CBG For Anxiety - Does It Really Work? Here's What The Science Says

You’re here because you’ve heard about people using CBG for anxiety and other potential benefits. Maybe you’re skeptical, maybe you’re curious, or maybe you’re desperate for a solution.

Whatever the case, we’re going to take a no-nonsense look at CBG, what it is, how it is made, and most importantly, how it might help with anxiety.

Let’s get started.

CBG is one of the 113 recognized cannabinoids found in hemp. It is a minor cannabinoid because it’s found in smaller quantities in the hemp plant when compared to primary cannabinoids like CBD and THC.

Cannabigerol is also called “the mother cannabinoid” as it is the precursor to all the other cannabinoids. All the other cannabinoids start as CBGa.

What is CBG?

CBG is a minor cannabinoid found in hemp, and is the precursor to CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids.

CBGA, the acidic form of CBG gets converted to other cannabinoids via enzymes. CBGA synthase, THCA synthase and CBDA synthase convert them to CBG, THC and CBD.

The limited quantity of CBG found in the plant makes the cannabinoid harder to obtain and costlier as well.

Producing CBD requires 20 times less plant matter than producing the same amount of CBG.

Does CBG Really Work For Anxiety?

According to a recent 2022 survey, here are some key findings about why people use CBG:

51.2% of the respondents in the survey reported using CBG products predominantly for medical purposes.

The most common conditions treated with CBG were:

• Anxiety (51.2%)
• Chronic pain (40.9%)
• Depression (33.1%)
• Insomnia/Disturbed sleep (30.7%)

Most respondents reported their conditions were “very much improved” or “much improved” by CBG.

A significant majority claimed that CBG-predominant cannabis was superior to conventional medicines for their conditions:

• Chronic pain (73.9%)
• Depression (80%)
• Insomnia (73%)
• Anxiety (78.3%)

CBG products have shown a lot of potential in aiding and improving people’s health. This survey suggests that cannabigerol should be studied in randomized controlled trials for more accurate assessment.

In that survey:

• 73.9% of the respondents reported that they preferred CBG oil over conventional medications for aches and pains.
• For others, the preference for CBG products over conventional medicines was as follows:
  • Depression: 80%
  • Insomnia: 73%
  • Anxiety: 78.3%
• 44% of CBG-predominant cannabis users reported no adverse events.
• Among those who did experience adverse events, they were very minor:
  • 16.5% noted dry mouth
  • 15% experienced sleepiness
  • 11.8% had increased appetite
  • 8.7% reported dry eyes.
• Around 84.3% reported no withdrawal symptoms, with sleep difficulties being the most frequently endorsed withdrawal symptom (endorsed by two respondents).

Which also explains why CBG might work better in full-spectrum CBD products with the other cannabinoids because of the entourage effect.

The synergistic effects of all the cannabinoids together in your body can lead to them balancing each other’s negative effects and enhancing the positive ones.

How Does CBG Work For Anxiety?

Cannabigerol is being researched for its potential to alleviate anxiety among other conditions.

Some studies have found that CBG possesses potent anti-anxiety properties. During various animal-based studies, CBG has shown strong anti-anxiety and muscle-relaxing effects.

Scientists attribute CBG’s ability to exert an analgesic effect on our body’s receptors that can lead to a decline in anxiety levels.

CBG works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis or balance in the body.

The ECS is made up of molecules and receptors that are responsible for keeping our bodies in an optimal state.

CBG imitates endocannabinoids, the natural compounds our body makes. It binds to both types of cannabinoid receptors in our body—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 is thought to strengthen the function of anandamide, a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a role in enhancing pleasure and motivation, regulating appetite and sleep, and alleviating pain.

This interaction potentially promotes balance and reduces feelings of anxiety.

Moreover, CBG may also interact with serotonin receptors, which play a role in regulating mood and anxiety. It triggers the release of dopamine, which is one of the ways in which the body naturally copes with anxiety.

Cannabigerol may also influence the activity of GABA and serotonin, higher levels of which can lead to stress and anxiety.

CBG vs CBD For Anxiety

CBD and CBG have potential benefits for anxiety, but they work to ease anxiousness in different ways.

CBD for Anxiety

CBD is known for its calming effects and is often used to help with anxiety. It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system and modifying the activity of its transport proteins and enzymes.

CBD primarily enhances the production of your body's own endocannabinoids which enhances your body's natural ability to combat feelings of anxiousness and stress.

Many people also use CBD oil for better sleep. We don't realize how these two are connected. Anxiety often leads to sleep problems, and improving sleep can in turn reduce anxiety.

This can help restore balance in the body and alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety.

CBG for Anxiety

CBG is known for its positive effects on energy and focus, which could potentially help with certain types of anxiety. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system through its agonist effect on the CB1 and CB2 receptors. This helps regulate a variety of physiological processes such as memory, appetite, pain-sensation, and mood.

The effectiveness of CBG was “highly rated” by respondents, and many reported that their conditions were “very much improved” as a result of CBG.

Differences

While both CBD and CBG can help with anxiety, they may be more effective for different types of anxiety.

CBD is more of a calming, relaxing cannabinoid, which might be best if your anxiety causes overthinking and extreme worrying. CBG on the other hand is known for its positive effects on energy and focus, which are reported to ease anxiety caused fatigue or difficulty concentrating.

So, which of these cannabinoids is the best for anxiety? CBD or CBG?

While both of these cannabinoids have calming and relaxing properties, they provide the best results when used together. Researchers think that this is because of the entourage effect.

The entourage effect is the theory that they work better together than in isolation as cannabinoids can enhance each other's benefits.

This makes CBD + CBG oil the best choice for combating anxiousness, stress and even brain fog.