Is CBG the new health hero? From market fads to scientific breakthroughs, today’s post about this lesser known cannabinoid has it all!
CBD is hyped around the world for its health and wellbeing benefits, but have you heard of CBG? While by no means a new discovery, the compound is just starting to enter the public sphere and get more attention from the industry. But what is CBG? Is it all that different from CBD, and what does it actually do? These are just some of the questions that will be answered today, so get ready to discover all there is to know about CBG.
What Is CBG?
CBG, or Cannabigerol, is one of many chemical components within the cannabis plant. It is often referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids as its acidic form, cannabigerolic acid, converts into the three major compounds of cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). These precursors are then transformed into a variety of forms, including the well known CBD and THC.
Since CBG converts into so many different components, it is therefore less abundant than others as the amount available decreases as the cannabis plant grows. For this reason, the substance is considered a lesser cannabinoid and has been much more expensive to produce. CBG is mostly derived from young specimens before the components have time to develop, but as the cannabinoid becomes more popular and demand increases, particular strains of cannabis (like Jack Frost CBG and Super Glue CBG) that present higher concentrations of the compound are being utilized to harvest increased quantities. This in turn should lead to more affordable products launching in the future!
Non-intoxicating and showing great promise, this cannabinoid is looking to be the next big thing and is certain to make many appearances in the coming years.
How CBG Works:
When cannabigerolic acid undergoes the process of decarboxylation, it becomes CBG and takes on the characteristics that make it so attractive to the health and wellbeing industry. The compound is thought to strengthen the neurotransmitter called anandamide which is involved in enhancing pleasure and motivation, regulating appetite and sleep, and alleviating pain.
As discussed before, cannabinoids are able to be processed by the human body due to its natural endocannabinoid system, a process that involves three key pieces including cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes. A person is able to respond to the chemicals from the cannabis plant thanks to this biological mechanism which involves receptors called CB1 and CB2. These receptors work to identify molecules and synthesize them, and in doing so replicate the natural endocannabinoids that influence metabolism, memory, sleep, reproduction, immune response, and mood.
CBG is able to directly bond with the body’s receptors, and as such interacts with the brain in a way that allows an effective impact over various factor.
How Is CBG Different From CBD?
While Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol are both non-psychoactive compounds of the cannabis plant, they do differ in significant ways. Both engage with the human body’s natural endocannabinoid system, however, CBD functions primarily through indirect interactions that modify neurotransmitters whereas CBG has a higher affinity for cannabinoid receptors and actually binds to both CB1 and CB2 which presents a promising reaction and sets it apart from CBD.
CBD is also found in much higher quantities and is therefore cheaper to extract and produce. Furthermore, while CBG products are relatively pure in terms of the compounds found within the substance due to the early extraction process required, Cannabidiol formulas often contain a blend of phytocannabinoids (including Cannabigerol) that help enhance the benefits.
Is CBG Better Than CBD?
Research into CBG is much more limited than for CBD, however initial findings show that due to the way in which CBG bonds directly with the CB1 and CB2 receptors the compound may be more effective than CBD. However, depending on the condition the substance is being used for, a combination may be suggested.
Both products show huge promise when it comes to improving health and wellbeing, but Cannabigerol is certainly one that scientists will be focusing on in the coming years thanks to its potential ability to treat multiple conditions.
The Benefits of CBG:
CBG poses many benefits for human health, and like its popular counterpart CBD, it will soon be thrown into the spotlight for all it can offer. From antibiotic properties to aiding neurons, the cannabinoid may just be the next big treatment option for those looking for a helping hand.
There are some indications that CBG may help in a variety of medical and wellbeing areas including assisting with cancer, colitis, neurodegeneration, and mental health conditions. It also has been suggested to be a solution for calming the mind and body and for providing antibacterial qualities. The research is still limited, but studies are slowly revealing the real benefits of CBG.
- Inflammation: CBG has anti-inflammatory properties that could provide relief to those suffering with conditions like irritable bowl syndrome (IBS), and preliminary work demonstrates how the cannabinoid may be used to reduce inflammation and also regulate issues with cramping, pain, diarrhoea, and nausea. Further research suggests potential to treat skin issues like eczema and psoriasis.
- Cancer: Fighting cancer is just one of the many benefits CBG may provide. With a 2014 study showing that this substance might be able to reduce the growth of tumours and cancerous cells, the future could be bright for this up and coming cannabinoid.
- Neurology: Early findings suggest that CBG could have neuroprotective properties and may be able to alter genes associated with various ailments, meaning this compound could help with treatment for those with Huntington’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
- Infections: CBG may pose a solution for serious infections caused by bacteria, with scientific research revealing a potential to treat staph infections and symptoms initiated by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
- Mental Health: Initial studies suggest CBG may be beneficial for those struggling with a wide range of issues. For example, it could help with night terrors or sleep disorders linked to nightmares as it helps produce positive dreams. CBG also produces a calming effect according to professional findings, with the substance contributing to GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) reuptake inhibition. Like CBD, the brain’s GABA receptors are activated by CBG which leads to a reduction of stress hormones otherwise released by the nervous system and results in peace of mind, relaxed muscles, and an ease of tension.
- Further Benefits: CBG may provide assistance for many other symptoms and disorders, with published work suggesting benefits for glaucoma (through reduced pressure), bladder dysfunction (by affecting contractions), and stimulating appetite which could help patients struggling with nausea or sickness.
Overall, CBG is drawing a lot of attention thanks to its potential as a solution for so many medical and mental health conditions. With production complications being resolved by innovative crossbreeding and extraction methods, and preliminary research showing great promise when it comes to treating a variety of symptoms, the future of CBG is looking bright!
CBG is by no means a new compound, but it will certainly be turning a lot of heads in the coming year as the industry shifts its attention to this multi-tasking cannabinoid.
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