What is CBG?
CBG, or cannabigerol, is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis and hemp plant. Unlike the more well-known cannabinoids THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), CBG is present in relatively low concentrations in most cannabis strains.
CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it does not produce the “high” associated with THC. It is considered a minor cannabinoid because it is typically found in smaller amounts compared to THC and CBD.
CBG is often referred to as the “mother” or “stem cell” cannabinoid because it is the precursor to other cannabinoids. Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the acidic form of CBG, is the first cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant. Through enzymatic reactions, CBGA is converted into THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), and CBCA (cannabichromenic acid), which are the acidic precursors to THC, CBD, and CBC (cannabichromene), respectively.
How Does CBG Work Once Inside the Human Body
THC produces its psychoactive effects mainly by activating the CB1 receptor in the central nervous system. This activation releases feel-good hormones such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, leading to the high associated with marijuana use.
Unlike THC, CBG does not activate the CB1 receptor in the same way, thus avoiding the psychoactive effects. Instead, CBG might interact with other receptors in the endocannabinoid system to provide its benefits.
What Does Research Tell Us About the benefits of CBG
Ever wonder what lies beyond CBD in the world of cannabinoids? Enter CBG, the under-the-radar compound that’s making waves in the wellness community. From reducing inflammation to promoting eye health, this powerful cannabinoid is stepping into the spotlight with promising research backing its potential benefits. Discover how CBG might be the key to unlocking new avenues of health and wellness.
CBG Reduces Inflammation
CBG (cannabigerol) has shown promising effects in reducing inflammation based on several research studies. In simpler terms, here’s what CBG does for inflammation and how it might be beneficial:
How CBG Helps with Inflammation
Targeting Inflammatory Markers
- Inflammatory Markers: These are molecules in the body that signal and regulate the inflammation process. Key markers include IL-1, IL-10, iNOS, and interferon-γ.
- CBG’s Role: Research has shown that CBG can limit the actions of these inflammatory markers. By controlling these molecules, CBG helps manage and reduce the inflammation response.
Potential Therapeutic Benefits
- Gut Health: Studies indicate that CBG can reduce inflammation in the gut, which is particularly beneficial for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Other Benefits: Beyond the gut, CBG shows potential for improving cognitive function, athletic recovery, sleep, and overall longevity by reducing inflammation.
Scientific Evidence
- Mouse Studies: In mice, CBG has shown effects on specific inflammatory channels, indicating its role in modulating the inflammatory response.
- Peer-Reviewed Studies: Research published in the journal Molecules highlights that CBG derivatives possess anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving (analgesic) properties.
- Clinical Implications: While more research is needed, current findings suggest that CBG might be effective in managing inflammation-related diseases, offering a potential therapeutic option.
CBG Supports Eye Health
CBG (cannabigerol) has shown potential benefits for promoting eye health, particularly through its effects on intraocular pressure (IOP) and the endocannabinoid system.
Understanding Eye Health Pressure
- Intraocular Pressure (IOP): This is the fluid pressure inside the eye. High IOP can restrict blood flow to the optic nerve, leading to conditions like glaucoma, which can impair vision and potentially cause blindness.
- Normal IOP Range: Typically, a healthy IOP range is between 12-21 mm Hg. Maintaining this pressure is crucial for the health of the eye’s delicate structures.
Role of the Endocannabinoid System
The eye tissues have a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors. The endocannabinoid system, which these receptors are part of, is important for maintaining various physiological processes, including eye health.
CBG and Eye Health
Regulating Intraocular Pressure
Lowering IOP: CBG has shown promise in helping to lower intraocular pressure. By reducing this pressure, CBG may help ensure that blood flow to the optic nerve is not impeded, thereby protecting vision.
Glaucoma Management: Lowering IOP is especially beneficial for individuals with glaucoma, a condition characterized by elevated IOP and subsequent optic nerve damage.
Protecting the Optic Nerve
Safeguarding Vision: By reducing IOP, CBG may help protect the optic nerve from damage. This protection is vital for maintaining overall eye health and preventing vision loss.
Maintaining Eye Function
Optimal Eye Function: Regulating intraocular pressure is essential for preserving the eye’s delicate structures. A healthy balance of fluid pressure helps prevent excessive force that can damage these structures, ensuring optimal eye function.
Scientific Evidence
New Research: Although the research on CBG and eye health is still emerging, initial studies suggest that cannabinoids, including CBG, may play a role in maintaining healthy IOP levels.
Potential Solutions: These findings indicate that CBG could offer a natural solution for managing eye conditions related to elevated IOP, such as glaucoma.
CBG Leads to Focus
Users have reported CBG (cannabigerol) to enhance focus and alertness, and research provides several possible explanations for these effects:
User Reports of Focus and Alertness
Many users of CBG report experiencing a sense of increased alertness and improved focus. These anecdotal accounts are supported by emerging scientific research suggesting several mechanisms through which CBG might exert these effects.
