What is cannabigerol (CBG)?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a type of cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. It is often referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids. This is because other cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the acidic form of CBG.

Other more common cannabinoids derived from cannabis plants include cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

CBG is found in smaller amounts than other cannabinoids in cannabis plants. In most strains of the plant, only 1% CBG can be found compared to 20-25% CBD or 25-30% THC.

This makes cannabinoid-derived consumer products rare and often expensive. However, CBG is growing in popularity due to the many potential benefits that the cannabinoid offers.

How CBG is made

CBG is obtained from young cannabis plants, which contain more CBG than fully developed plants.

Some cannabis strains, such as White CBG, Super Glue CBG, and Jack Frost CBG, also have higher CBG content than other strains. These strains are specifically cultivated to produce more CBG.

Both CBD and THC start out as CBGA, the acidic form of CBG. This is why young cannabis plants contain higher concentrations of CBG.

In fully developed plants with high concentrations of THC and CBD, you will find very low concentrations of CBG. This is because much of the CBG has already been converted to CBD and THC as the plant has evolved.

Due to the difficulty of obtaining CBG, cannabis growers are experimenting with crossbreeding and genetic manipulation to help cannabis plants produce more CBG.

How CBG (CBG) works

CBG is processed by the body's endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is made up of molecules and receptors in our body that are responsible for keeping our body in optimal condition no matter what happens in the external environment.

In our body, CBG mimics endocannabinoids, natural compounds that our bodies produce.

Cannabinoid receptors in the body

Our body contains two types of cannabinoid receptors - CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found in the nervous system and brain, while CB2 receptors are found in the immune system and other parts of the body.

CBG works by binding to both receptors, where it is thought to enhance the function of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in increasing pleasure and motivation, regulating appetite and sleep, and relieving pain. Unlike THC, CBG has no psychotropic effects, so it won't give you a high.

What dosage of CBD should I take?

Potential Benefits of CBG

Like CBD, CBG has been used to fight pain without the intoxicating effects of cannabinoids like THC.

Research suggests that CBG may also have therapeutic benefits. However, human studies are sparse and more research is needed.

Some promising animal studies show that CBG may help treat certain conditions.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease causes chronic inflammation in the intestines. It affects millions of people around the world and is incurable.

An experimental animal study conducted in 2013 found a beneficial effect of CBG on inflammatory bowel disease. 2

The researchers induced inflammation similar to that which causes IBD in the colons of mice and then injected CBG. CBG has been found to reduce inflammation and nitric oxide production. It also reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the gut. They concluded that CBG should be considered for clinical experimentation in patients with IBD.

Glaucoma

In an animal study, researchers found that CBG has therapeutic potential for treating glaucoma.

Researchers injected CBG into cats with glaucoma and noticed a decrease in eye pressure and an increase in the outflow of aqueous humor, the fluid produced by the eye that maintains intraocular pressure and provides nourishment to the eye. 3

Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease causes the destruction of nerve cells in the brain. In a 2015 study, researchers examined the potential neuroprotective properties of CBG and other cannabinoids in mice that had an experimental model of Huntington's disease. CBG has been seen to act as a neuroprotector, protecting nerve cells in the brain from damage. It also improved motor deficits and protected striatal neurons from 3-nitropropionic acid toxicity. four

Antibacterial properties

A 2020 study on the antibiotic potential of cannabis found that CBG has antibacterial properties, especially against methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), drug-resistant bacteria that cause staph infections. five

Fight against cancer cells

In a 2014 study in rats with colon cancer, CBG showed promising results in blocking the receptors that cause cancer cell growth and in inhibiting the growth of colorectal cancer cells. The researchers suggested that CBG should be considered in the treatment and prevention of colon cancer. 6

How to use CBG(CBG)

The most common form of commercially available CBG is oil, but it is rare and expensive.

Alternatively, broad-spectrum CBD oils contain almost all of the cannabinoids in cannabis. This includes CBG, but not THC. Sharing cannabinoids can increase their overall effectiveness through a phenomenon called the entourage effect.

Side effects of CBG (CBG)

In the first broad survey of patients using CBG to treat problems such as insomnia, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety, respondents reported dry mouth, drowsiness, hunger, and dry eyes as side effects. Some people say that CBG is more effective than conventional medications, 7 some of which carry the risk of serious side effects and addiction.

Research on the potential side effects and drug interaction risks of CBG and other cannabinoids is expanding, but is not yet complete enough to reliably determine the side effects of CBG and drug interaction risks.

CBG (CBG) vs. CBD (CBD)

CBG has a lot in common with CBD:

• Both act on the endocannabinoid system.
• They are not psychoactive, that is, they do not cause a "high".
• They may counteract the psychotropic effects of THC.
• One of the biggest differences between CBD and CBG is that most cannabis plants only contain 1% CBG but up to 25% CBD.

CBG interacts differently with the endocannabinoid system than CBD. CBG binds directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors and can benefit the system more effectively.

CBG Deficiency

CBG is much more difficult to produce than THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Since CBG is similar to CBD in many ways, manufacturers prefer to produce CBD. This makes CBG products quite expensive. However, given the potential benefits of CBG, researchers are looking for ways to alleviate production difficulties and expand the availability of cannabinoids.