What is CBG? – The Secret Behind Cannabigerol

Some people are diehard fans of THC, and others CBD, but there’s a small circle of scientists and medical professionals cheering on for a lesser cannabinoid known as CBG. 

Cannabigerol (CBG) is an additional non-intoxicating compound found alongside many of the other cannabinoids and is usually found in much smaller amounts. 

This unique cannabinoid has exploded in popularity over the course of the last few years, with its anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidative properties, making it a trendy ingredient in many different wellness products.

Curious to find out what makes CBG so special? Stick with us as we uncover the details and show you why.

The Basics

Let’s start with a quick refresher, to understand how your body interacts with cannabinoids, you need to first understand the basics behind the endocannabinoid system. After all, you can’t learn to run before you learn to walk.

Our bodies have their own system when it comes to the production and regulation of cannabinoids, the Endocannabinoid System. 

Here, our bodies produce our own cannabinoids called endocannabinoids and regulate a multitude of different things from memory, to sleep, to even appetite.

The system is made of two different receptors, known as the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain and throughout the rest of the body, while the CB2 receptors are mostly found throughout the immune system, although they are also in the brain, just in smaller amounts.

That said, cannabinoids are known to interact with our Endocannabinoid System to produce their well-known psychoactive and therapeutic effects, with each cannabinoid doing something a little bit different than the other. 

One of the best parts is, some cannabinoids even work together to provide unique results, as certain combinations can shape the high to a completely different experience.

What is CBG?

First and foremost, CBG is known as the “stem cell” which most other cannabinoids are created from. Through the development of the cannabis plant, cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and CBC get created from the original compound CBG as the plant matures. 

Cannabigerol is quite rare in most commercial strains of cannabis as the plants are only able to produce a limited number of cannabinoids, so strains will either have high amounts of CBG, or high amounts of THC or CBD. 

The good news is, CBG is experiencing a boom as producers are working to create genetically pure CBG strains.

A 2018 study found that cannabigerol is also non-psychoactive and similar to CBD in the sense it can diminish the psychoactive effects of THC by acting upon the same receptors. Both cannabinoids are known to produce anti-inflammatory effects, helping to treat a variety of different issues.

While there are a few overlapping similarities between CBD and CBG, cannabigerol still does have its own unique functions and benefits.

The Benefits of CBG

Keep in mind that research is currently limited and that these benefits will need more clinical trials and evidence to be cemented.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A 2013 study on mice showed cannabigerol reduced the inflammation that is heavily associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
• Neuroprotective Qualities: A 2015 study on lab mice showed signs of CBG’s neuroprotective qualities when it came to experimental models of Huntington’s Disease. CBG was able to protect the neurons from further degeneration.
• Treatment For Glaucoma: Cannabis has been known to effectively reduce intraocular eye pressure, a key symptom of Glaucoma which eventually leads to complete loss of vision. A 2008 study pointed out that CBG may be an effective future treatment for those with Glaucoma as it helps to reduce intraocular eye pressure.
• Bladder Dysfunctions: Cannabinoids like CBG seems to help with bladder contractions. A study took a look at 5 different cannabinoids and their effects on the bladder, as a result, the study concluded that CBG had shown that it may be an effective tool in preventative measures for bladder dysfunction.
• Appetite Stimulant: Much like THC, cannabigerol has been shown to stimulate the appetite and increase dopamine levels, without any psychoactive effects. A study conducted on rats suggested that CBG was able to increase their appetites, making them consume more food in smaller intervals in the already satiated rats.
• Bacterial Infections: A study found that CBG may be a potential anti-bacterial agent to a highly drug-resistant bacterial strain called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is known to be the cause of drug-resistant infections that can be both dangerous and hard to treat.
• Potential Cancer-Fighting Properties: In 2014, a study looked at CBG and its effect on colorectal cancer in rats. The study concluded that cannabigerol may be able to penetrate and kill cancer cells and tumors, resulting in a slowed growth of cancer. CBG may be used as a future form of cancer treatment.

Does CBG Cause Any Side Effects?

At the moment, knowledge on cannabigerol is somewhat limited and as a result, very little is known about the side effects of the cannabinoid. 

So far, in the studies conducted, rats have seemed to tolerate the effects of the compound very well, although more research is required to properly determine whether there are any side effects on humans.

Popular CBG Strains to Try

The refinement of CBG bred strains is a relatively new practice, here a few CBG heavy strains to try:

Jack Frost

With a great 13.5 percent CBG content, this strain is able to provide an increase in creative activity following the energizing effect.  Its buds are covered with frosty and silver trichomes giving you at the end a sweet, citrusy and smooth flavor. 

White

This is a GBG version “The White,” a beautiful trichome covered and terpene heavy bud with 20% of CBG content and less than 0.05 percent of THC. A great choice for anyone looking for a strain with close to zero THC content. 

Super Glue

This strain is one of its kind on the market and is truly unique. Due to its whopping 22 percent CBG content, this strain is rapidly sold and you will be lucky if you find it available on the market. 

Lemon Cream Diesel

Another great CBG strain with a generous CBG content of about 20 percent. This strain is known for providing relaxing effects while also focusing your mind on work and studies.  In the world of CBG, those who are experienced with cannabis would definitely want to give this one a try. 

If smoking cannabis isn’t your thing, you could also opt for a variety of other CBG