Cannabigerol, or CBG, is a cannabinoid that’s non-psychoactive and is typically most abundant in low-THC and high-CBD cannabis strains, including hemp. It’s often referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids. This is because other cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), an acidic form of CBG. Like THC, CBG reacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. CBG, however, acts as a buffer to the psychoactivity of THC by working to lessen the paranoia that is sometimes caused by higher volumes of THC.
CBG has been shown to address inflammation, pain, nausea, and works to slow the proliferation of free radical, cancer cells. Research has shown it also dramatically reduces eye pressure (intraocular) caused by glaucoma. Strains high in CBG will be beneficial at treating digestive conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, and diseases such as cancer.
Other more common cannabinoids obtained from cannabis plants include cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CBG is rare and found in smaller quantities than other cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. In most strains of the plant, only a small percentage (1%) of CBG can be found compared to 20 to 25% of CBD or 25 to 30% of THC.
This makes consumer products derived from the cannabinoid rare and often expensive. However, CBG is growing in popularity as a result of the many potential benefits the cannabinoid provides.
CBG is processed immediately by the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is made up of molecules and receptors in our bodies that are responsible for maintaining our bodies optimal state (homeostasis) regardless of what’s going on in our external environment.
In our bodies, CBG imitates endocannabinoids, the natural compounds our body makes.
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 located in the immune system and other areas of the body.
CBG works by binding to both receptors where it’s thought to strengthen the function of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in enhancing pleasure and motivation, regulating appetite and sleep, and alleviating pain. Unlike THC, CBG has no psychotropic effects, so it will not give you a high.
Research has shown that CBG is effective in the treatment of a variety of symptoms and conditions. Examples of conditions for which CBG is particularly effective in providing symptom relief are listed below:
Glaucoma
Cancer
Crohn’s disease
Irritable bowel syndrome
Go to CBG in Orlando Research Articles:
CBG for Multiple Sclerosis
A cannabigerol quinone alleviates neuroinflammation in a chronic model of multiple sclerosis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22971837/
CBG for Colon Health
Colon carcinogenesis is inhibited by the TRPM8 antagonist cannabigerol, a Cannabis-derived non-psychotropic cannabinoid
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25269802/
CBG for Autoimmune Conditions
A cannabigerol derivative suppresses immune responses and protects mice from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24727978/
CBG for IBS & Inflammatory Digestive Conditions
Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23415610/
CBG vs. CBD
CBG is often compared to CBD because it shares many similarities and they both act on the endocannabinoid system.
Both CBG and CBD are non-psychoactive which means they will not alter your state of mind in the way THC will.
They can however reduce the psychotropic effect of THC if you consume a cannabis plant. One of the biggest differences between CBD and CBG is the quantity which is found in most cannabis plants. Most cannabis plants contain only 1% of CBG, but up to 25% of CBD.
The way CBG interacts with our endocannabinoid system is different from CBD. CBG binds directly to both CB1 and CB2 receptors and might be more efficient at delivering its benefits into our systems.
CBG Scarcity
The production difficulties of CBG makes it very scarce. It’s much harder to produce than other cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Since CBG shares many similarities with CBD, manufacturers would rather produce CBD.
When CBG is produced, products derived from it are very expensive. However, CBG has a host of promising potential benefits and more research is being done into easing the production and availability of the cannabinoid.
While research has shown cannabis to be effective in providing palliative and therapeutic effects for some patients, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before starting any new treatment utilizing medical cannabis or discontinuing an existing treatment. The content on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.