CBG, otherwise known as cannabigerol, is one of the many cannabinoids found in hemp and Cannabis Sativa L. plants.
While it isn't as widely known as other cannabinoids like THC or CBD (cannabidiol), it has begun to garner attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits.
In this article, we'll explore what CBG is in-depth, including its chemical structure and the effects it can have on the human body.
So let’s dive into all things CBG!
Table of Contents:
1. What is Cannabigerol?
2. CBG's Chemical Structure and Effects on the Body
3. What are the Potential Therapeutic Benefits of CBG?
4. The Difference Between CBD and CBG
5. Where to Buy Quality Hemp Products Containing CBG
6. Final Thoughts on Cannabigerol
1. What is Cannabigerol?
Cannabigerol, or CBG, is a minor phytocannabinoid that is found in the Cannabis Sativa L. plant. It is a non-psychoactive compound, meaning that it does not produce the “high” that is commonly associated with marijuana use.
Instead, CBG is believed to offer a range of potential therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and the potential to treat a variety of medical conditions. [1] (Click to tweet)
RELATED: CBG 101: The Benefits of CBD’s Cousin, CBG
CBG is considered a “parent” cannabinoid, as it is the chemical precursor to several other well-known cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. This means that CBG is the original compound that is eventually converted into these other compounds through a process of chemical breakdown.
While CBG is present in only small amounts in most strains of Cannabis Sativa L., breeders are now developing new strains specifically for higher CBG content.
Research into the potential health benefits of CBG is still in its early stages, but early results are promising.
One study found that CBG was effective in reducing inflammation in mice, and another study found that CBG may have antipsychotic effects, which could be helpful in treating conditions like depression and anxiety.
CBG has also been shown to have potential as a treatment for glaucoma, as it has been found to reduce intraocular pressure in animal studies.
2. CBG's Chemical Structure and Effects on the Body
CBG's chemical structure is made of 21 carbon atoms, 32 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms put together (C21H32O2).
This makes CBG different from other cannabinoids like THC and CBD which have slightly different compositions. The chemical structure of CBG is what allows it to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
When CBG enters the body, it binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
This binding allows for the transmission of signals that can have a positive effect on the body in a variety of ways.
For instance, CBG may help to reduce inflammation by inhibiting certain pro-inflammatory pathways in the body. [2]
RELATED: 4 Prime Cannabinoids and How They Work in Your Body
3. What are the Potential Therapeutic Benefits of CBG?
CBG has shown promise as a potential treatment for a variety of conditions. Here are some examples of how CBG can be used:
- Pain relief: CBG has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain in animal studies. This makes it a potential treatment for conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. [3]
- Anti-inflammatory effects: As mentioned above, CBG has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a potential treatment for inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. [2]
- Neuroprotective effects: CBG has been shown to protect nerve cells from damage. This makes it a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- Antibacterial effects: CBG has been shown to kill bacteria in test-tube studies. This makes it a potential treatment for bacterial infections. [4]
- Cancer: CBG has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in test-tube and animal studies. This makes it a potential treatment for various types of cancer. [5]
While research into CBG's medicinal uses is still in its early stages, it shows great promise as a potential option to help alleviate many conditions.
For those looking to explore the potential of this cannabinoid further or take advantage of its possible health benefits, there are now hemp products available on the market containing higher levels of CBG than ever before. (Click to tweet)
4. The Difference Between CBD and CBG
The differences between cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) are numerous and can make it difficult to understand how they both interact with our bodies.
While they are both found in the Cannabis plant, they have distinct chemical structures, effects on the body, and potential therapeutic benefits.
CBD and CBG are different because of their chemical structures.
CBD interacts primarily with CB1 receptors while CBG interacts more strongly with CB2 receptors.
This difference in receptor activation can cause them to have different effects on the body as well.
For example, CBD has been shown to produce calming effects on the body while CBG may be more energizing or stimulating for some people.
RELATED: How Cannabinoids Interact with Their ECS Receptors
When it comes to potential therapeutic benefits, CBD and CBG may both offer relief from pain and inflammation due to their ability to modulate endocannabinoid system activity.
Both compounds have also been shown to have potential cancer-fighting properties as well as neuroprotective benefits that could help treat conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
However, research suggests that CBG may be more effective than CBD at treating certain medical conditions due to its ability to interact with different types of receptors in the brain.
All in all, while CBD and CBG are both found in Cannabis Sativa L. plants, their distinct chemical structures mean that they interact differently with our bodies’ endocannabinoid systems.
This allows them to offer unique potential therapeutic benefits that could improve health outcomes for those who take them regularly. (Click to tweet)
RELATED: How Does CBD Work?
5. Where to Buy Quality Hemp Products Containing CBG
When looking for hemp products containing cannabigerol, it is important to find a reputable source.
CBG is only found in trace amounts in most hemp plants, so it is important to ensure that the product has been tested and verified before purchase.
To make sure that you get pure and potent hemp products with CBG, the best route is to obtain them from a respected brand.
These brands are held to rigorous quality standards in order to guarantee their product meets high expectations; they also often provide lab results online so customers can understand what they're buying before making an informed purchase decision.
Another option for finding quality hemp products containing CBG is to make sure that it is sourced from organic growers.
By purchasing organically farmed hemp products, you can be assured that the product you are buying has been grown and harvested responsibly, free of any synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
RELATED: A Guide to Finding High-Quality CBD Products
Finally, there are also brands that offer specialized CBD- and CBG-infused products. They typically use only premium quality ingredients and employ rigorous testing protocols to verify the potency and purity of their products.
By choosing one of these trusted companies, you can feel confident knowing you are receiving a high-quality product that contains the desired amount of CBG.
When looking for CBD- or CBG-infused products, it’s important to do your due diligence in finding a reliable source with proven quality assurance measures in place.
By following these guidelines, you can rest assured knowing your purchase will provide you with safe and beneficial effects associated with cannabigerol-based solutions.
6. Final Thoughts on Cannabigerol
In conclusion, cannabigerol is a minor cannabinoid found in hemp and Cannabis Sativa L. plants that has been studied for its potential medical benefits. CBG may produce calming effects on the body while being more energizing or stimulating to some people.
This compound may offer relief from pain and inflammation due to its ability to modulate endocannabinoid system activity as well as possible cancer-fighting properties and neuroprotective benefits. [1]
While both CBD and CBG are found in Cannabis Sativa L. plants, their distinct chemical structures mean that they interact differently with our bodies’ endocannabinoid systems which allows them to offer unique potential therapeutic benefits. (Click to tweet)
As such, it is important to find quality hemp products containing this cannabinoid through reputable sources like brands specializing in producing CBD/CBG-infused products.
By doing your research when searching for these types of products you can ensure you get the desired amount of CBG safely and effectively! (Click to tweet)
Sources:
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/4769/db8d25a4aab7bda7787a451e944e03fc4e12.pdf?_gl=1*1cabbsn*_ga*MzY0MzM3ODU0LjE2NjQ5NTM3MzE.*_ga_H7P4ZT52H5*MTY3NjAzNzAxMS4xLjAuMTY3NjAzNzE3OS4wLjAuMA..
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8266561/
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2021.0244
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8100047/
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/afb3/93ebae6c8a2e767282eaed605661baeda8ab.pdf?_gl=1*1ais7wu*_ga*MzY0MzM3ODU0LjE2NjQ5NTM3MzE.*_ga_H7P4ZT52H5*MTY3NjAzNzAxMS4xLjEuMTY3NjAzODMxMi4wLjAuMA..
