoactivity. Only efficacy!
Conclusion
It’s also good to have more proof that it’s not just the CBD in our whole extract blend that’s doing people so much good, every cannabinoid and terpene contributes in its own way to the entourage effect, gently restoring the body’s natural function. If you suffer from any form of bladder dysfunction and have an interest in trying CBD / CBG, we highly recommend first consulting with a physician knowledgeable of cannabinoids to get advice around potential interactions with medication.
