Key takeaways
- CBG is one of the first cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant.
- It is abundant in young cannabis plants and gets converted to other cannabinoids like CBD and THC as the plant grows.
- CBG can interact with the endocannabinoid system to provide several therapeutic potentials.
- CBG has shown some anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial and pain-relieving properties.
The hemp plant goes beyond CBD and THC. There are over 100 cannabinoids, all of which can interact with the endocannabinoid system to provide several therapeutic benefits. In this article, we will discuss the possible roles of CBG and how it compares to CBD.
What is Cannabigerol?
CBG is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is a non-psychoactive compound, meaning it doesn't produce a "high" like its more well-known counterpart, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBG is often referred to as the "mother" or "stem cell" cannabinoid because it is a precursor to other cannabinoids. As the cannabis plant matures, CBG is converted into various cannabinoids, including THC and CBD.
CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body, a complex cell-signaling system involved in regulating various physiological processes. Research on CBG has shown potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer effects.
What are the therapeutic benefits of CBG?
Preliminary research and clinical trials suggests that CBG may have several potential health benefits some of which are more potent than CBD and THC. Some of the potential therapeutic benefits of CBG include:
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBG has shown anti-inflammatory effects, which could be beneficial for conditions involving inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
- Neuroprotective Effects: CBG has demonstrated neuroprotective properties, suggesting potential benefits for neurological conditions like Huntington's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
- Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity: CBG has exhibited antibacterial and antifungal properties, which could be useful in combating infections, especially drug-resistant strains.
- Potential Anti-Cancer Properties: Early studies suggest that CBG may have anti-cancer properties, inhibiting the growth of certain types of cancer cells. The role of CBG in breast and prostate cancer have been fully documented.
- Appetite Stimulation: CBG may act as an appetite stimulant, potentially offering support for individuals experiencing appetite loss due to various medical conditions.
- Glaucoma Management: Some research indicates that CBG might help in managing intraocular pressure, making it a potential candidate for glaucoma treatment.
- Mood Regulation: CBG may interact with the endocannabinoid system to influence mood, making it a subject of interest in the study of mood disorders like anxiety and depression.
- Anticonvulsant and Anti-Seizure Activity of CBG: CBG demonstrates potent anticonvulsant and anti-seizure properties, surpassing CBD in efficacy against hyperthermia-induced seizures. It shows positive interaction with clobazam, hinting at its potential in medication for conditions like Dravet syndrome and reducing symptoms associated with chronic epileptic episodes.
- Antidiabetic Properties of CBG: CBG's antidiabetic potential is linked to its inhibitory activities on aldose reductase, a key enzyme in glucose conversion. This inhibition may prevent secondary complications of diabetes, such as cataracts, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.
- Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Properties: Despite CBG's limited affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBG and its derivatives show promise as antidepressants, anxiolytics, and analgesic agents, providing a neuromodulator function that may be beneficial in various diseases.
Can CBG make you high?
No does not typically produce a "high" or psychoactive effect. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is known for its psychoactive properties, CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid system without causing intoxication. CBG is often considered non-intoxicating and is generally well-tolerated by users. The absence of significant psychoactive effects makes CBG an appealing option for individuals seeking potential therapeutic benefits without the mind-altering experiences associated with THC.
Is CBG legal?
The legal status of CBG depends on the specific regulations governing cannabinoids in different jurisdictions. In many places, CBG derived from hemp plants with low THC content is considered legal. Hemp-derived products, including those containing CBG, are often allowed under the legal definitions that distinguish hemp from marijuana.
In the United States, for example, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (also known as the 2018 Farm Bill) legalized hemp at the federal level, defining it as cannabis plants with THC levels below 0.3%. As CBG is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in hemp, CBG products derived from compliant hemp plants are generally legal.
What is the difference between CBD and CBG?
CBG and CBD are both cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, and they share some similarities, but there are also key differences. CBG has a unique chemical structure distinct from CBD, and it is often referred to as the "mother cannabinoid" because it serves as a precursor to other cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. As the cannabis plant matures, CBG levels decrease, and other cannabinoids, like CBD, become more prominent.
Both CBG and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body, but they may have different effects on cannabinoid receptors. CBG has been found to interact with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, similar to CBD. Despite their interactions with the ECS, neither CBG nor CBD is known to produce psychoactive effects, meaning they do not cause the "high" associated with THC.
In terms of their presence in the cannabis plant, CBG is typically found in lower concentrations compared to CBD. CBG is present in the early stages of the plant's growth and decreases as the plant matures, while CBD becomes more abundant. While both cannabinoids have shown potential therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, more research is needed to fully understand their individual benefits.
CBD has been more extensively studied than CBG, with a larger body of research supporting various potential health benefits. CBD's known effects include its anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. On the other hand, CBG research is still in its early stages, and while promising, additional studies are required to establish its therapeutic effects conclusively. As research progresses, a clearer understanding of the unique contributions of each cannabinoid to overall health and wellness may emerge.
Is CBG safe?
CBG is generally considered safe for most users when consumed in moderate amounts. It is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, meaning it does not produce the psychoactive effects associated with THC. Additionally, CBG does not appear to have the potential for abuse or dependence.
However, as with any substance, individual responses can vary, and it's essential to be aware of potential side effects. While CBG is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience mild side effects, including:
Dry Mouth
Drowsiness
Interaction with Medications
What are the common CBG products?
Common CBG products include CBG Oil/Tinctures, CBG Capsules, CBG Edibles, CBG Topicals, CBG Isolate, CBG Vape Products, CBG Flower and CBG-infused Beverages
Want to Learn More?
- What are Cannabinoids?
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