Cannabis and its family plants have revolutionized the medical industry. The compounds found in cannabis, marijuana, hemp, or whatever you may call it have proved to be highly beneficial in treating key health issues like stress disorders, mental health issues, chronic pain, and digestive systems. A typical cannabis or hemp plant holds 200 compounds. While THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol) are well-explored compounds found in these plants, CBG (Cannabigerol) is yet to gain that level of popularity. Considering an unprecedented surge in interest among people, especially youngsters, for products based on CBD and THC, the day is not far when CBG-based products will also sweep the markets. In this article, let’s understand the origin of CBG, methods to use CBG oil, its properties, and prospects.
What is CBG?
Marijuana researchers Yehiel Gaoni and Raphael Mechoulam had first discovered CBG in 1964 in Israel. They managed to extract CBG, along with CBD and THC, from a marijuana plant. Although their discovery did not lead to widespread use of CBG due to more interest in CBD and THC, it certainly has emerged as a promising compound in the present scenario. People now want to explore its properties just like CBD and THC to understand its effects on the human body.
So, what is a CBG compound? Well, it holds many similarities with CBD. It does not cause high or intoxication like CBD. It possesses similar medicinal properties like CBD. It’s also found in higher concentration, like CBD, in industrial hemp and more potent plants. People have so far overlooked CBG as compared to the two other more popular compounds. But researchers have realized that it’s high time to conduct high-level studies and research to understand it better.
How does the CBG work?
All cannabinoids in our body combine with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is based on two main receptors in our body called CB1 and CB2 receptors. The entire endocannabinoid system is made up of three things — CB1 and CB2 receptors, chemicals called endocannabinoids, and enzymes. CB1 receptors are present in our nervous system. CB2 receptors are found in the immune system cells. Endocannabinoids like anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)) are the two main Endocannabinoids that can bind with these receptors. AEA binds with CB1 receptors, thereby affecting cognitive functions, while 2-AG combines with both CB1 and CB2 receptors and generates anti-inflammatory effects.
Cannabinoids found in a cannabis plant can also combine with these receptors as they also have similar shapes like AEA and 2-AG. While THC binds with CB1 receptors and gets you high or intoxicated, CBD does not bind with either of the two but can influence the functions of both receptors. Similarly, CBD also combines with CB2 receptors. It can also alter the effects of other cannabinoids if taken in higher quantities. Scientists have also discovered that the combination of all three compounds could also have a greater impact on our body than using them alone.
What are the uses of CBG?
Let’s make it clear. CBG is still in the stage of infancy! More research will help us understand its full impact on our body. The initial data based on CBG research, however, seems useful. It suggests CBG can be a great tool in the treatment of various physical and cognitive disorders. It possesses anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties and has antimicrobial effects. CBG has also proved to be an effective appetite stimulant and can also address bladder problems. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBG can treat major chronic inflammatory complications like IBD or inflammatory bowel diseases and colitis.
Advanced research on CBG can pave the way for its usage in the treatment of various critical illnesses like arthritis, blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and even cancer. Like the endocannabinoid called 2-AG, CBG also protects our nervous system from damage. It’s also helpful in improving motor deficit and can cure Huntington’s disease, which is associated with neuro-generative diseases. CBD also holds various antibacterial properties and is useful in its treatment. A study conducted in 2016 found that CBG works can be a great appetite stimulant. CBG reduced acetylcholine-induced bladder contraction in mice during a study conducted in 2015. It has been found that CBG can also be helpful in the treatment of bladder contraction problems in humans.
Uses of CBG oil and its future prospects
CBG oil can be taken in various ways but each can have different effects on our body. While some are more effective, others may take longer in addressing the problem. CBG tinctures or oil droppers, for example, offer greater flexibility in dosing and other applications. You may apply CBG tinctures on the body parts experiencing pain. Those going through stress in their life can make it a routine to use CBG before sleep. People suffering from chronic pain issues have found immense health benefits of CBG oil. It’s also useful in the food and beverage industry as an ‘additive’. CBG oil is also available as ‘capsules’, which can hold oil longer. Its ingestion usually takes longer to show the desired effects as it takes time to dissolve in the body. However, the effect is much greater.
Both CBG and CBD are two different compounds but possess similar properties. They are both used in making CBG oil and full-spectrum CBD oil. Initial research has shown that the combination or mixing one with the other cannabinoids could produce greater effects than they separately used to give the so-called “entourage effect”. It’s also a fact that not many companies are making the CBG oil right now.
CBG oil can give comfort, calmness, and relief from stress. For those suffering from insomnia and inflammation problems, CBG oil can be a great option. CBG oil may also be useful in the treatment of colon cancer and colitis. It can also protect our brain cells from aging. However, all these assertions are based on small-scale research or anecdotal evidence. The need of the hour is to scale-up the research around CBG and explore it further to gain maximum benefits from its magical medicinal properties.
