Cannabigerol (CBG) is another cannabinoid researchers are looking into for pain management. Like CBD, CBG interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which is involved in pain perception and other physiological processes.
Early studies suggest that CBG offers neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits, which could benefit those with arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, nerve pain, and chronic muscle pain [1]. However, it’s important to note that CBG has not been FDA-approved to treat any health condition, and current research is still in its early stages, leaving much to learn about its potential effects.
Despite this, many individuals are exploring CBG products on their own as part of their wellness routines, particularly for discomfort.
If you’re shopping for CBG, consider Neurogan’s products. They’re good for full spectrum cannabinoid support, focus and relaxation, and concentrated formulas to support a pain management routine.
How Does CBG Work for Pain?
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’s interactions with the endocannabinoid have encouraged research on various pain-related conditions.
Does CBD Work For All Pain?
Research suggests that CBG may decrease many types of pain, including pain from irritable bowel syndrome, stomach pain, colitis, inflammation, and some nerve pain [2]. Note that all studies on CBG are pre-clinical, and further clinical trials with humans are needed.
Still, anecdotal reports from our customers and others show positive results. We recommend doing your own research and speaking with a healthcare professional.
Also, it’s important to remember that CBG is a natural, hemp-derived compound that acts closer to a dietary supplement rather than a medication, so CBG’s effects may be much more subtle and can vary on the individual.
A 2023 study tested two cannabinoids, CBD and CBG, to see if they could help with pain and bone healing in mice with broken legs. The researchers found that both CBD and CBG worked just as well as common painkillers (like ibuprofen) to reduce pain. These cannabinoids were also found to help heal bones faster in different ways through the recovery process [3].
The following year, another study looked at how well CBG works for pain in mice that had nerve injuries. They found that CBG helped reduce pain from an injected irritant at different stages. IT also made the mice less sensitive to heat and touch after their nerve surgery. The results suggest that CBD could be useful for treating both short-term and long-term pain without affecting movement [3, 4].
CBG for Nerve Pain
Nerve pain comes from damage or dysfunction in the nervous system, which differs from the pain you feel from a cut or bruise. Researchers have been investigating CBD’s impact on neuropathic pain for some time now, but now they are starting to examine CBG as well.
A study on mice found that a small dose of CBG helped to reduce nerve pain. In another study, scientists wondered whether taking CBG every day could help with pain caused by nerve damage from chemotherapy. They gave CBG to the mice for 7 or 14 days and found that it reduced pain sensitivity by 60-70% without causing side effects like weight changes or tolerance [5].
CBG for Inflammation
CBG’s potential anti-inflammatory effects have put it on the map as a possible anti-inflammation support. Inflammation can be complex and difficult to treat.
A 2023 study tested how well three cannabinoids—CBC, CBD, and CBG—could reduce pain in mice with inflammation. The results showed that CBG was the most effective when injected directly into the affected area [2]. That being said, CBG is never purchased or used as an injectable.
In another study from 2021, researchers looked at whether CBG and CBD could help with inflammation, especially in lung diseases. They tested this by creating lung inflammation in mice and found that both cannabinoids when properly formulated, helped reduce inflammation [1].
This research shows promising results, which will intrigue researchers to continue exploring potential results in clinical settings on human models.
CBG for Arthritis
CBG’s potentially anti-inflammatory effects make it a prime candidate for research into its promising impact on arthritis symptoms.
One study looked at how CBG might help with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since many people with RA already use it. CBG interacts with different proteins in the body, especially one called TRPA1, which helps with pain and protects cells from damage. Since RA is linked to inflammation and cell stress, CBG’s effect on TRPA1 might help reduce pain and slow the disease [6].
These early results are promising, and scientists want to keep studying how CBG could help people with arthritis in the long run.
CBG vs. Other Cannabinoids for Pain
CBG is not the only cannabinoid being examined for its potential to support pain management. Let’s look at how CBG compares to other popular cannabinoids for pain:
CBD vs CBG for Pain
There’s much more research available on CBD for pain than there is for CBG. 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 more variety in CBD products, such as oils, creams, edibles, and capsules.
