The mother of all cannabinoids: what is CBG and what are its effects?

CBG
CBG

What does the cannabis plant hide?

Cannabis sativa is an extraordinary herb that once grew wild in parts of central and western Asia. And it is here that we begin our journey into the cannabis jungle to explore the cannabinoid CBG, or cannabigerol.

Cannabis is rich in biologically active compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. The most well-known psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Other known identified compounds present in cannabis include the non-psychoactive cannabinoids CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG.

What is CBG?

Cannabigerol (CBG) has the dazzling nickname "the mother of all cannabinoids". CBG appears at the very beginning of the plant's cannabis adventure, without it there would be no trace of THC or even a glimpse of CBD in the plant. CBG is the first cannabinoid that the cannabis plant produces at the germination stage.

All cannabinoids start out as CBGa (cannabigeroleic acid) before breaking down into THCa, CBDa and CBCa. Through the process of decarboxylation of cannabis, all these compounds are stripped of their carboxylic acid and become the cannabinoids THC, CBD, CBC and CBG. As CBGa is converted into other cannabinoids, mature plants contain only 1 % CBG. Young plants contain slightly more, around 5 % CBG.

Because the mature cannabis plant contains only a small amount of CBG, extracting it requires much more effort compared to CBD. Growers must either harvest the cannabis before it is fully mature or grow a sufficient number of plants. For this reason, CBG is more expensive than CBD.

CBG effects

CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) - it partially activates CB1 and CB2 receptors. According to one study, it could thus affect sleep, mood and appetite in a similar way to CBD, and could also stimulate receptors responsible for pain perception. Unlike CBD, CBG binds better to both CB1 receptors (mainly in the brain) and CB2 receptors. CBG has also been found to affect the 5HT1A-receptor, thus contributing to serotonin regulation.

Cannabigerol can contribute to overall mental well-being, helping to combat stress and anxiety.

According to existing studies, CBG shows promising therapeutic potential. Although research is at an early stage, the following possible effects are already being discussed:

  • Neuroprotective
  • Antibacterial
  • Antifungal
  • Antiparasitic
  • appetite-enhancing
  • soothing the skin

The effects vary from explorer to explorer, it always depends on several factors such as health, body proportions, sensitivity, tolerance, immunity, age, the effectiveness of the product and more.

 

What the studies say about the benefits of CBG

A published 2020 review analysed several studies on the therapeutic use of cannabigerol and highlighted those that appear promising in the field of neurological disorders:

  • Huntington's disease
  • Parkinson's disease
  • multiple sclerosis

Another study suggested that CBG could be a promising substance that inhibits the growth of cancer cells such as colon cancer and glioblastoma. Another study reported that CBG reduces intraocular pressure causing glaucoma.

One study has also suggested that CBG shows the ability to reduce inflammation. A 2022 study concluded that acute administration of CBG lowers blood pressure in mice.

Further research on rodents has revealed that CBG increases appetite in some subjects, causing them to eat up to 2 times more food than usual.

Side effects

Although scientists are facing an unexplored thicket, they have already sent out their research signals and brought us the first news: The initial trail shows that CBG is very well tolerated, much like CBD.

Side effects with CBD are rare, occurring mainly at high doses, and may include nausea, fatigue or diarrhoea. However, as vigilant researchers, we know that further research is needed to confirm this information.

CBD vs. CBG

The most noticeable difference between CBD and CBG that you won't overlook is the price. CBG is significantly more expensive than CBD. Both are phytocannabinoids, found only in cannabis, and work with the body's endocannabinoid system, albeit in slightly different ways.

CBD extraction from hemp is much more common and, more importantly, easier than CBG isolation. Therefore, it is currently easier to research cannabidiol than cannabigerol.

 

Into dreamland or CBG for sleeping

Because there is currently not much research available on CBG, scientists still cannot confirm with certainty what its effects on sleep are. In the untamed wilderness, this is one of the questions we don't know the answer to, but based on studies so far, it seems that CBG could improve sleep quality, similar to CBD.

Marketplace with CBG products

One of the most widely available and widely used cannabinoids on the market at the moment is CBD, but the range of CBG products is also starting to expand.

Can be purchased:

  • CBG oils and drops
  • CBG isolates (crystals)
  • CBG capsules
  • Nano CBG

CBG oils and drops

CBG oils and drops are a combination of cannabinoid extract and carrier oil, and can be taken sublingually or added to food and drinks, or applied topically and rubbed into the skin. Most CBG oils also contain a high dose of CBD.

The cannabinoids CBD and CBG have their own beneficial properties, but they also act synergistically and mutually reinforce each other's benefits. This is the so-called additive effect. Most broad spectrum or full spectrum CBD oils contain both cannabinoids.

CBG isolate

While CBG crystals are potent, their versatility and ease of use make them suitable for explorers looking for a clear direction in the world of THC-free cannabinoids. Isolates (crystals) are the purest form of CBG, containing up to 99% cannabigerol. With a CBG isolate, you won't enjoy the benefits of the accompanying effect.

For experienced adventurers looking for an intense experience, a method called dabbing may be suitable. This uses highly concentrated forms of cannabinoids such as extracts and concentrates (crystals, crumble, hash and more). But beware, this adventure requires an experienced guide!

CBG capsules

CBG capsules have the same composition as CBG oils, but are in a solid package (capsule). The onset of effects is later compared to CBG oils, but the capsules are thought to last longer. They must pass through the digestive tract to be absorbed into the body. If you are not a fan of the taste of cannabis and oil, CBG capsules will be right for you.

 

Nano CBG

Nano CBG products are up to 10 times more effective than conventional CBG oils. This is because they have high bioavailability, just like the patches, which release the cannabinoid through the skin directly into the blood.

The end of the expedition

The parent cannabinoid, CBG, is the first phytocannabinoid to appear in the cannabis plant and is the starting line for other cannabinoids. Without CBG, neither THC nor CBD would exist. CBG shows promising therapeutic potential, especially for neurological disorders.

We can expect more chapters on CBG to appear in the cannabis library over time, revealing its effects. Cannabigerol is the spring in the oasis that helps adventurers find peace and harmony. See for yourself.


 

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