Exactly What is CBG?
Table of Content
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a lesser-known cannabinoid that has been garnering more attention in the scientific community as of late.
It's not exactly a new cannabinoid—but since the legalization of hemp and cannabidiol (CBD), there's been a growing interest in other cannabinoids from cannabis plants and their potential wellness benefits.
What is CBG, exactly? And what does this cannabinoid offer potential users? Here's what you need to know about CBG and where you can find quality CBG products.
TL;DR:
- What does CBG mean? It stands for cannabigerol, and it's one of many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.
- What is CBG used for? CBG and other cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body, their potential health benefits. It can be extracted from the cannabis plant and made into CBG products like gummies, oil, and topicals (similar to THC and CBD).
- What is CBG oil? CBG oil combines the CBG cannabinoid in various strengths (indicated by mg of CBG) and carrier oil. It's taken orally to supplement the endocannabinoid system.
- How Does CBG work? CBG interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, where it's believed to support the ECS role in maintaining homeostasis (balance) in the body.
- How Is CBG used? The benefits of CBG can be experienced the same way you would from CBD products—through inhalation, ingestion, and topically.
- Where Can I Find Cannabigerol oil? CBD brands are expanding their catalog to include CBG. Always do your research when shopping for any cannabis product in-store and online and only purchase from reputable sources.
Where Does The CBG Cannabinoid Come From?
Cannabigerol is a class of compounds called cannabinoids naturally produced in the cannabis plant, but it's usually present in very low concentrations (less than 1%) in most cannabis strains. CBG and other cannabinoids are stored in the trichome resin on the buds and leaves of cannabis plants.
CBG naturally exists in its acidic form, CBDa or cannabigerolic acid—as the plant matures, CBGa is transformed into CBDa and THC, which will get converted into CBD and THC, respectively decarboxylation (burning off the carboxylic acid chain) to its more biologically active form. In this way, CBG acts as a precursor molecule to the more abundant cannabinoids, which is why it's nicknamed "the mother cannabinoid."
Since CBG only exists in such small quantities in mature cannabis plants, it can be difficult to extract CBG. Many plant breeders are looking at genetic manipulation (cross-breeding desired traits in cannabis plants) to produce high CBG strains. Some manufacturers can also extract more CBG from plants by pinpointing the timing in the flowering phase where the levels of CBG are at their highest. On top of this, new extraction methods are becoming much more sophisticated at isolating desired compounds to obtain higher yields of CBG and other cannabinoids.
CBG Properties That Make It Unique From THC and CBD
As the precursor molecule to THC and CBD, cannabigerol has very similar traits—but several aspects make CBG unique. The biggest difference lies in its molecular shape.
A cannabinoid's shape is important because it affects how it may interact with the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body and their potential benefits—also known as their pharmacology.
Researchers believe that CBG's shape is much better suited to bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors than CBD and another receptor site known as a2-adrenoceptor, which is involved with relaxation in the central nervous system pain-masking response [1].
It's also different from THC in that it's doesn't illicit intoxicating effects, even though THC molecules produce euphoric and mind-altering effects on the CB1 receptors in the central nervous system. Some cannabis enthusiasts suggest that CBG may buffer THC's intoxicating effects and may help alleviate the feelings of anxiousness and paranoia that sometimes comes from taking too much THC—but this is mostly anecdotally found from this indulging in high CBG cannabis strains.
What Is CBG Good For?
The potential benefits of CBG are still undergoing as most cannabis research centers around the two most abundant cannabinoids, CBD and THC. However, with cannabis becoming more mainstream in wellness, there's an ongoing push to look at other cannabinoids and their potential effects.
Let's look at what the current research says about the potential benefits of CBG and why it's become the latest craze.
CBG Oil 2000MG
Learn More1. Support Immune Health
The immune system is an extremely complex system designed to protect and health the body from infection and injury. Cannabigerol (CBG) is similar to CBD and THC in that it's suggested to have anti-inflammatory properties to support overall immune health.
While CBD is the star of clinical experimentation on inflammation, CBG is also shown to play a supportive role and may positively affect experimental inflammatory bowel disease in animals [2].
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation that affects the digestive system. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. IBD can be debilitating and often requires lifelong treatment. The cause of IBD is unknown, but researchers are investigating potential causes, including genetics, environmental factors, and infection.
2. May Have Appetite Stimulant Effects
Your appetite is controlled by a complex system of hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate how much you eat and how you process food. This system can be affected by many factors, including your diet, stress levels, and sleep habits.