Anecdotal evidence and some research have shown that CBG and CBD both have the potential to support stress and healthy inflammation. 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.
CBG vs. CBN for Pain
CBN (Cannabinol) is best known as the sleep-supporting cannabinoid. While it doesn’t bind as strongly to CB1 and CB2 receptors, it has been shown to influence pain perception indirectly.
CBN is especially helpful for pain that disrupts sleep, as it can promote relaxation and improve rest. This makes it ideal for nighttime use or for those seeking relief from chronic pain that interferes with sleep cycles.
Both cannabinoids offer unique benefits, and the choice between CBG and CBN for pain often depends on the type of pain, time of day, and your specific needs. For optimal results, some users combine the two to support their pain management holistically, addressing both inflammation and sleep needs.
CBG vs. CBC for Pain
Based on the research available, there’s a stronger case for CBG for pain than there is currently on CBC (cannabichromene). CBC affects TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors, which help control pain and swelling. Because of this, CBC might be helpful for nerve pain and chronic conditions that make people extra sensitive to pain.
Another cool thing about CBC is that it works well with other cannabinoids, making them more effective at relieving pain. This is called the entourage effect, where different cannabinoids work together for better results.
Which is Better for Pain?
For inflammation-related pain or nerve issues, CBG may be more supportive due to its potential anti-inflammatory effect.
For neuropathic pain or heightened sensitivity, CBC might provide better support through its interaction with pain-specific receptors.
Both cannabinoids offer unique advantages, and combining them could yield a more comprehensive approach to pain relief. The choice ultimately depends on the type of pain and personal response to each cannabinoid.
CBG Dosage for Pain
The general recommended dosage based on weight is as follows:
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100-140 lbs: 10 mg
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141-160 lbs: it’s 20 mg
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161-180 lbs: 30 mg
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181-200 lbs: 40 mg
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200 lbs: 50 mg or more
These are just starting doses — you may have to experiment with what feels right. Just keep in mind that beginning at the highest possible dosage doesn’t get you better results but may set you up for discomfort. This is why starting light and working your way up is important.
References
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Cabrera, C. L. R., Keir-Rudman, S., Horniman, N., Clarkson, N., & Page, C. (2021). The anti-inflammatory effects of cannabidiol and cannabigerol alone, and in combination. Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 69, 102047.
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Wen, Y., Wang, Z., Zhang, R., Zhu, Y., Lin, G., Li, R., & Zhang, J. (2023). The antinociceptive activity and mechanism of action of cannabigerol. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 158, 114163.
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Khajuria, D. K., Karuppagounder, V., Nowak, I., Sepulveda, D. E., Lewis, G. S., Norbury, C. C., ... & Elbarbary, R. A. (2023). Cannabidiol and cannabigerol, nonpsychotropic cannabinoids, as analgesics that effectively manage bone fracture pain and promote healing in mice. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 38(11), 1560-1576.
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Rezende, B., Marques, K. L., de Carvalho, F. E. A., Gonçalves, V. M. D. S., de Oliveira, B. C. C. A., Nascimento, G. G., ... & Montes, G. C. (2024). Cannabigerol Reduces Acute and Chronic Hypernociception in Animals Exposed to Prenatal Hypoxia-Ischemia. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 92(3), 53.
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Sepulveda, D. E., Morris, D. P., Raup‐Konsavage, W. M., Sun, D., Vrana, K. E., & Graziane, N. M. (2022). Cannabigerol (CBG) attenuates mechanical hypersensitivity elicited by chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy. European Journal of Pain, 26(9), 1950-1966.
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Lowin, T., Tigges-Perez, M. S., Constant, E., & Pongratz, G. (2023). Anti-inflammatory effects of cannabigerol in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures are partly mediated by TRPA1. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(1), 855.
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Kogan, N. M., Lavi, Y., Topping, L. M., Williams, R. O., McCann, F. E., Yekhtin, Z., ... & Mechoulam, R. (2021). Novel CBG derivatives can reduce inflammation, pain and obesity. Molecules, 26(18), 5601.
