Marijuana/cannabis or hemp plant contains over 200 known cannabinoid compounds, which form these plants’ bases. However, two compounds — CBD (cannabinoids) or THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) — are the two famous chemical compounds in a cannabis plant. There are a few more that are gaining popularity now. These chemical compounds such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) are more potent in terms of their medicinal properties and do not cause ‘high’ or intoxication.
If explored to their fullest extent, they can open a plethora of new opportunities in the healthcare segment that focuses on treating diseases with no side effects.
After the wide acceptance of CBD as a panacea of many physical and psychological health issues, CBG or cannabigerol has also given hope to its proponents. This rare cannabinoid also holds abundant medical properties, which can cure critical health problems, suggest early findings. Depending on these findings, the entire pharmaceutical industry may see a tectonic shift in a few years now. The cannabinoid-based products seem to have brought in a new wave of hope and opportunities for businesses and patients. By an estimate, the global cannabidiol pharmaceutical market may cross the $50 billion mark by 2029.
CBG vs CBD: What’s The Difference?
They both have almost the same medicinal properties but provide different health benefits to the body. Just like CBD, CBG has non-intoxicating cannabinoids, they both possess anti-inflammatory health benefits. Right now, there’s little research available on CBG, but experts dig deeper, it is likely to surprise them. CBG as a chemical compound was discovered in 1964. But, research on this unique chemical compound progressed slowly because of its low concentration in marijuana plants.
Potential Medical Uses Of Cannabigerol
Scientists have discovered ways to convert CBG into other prominent compounds — THC, CBC, and CBD — found in the cannabis or a hemp plant. Science says CBG possesses pharmacological properties, which can be easily converted to gain properties of other cannabis compounds. CBG has proved to be highly effective against anti-inflammatory and cancer diseases. Despite its broad pharmacological activity, information regarding its precise mechanism, potential benefits, and adverse effects are yet to be fully explored.
SoSome Of The Much Talked About But Less Reviewed Health Benefits Of CBG Are:
Huntington’s disease: Huntington disease is a brain disorder that causes uncontrolled movements, emotional issues, and cognitive disorders. Findings suggest that CBG may be successful in treating neuroprotective conditions such as Huntington’s disease. A 2015 study, conducted on mice, looked at CBG’s neurodegenerative properties. The study found that CBG may be successful in treating the disease.
Bacterial infections: CBG can kill bacteria, particularly staph infections. In such infections, the disease occurred either by direct infection or by toxins produced in the body by bacteria. Those suffering from this disease experience boils, food poisoning, and toxic shock syndrome. Many of these bacterial infections are hard to treat. However, CBG could prove to be helpful in finding the cure for bacterial infections, researchers have found.
Cancer: CBG can treat colon cancer by controlling the growth of harmful cancer cells and other tumors in our bodies. The chemical compound was successful in treating colon cancer among rats, a 2014 study had found. In colon cancer, the last part of the digestive tract is affected.
The Disease May Be Curable But Repeated Cancers In The Colon Can Be Fatal Too.
Appetite Loss: Like CBD, CBG also holds properties that can boost your immune system and loss of appetite. Regular but controlled intake of CBG in different forms can improve your digestive system and help you stimulate the appetite.
Bladder dysfunction: In bladder dysfunction, patients experience urine related problems including frequency, urgency, and control over urine. A study conducted in the year 2015 showed that CBG was most effective among other prominent cannabinoids against bladder dysfunction.
Inflammatory bowel disease: The inflammatory bowel disease or IBD is a common term used to describe chronic inflammation issues like ulcerative colitis, sores, and inflammation in the colon and rectum. A 2013 study conducted on mice showed that CBD could be a potential cure for all different types of inflammatory bowel syndrome diseases.
Side-effects Of CBG And Its Interaction With Other Medications
There’s not enough research to conclude that CBG does not produce any side-effects. But, it’s also not safe to say that CBG is a foolproof medication and can completely cure all the above-discussed health issues. The reason: CBG is still an unexplored territory. All the information that’s available out there is based on anecdotal evidence, scientific observations and small scale studies. There’s also little clarity on its reaction with traditional medications. In case you are interested in incorporating CBG in life, make sure to discuss it with your doctor in case you are on medication. Research suggests CBG can influence the metabolism of the body if you are on medication.
How To Choose The Right CBG Product?
Buying a CBG product of your choice can be a tricky task since it’s not widely available like CBD. However, there are several companies that focus on various cannabis varieties to cater to the wider audience. In case you are unable to find the CBG product of your choice, go for full-spectrum CBD. A full-spectrum CBD contains all major cannabinoids. They are not only available everywhere but can also be beneficial when taken together. Also, before buying a CBG product, check the authorisation process mentioned in the product description. The products reviewed by third parties are usually the most trusted brands.
Legality and Future Of CBG
Laws around cannabinoids are pretty complex and vary from state to state. For example, all hemp-based products are legal under the federal laws in the United States but illegal in many states of the US. However, cannabis-based products are illegal at the federal level but legal in many states. Hence, the legality around CBG will depend on the state you are residing in. As far as the future of CBG is concerned, it looks promising. There is a strong need to conduct more research to fully understand its benefits and shortcomings. If you still want to take the plunge, go for spectrum CBD oils first. Also, make sure you consult your doctor before making CBG a part of your life.
