In recent years, there’s been a lot of attention surrounding the benefits of CBD, but there’s a new cannabinoid in town that you need to know about CBG. CBG, or cannabigerol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant with a wide range of potential health benefits. In this article, we’ll dive into what CBG is, how it works, its benefits, and how it can work in conjunction with CBD to maximize its effects.
What is CBG, and How Does it Work?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid (plant compound) found in the hemp plant. It’s known as the “mother cannabinoid” because it’s the precursor to CBD and THC. Like CBD, CBG doesn’t produce any intoxicating effects. CBG works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that help regulate our physiological & cognitive responses like mood, appetite, sleep, stress, inflammation, and pain sensation. CBG activates the CB1 and CB2 receptors, much like CBD.
However, CBG has a more potent affinity for the CB1 receptor, which is responsible for our neurological health. CBG also uniquely increases anandamide, an endocannabinoid known as the “bliss molecule.” Anandamide helps regulate our mood, appetite, and sleep cycle.
CBG also interacts with other receptors, such as the 5-HT1A receptor, which regulates serotonin. A study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics found that CBG has potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, CBG may also have neuroprotective effects. A study published in Neurotherapeutics found that CBG effectively treats neurodegenerative conditions such as Huntington’s disease. CBG also works well in combination with other cannabinoids like CBD, THC, and CBC to provide an enhanced therapeutic effect. CBG helps to boost the bioavailability (absorption in the body) of other cannabinoids, increasing their potency.
The Potential Benefits of CBG:
CBG’s list of potential benefits that researchers are still studying. Here are some of the reported benefits:
Pain and Inflammation Relief – has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce pain and inflammation. It may also effectively treat inflammatory bowel disease and other digestive issues.
Neuroprotective Effects – may help to protect brain cells and promote neurogenesis, which may be beneficial in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s and Parkinson’s. A study published in Neurotherapeutics found that CBG effectively treats neurodegenerative conditions such as Huntington’s disease.
Mood Enhancement – can boost mood by increasing levels of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that plays a role in pleasure and reward.
Glaucoma- may help treat glaucoma, which causes increased eye pressure and can lead to blindness. CBG reduces intraocular pressure, which could help prevent optic nerve damage.
Antibacterial- has antibacterial properties that may help fight against bacteria.
How CBG and CBD Work Together to Boost Their Benefits:
CBD and CBG work together to create an “entourage effect.” The entourage effect refers to the synergistic interaction of multiple plant compounds (cannabinoids & terpenes) in the hemp plant. When CBD and CBG are combined, they enhance each other’s benefits, making them more potent and effective. CBG works by inhibiting the uptake of GABA, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in anxiety and stress. CBD also interacts with the GABA system, but in a different way, by increasing GABA levels in the brain. When CBG and CBD are combined, they can work together to enhance the effects on pain, anxiety, and inflammation relief.
CBG works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS regulates vital functions such as mood, appetite, immune health, and pain response. CBG activates the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS, producing a therapeutic effect on the body. These cannabinoids have been found to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve sleep. A study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics found that CBG has potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. In addition, CBG helps increase CBD’s bioavailability by inhibiting the breakdown of anandamide.
How to Incorporate CBG and CBD into Your Daily Wellness Routine
Now that you understand the benefits of CBG and CBD, it’s time to know how to incorporate these compounds into your daily wellness routine. You can take CBG and CBD in various forms, including capsules, tinctures, edibles, and topicals. Start with small doses and gradually increase until you find what works best for you.
While CBG may not be as well-known as CBD, it’s worth exploring for its potential health benefits. While research is still preliminary, early studies have shown promising results. Combining CBG and CBD may also enhance their respective therapeutic benefits, making it worthwhile to try both cannabinoids together. As always, when considering any new supplement, be sure to consult with your doctor first.
The FDA has not evaluated these products and statements. These products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your physician before making any changes to your health and wellness regimen; it is essential if you have any medical conditions or taking any medications to ensure safety and prevent any potential drug interactions. Nature’s Therapy provides resources and links for information purposes only and is not intended to persuade, promote false hope, mislead, or make unsubstantiated health claims.
References & Links:
1. Zou, S., & Kumar, U. (2018). Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: signaling and function in the central nervous system. International journal of molecular sciences, 19(3), 833.
2. Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British journal of pharmacology, 163(7), 1344-1364.
3. Navarro, F., Gallardo, E., & Pazos, M. R. (2018). Cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the nervous system: their role in signaling and disease. Frontiers in cellular neuroscience, 12, 609.
4. Valdeolivas, S., Navarrete, C., Cantarero, I., et al. Neuroprotective properties of cannabigerol in Huntington’s disease. Neurotherapeutics. 2015 Jan;12(1): 185-99.
4. Brierley, D. I., Samuels, J., Duncan, M., Whalley, B. J., & Williams, C. M. (2016). Cannabigerol is a novel, well-tolerated appetite stimulant in pre-satiated rats. Psychopharmacology, 233(19-20), 3603-3613.
5. Oláh, A., Markovics, A., Szabó-Papp, J., Szabó, P. T., Stott, C., Zouboulis, C. C., … & Bíró, T. (2016). Differential effectiveness of selected non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids on human sebocyte functions implicates their introduction in dry/seborrhoeic skin and acne treatment. Experimental dermatology, 25(9), 701-707.
6. Navarro, G., Varani, K., Reyes-Resina, I., et al. Cannabigerol Action at Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 Receptors and at CB1-CB2 Heteroreceptor Complexes. Front Pharmacol. 2018; 9: 632.
7. Cascio, M. G., Gauson, L. A., Stevenson, L. A., et al. Evidence that the plant cannabinoid cannabigerol is a highly potent alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist and moderately potent 5HT1A receptor antagonist. Br J Pharmacol. 2010 Jun;160(3): 618-63.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cbg
https://www.healthline.com/health/cbg-oil
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