CBG (Cannabigerol) is one of the many cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant which can be found in hemp and cannabis.
It is commonly known as the mother of all cannabinoids due to the fact that all other cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), an acidic form of CBG.
Cannabis (high THC) plants synthesise more enzymes that convert CBG to THC. Whereas hemp has more enzymes that convert CBG to CBD. This means hemp does not contain high levels of THC, and generally, cannabis does not contain high levels of CBD.
Over 100 phytocannabinoids (a cannabinoid produced by plants) have been identified in cannabis as well as other phytochemicals, including terpenoids and flavonoids.
How does CBG interact with the body?
CBG, like most other cannabinoids, works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is composed of two types of receptors — CB1 and CB2.
The role of the ECS is to promote homeostasis and balance throughout the body. All living organisms including humans have an Endocannabinoid system, except some insects.
So what is the Endocannabinoid System?
‘The ECS regulates and controls many of our most critical bodily functions such as:
- Learning and memory
- Emotional processing
- Sleep
- Temperature control
- Pain control
- Inflammatory and immune responses
- Eating
Click here to read our full article on the Endocannabinoid system.
So, simply put.
CBG is non-psychoactive with some similar features to CBD and THC due to its interaction with cannabinoid receptors.
CBG binds to both types of cannabinoid receptors, but it doesn’t activate them. That makes it functionally different from THC, which binds and activates them — nor like CBD, which doesn’t directly bind to either of these receptors.
In fact, some researchers believe it may help mitigate the paranoia or anxiety sometimes reported by patients who use high THC-containing products.
While it won’t get you high, it can produce a mild cognitive effect similar to delta 8 THC. You may feel more in-tune or focused on whatever you’re working on without overstimulating your brain too much.
That’s why CBG has become the next big thing to boost concentration and productivity among neurohackers, biohackers, and other health-conscious users.
Studies have shown CBG may be able to improve the following health conditions:
- Inflammatory bowel disease. CBG seems to reduce the inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease, according to a 2013 study conducted on mice.
- Glaucoma. Medical cannabis seems to effectively treat glaucoma, and CBG might be partly responsible for its efficacy. A study published in 2008 suggests that CBG might be effective in treating glaucoma because it reduces intraocular pressure.
- Bladder dysfunctions. Some cannabinoids seem to affect the contractions of the bladder. A 2015 study looked at how five different cannabinoids affect the bladder, and it concluded that CBG shows the most promise at treating bladder dysfunctions.
- Huntington’s disease. CBG might have neuroprotective properties, according to a 2015 study that looked at mice with a neurodegenerative condition called Huntington’s disease. The study concluded that CBG might show promise in treating other neurodegenerative conditions.
- Bacterial infections. A 2008 study suggests that CBG can kill bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which causes drug-resistant staph infections. These infections can be hard to treat and fairly dangerous.
- Cancer. A 2014 study looked at colon cancer in rats and concluded that CBG might reduce the growth of cancer cells and other tumors.
- Appetite loss. A 2016 study on rats suggested that CBG could stimulate the appetite. Appetite stimulating chemicals could be used to help those with conditions such as HIV or cancer.
Whilst these are all promising studies, as with all cannabinoids, much more research is needed.
Is CBG Legal?
CBG is perfectly legal, it is not a controlled substance and classed as a non-psychoactive cannabinoid.
There are also fewer regulations for CBG as there are for CBD, which is both a blessing and a curse. The blessing is no silly Novel food regulations imposed, the curse is ensuring the product you are receiving is actually CBG. We suggest always checking the Certificate of Analysis and buying from a reputable company.
Conclusion
As you can see there is much promise for CBG, maybe even more than CBD due to the unique way it interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. More studies are being done, as the Laws surrounding cannabis/hemp relax and its medicinal properties are increasingly valued.
If this article has sparked your interest in CBG then click below to order:
