What is CBG?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a minor cannabinoid, which means it doesn't exist naturally in very large quantities naturally in cannabis plants. It's not as well-known as CBD or THC, but CBG has become a popular cannabinoid in the health and wellness space with many similarities to CBD. 

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.

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).

CBG interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, where it's believed to support the ECS role in maintaining homeostasis (balance) in the body.

What is CBG?

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.

The processed cannabis plants contain the acidic forms of the well-known cannabinoids. For example, cannabigerol exists in its acidic form, (CBGA). So until heat is applied, CBG, CBD, THC, and CBC are CBGA, CBDA, THCA, and CBCA.

Through the plant’s life cycle, CBGA is converted to the acidic form of other cannabinoids. CBGA becomes THCA, CBDA, CBCA, etc. Since the different cannabinoids all start from the same source, they’re similar in shape and effect.

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.

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.

1. 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.

Where Does The CBG 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.

What Does CBG Stand For?

CBG stands for cannabigerol, and is often referred to as “The mother of all cannabinoids”. It’s the cannabinoid from which all other cannabinoids are derived, and is non-psychoactive in its un-processed form. 

Cannabis sativa plants are a natural source of over a hundred phytochemicals known collectively as cannabinoids. To date, most medicinal research focuses primarily on the most abundant cannabinoids, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which have both shown incredible, natural wellness potential in mammals. 

CBG's Unique Properties

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 does CBG Stand for?

CBG stands for cannabigerol, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. Known as the parent or mother of cannabinoids, CBG's precursor, cannabigerolic acid, evolves into other cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, as the plant matures. CBG interacts with endocannabinoid receptors in the human body, contributing to homeostasis. Although research on CBG's therapeutic benefits is still emerging, it's becoming popular in the wellness industry.

What is CBG Oil?

CBG oil essentially contains concentrated CBG extract from hemp mixed in with a carrier oil.

You've likely encountered CBG in small amounts in full spectrum CBD oils because the nature of full spectrum extracts is to maintain as much of the natural phytochemical profile of the hemp crops as to produce well-rounded CBG benefits.

In the same way that full spectrum hemp products produce more potent effects than CBD isolate-based products, CBG in full spectrum form is the best form of CBG oil. 

This is because of a phenomenon called the entourage effect. Plant compounds will yield greater health effects in combination with complementary compounds. Remember, cannabis plants produce over a hundred different cannabinoids that all compound their effects in the ECS.

While you may see more and more CBG isolate products hitting the market, the best way to add cannabis products into your lifestyle is in a range of cannabinoids either in full spectrum extract or THC-free broad spectrum extracts.

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.

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:

1. Comes from organic, American-grown hemp for legal compliance and quality hemp sourcing
2. CO2 extracted to reduce the chances of contamination and impurities in the final product
3. Full spectrum or THC-free broad spectrum to maintain cannabinoid diversity for balanced and potent effects
4. Third-party tested to prove that it's free from harmful contaminants and contains the advertised CBG potency
5. 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 CBG —anything less than this may not have substantial effects on your system.

FAQ's

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. 

What does CBG Stand for?

CBG stands for cannabigerol, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. CBG has almost become known as the mother of all cannabinoids, as it acts as a precursor, where cannabigerolic acid evolves into other cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, as the plant matures.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Nadolska, K., & Goś, R. (2008). Possibilities of applying cannabinoids' in the treatment of glaucoma. Klinika oczna, 110(7-9), 314-317.
6. 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.