Appetite stimulating cannabinoids like THC and CBG can help people who have lost their appetites (due to drug side-effects, eating disorders, or chronic health conditions) to consume the nutrients their body needs to function optimally.
A study conducted on rats found that CBG effectively improved the appetites of the subjects safely [3]. CBG may be more desirable for this use as, unlike THC, CBG doesn't have intoxicating effects.
3. Neuroprotective Support
One of the more promising areas of research for CBG's is protecting against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease.
Many people who use CBG report feeling greater focus and concentration. Researchers found that in preclinical trials, CBG to be an effective neuroprotectant and improved motor deficits in mice subjects with Huntington's disease [4]. This is thought to be related to CBG's anti-oxidant properties that help fight against oxidative stress that damages cells and its anti-inflammatory effect.
4. Support Eye Health
Glaucoma is an eye disease that can damage the optic nerve. This can lead to vision loss and blindness, and it's one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. While there is no cure for glaucoma, it can be treated to prevent further vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for protecting vision.
One of the approved reasons for obtaining a medical marijuana license in certain states is treating glaucoma. There's some evidence that CBG may help with glaucoma as it reduces intraocular pressure, although the mechanism for how it does this isn't that well understood [5].
5. Undergoing Cancer Research
Cannabis has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries and is now, cannabinoids are being studied for their potential to treat cancer.
Some early studies suggest that cannabigerol (CBG) may effectively inhibit tumor growth of colorectal cancer cells in mice [6]. While this research is promising, more studies will be needed to determine whether cannabis can effectively inhibit cancer cell growth.
Is CBG Legal?
Yes, cannabigeriol (CBG) is legal.
With the 2018 Farm Bill passing, hemp plants (cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC) and their constituents, including CBG, were legalized for sale and production.
While CBG is found in marijuana and hemp, it's important that you shop for your CBG oil that comes from Farm Bill compliant hemp plants to avoid intoxicating effects and possible legal ramifications.
Is The CBG Cannabinoid Safe?
CBG is found to be safe and well-tolerated in preclinical studies, with no known lethal dose, but that doesn't mean it's completely without its adverse effects.
Some people may be sensitive to CBG. In extremely high doses, some people may experience mild mind-altering effects, as it interacts with CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, similar to THC. It's recommended that users avoid driving when taking large doses of CBG because of this.
CBG can also induce nausea, dizziness, upset stomach, and dry eyes in some people, but luckily these experiences are short-lived and can be avoided by taking a smaller dose.
Where Can I Find Cannabigerol Oil?
If you were to shop for cannabigerol oil even three years ago, you would have had a difficult time sourcing such a specialized cannabis product for the reasons we've highlighted earlier—not enough research on the compound and that it exists in cannabis plants in low quantities.
With research and technology im proving, it's getting to find specialized cannabinoid products.
You can find CBG oil online and in-store anywhere you might shop for CBD products.
CBG is regulated under the 2018 Farm Bill, just like CBD, so you must shop for CBG oil made from hemp plants (with under 0.3% THC) to avoid any legal trouble.
Neurogan CBG is made from American-grown hemp crops. We use sophisticated extraction methods and high CBG strains to harvest full spectrum CBG extracts, which contain other important phytochemicals to leverage the entourage effect.
Always look for a third-party certificate of analysis on CBG and CBD products to ensure the safety and potency of your products. You can find all Neurogan CBG lab results on our website organized by batch number.
What Makes A Good CBG Product?
As the CBD market grows, it's important to understand what makes a good CBG product. Not only is bad CBG oil a waste of money, but some scam products on the market could be dangerous—they may contain contaminants that may cause irritation and more severe negative reactions.
A good CBG product has the following qualities:
- Comes from organic, American-grown hemp for legal compliance and quality hemp sourcing
- CO2 extracted to reduce the chances of contamination and impurities in the final product
- Full spectrum or THC-free broad spectrum to maintain cannabinoid diversity for balanced and potent effects
- Third-party tested to prove that it's free from harmful contaminants and contains the advertised CBG potency
- Medium-High Potency CBG. Cannabis products should list how many mg of the active compounds are in the product. It would be best if you aimed to achieve at least 20MG of CBG per dose to start feeling the effects of it—anything less than this may not have substantial effects on your system.
Neurogan CBG Products
Neurogan is proud to produce some of the most potent and well-sourced CBG products on the market to support our customers' wellbeing. Our Focus catalog of hemp products was designed to help wellness seekers with their productivity and mindset.
