You know about THC and CBD, but what about CBG? CBG is the mother of all cannabinoids with a number of benefits. In its womb, more than 400 cannabinoids are conceived, and yet there is little information on its therapeutic effects.
So what exactly is CBG? Does it have the same medicinal potential as CBG and CBD? Is it legal? Are there any CBG products available on the market? In this article, we’ll explore a host of realities surrounding cannabigerol to shed light on this often overlooked cannabinoid.
What is CBG?
CBG or cannabigerol is the starting point of all cannabinoids in hemp and cannabis Sativa plants. This compound is similar to CBD in one important aspect: It’s not psychoactive, i.e., it doesn’t induce a high.
Scientists tout cannabigerol as the mother ship of THC, CBC, and CBD because these compounds are extracted from CBG. How does this process happen? CBG exists in its acidic form called CBGA, which is broken down to produce CBG. CBG is then converted into CBC, THC, CBD, and other cannabinoid molecules.
While cannabigerol science is still in its infancy, studies suggest that it may have various therapeutic properties, from providing neuroprotection to improving eye health. Other benefits CBG may have to include combating inflammation, influencing bone strength, managing chronic pain, treating acne and glaucoma, and regulating bladder control.
CBG also has a role to play in mental health, just like its popular counterparts — CBD. According to preliminary studies, CBG may help patients who have anxiety, depression, and stress.
CBG VS CBD: Are They Similar?
CBG and CBD aren’t listed as Schedule 1 substances by the FDA. This is because these compounds don’t alter consciousness, despite interacting with the nervous system. They function in a way that relieves anxiety and depression without causing euphoric effects.
Another noteworthy thing to keep in mind about CBG is that it may inhibit THC activity. This is similar to how CBD counteracts the psychoactive effects of THC. Studies have found that CBD inhibits certain receptors where THC’s hold is prevalent, thus decreasing psycho activation.
This means that if you have a full-spectrum CBD product that contains a healthy mix of cannabinoids, including CBG, CBD, and THC, you won’t have to worry about getting high because THC and CBD will stave off THC’s intoxicating effects.
Potential CBG Benefits
So how can CBG benefit ailing patients? CBG is linked with a host of benefits that scientists are still in the process of cementing. Right now, most studies are based on animals. Therefore, the results of these aren’t considered conclusive. Nevertheless, early findings paint a promising picture of cannabigerol’s potential as a therapeutic agent.
Pain Relief
Many people swear of cannabis’s pain-relieving effects. One study suggests that 97% of people use CBD-dense cannabis strains for one purpose only: Treating chronic pain. Another study also backed cannabis’s ability to manage chronic pain. While THC is considered the prime candidate to provide pain relief, some studies have indicated that CBG and CBD also have pain relief potentials. Some research has also suggested that the compounds may be even more powerful pain combatants than THC.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
CBG has the potential benefit as an anti-inflammatory agent. Many people suffering from severe inflammatory syndromes, such as bowel disease and arthritis, may benefit from this. A study conducted on mice with colitis found that after administering CBD over six months, the mice reported a significant reduction in overall inflammation. Although human models are not translatable to human clinical trials, these findings hint that CBG may have robust anti-inflammatory effects.
Improved Brain Health
Neuroprotection is one of the best-known qualities of cannabigerol. CBG may act as a neuroprotectant because of its capacity to combat inflammation as both inflammation and neurodegeneration are closely associated. Studies demonstrated how CBD helped mice that had Huntington’s disease. The compound protected the myelin sheath surrounding the mice’s nerve cells, thus slowing down brain degeneration. Some research has also revealed that CBG may promote neurogenesis — the growth of new nerve cells.
Antibacterial Properties
Scientists believe cannabigerol can serve as a potent antibacterial agent. It has especially shown great promise to fight MRSA resistance to bacterial strains. Furthermore, CBG has shown a superior capability to stave off the attacks of fungi, mycobacteria, and gram-positive bacteria than either of its counterparts — CBC, CBD, and THC. In the future, these findings may provide the path for novel antibacterial treatments.
Glaucoma
Some experts also believe that cannabigerol may reduce intraocular pressure and help treat glaucoma. CBG can activate many receptors in the eye that are directly connected to the body’s endocannabinoid system. Because of this, it can tap into vital ocular sites and relieve pain and pressure.
CBG and Cancer
Like CBD oil, cannabigerol has also shown promise when it comes to stomping down cancerous growths. Studies show that CBG can inhibit the activity of receptors that stimulate the growth of cancerous cells. In an animal study, CBG helped mice manage colorectal cancer. It prevented the malignant tumor from spreading and decelerated cancer progression.
Relieving Anxiety and Depression
Scientific evidence suggests that CBG may help regulate important emotional receptors. Cannabigerol may influence the activity of GABA and serotonin, higher levels of which can lead to depression and anxiety. These revelations hint that CBG may have antidepressant effects. It’s also noteworthy that CBG is more powerful at reducing GABA activity than both THC and CBD. The fact that CBG is non-psychoactive is also a huge plus point. This could make it a safe option for people who’re wary of the brain-altering effects of psychotropic substances like THC.
Bladder Dysfunction Aid
Cannabigerol could also work as a bladder dysfunction fixer. Anecdotal accounts of CBG helping with people’s bladder issues are vast and sundry. A study involving four cannabinoids was conducted to see whether the compounds were most effective at treating bladder contractions. Out of these, CBG emerged as the winner, with findings revealing that cannabigerol reduced muscle contractions and provided relief to the individuals who partook in the study.
