Cannabigerol (CBG) is a cannabinoid and one of the many chemical components in the cannabis plant. The most prevalent cannabinoids are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). However, one of the newest cannabinoids in the game is CBG (cannabigerol), which has many medicinal benefits.
Known simply as the precursor to other cannabinoids, the CBG-A is rich in an acid capable of breaking down when heated to form CBG, CBD, THC, and CBC (Cannabichromene) and other cannabinoids.
Understanding the THC, CBD, and CBG
Here’s the main difference between CBD and THC: While THC can make you high, CBD has no psychoactive effects. CBG is similar to CBD in that it also is non-psychoactive. Unfortunately, there is very little research into the effects of CBG on humans. Still, interest is growing. It’s thought that different non-psychoactive cannabinoids may have many distinct clinical uses.
CBG and How It Works
CBG, like CBD and THC, is processed by the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system comprises molecules and receptors known to keep the body functioning at optimal irrespective of what occurs around us or within our environment. When consumed in our systems, the CBG imitates endocannabinoids and reacts similarly to the natural compounds in our bodies.
Benefits Associated with CBG
Despite the limited research detailing the befits associated with CBG, other researchers suggest that CBG possesses some health benefits capable of treating specific ailments.
ü Inflammatory Bowel Disease
According to a research conducted by PubMed on a mouse in 2013, researchers discovered that CBG is potent enough to reduce the inflammations associated with inflammatory bowel disease
- Glaucoma
Medical cannabis effectively treats glaucoma, and CBG might be partly responsible for its efficacy. Another study published in 2008 by PubMed Central also suggests that CBG might effectively serve as a panacea for glaucoma because it can reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) or the fluid pressure of the eye
- Bacterial Infections
Based on a 2008 study, researchers opine that CBG can kill the bacteria responsible for drug-resistant staph infections known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Unfortunately, these infections are hard to treat and somewhat very dangerous.
- Cancer
Studies conducted on a mouse in 2014 concluded that the CBG if adequately medicated, can reduce the spread of cancer cells and other tumors in the animal. However, further research is required to know whether such findings could apply to humans.
- Loss of Appetite
Another study on rats in 2016 suggests that CBG could stimulate appetite. In addition, appetite-stimulating chemicals could help those with conditions such as HIV or cancer.
Final Note
While these studies are promising, it’s important to remember that they don’t confirm the benefits of CBG. Additional research is required to understand how CBG works in the body.
Web Sources
- https://www.healthline.com/health/cbg-oil#potential-benefits
- https://www.verywellmind.com/cannabigerol-cbg-uses-and-benefits-5085266
- https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-is-cbg-cannabinoid
- https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/popular-ingredients/cbd-versus-cbg