Interactions with GABA Receptors
Reducing Stress: CBG interacts with GABA receptor sites, which are involved in managing the fight-or-flight response. By modulating these receptors, CBG can help reduce stress levels.
Improved Focus: Lower stress levels can lead to a more relaxed and present state of mind, making it easier to concentrate on tasks. Stress often distracts and impairs focus, so reducing stress can directly enhance one’s ability to stay focused.
Current and Future Research
Hypothesized Benefits: While more research is needed to thoroughly investigate and confirm the benefits of CBG for focus, the current hypotheses are supported by preliminary studies and user experiences.
Growing Interest: The potential of CBG to enhance focus is one of the major reasons why people are turning to CBG products, highlighting a significant area of interest for future research.
CBG Improves Appetite
CBG (cannabigerol) has been found to improve appetite potentially, a trait it shares with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in marijuana known for causing the “munchies.”
Understanding Appetite Stimulation
THC and Appetite: THC is well-known for stimulating appetite, often leading to cravings for food, colloquially known as the “munchies.” This effect has been beneficial in medical contexts, such as for patients undergoing chemotherapy or those with HIV/AIDS, where appetite stimulation is needed.
Curiosity about CBG: Given THC’s known effects, there is a natural curiosity about whether other cannabinoids, such as CBG, can similarly influence appetite.
Research Findings on CBG and Appetite
CBG and Appetite Stimulation
Shared Trait with THC: CBG appears to share the appetite-stimulating properties of THC, potentially helping individuals consume an adequate amount of nutrients. This can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing a lack of appetite due to various medical conditions.
Animal Studies
A study conducted on rats found that CBG increased appetite in well-satiated rats without causing any dangerous side effects. This suggests that CBG can stimulate appetite safely.
Another study published in 2016 also suggested that CBG could stimulate the appetite. These findings indicate that CBG could be used to develop appetite-stimulating medications, especially for individuals with conditions like HIV or cancer, where maintaining adequate nutrition is crucial.
Potential Benefits of Appetite Stimulation by CBG
Medical Applications
HIV and Cancer: Individuals suffering from HIV or undergoing cancer treatments often experience a significant loss of appetite. Appetite-stimulating chemicals like CBG could help these patients maintain a healthier diet and better overall health.
Other Conditions: Conditions that affect appetite negatively, such as certain gastrointestinal disorders or chronic illnesses, could also potentially benefit from CBG’s appetite-stimulating effects.
Nutrient Intake
For those who struggle to consume enough nutrients due to a lack of appetite, CBG could help ensure they get the necessary intake to maintain their health.
CBG Relieves Pain
CBG (cannabigerol) has been gaining attention for its potential pain-relieving properties, offering an alternative to traditional analgesics.
Research Findings on CBG and Pain Relief
Analgesic Effects
Comparison with THC: CBG has been found to exhibit more potent analgesic effects than THC. This makes it a promising candidate for pain management, especially since it does not produce the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
GABA Reuptake Inhibition: CBG is also a better GABA reuptake inhibitor compared to both THC and CBD. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate stress and anxiety levels, and its inhibition can have a calming and pain-relieving effect on the body.
Muscle Relaxant Properties
Interaction with GABA Receptors: By interacting with GABA receptors, CBG can act as a muscle relaxant. This helps soothe tense, sore, or tired muscles, providing much-needed relief and promoting faster recovery after intense physical activities or workouts.
Therapeutic Potential: This muscle-relaxant property can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with chronic muscle pain or spasms, offering a natural alternative to conventional muscle relaxants.
Practical Applications
Post-Workout Recovery
Faster Recovery: CBG can help alleviate minor aches and pains after tough workouts, allowing muscles to recover faster. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes or individuals who engage in regular physical activity.
Preparation for Intense Sessions: By providing relief and promoting muscle relaxation, CBG helps prepare the body for future intense physical activities, ensuring individuals can push themselves to new limits without being hindered by lingering pain or soreness.
Everyday Pain Management
Alleviating Minor Aches: Beyond athletic use, CBG can also help manage everyday aches and pains, making daily activities more comfortable and reducing reliance on over-the-counter pain medications.
Stress-Related Pain: Since CBG interacts with GABA receptors, it can also help relieve pain associated with stress, such as tension headaches or muscle tightness, effectively acting as a muscle relaxant for the brain.
CBG Regulates Stress Responses
Many individuals turn to hemp-derived CBD oil for managing emotional well-being, and similar benefits are being discovered with CBG. CBG may support a normal stress response through several key mechanisms:
Mechanisms of CBG in Stress Management
Enhancing GABA Activity
By preventing the breakdown of GABA, CBG helps maintain higher levels of this calming neurotransmitter. This can lead to enhanced relaxation and a more balanced emotional state, making it easier to handle stressful situations.
