What is CBG? A Beginner’s Guide to Its Uses and Benefits.
If you’re a health and wellness enthusiast, you’re no stranger to THC and CBD. Maybe you’re already taking these substances and experiencing better health as a result.
Have you ever heard of CBG? Chances are, you probably haven’t.
What is CBG?
CBG stands for Cannabigerol, it is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. And while pretty much any hemp or cannabis plant contains some CBG, only young cannabis plants contain appreciable amounts.
Cannabinoids are compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors and neurotransmitters that regulate a variety of important functions, including mood, appetite, pain perception, inflammation, and more.
While THC is the best-known cannabinoid thanks to its psychoactive effects, CBD has been getting a lot of attention lately for its potential therapeutic benefits.
However, CBG is beginning to emerge as a potent player in the world of natural health.
It is often referred to as the “mother cannabinoid” because it is the precursor to other cannabinoids like CBD and THC. In other words, all cannabinoids start as CBG.
Compared to CBD, CBG has a similar molecular weight and very similar molecular mass. And that means it has similar health properties, too, but more on this later.
Unlike THC and CBD, CBG is not produced by trichomes on the cannabis plant. Instead, it’s produced by cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which is then converted into other cannabinoids like THCA and CBDA via decarboxylation.
CBG was first isolated in 1964 by Israeli scientist Raphael Mechoulam. However, it wasn’t until the early 2010s that researchers began to study CBG more closely. This is due in part to the fact that CBG is present in such small quantities in most cannabis strains.
In order to study CBG, researchers had to develop new ways to grow cannabis plants that were high in CBG.
Today, researchers are studying CBG for a variety of health benefits. Some early evidence suggests that it may have robust anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and even antifungal effects.
What does CBG do?
CBG may offer powerful anti-inflammatory effects without the ‘high’ that comes with THC or other cannabinoids. This means it can’t cause euphoria because CBGA, the acidic form of CBG, doesn’t bind to the same neurological targets as its cousin THC does.
Instead CBG is thought to work behind the scenes by reducing chronic stress and inflammation in your body.
What Are The Benefits of CBG?
CBG shows promise in the treatment of a variety of conditions and ailments. Some potential uses and potential benefits include:
A Healthier Brain
A study conducted by University of Aberdeen in 2009 found that CBG blocks a brain-based 5HT1A receptor, involved in the regulation and production of serotonin levels. This means it may improve learning abilities as well as memory formation.
Inflammation and oxidative stress both play major roles in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In 2015, research was conducted on mice by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology At Complutense University of Madrid, the scientists found that CBG could be extremely effective at reducing brain cell damage and inflammation due to its antioxidant properties.
A 2018 study recently highlighted that CBG may reduce inflammation in the brain. It appears to do this by working through the brain’s PPAR receptors. Known as the ‘nuclear receptor,’ PPAR activation helps your genetic and epigenetic wiring get expressed in the best ways possible.
When PPAR is activated, it leads to an increase in the number of new neurons created in the hippocampus, a region of the brain involved in memory and learning. Additionally, PPAR activation has been shown to improve the function of existing neurons, making them more efficient at transmitting signals.
Furthermore, PPAR activation has been linked to increased levels of BDNF, a protein that helps to protect and repair neuronal cells.
Better Gut Health
CBG’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties mean it has the potential to improve gut health. CBG may also fight against the ‘bad’ bacteria that cause intestinal inflammation.
CBG has also been shown to have powerful antibacterial properties. A recent study showed that CBG was effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics.
Ancient cultures of the past actually used CBG, in the form of raw cannabis leaves – to ward off parasites!
In Shushruta Samhita, written by an Indian physician and surgeon Shusruta in the 6th century BCE it was recommended for inducing appetite, phlegm, catarrh and diarrhea.
Recent research has also confirmed the use of hemp for medical purposes across ancient Egypt and China.
Improved Mood
Thankfully for us, gut health doesn’t exist in isolation, which means that improving it can tangibly impact other aspects of your health and/or mood. Researchers call the gut a ‘second brain’ for a reason.
CBG’s antimicrobial benefits may carry over to clearer thinking, less brain fog, and improved mood.
Better Relaxation
Other studies have found that CBG may boost your brain’s GABA levels. GABA is one of your brain’s most important neurotransmitters; adequate levels of it help both your muscles and mind relax.
“Cannabigerol (CBG) exhibits GABA uptake inhibition to a greater extent than THC or CBD,” explains the above report. This interaction may help to reduce anxiety and promote peace and relaxation.
GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps relax muscles and other structural substances. This softening also has mental benefits, so CBG’s effects on GABA may also mean good things for your mood. CBG might be just the thing to help you keep calm and carry on.
CBG May Reduce Inflammation
Study after study has hinted that CBG may reduce inflammation in several areas of the body. In addition to improving gut health, CBG’s anti-inflammatory properties, it has the potential to do great things for cognitive function, athletic recovery, sleep, hygiene, longevity, and more.
According to recent studies, CBG is an effective means of reducing inflammation in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or inflammatory bowel disease–a problem that millions suffer from today. In a study conducted with mice, data collected showed that CBG had a positive impact on the symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
Improved muscle control
The benefits of CBG oil don’t stop at your brain. It can also help you recover faster after a tough workout! The interaction with GABA receptors we mentioned means it can help soothe your tense, sore, or tired, allow them some much-needed rest, while alleviating minor aches & pains.
