You’ve likely heard all about CBD and its many benefits by now. But how about CBG? Cannabigerol, or CBG, is one of the many compounds found in the Cannabis sativa L. plant. While hemp plants typically contain much more CBD, cannabigerol can also be extracted and utilized in various products. Most cannabis plants have about 1% CBG but up to 25% CBD. So what exactly does CBG do? What does it help with? Let’s review.
Table of Contents:
1. CBG: What Is It?
2. Cannabigerol’s Pharmacological Potential
2.1 CBG May Relieve Intraocular Pressure
2.2 CBG May Be Able to Control IBD
2.3 CBG as a Potential Treatment for Colon Cancer
3. Does CBG Have Side Effects?
4. How to Take CBG
5. Final Thoughts on CBG and Full-Spectrum Cannabinoids
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1. CBG: What Is It?
CBG is considered a minor cannabinoid. It can be found in most cannabis strains in trace amounts. However, this non-psychoactive compound is prominent in low-THC and high-CBD cannabis strains, including hemp. Cannabigerol is a non-acidic cannabinoid created when heat is introduced to the CBGA molecule. This compound is chemically related to CBD, CBC, and THC.
CBG doesn’t produce a high. It’s non-psychoactive, similar to CBD. It’s an antagonist because it can impact and interfere with THC. Altering the effects of THC can be a positive for those wanting to reduce the magnitude of the psychotropic effects. (Click to tweet)
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2. Cannabigerol’s Pharmacological Potential
Cannabigerol is a seemingly rare cannabinoid packed full of potential. With most Cannabis sativa L. plants containing less than 1% of CBG, this cannabinoid only occurs naturally in small quantities. So what makes it so unique? Why should we put so much extra work into extracting this tiny amount of CBG from cannabis and hemp plants? Research seems to build a sturdy case for this compound and its possible benefits.
2.1 CBG May Relieve Intraocular Pressure (IOP)
One study from 2018 involved administering both cannabinol (CBN) and CBG topically to cats to observe the effects on intraocular pressure (IOP). CBN had a mild impact on intraocular pressure after one single dose and caused a significant reduction in ocular tension when administered consistently.
Cannabigerol produced similar results, but the magnitude of response to repeated or chronic administration was greater. Therefore, it seemed like the CBG was more effective at controlling ocular tension and pressure. [1]
What’s more…
Another more recent study took a closer look at how CBG can reduce symptoms of IOP and concluded that cannabis-based treatments could be used to control or manage intraocular pressure. However, this study appears to lean more toward using pharmaceuticals as a treatment method for IOP. Some individuals would rather have a natural alternative, and that’s why CBG has become so popular among those struggling with intraocular pressure. [2]
RELATED: Understanding the Entourage Effect of Cannabinoids
2.2 CBG May Be Able to Control IBD
One study clarified that it is only a matter of time before cannabinoids are used to treat GI diseases. Research has exceedingly supported using cannabis and hemp compounds to treat various gastrointestinal issues. CBG possesses both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and these characteristics may be able to address the root of the problem. [3]
This is interesting…
Another suggested that not only will CBG eventually be used as a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but it may also make its way into the food industry. More hemp-based health formulations will likely begin hitting the shelves to improve well-being, particularly gut health. [4] (Click to tweet)
RELATED: The Therapeutic Potential of CBD Oil for IBS
2.3 CBG as a Potential Treatment for Colon Cancer
CBG is favored for its ability to ward off inflammation, pain, and nausea and has even shown promise in slowing the proliferation of cancer cells. (Click to tweet)
One study revealed that CBG effectively inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors and chemically induced colon carcinogenesis. [5]
3. Does CBG Have Side Effects?
Fortunately, CBG doesn’t produce side effects when taken in therapeutic doses. As with any other substance (even water), you could experience adverse side effects when consuming too much. If you keep your dosage below 300 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, you shouldn’t have any issues.
For example:
Someone who weighs 180 lbs. would need to consume 54,000 mg of CBG for it to become potentially dangerous. For reference, a 180-pound person struggling with chronic pain would typically take around 25 mg or less of CBG to feel relief.
This amount would visually represent about ⅛ tsp, while 54,000 mg would be about 11 tbsp. So that is a big difference between therapeutic doses and doses that would likely cause side effects or other issues.
RELATED: How to Find the CBD Dosage That's Right for You
4. How to Take CBG
Taking CBG boils down to personal preference.
The same goes for CBD. The best way to choose your method of ingestion is to know your options. For example, the most popular way to consume cannabigerol would be via sublingual tinctures, and the tastiest option would be edibles.
Edibles have to be digested beforehand, meaning you will lose some of that potency in your stomach acids. The same goes for capsules, as they must endure the digestive system before being absorbed. Vaping works quickly but often wears off relatively fast.
Tinctures are taken sublingually or beneath the tongue. You simply choose your dose, drop it under your tongue, and hold it there for 30–60 seconds. Effects should kick in around 20 minutes after ingestion and typically last approximately 2–6 hours.
Remember:
Pure CBG products will be pretty hard to find. However, CBD is already established in the market, and you’ll be able to find everything, including skin care products, capsules, topicals, and even pet products.
Use a premium, full-spectrum CBD oil if you can’t find pure CBG. Full-spectrum CBD contains a little bit of everything, including other cannabinoids and terpenes found in the plant. And CBG is no exception.
So if you’re looking for exclusive CBG, it may be difficult to find these products on the market. However, you can always use pure CBD like SOL CBD tinctures.
Quality full-spectrum CBD is one of the most effective ways to consume different cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, or CBG, as it contains all of them in small amounts. Tinctures also bypass the digestive system and immediately absorb into the bloodstream via blood vessels found under the tongue.
RELATED: How to Choose CBD Oil Products That Work for You
5. Final Thoughts on CBG and Full-Spectrum Cannabinoids
CBG shows a lot of promise when it comes to specific health conditions. For example, intraocular eye pressure and tension, IBD and other GI diseases, and colon cancer may be effectively managed by the therapeutic use of cannabigerol. (Click to tweet)
RELATED: CBD, Gut Health, and Digestion—Is There a Link?
Don’t forget:
Pure CBG products aren’t easy to come by, so the next best thing would be to find high-quality, full-spectrum CBD oil. Full-spectrum products have synergy on their side and utilize the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes to maximize the therapeutic benefits you receive. (Click to tweet)
Sources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6499952/
- https://www.cureus.com/articles/87073-cannabis-intraocular-pressure-and-the-growth-arrest-specific-7-gas7-gene-a-retrospective-analysis
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5130148/
- https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/9/3067/htm
- https://academic.oup.com/carcin/article/35/12/2787/335166