Boosting Serotonin Levels
CBG’s ability to inhibit serotonin uptake ensures that more serotonin is available in the brain. Elevated serotonin levels are linked to improved mood and a greater ability to cope with stress, contributing to overall emotional well-being.
CBG and Cancer
CBG (cannabigerol) has recently emerged as a potential agent in cancer therapy research. While historically overshadowed by THC and CBD, new studies indicate that CBG may play a significant role in the future of cancer treatment.
Recent Research Findings
Study on Glioblastoma
University Medical Centre Ljubljana Study: Published in the February 2021 edition of the peer-reviewed journal Cells, this study is one of the most important findings to date. It was conducted on biopsied glioblastoma tumor cells and glioblastoma stem cells from patients.
Anti-Tumor Effects: The study tested various combinations and concentrations of THC, CBD, and CBG, along with temozolomide (a common chemotherapy drug). CBG, both alone and in combination with CBD, was found to reduce the resistance of glioblastoma cells to chemotherapy, leading to higher apoptosis (cell death) rates in these cancer cells.
Potential Across Various Cancers
Melanoma Cells: Early studies indicated CBG’s ability to exert anti-tumor activity on melanoma cells in lab settings.
Range of Cancers: More recent studies have identified CBG’s potential in treating various types of cancers, including colorectal, bone, and stomach cancers.
Implications for Future Research
Mechanisms of Action
Understanding CBG’s Role: Future research will focus on understanding the precise mechanisms by which CBG exerts its anti-tumor effects. This includes how CBG influences cancer cell apoptosis and its interaction with chemotherapy agents.
Combination Therapies: Exploring the potential of CBG in combination with other cannabinoids and chemotherapy drugs to enhance treatment efficacy and overcome drug resistance.
Clinical Trials
From Lab to Clinic: Moving from laboratory studies to clinical trials is essential to determine CBG’s effectiveness and safety in human patients. This will involve rigorous testing and validation.
Patient Outcomes: Clinical trials will help assess how CBG can improve patient outcomes, particularly in terms of survival rates, quality of life, and reduction in tumor size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBG legal?
CBG’s legality depends on your location. In many places, CBG derived from hemp (containing less than 0.3% THC) is legal under federal law, such as in the United States. However, local laws vary, so it’s important to check your specific region’s regulations.
Can CBG get me high?
No, CBG is non-psychoactive and does not produce a high. Unlike THC, CBG does not activate the CB1 receptors in the brain that are responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
Will I fail a drug test if I consume CBG?
Most standard drug tests screen for THC, not CBG. Consuming CBG should not cause you to fail a drug test, provided the CBG product is free from THC. However, it’s important to ensure that the product you are using is from a reputable source and contains no detectable levels of THC.
Where can I buy CBG online?
XLR8 Delta is a reputable online store known for selling federally legal CBG-infused products. They provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs) to prove the potency and purity of their products, ensuring quality and safety. XLR8 Delta offers affordable CBG products without compromising on quality, making them a trusted choice for consumers seeking reliable Delta 10 THC options.
References
Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease; Francesca Borrelli, Ines Fasolino, Barbara Romano, Raffaele Capasso, Francesco Maiello, Diana Coppola, Pierangelo Orlando, Giovanni Battista, Ester Pagano, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Angelo A Izzo (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23415610/)
Possibilities of applying cannabinoids’ in the treatment of glaucoma; Krystyna Nadolska, Roman Goś (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19112869/)
Neuroprotective properties of cannabigerol in Huntington’s disease: studies in R6/2 mice and 3-nitropropionate-lesioned mice; Sara Valdeolivas, Carmen Navarrete, Irene Cantarero, María L Bellido, Eduardo Muñoz, Onintza Sagredo (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25252936/)
Cannabigerol is a novel, well-tolerated appetite stimulant in pre-satiated rats; Daniel I Brierley,1,2 James Samuels, Marnie Duncan, Benjamin J Whalley, and Claire M Williams (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5021742/)
In Vitro and Clinical Evaluation of Cannabigerol (CBG) Produced via Yeast Biosynthesis: A Cannabinoid with a Broad Range of Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Health-Boosting Properties; Eduardo Perez, Jose R Fernandez, Corey Fitzgerald, Karl Rouzard, Masanori Tamura, Christopher Savile (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35056807/)
Cannabigerol Is a Potential Therapeutic Agent in a Novel Combined Therapy for Glioblastoma; Tamara T. Lah, Metka Novak, Milagros A. Pena Almidon, Oliviero Marinelli, Barbara Žvar Baškovič, Bernarda Majc, Mateja Mlinar, Roman Bošnjak, Barbara Breznik, Roby Zomer, and Massimo Nabissi (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7914500/#B30-cells-10-00340)