Which means that when the time comes for an even more intense session (or just everyday living), you’ll be more than ready to go.
Think of it as a muscle relaxant but for your brain! The interaction between CBG and the GABA receptors we mentioned above means that this substance could help you push yourself to new limits during workouts or when you’re stressed.
Healthier Skin
In a study published in 2015, scientists found that CBG could be helpful in treating dry skin.It can also help make your skin smoother, and softer.
Other Potential Benefits of CBG
While research on CBG is still in its initial stages, it has shown potential for a lot of health benefits. A study conducted in 2013 showed that CBG could ease the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome(IBS), and in 2015, researchers concluded that CBD might help relieve symptoms related to bladder disorders.
What is the Difference Between CBD and CBG?
CBG and CBD are both cannabinoids, which are compounds found in cannabis plants. Both CBD and CBG are extracted from hemp plants and are non-psychoactive.
CBG and CBD interact with your endocannabinoid system, but they work in different ways. While CBD is known to bind to TRPV1 ionotropic cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system, CBG seems to interact directly with the brain’s CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors.
This difference may explain why CBG has potential therapeutic benefits for conditions like inflammation. Allowing you to get all of the health benefits without the ‘high’ that comes with THC. CBG and CBD both have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Some people also use CBG to help relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders.
CBG vs CBD
CBG has more powerful antibacterial effects than CBD, which makes it especially promising as a cream or topical.
A recent study affirmed that “CBG proved to be marvelous at tackling pathogenic bacteria.”
CBG is also more stimulating than other cannabinoids. CBD, on the other hand, becomes sedating enough at high doses that many people use it as a sleep aid.
The complimentary benefits of these cannabinoids make it the perfect health couple to improve your day!
While more research is needed to determine the full extent of their benefits, CBD and CBG are both promising compounds with a wide range of potential applications.
What is CBG Oil?
It’s a tincture or oil whose active ingredient is CBG.
Most CBG oils are only about 1-3% CBG by weight – the rest of the oil constitutes an inactive carrier oil like MCT oil or coconut oil. But that tiny percentage actually provides more than enough CBG to activate your body’s endocannabinoid system and get you back into balance.
It is a powerful and fast-acting supplement that may be able to help with many different health conditions, from skin problems to digestive issues to mood disorders. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Whether you are looking for an alternative treatment for chronic pain or simply want a more balanced mood and sense of well-being, CBG oil may be able to help.
How to take CBG oil?
CBG oil is used just like any other hemp/CBD oil might be. You simply place a few drops under your tongue, hold them there for a while, then ingest fully. it is best absorbed when you treat it like a true sublingual.
The dosing is similar, too. You can micro-dose throughout the day or take large doses all at once — depending on what your particular goals are. Many people like taking their CBG in the morning in order to make the most of its energizing effects.
How Does CBG Make You Feel?
CBG products do not have psychoactive effects, but they can help balance your body’s responses to daily stressors, helping you feel calmer when overwhelmed. It’s a popular choice for people who are looking to boost their productivity, energy, and motivation naturally, whether at school, work, or out and about.
Some people report feeling more alert and focused after taking CBG, while others say that it helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It is also thought to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
We cover CBG’s effects in detail in another article.
How to Include CBG Oil into Your Daily Routine
We created our CBD + CBG Drops specifically to take advantage of CBG’s energizing and awakening effects. By blending CBD’s benefits with CBG’s ability to promote physical energy and mental alertness. We have crafted a hemp-powered duo that supports your general well-being and daily momentum.
The complementary nature of CBD and CBG works to make them the perfect health couple to get you through your day seamlessly.
Most Cannovians use WAKE UP CBD + CBG Oil to get its amazing energizing benefits and attack their day with full force and use our GOODNIGHT CBN + CBD Oil Drops to end their long, tiring day and drift into dreamland!
What Are the Side Effects Of CBG?
Although not enough clinical trials have been done on humans yet to determine possible side effects of CBG, it is generally well tolerated. In fact, in the few clinical trials done with mice where high doses were used, there were no major negative or adverse effects.
FAQ
What is CBG?
CBG is a cannabinoid, which just means it comes from the cannabis/hemp plant family. CBG’s classification as a cannabinoid also means it can interact with your body’s endocannabinoid receptors.
Does CBG get you high?
CBG has no psychotropic effects, so it will not give you a high.
What is CBG Oil?
It’s a tincture or oil with CBG as its active ingredient. Most CBG oils are only about 1-3% CBG by weight — the rest of the oil is composed of an inactive carrier oil like MCT oil or coconut oil. It is used just like any other hemp/CBD oil might be.
What does CBG do?
To put it super simply, CBG may offer powerful anti-inflammatory effects without the ‘high’ that comes with THC or other cannabinoids. CBG can’t cause euphoria because it simply can’t bind to the same neurological targets that THC does.
Will CBG show on a drug test?
No, Cannovia’s WAKE UP drops use CBG and CBD isolate, so there is 0% THC.
As always, consult your doctor or professional medical advice before relying on CBG oil or supplements if you’re struggling with a serious health condition.
