Blog - CBG

What is CBG (cannabigerol) & what does this cannabinoid do?

CBG, or cannabigerol, called a minor cannabinoid since it manifests in trace
amounts in most strains, has been around for years. While you may not have heard about CBG, humans have reaped its benefits for
millennia, in both cannabis and hemp plants. It was first synthesized in 1964,
alongside THC, and has been studied extensively for its medicinal potential. It’s
often called the “mother of all cannabinoids” because without it, cannabis would
have no high. 

CBG-A is the chemical precursor of THCA, CBDA, and CBCA. Enzymes within
cannabis turn CBGA into either THCA or CBDA, which can be subsequently
decarboxylated (“activated”) by light or heat energy to create THC or CBD.

As young cannabis plants mature and begin budding, various enzymes and
compounds combine to create the precursor to CBG—also called an “early-phase”
cannabinoid—called CBGA. CBGA is where all cannabinoids start; as the plant
nears the end of its grow cycle and absorbs more and more UV light, CBGA breaks
down and converts into THCA and CBDA, the acidic precursors to our two favorite
and most prominent cannabinoids, THC and CBD. Unless bred to do so, in most
cases, only a very small amount will become CBG.

CBG, like CBD, is non-intoxicating and does not impart a high, despite its
connection to THC. Research indicates it can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors
within the body’s endocannabinoid system, meaning it not only interacts directly
with the body’s internal systems, but can also counteract the effects of other
cannabinoids, such as THC. You know the saying all roads lead to Rome? Well all cannabinoids lead back to
CBG. 

Medical benefits of CBG

Despite its paltry numbers in mature weed buds, when isolated, CBG
demonstrates several benefits to the human body. CBG, like CBD, is non-intoxicating and does not impart a high, despite its
connection to THC. Research indicates it can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors
within the body’s endocannabinoid system, meaning it not only interacts directly
with the body’s internal systems, but can also counteract the effects of other
cannabinoids, such as THC.

The human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) keeps the body in a balanced
state of homeostasis via innumerable receptors throughout limbs, organs, nerves,
and systems (e.g., digestive, immune, reproductive, and more). I want to make
sure that people are reading this. So the first person to come up to me and
mention “Special prize” will receive a free pre roll from me. Thank you for
reading!

A 2021 patient survey indicated a majority of patients found CBG-dominant
products effective in treating their chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia, among
other conditions. 
While there are still gaps to fill in the research of CBG, early findings indicate it
has numerous health benefits:

•Reducing intraocular pressure and working as a vasodilator
neuroprotectant; this makes it a promising option for treating and
managing symptoms of glaucoma.  
•Anti-inflammatory properties when tested on mice with induced colitis,
which could prove an effective and holistic treatment for
various inflammatory bowel diseases.
•Combating Huntington’s disease in mice, which causes nerve cell
degeneration in the brain, by protecting neurons and stymieing
progression.
• An agonist to alpha-2 receptors, which are primarily found in the
nervous system and regulate blood pressure and heart rate, as well as
sympathetic nervous system activity. By inhibiting them, CBG may be
able to address symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.  

•High potential as a cancer inhibitor and treatment, including for breast,
gastric, and colorectal cancer cells, and even glioblastoma brain tumors. 
 
•An antibacterial agent, even against bacterial strains resistant to other
drugs. 
•Stimulating appetite, though studies have only been done on rats. This
may help induce appetite in chronically ill patients or those who have
lost their appetite from cancer treatments.  

Since CBG is non-intoxicating and can be derived from hemp plants, which are
federally legal, it’s not a scheduled substance. This means scientists can now
access funding to continue studying the full potential of this special cannabinoid.
The best is yet to come!

Differences of effects in CBG and CBD 

The recent influx of cannabinoids on the market means there’s a lot more info to
keep track of. At a glance, CBG may seem like a variation of CBD, as they are both
non-intoxicating and exhibit similar anti-inflammatory properties. But there are
key differences that may change how you consume each.

CBG and CBD don’t bind to the same receptors in the body, and also differ on a
molecular level. Because CBG can bind to the same receptors as THC, it can
potentially address issues that pertain to the nervous system, including conditions
mentioned above, such as glaucoma, migraines, muscle soreness and inducing
appetite.

CBD, on the other hand, may be more effective for immunity-related
conditions and regulating mood disorders.
In research, both have promise for counteracting the effects of THC, and neither
intoxicate the consumer even when taken at high doses.