What is CBG?

CBG, also known as Cannabigerol, is a cannabinoid that is extracted from hemp. It’s often referred to as the "mother" of all cannabinoids. This is because CBGA (the acidic form of CBG) converts into other cannabinoids. CBG is present in smaller amounts when compared to CBD, making it very rare and hard to come by. However, this rare cannabinoid is gaining popularity as a result of the host of potential benefits that CBG has to offer.

How is CBG Made?

CBG is derived from young hemp plants because they contain higher amounts of CBG than fully developed plants. It is nicknamed the "mother" of cannabinoids because both CBD and THC start as CBGA, an acidic form of CBG, as the plant ages and goes through a heating process it converts into CBD and THC. This is why younger hemp plants contain higher concentrations of CBG.

In fully developed plants with high concentrations of CBD, you’ll find low concentrations of CBG. This happens because most of the CBG has already been converted to CBD and THC as the plant developed.

How CBG Works

Studies on CBG are on the rise and the exact mechanisms that CBG acts on are still being discovered. Thus far, research is showing that CBG works on the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The Endocannabinoid System is made up of endocannabinoids (Anandamide, 2- arachidonoylglycerol) and receptors (CB1 & CB2) that are responsible for keeping our bodies in state of balance. The proper function of the ECS can get thrown off due to internal factors, such as chronic inflammation or external factors, such as pollution.

CBG works by binding to both CB1 and CB2 receptors - these receptors are known to mediate pain perception, reduce inflammation, regulate mood, sleep function, immune response and more.

Potential Benefits of CBG

Like CBD, CBG is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. Research shows that CBG can also have therapeutic effects but human studies on this are just beginning to take place and more research needs to be done in this area.

There are some animal studies that show that CBG might be useful for the following therapeutic benefits listed below.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a condition that causes chronic inflammation in the bowel. It affects millions of people across the globe and to date, it is incurable.

An experimental animal study conducted in 2013 observed the beneficial effects of CBG on inflammatory bowel disease

Antibacterial Properties

A 2020 study on the antibiotic potential of cannabis, found that CBG has antibacterial properties. Especially against methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a bacteria which causes staph infections and is drug-resistant.

Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease is a condition that causes a breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. In a 2015 study, researchers examined the potential neuroprotective properties of CBG and other cannabinoids in mice who had an experimental model of Huntington’s disease.

It was found that CBG acted as a neuroprotectant, protecting the nerve cells in your brain from damage. It also improves motor deficits and preserves striatal neurons against 3-nitropropionic acid toxicity.

Fighting Cancer Cells

In a 2014 study, researchers observed the effects of CBG on rats with colon cancer. They observed that CBG showed some promise in blocking the receptors that cause cancer cell growth and inhibiting the growth of colorectal cancer cells.

How to Use CBG

CBG is rare to come by but the good news is that it is present in broad-spectrum and full spectrum CBD Oils. And, thanks to advances in extraction processes, CBG can be isolated from young hemp plants. This allows manufacturers to formulate products with higher amounts of CBG.

Disclaimer: this info and products are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any ailment. Consult your doctor before starting a new supplement.