All our products come from organic high CBG strain hemp crops and are extracted using supercritical CO2 for a clean hemp extraction and to leverage the benefits of the other beneficial phytochemicals that contribute to the entourage effect.
1. CBG Focus Oil/Tincture (2000 MG)
A lot of the research surrounding CBG focused on its neuroprotective effects. We launched this product to respond to the pandemic forcing people to work and study from home. Take this CBG oil as part of your morning routine to maximize concentration and focus.
2. CBG Focus Gummies (1350MG)
Getting CBG into your body's endocannabinoid system has never been tastier. We took our best-selling, artisan-crafted gummy candy formula and applied it to these Focus gummies. Each watermelon gummy chew contains 45 MG of full spectrum or THC-free broad spectrum CBG for a potent dose to support healthy inflammation and brain function.
If this is too high of a dose, you can always cut the gummies into half or quarters.
CBG Gummies
Learn MoreWhat Is A CBG Dose?
There is no one-size-fits-all to dosing CBG, and since research on CBG remains quite sparse compared to other cannabinoids, there isn't much in the science community on recommended doses.
Like other cannabinoids, the appropriate dose will depend on the user's age, genetics, experience with CBD, and other lifestyle factors. You can expect to experiment with CBG doses until you reach your desired effects, similar to CBD.
It's recommended to start slow on CBG and increase your doses gradually over a few weeks. Most people start with a dose of 15-25MG of CBG with consistent use to allow their endocannabinoid system to adjust the supplementation.
If you have any health conditions or are on medication, it's recommended that you speak with your doctor to ensure you don't experience a potential negative drug interaction.
We want to highlight that there are no CBG products on the market approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) that can treat, cure, or mitigate any disease. Should you run into a brand that claims to do so, you should steer clear as its safety hasn't been thoroughly assessed, and it should never be used to replace medical advice from your doctor.
The Takeaway: CBG, What Is It?
CBG Oil 12000 MG
CBG is short for cannabigerol, one of many non-psychoactive cannabinoids produced in the cannabis plant. It's nicknamed the parent cannabinoid or mother of cannabinoids because its natural form, cannabigerolic acid, transforms into tetrahydrocannabinolic acid ( THCA ) cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) as the plant matures.
As the precursor molecule to CBD and THC, it has very similar effects, especially regarding immune health. CBG works by binding to endocannabinoid receptors in the human body to support homeostasis. While most of the research on cannabis health benefits focused on well-known cannabinoids (THC and CBD), CBG is gaining a lot of momentum.
There's still not a substantial amount of research on CBG's therapeutic effects, but that hasn't stopped natural wellness seekers from turning to CBG to support their mental focus and overall wellness. When shopping for CBG, make sure it comes from Farm Bill-compliant hemp crops, and the company provides a certificate of analysis to prove its safety.
FAQ
What Is CBG?
CBG is an abbreviation for cannabigerol, one of many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBG and other cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body, and their potential health benefits can be experienced in the same way as CBD products through inhalation, ingestion, and topical application.
Where To Buy The Best CBG Gummies?
CBG oil is available online and in-store anywhere CBD products are sold. However, to confirm the safety and efficacy of your products, always search for a third-party certificate of analysis on CBG and CBD products.
What Are The Benefits Of CBG?
According to current studies, CBG may help with immunological health, appetite stimulation, neuroprotection, and ocular health. Cannabigerol (CBG) is also being investigated for its ability to prevent tumor growth in colorectal cancer cells in mice. While this study is encouraging, more research is needed to discover whether cannabis can successfully prevent cancer cell growth.
Resources:
- Navarro, G., Varani, K., Reyes-Resina, I., Sánchez de Medina, V., Rivas-Santisteban, R., Sanchez-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.
- Borrelli, F., Fasolino, I., Romano, B., Capasso, R., Maiello, F., Coppola, D., ... & Izzo, A. A. (2013). Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease. Biochemical pharmacology, 85(9), 1306-1316.
- Brierley, D. I., Samuels, J., Duncan, M., Whalley, B. J., & Williams, C. M. (2016). Cannabigerol is a novel, well-tolerated appetite stimulant in pre-satiated rats. Psychopharmacology, 233(19), 3603-3613.
- 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, 12(1), 185-199.
- Nadolska, K., & Goś, R. (2008). 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., ... & Izzo, A. A. (2014). Colon carcinogenesis is inhibited by the TRPM8 antagonist cannabigerol, a Cannabis-derived non-psychotropic cannabinoid. Carcinogenesis, 35(12), 2787-2797.
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