Most people are already familiar with CBD, the famous new cannabinoid on the market. However, cannabigerol (CBG) is another intriguing non-psychoactive cannabinoid obtained from the hemp herb. The two most commonly used cannabinoids include THC and CBD. Most marijuana genotypes only comprise small concentrations of CBG—roughly 1%—however, users and medical practitioners are interested in its benefits.
Studies have shown that CBG has a therapeutic impact on some biological systems within the body and bears good prospects as a potential remedy for a wide array of severe or life-threatening illnesses and ailments. Nevertheless, before delving into the medicinal gains it might offer, let’s first explore what cannabigerol is and how it compares to its familial counterparts, THC and CBD.
- What is CBG?
CBG is a particular kind of cannabinoid derived from the hemp herb. It is commonly described as the dominant cannabinoid because other cannabinoids come from the acidic version of CBG called cannabigerol acid (CBGA).
CBG is in the marijuana plant in lesser amounts than other cannabinoids. As a result, cannabinoid-derived products are scarce and generally costly. Yet, the numerous potential advantages that CBG’s cannabinoid products, like CBG cream, provide are causing CBG to gain popularity.
Young hemp herbs have higher concentrations of CBG than mature plants. Marijuana variants with a higher CBG composition than others include Super Glue CBG, White CBG, and Jack Frost. Producers specifically breed these kinds to generate more CBG. CBGA, an acidic version of CBG, is the precursor of THC and CBD hence why younger marijuana plants have greater CBG levels.
You’ll discover very modest quantities of CBG in mature plants with significant levels of CBD and THC. This occurs since, while the plant grows, the bulk of the CBG transforms into cannabidiol and THC. Since it’s challenging to obtain CBG, marijuana producers have been exploring genetic modification and cross-breeding to help plants produce more CBG.
- How CBG Works
The body’s ECS breaks down CBG. The endocannabinoid system comprises receptors and molecules in charge of maintaining our body’s functioning at their optimum level, irrespective of what is happening in our environment. CBG mimics the endocannabinoids that our bodies naturally produce.
The two cannabinoid receptors include CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors exist in the brain and neurological system, while CB2 exists across the immune system. CBG operates by attaching to these receptors, where it enhances the action of the anandamide neurotransmitter involved in improving drive and pleasure, managing sleep and appetite, and reducing pain.
- Benefits Of CBG
Like cannabidiol, cannabigerol helps alleviate pain without causing the same high associated with Tetrahydrocannabinol. According to studies, CBG can potentially have medicinal value. Nevertheless, there is limited human research, hence the need for more investigation.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel condition spurs chronic intestinal inflammation. Millions of individuals around the globe suffer from this disorder, which is untreatable. A 2013 experiment revealed that CBG positively impacts inflammatory bowel conditions.
Scientists created inflammation like that caused by IBD in mice’s colons before administering CBG. CBG suppressed nitric oxide generation and swelling, and there was also less production of reactive oxygen species in the gut. The research concluded that cannabigerol needed medical testing in bowel disease patients.
Huntington’s Disease
Huntington’s condition may result in the degeneration of the brain’s nerve cells. A 2015 research studied mice with an experimental form of Huntington’s disorder to determine whether CBG or other cannabinoids possessed neuroprotective effects. CBG functioned like a neuroprotectant, preventing damage to the neurons in the brain. Additionally, it reduced motor impairments and protected striatal neurons from the harmful effects of 3-nitropropionic acid.
Glaucoma
In an experiment, scientists discovered that CBG possesses medicinal promise in managing glaucoma. After giving CBG to kittens suffering from glaucoma, researchers observed a decrease in intraocular pressure and a rise in aqueous humor discharge, a liquid generated by the eye that regulates eye pressure and nourishes the eye.
Fighting Cancer Cells
In research on animals having colon cancer, CBG demonstrated potential in preventing the proliferation of colorectal cancerous cells and suppressing the receptors that promote cancer cell development. The scientists recommended the consideration of cannabigerol in the prevention and treatment of colon cancer.
Antibacterial Properties
According to a 2020 research on the antimicrobial prospects of marijuana, CBG possesses antibacterial capabilities, particularly against methicillin-resistant variants of Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria responsible for staph disease.
- CBG Vs. CBD
Research found that they both engage with similar bodily receptors and possess anti-inflammatory properties. However, CBG appears to have distinct applications and therapeutic benefits over CBD. CBG and CBD are also very similar in several ways, including;
- Both affect the endocannabinoid system.
- They don’t induce a “high” since they are not psychotropic.
- They can mitigate the psychoactive effects of THC.
One of the major contrasts between cannabidiol and cannabigerol is that most hemp herbs only comprise 1% CBG but approximately 25% CBD.
- What Are Cannabigerol’s Side Effects
There is insufficient information about CBG’s side effects. Rats appear to handle it well so far; however, there isn’t adequate data to draw any firm conclusions regarding any potential adverse effects it may have on people.
Conclusion
CBG is growing in popularity; however, studies on this cannabinoid are still somewhat limited. Although it may have several advantages, little data is available regarding its negative effects or possible interactions with other drugs. If you seek to explore CBG, you can easily get quality full-spectrum cannabidiol oils containing some CBG. Ensure you consult your physician beforehand if you use any prescription drugs or have an underlying medical issue.
