The rising popularity of Cannabigerol (CBG) may make THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol) seem like old news. It is becoming increasingly popular because of its potential benefits, appearing alongside CBD in many products.
Because CBG is a form of cannabinoid from which other cannabinoids are derived, it is known as the mother of all cannabinoids. It is the first compound of biosynthesis in hemp plants. Both CBD and THC start as CBGA, standing for Cannabigerol Acid.
Younger plants contain higher amounts of cannabigerol than fully developed plants. Conversely, ripe plants may have higher concentrations of THC and CBD, but lower CBG. Cannabigerol can be found in different forms, such as gummies, tinctures, capsules, and lotions.
CBG and CBD have different molecular makeups, so they have slightly different effects on the body. They imitate the effects of endocannabinoids, the natural compounds our body makes to stay in optimal state and regulate essential functions regardless of the external environment. However, unlike THC, neither has psychoactive properties.
CBG can temper your mood by binding your CB1 receptors found in your gut and brain to your endocannabinoid system (ECS). The bound compound acts as a neurotransmitter, assists our cognitive functions, and promotes anxiolytic effects. Cannabigerol can also tie in with both CB1 and CB2 to produce an anti-inflammatory effect.
According to research, CBG has therapeutic benefits. Here are some of the findings.
People make cannabis preparations high in CBG to reduce anxiety. One in three users reports that cannabigerol can ease depression as well. These effects are similar to that of CBD.
The same study shows that people consume Cannabigerol to treat chronic pain, with 73.9% reporting they work better than traditional medicine. The US has approved it to treat Epilepsy while the UK has approved it for multiple sclerosis. It can also aid arthritis and fibromyalgia at varying doses.
Since CBG is an appetite stimulant, people suffering from IBD may use cannabinoids to increase their appetite and reduce pain. This can be extreme for people undergoing cancer treatments as well. There is also growing research about cannabigerol’s effects on stopping cancer cells from multiplying and killing them, particularly in breast cancer.
CBG stimulates the receptors in the brain and in the blood vessels that are responsible for blood pressure. So, it may be used to address symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The compound can also decrease the intraocular pressure, reducing the risk of developing glaucoma.
Despite people claiming the benefits of CBG within their lives, there isn’t sufficient research about its therapeutic effects on human and animal bodies. CBG-forward products are still new to Australia and the UK, so there is a lack of proper regulations regarding product safety.
However, cannabigerol should be safe to be consumed by adults as long as they are taken in recommended doses. Some side-effects of CBG could be:
CBG is currently being used alongside CBD as its benefits are complementary. Despite the research regarding the former being still in infancy, it’s already showing a lot of potentials to help patients in a variety of areas.
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