Cannabigerol, or CBG, is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It’s often referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids” because it’s the precursor to THC, CBD, and many other cannabinoids. While CBG is typically found in low concentrations in most strains of cannabis, it’s become an increasingly popular compound in recent years due to its potential health benefits. In this article, we’ll explore what CBG is, how it works in the body, and the potential benefits of using CBG.
What is CBG and How Does it Work?
CBG is a type of cannabinoid that’s found in the cannabis plant. Like other cannabinoids, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and signaling molecules that play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes. The ECS is involved in many functions, such as immune response, pain sensation, and appetite regulation.
CBG is produced in the cannabis plant through a process of decarboxylation, which is the removal of a carboxyl group from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). CBGA is a precursor to THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, and it’s converted into these compounds through enzymatic processes in the plant. If CBGA is not converted into other cannabinoids, it’s naturally converted into CBG.
CBG works in the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. Specifically, it interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are located throughout the body. These receptors are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, such as pain perception, mood, and appetite. CBG can also interact with other receptors and signaling pathways, such as the 5-HT1A receptor, which is involved in serotonin signaling.
Potential Benefits of CBG
While research on CBG is still in its early stages, there are several potential benefits of using CBG that have been identified by researchers and users alike. Here are some of the most notable potential benefits of CBG:
Anti-Inflammatory
One of the most promising potential benefits of CBG is its ability to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to a host of health problems, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Early studies suggest that CBG may have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential treatment for conditions associated with chronic inflammation.
A 2007 study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics found that CBG was effective in reducing inflammation in mice with colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease. Another study published in the Journal of Natural Products found that CBG was effective in reducing inflammation in rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of multiple sclerosis. While these studies were conducted on animals, they suggest that CBG may have potential as an anti-inflammatory agent in humans as well.
Neuroprotective
Another potential benefit of CBG is its ability to protect the brain from damage. Like CBD, CBG may have neuroprotective properties, meaning that it may help to protect the brain from injury or degeneration. This makes it a potential treatment for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury.
A 2015 study published in the journal Neurotherapeutics found that CBG was effective in protecting neurons from damage in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease. Another study published in the Journal of Neurochemistry found that CBG was effective in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. While these studies were conducted on animals, they suggest that CBG may have potential as a neuroprotective agent in humans as well.
Antidepressant
Depression is a common and serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there are several medications available to treat depression, many of them come with unwanted side effects. Early studies suggest that CBG may have potential as an antidepressant agent, without the side effects of traditional medications.
A 2018 study published in the journal Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry found that CBG was effective in reducing depressive-like behaviors in mice. Another study published in the journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience found that CBG was effective in increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which is a key neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood. While these studies were conducted on animals, they suggest that CBG may have potential as an antidepressant agent in humans as well.
Antibacterial
Another potential benefit of CBG is its ability to fight bacteria. While antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial infections, many bacteria are becoming resistant to these drugs, making them less effective. Early studies suggest that CBG may have antibacterial properties, making it a potential alternative to traditional antibiotics.
A 2008 study published in the Journal of Natural Products found that CBG was effective in killing several types of bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics. Another study published in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology found that CBG was effective in inhibiting the growth of several types of bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Salmonella. While these studies were conducted in vitro, they suggest that CBG may have potential as an antibacterial agent in humans as well.
Appetite Stimulating
Loss of appetite is a common problem in many medical conditions, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illnesses. While there are medications available to stimulate appetite, many of them come with unwanted side effects. Early studies suggest that CBG may have potential as an appetite stimulant, without the side effects of traditional medications.
A 2016 study published in the journal Psychopharmacology found that CBG was effective in stimulating appetite in rats. Another study published in the journal Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior found that CBG was effective in increasing food intake in mice. While these studies were conducted on animals, they suggest that CBG may have potential as an appetite stimulant in humans as well.
Anti-Anxiety
Anxiety is a common and often debilitating mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there are several medications available to treat anxiety, many of them come with unwanted side effects. Early studies suggest that CBG may have potential as an anti-anxiety agent, without the side effects of traditional medications.
A 2019 study published in the journal Psychopharmacology found that CBG was effective in reducing anxiety-like behaviors in rats. Another study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology found that CBG was effective in reducing anxiety in a mouse model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While these studies were conducted on animals, they suggest that CBG may have potential as an anti-anxiety agent in humans as well.
How Do CBG and CBD Differ?
Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG) are two of the most prevalent cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Both CBD and CBG interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body to produce a wide range of potential health benefits. However, they have some key differences that set them apart from each other. In this article, we will explore the differences between CBD and CBG and how they may impact their effects on the body.
One of the most significant differences between CBD and CBG is their chemical structure. Both compounds are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which is a precursor to many of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. However, while CBD is formed when CBGA is broken down by enzymes, CBG is produced when CBGA is converted to cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA) and then broken down by enzymes.
Because of their different chemical structures, CBD and CBG interact with the body in different ways. CBD interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, as well as other receptors throughout the body. In contrast, CBG has a much weaker affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors and interacts with different receptors, such as the vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) and the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor.
CBD is widely known for its potential to help reduce anxiety, alleviate pain and inflammation, and improve sleep. CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to regulate various bodily functions. By regulating the activity of the endocannabinoid system, CBD can help to reduce inflammation and pain, promote relaxation, and improve mood.
CBG, on the other hand, is less well-known than CBD, but research suggests that it may have several potential health benefits as well. One of the primary potential benefits of CBG is its ability to reduce inflammation. Like CBD, CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid system to regulate the activity of the immune system, which can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Best Weed Strains With High CBG Content
While it may not be as well-known as THC or CBD, CBG is gaining attention for its potential health benefits. If you’re interested in exploring CBG, here are seven cannabis strains that contain relatively high doses of CBG.
The CBG Blend: As the name suggests, The CBG Blend is a cannabis strain that is specifically bred to contain high levels of CBG. It’s a hybrid strain that combines different strains of cannabis to create a unique and potent blend. The CBG Blend is known for its calming effects and is often used to relieve stress and anxiety.
Animal Cookies: This popular hybrid strain is known for its powerful effects. It’s a cross between the strains GSC and Fire OG, and it’s known for its relaxing and euphoric effects. Animal Cookies is also high in CBG, which may contribute to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Blueberry Muffins: This is a sweet and fruity cannabis strain that is high in CBG. It’s a cross between Blueberry and Purple Panty Dropper and is known for its relaxing and euphoric effects. Blueberry Muffins is often used to treat anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
White CBG: This is another potent strain that is high in CBG and low in THC. It’s a cross between the strains White Widow and an unknown CBG-rich strain. White CBG is known for its relaxing effects and is often used to treat anxiety and stress.
Ace of Spades: This hybrid strain is known for its earthy and fruity flavor. It’s a cross between Black Cherry Soda and Jack the Ripper and is high in CBG. Ace of Spades is often used to treat anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
Pink Lemonade: This sativa-dominant hybrid is known for its sweet and citrusy flavor. It’s a cross between Lemon Skunk and Purple Kush and is high in CBG. Pink Lemonade is often used to treat anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
In conclusion, if you’re interested in exploring the potential health benefits of CBG, these six cannabis strains are a good place to start. From the potent and specially bred CBG Blend to the earthy and fruity Ace of Spades, there’s a strain for every taste and preference. Just remember to start with a small dose and work your way up to find the right dose and effects for your needs.
