CBG’s potential benefits are attracting many CBD users, as its effects are different from those of the more well-known cannabinoid CBD. CBG interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates various physiological processes, including pain sensation.
Some early research suggests that CBG may have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit people with arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, nerve pain, and chronic muscle pain. However, it hasn’t been FDA-approved to treat any health condition. Much of the research surrounding CBG is still in its very early stages, so there’s still much to discover about its potential.
With that said, many people are taking their wellness into their own hands and experimenting with CBG products to support different kinds of pain.
Does CBG Help for Pain?
There are a lot of personal accounts of people using CBG oil and gummies to support their pain. Still, it’s important to remember that CBG is a natural, hemp-derived compound that acts more like a dietary supplement rather than a medication, so its effects may be much more subtle and can vary on the individual.
As we mentioned, CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid system, specifically binds to cannabinoid receptors, such as the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Anadamine, a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the body, binds primarily to CB1 receptors in the brain, influencing mood and pain perception. CBG has been observed to influence anandamide by inhibiting the enzyme FAAH, which is responsible for breaking down anandamide [1]. By helping to maintain higher levels of anandamide in the body, cannabinoids like CBG may help with pain perception.
A recent study demonstrates that a high daily CBG dosage reduces the severity of inflammatory bowel disease in murine models [2]. Studies like this lead compounds like CBG in the right direction for more research. Pathways for inflammation in mice and humans are similar, but some major differences must be explored further to understand its real potential in human health conditions.
Should I Take CBD or CBG for Pain?
Many people take CBD or CBG for mild discomfort. Pain is a signal that something’s wrong. If you’re experiencing chronic or acute pain, you must seek medical attention to rule out anything serious.
The decision to use CBD or CBG for discomfort depends on personal preferences and how your body responds to each cannabinoid. Both CBD and CBG interaction with the endocannabinoid system can vary from person to person.
Another thing to consider is that CBD is more widely available than CBG products and also has more research on its effects on discomfort. You can also find CBD in more types of cannabinoid products, such as oils, creams, edibles, and capsules. This wide variety may provide more options to meet a wider net of needs.
Anecdotal evidence and some research have shown that CBG and CBD both have the potential to support stress and healthy inflammation, which can benefit certain conditions, such as chronic and neuropathic pain. While neither of them treats these conditions, many people have found CBD and CBG helpful in managing discomfort.
However, there may be more benefits to a CBD + CBG combined product.
CBD + CBG for Pain Products
There are several reasons why you may want to use a combined product:
- CBD and CBG may work better together than alone; a phenomenon known as the "entourage effect” occurs when combined. This means they can enhance each other's properties for more desirable effects.
- CBG is often noted for its mood support, while CBD is known for its calming effects. Combining the two cannabinoids may lead to appealing mood effects.
- Both CBD and CBG support healthy inflammation. Since inflammation often contributes to pain, using both cannabinoids together may more effectively support inflammation.
Best CBG for Pain
Pain management is not a “one size fits all” situation. However, one CBG product may be more effective for a wider variety of uses or may more closely fit your plan for regulating pain.
The Best CBG Products for Pain:
Neurogan CBG Gummies
Our criteria for what makes a CBG product great apply to our own CBG products. Our CBG Focus Gummies have a potent dose of 45 mg of CBG per gummy.
Many people associate gummies and edibles with evening, post-work routines, but with these gummies, we recommend taking them in the morning or daytime for best results. Plus, with a full-spectrum formula, your focus for the day will feel the benefits of a combination of cannabinoids.
CBDfx CBG + CBD Cream
Not everyone is into consuming supplements to support aches and pains. Infused creams are perfect for those seeking topical options as they don’t have systemic effects that could sometimes upset people's stomachs or cause feelings of drowsiness.
CBDfx’s CBG + CBD Lotion is a CBG product worth trying out. Its heating formula and balanced CBG and CBD ratio make it a great topical option to keep in your gym bag or medicine cabinet. You can also choose the product's strength to match your needs, so choose between a 1:1 ratio of 1000 mg of CBD/ CBG or 3000 mg of CBG/CBD.
NuLeaf CBD Capsules
NuLeaf Natural’s CBG Capsules include a full spectrum of cannabinoids, such as CBG, CBD, CBC, and CBN. With CBG as the star of the show in these capsules, each capsule contains 15 mg of CBG.
This means that each serving (2 capsules) contains 30 mg of CBG. This moderate dose can be taken daily for consistent benefits. You can also choose between a 30 or 60 day supply for your convenience and preference.
The Takeaway: CBG for Pain
Pain relief isn’t a straightforward thing. Pain is a highly individualized experience, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to know that CBG products are not meant to replace treatment or advice from your doctor. Managing pain, especially chronic or nerve pain, requires guidance from a healthcare professional. Always advise your doctor before self-treating any condition.
References:
- Navarro, G., Varani, K., Reyes-Resina, I., Sánchez de Medina, V., Rivas-Santisteban, R., Sánchez-Carnerero Callado, C., ... & Franco, R. (2018). Cannabigerol action at cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors and at CB1–CB2 heteroreceptor complexes. Frontiers in pharmacology, 9, 632.
- Anderson, B. D., Sepulveda, D. E., Nachnani, R., Cortez-Resendiz, A., Coates, M. D., Beckett, A., ... & Raup-Konsavage, W. M. (2024). High cannabigerol hemp extract moderates colitis and modulates the microbiome in an inflammatory bowel disease model. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 390(3), 331-341.
