CBG? Is that a typo?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a cannabinoid that also had no psychoactive effects, but many positives for your general well-being. If you’re reading this, you’ve surely heard of the many medicinal effects of the cannabis plant, and you’ve certainly heard of THC and CBD. They’re all linked to anxiety relief, pain relief, and much much more.
There are over 100 different cannabinoid compunds found within the plant. The most popular is THC (tetrahydrocannabidiol), that’s the one with psychoactive effects of a high. CBD (cannabidiol) on the other hand, will not get you high, but produces many of the health benefits.
THC and CBD are the most commonly bred compounds in the plant. Interestingly enough, CBG starts out as both, let me explain.
Cannabis plants produce CBGA (cannabigerolic acid). With the help of specific enzymes, CBGA is transformed in THC, CBD and CBG.
Most of the CBGA is converted to THC and CBD, but a small percentage changes to CBG.
So what’s CBG going to do for me?
That’s a fair question, and we’re just scratching the surface of the many cannabinoid benefits. Thanks to recent legislation in the U.S. and Canada, scientists are now able to thoroughly examine the benefits of these mysterious compounds. Even though CBG has been overlooked in the past because of its low concentration, the latest research shows it has the potential to help with multiple health conditions.
1. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
A study published in 2013 by the University of Naples shows that thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBG can help with IBD. The study found that cannabigerol significantly reduced the inflammatory markers in mice with IBD and relieved colitis.
Based on the successful results, the researchers suggest that CBG could be used in human clinical trials as a treatment for IBD. If the anti-inflammatory effects of CBG can be proved in human trial, it’s likely going to be useful for a multitude of treatments and conditions caused by inflammation.
2. Antimicrobial Effect
Big deal, a rare compound can kill germs. Why is this important? As you may be aware, humanity is facing an increasing threat from antibiotic-resistant bacteria. There are superbugs that are resistant to our current drugs that affect millions of people aroundf the world.
3. Bladder Dysfunctions
People on different online mediums claimed that cannabis infusions help with bladder dysfunctions. In 2015, a team of Italian scientists developed a study to put these claims to the test.
The scientists found that CBG reduces the contractions in the human bladder, so it can help with bladder problems.
4. Increased Appetite
Everybody knows that smoking cannabis gives you the munchies. According to a 2016 study published by the University of Reading, CBG is the cannabinoid responsible for your appetite boost. There are millions affected by appetite loss and isolated CBG may be helpful in treating mood disorders related to eating disorders. Pretty cool.
5. Brain Protection
According to a 2015 study, CBG acts as an antioxidant in the brain, meaning it can protect the nervous system from damage. The study shows that cannabigerol is an extremely active neuroprotective drug in mice. The cannabinoid improved motor deficits and protected the neurons against toxicity.
And it gets better, the study also shows that CBG administration leads to a modest improvement of certain gene expressions that might help with Huntington Disease.
6. Another ally in the fight against cancer
Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities, CBG supports your body’s ability to battle cancer. A study presented in 2014 found that CBG might be able to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. The administration of cannabigerol hampered the progression of colon cancer in mice.
Ontop of that, CBG could also have anti-tumoral properties, which means that CBG could be used to both battle and prevent cancer. This is huge.
7. Treating Galucoma
It’s been widely known that cannabis is highly effective at treating glaucoma. According to a study, CBG improves the eye’s fluid drainage, reducing the intraocular pressure.
You know those red eye people have after smoking cannabis? This is because the canabanoids act as a vasodilator in the eye, increasing the eye’s blood circulations. Because of this, more blood reaches the eye which is helpful in many eye-related issues.
Is CBG legal and where can I buy it?
Cannabigerol is non-psychoactive so it does not produce a high. Also, CBG can be extracted from hemp stalks, further increasing it’s ease of access. Unfortunately CBG is still very difficult to find in Canada without a prescription. Our shop will carry CBG when it becomes available.
Last Word
Even though CBG hasn’t hit the spotlight, it doesn’t mean its any less valuable than CBD and THC. The research is still young and there is much to learn from the hundred or so compounds.
We’ll keep you updated to the availability and impacts it has on thhis writer. Thank you for reading.