What You Need To Know About CBG | CBG VS CBD

At this point, you've probably heard all about cannabinoids like THC and CBD. But if you are here now, it's because news of the other cannabinoids like CBG is starting to get recognition.

Let us cover everything you need to know about CBG and the difference between it and CBD.

 

What is CBG?

CBG, or cannabigerol, is one of 100+ cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. CBG is also known as the "mother of all cannabinoids" because from it comes all other cannabinoids.

CBG is the first cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant. Let us explain the process.

As the young cannabis plant matures, various compounds and enzymes combine to create the precursor CBGA. As the plant is exposed to UV light, CBGA breaks down into CBDA and THCA.

Very little CBG is left due to the conversion and breakdown of the cannabinoids by the time the plant is harvested.

However, when hemp is processed, Hemp labs can break down and isolate cannabinoids to be made into the CBD and hemp products we have today.

 

What benefits does CBG have to offer?

The first thing you should know is that CBG is non-intoxicating. CBG does not cause any type of high despite its connection to THC.

Studies show that CBG can bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors within the body's endocannabinoid system. This means that it works with our body's internal system and organs.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps regulate and balance our body's internal, chemical, and physical conditions. This system is connected to receptors throughout our nerves, limbs, organs, and other important systems.

In a 2021 study (1), 127 participants took CBG for 6 months and found that it was effective in assisting with pain, anxiety, inflammation, and sleep.

 

Other CBG Benefits

CBG research is limited, but what is available shows it may offer several benefits:

Inflammation CBG seems to reduce the inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease, according to a 2013 study conducted on mice (2).

Bladder dysfunctions This study looked at five cannabinoids and how they affect the bladder. It concluded that CBG shows the most promise for assisting bladder dysfunctions (3).

Bacterial infections This study suggests that CBG may kill bacteria (4).

Appetite loss A study on rats provides interesting research that shows CBG could stimulate the appetite (5).

Even though these studies are incredible, they do not confirm the benefits of CBG. Much more research is needed to understand how CBG works in the body.

 

CBG oil vs. CBD oil

As mentioned above, all CBD was once CBG. Because one is made from the other, they share many similarities, and both work with our endocannabinoid system.

Both CBD and CBG are non-psychoactive, which means they will not cause any type of a high or intoxication.

However, CBG and CBD have been shown to reduce the psychotic effects that THC can create.

As mentioned above, most cannabis plants, when harvested, contain about 25% CBD and only 1% of CBG.

 

CBD and CBG in harmony

CBG oil is often mixed with CBD oil in a single product. Whether in a softgel or a gummy, combined with CBG, Nano CBD has been shown to have the most significant effects. (For more on Nano CBD, check out this blog post).

 

CBG and CBD work harmoniously to provide a blend of cannabinoids with incredible effects. CBG may be taken on any day to assist with symptoms.

 

Does CBG interfere with medication?

CBD interacts with some medications, especially with a "grapefruit warning."

We do not, however, know if this same warning applies to CBG.

We suggest talking to your healthcare provider before trying CBG oil if you are on any medication.

 

Is CBG safe?

Although there are no known adverse side effects of CBG, they could still exist. More studies are needed to determine if they exist, so for now, if you decide to consume CBG, you do it at your own risk.

Pregnant or breastfeeding people should avoid CBG until it is safe to use. Children should not consume CBG until more studies are complete.

Speaking to your healthcare provider before trying any new supplement is always a good idea.

 

Check the company out

Purchasing CBG products that are tested by a third-party lab is critical. This lab report, or certificate of analysis, should be available for you to view online or in-store.

Lab tests will confirm the cannabinoids in the product; companies should list the amount of those cannabinoids on their labels.

Some lab tests also include heavy metals, mold, and pesticide results.

Reputable companies should have:

• Certificate of analysis available for you to see
• A website
• A phone number and email contact
• An ability to return a product
• Customer service support

 

To Sum It Up!

While CBG shows great promise, it is essential to remember that very little research has been performed around the exact benefits.

Still, anecdotal evidence suggests it may be great to assist pain and inflammation and possibly provide other much needed natural benefits.

 

For educational purposes only.

*FDA DISCLAIMER -These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

 

References:

Russo, E. B., Cuttler, C., Cooper, Z. D., Stueber, A., Whiteley, V. L., & Sexton, M. (2021, September 27). Survey of patients employing cannabigerol-predominant cannabis preparations: Perceived medical effects, adverse events, and withdrawal symptoms. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34569849/

Borrelli , F., Fasolino, I., Romano, B., Capasso, R., Maiello, F., Coppola, D., Orlando, P., Battista, G., Pagano, E., Marzo, V. D., & Izzo, A. A. (2013, May 1). Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease. Biochemical pharmacology. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23415610/

Pagano, E., Montanaro, V., Girolamo, A. D., Pistone, A., Altieri, V., Zjawiony, J. K., Izzo, A. A., & Capasso, R. (2015, June 10). Effect of non-psychotropic plant-derived cannabinoids on bladder contractility: Focus on Cannabigerol. Natural product communications. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26197538/

Appendino, G., Gibbons, S., Giana, A., Pagani, A., Grassi, G., Stavri, M., Smith, E., & Rahman, M. M. (2008, August 7). Antibacterial cannabinoids from cannabis sativa: A structure-activity study. Journal of natural products. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18681481/

Brierley, D. I., Samuels, J., Duncan, M., Whalley, B. J., & Williams, C. M. (2016, October). Cannabigerol is a novel, well-tolerated appetite stimulant in pre-satiated rats. Psychopharmacology. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5021742/