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Cannabigerol, abbreviated as CBG, is a cannabis/hemp-derived cannabinoid that is fast rising in popularity due to its immense therapeutic potential. Researchers are interested in the anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, appetite-stimulating, antibacterial, and muscle-relaxing effects of CBG.
Many refer to the acidic form of this cannabinoid (CBGA) as the mother of all the cannabinoids that occur naturally in cannabis and hemp plants (phytocannabinoids). This is because cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is the precursor molecule from which all the other phytocannabinoids originate. When CBGA is exposed to heat and light, it undergoes decarboxylation to lose acid and is activated into CBG.
CBG is found in minute quantities in most hemp strains. It is easily converted into other cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Young hemp plants may contain high amounts of CBG. On the other hand, a few hybrid strains have been designed (through cross-breeding and genetic manipulation) to have higher CBG amounts. This includes Jack Frost CBG, White Whale CBG, John Snow, and Sour G.
CBG is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid that has several therapeutic benefits, as science is now revealing. Here are some of the reasons why consumers are now turning to CBG products.
Potential Benefits of CBG
CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) through a network of receptors found in different body parts. The ECS maintains a state of physiological balance or homeostasis. When there is an imbalance, the ECS initiates a response through a series of chemical messengers and receptors to restore balance. In this way, the ECS regulates vital functions such as sleep, pain, immunity, inflammation, emotional response, hormonal function, memory, and more.
CBG, though not a medication, can be used to support the functions of the ECS. Research has shown that CBG offers the following top benefits when it is ingested.
CBG has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It interacts with receptors involved in the modulation of painful stimuli (TRPV and α2-adrenoceptor receptors). A 2014 study demonstrated the anti-cancer effects of CBG. This study showed that CBD slows down the progression of colon cancer by blocking the transient receptor TRP. A further research showed that CBG has potent effects against the progression of intraocular pressure in glaucoma.
CBG also has neuroprotective qualities and can help with various neurological disorders. One study found that it could help protect brain health and prevent cell degeneration. Lastly, a 2015 study has shown that CBG has potential in the treatment of Huntington’s disease.
Researchers are looking into the following potential benefits of CBG:
- CBG may help to relieve inflammation and pain
- CBG has neuroprotective effects
- CBG may reduce nausea and improve appetite
- CBG may reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma
- CBG has antianxiety and muscle relaxing effects
- CBG may help to keep bacterial infections at bay
- CBG may help to fight cancer cells
- CBG may prevent bladder dysfunction disorders
- CBG may improve general health and wellness
How Can I Use CBG Oil?
CBG can be found in different forms, including tinctures, isolates, topicals, or edibles. While isolates are pure and contain high concentrations of CBG, full-spectrum CBG is infused with other cannabinoids and terpenes to provide what is popularly known as the entourage effect. This provides robust and sustained healing effects that most users appreciate.
The full-spectrum CBG tincture provides a fun and healthy way to spice up your routine. This is a versatile product that can be used in the following ways:
- It can be consumed sublingually
- It can be used as a food additive
- It can be used as a drink additive (not water-soluble)
- It can be used as a cosmetic additive
- It can be used as a vaping additive in a vaporizer
How is CBG made?
Most cannabis strains contain less than 1% of CBG. Given the therapeutic potential, breeders are cross-breeding different cannabis strains to produce high-CBG strains such as Jack Frost CBG and Sour G CBG. CBG can also be extracted from budding cannabis plants, at about 6 weeks, to capture the CBG before it is converted to other bioactive forms.
How Much CBG Should I Use?
Determining the exact amount of CBG to consume will take some trial and error. Remember that everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different, affecting how we each process and respond to phytocannabinoids such as CBG. In addition, how we process CBG is also affected by how regularly we consume it, our body weight, rate of metabolism, and other physiological factors. Lastly, the ideal dosage that will meet your needs is also affected by why you are using the CBG in the first place. For example, the dosage needed to treat glaucoma may not be the same as that required to suppress inflammation.
That said, it is recommended that you always start with a small serving of about ten mgs and observe how your body responds to it. If you fail to see any positive changes in a few days, you can increase the next dose slightly until you find the dose that works for you. Do not rush the process, as your body may need some time to adjust to the CBG. Taking more CBG than you need will not cause any harm to your body. However, this may put a dent in your wallet unnecessarily.
Where to Buy CBG Oil?
When buying CBG oil, there are a couple of considerations that one needs to make. The potency and purity of the product is the topmost priority. Ensure that the CBG is hemp-derived and hence it contains less than 0.3% THC. This can be confirmed through third-party testing. This is one way to verify that the CBG product is legal, and purchasing it will not put you at loggerheads with the feds.
Other factors to consider include the sourcing of the CBG and how it has been processed. Lastly, it is essential to check if hemp has been growing organically and on U.S soil. This is usually a guarantee of product quality and safety.
Here are some Safe and Test CBG Brands and products:
References
- Valdeolivas, S., Navarrete, C., Cantarero, I., Bellido, M. L., Muñoz, E., & Sagredo, O. (2015). Neuroprotective properties of cannabigerol in Huntington’s disease: studies in R6/2 mice and 3-nitropropionate-lesioned mice. Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics, 12(1), 185–199.
- Nadolska, K., & Goś, R. (2008). Mozliwości zastosowania kannabinoidów w leczeniu jaskry [Possibilities of applying cannabinoids’ in the treatment of glaucoma]. Klinika oczna, 110(7-9), 314–317.
- Borrelli, F., Pagano, E., Romano, B., Panzera, S., Maiello, F., Coppola, D., De Petrocellis, L., Buono, L., Orlando, P., & Izzo, A. A. (2014). Colon carcinogenesis is inhibited by the TRPM8 antagonist cannabigerol, a Cannabis-derived non-psychotropic cannabinoid. Carcinogenesis, 35(12), 2787–2797.
- https://www.analyticalcannabis.com/articles/cbg-vs-cbd-what-are-the-differences-312232
- https://www.verywellmind.com/cannabigerol-cbg-uses-and-benefits-5085266
