The cannabis plant has over a hundred compounds with different effects on the human body. Even though CBD and THC are the most popular, cannabigerol (CBG), is another compound that’s quickly gaining more popularity. CBG was first discovered in the 1960s even though its use has not started to pick up recently. In this article, we review CBG cannabinoids and their effects.
What is CBG?
It’s a type of cannabinoid that’s found in the cannabis plant. CBG is usually referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids. Well, this is because other cannabinoids are usually derived from cannabigerol acid (CBGA), – an acidic type of CBG. Even though it has a high status among other cannabinoids, it’s found in small quantities in cannabis plants compared to other cannabinoids.
CBG vs. CBD
These two compounds share lots of similarities. They both come from the cannabis plant and act on the endocannabinoid system. It’s worth noting that CBG and CBD are nonpsychoactive and can’t alter the way the mind functions. While they both promote wellness, CBD is more popular since its available in larger quantities in the cannabis plant. additionally, it also has stronger medical properties.
How Does CBG Work?
As a cannabinoid, this active compound works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. for starters, this is a nonpsychoactive compound hence it doesn’t result in a feeling of “highness”. It can be described as the less concentrated and less popular form of CBD. However, recent studies indicate that the popularity of cannabigerol has been growing and more people are now considering using it.
By interrelating with the endocannabinoid system, CBG helps to promote the optimal functionality of different properties. it’s worth noting that the endocannabinoid system is responsible for promoting homeostasis. So, when CBG interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors found in this system, it can affect your pain response, mood, sleep patterns, and appetite, etc.
How to Use CBG
Even though there are multiple ways of using CBG, most consumers usually prefer to use it in the form of oil. you are bound to gain multiple benefits of this compound by using it in the form of pure CBG oil. even though, you should understand that CBG oils are expensive and rare to find on the market.
But if you get a reputable manufacturer, you can purchase the oil in the form of broad-spectrum CBG which normally has CBD and other cannabinoids as well. The best thing about this type of product is that it doesn’t contain the psychoactive THC compound. The presence of other cannabinoids in CBG makes it effective in the management of pain and inflammation. This is because its consumption usually leads to the production of a phenomenon that’s known as the entourage effect.
Potential Benefits of CBG
CBG is just like CBD. It has several beneficial health benefits and can help promote overall wellness without resulting in intoxicating effects. preliminary research studies indicate that its therapeutic effects make it one of the most ideal sources of alternative medicine. Some of the therapeutic benefits of CBG include:
- Treating Huntington’s Disease
- Antibacterial Properties
- Fighting Cancerous Cells
- Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Managing Glaucoma
Treating Huntington’s Disease
This is a condition that makes part of the brain stop working properly over time. Huntington’s is a hereditary disease and patients normally inherit it from their parents. It’s progressive and usually gets worse over time, while it doesn’t have a cure, you can use CBG to manage the symptoms of this condition.
CBG’s neuroprotective properties make it possible to slow the process of nerve breakdown caused by this condition. As a result, its effective in preventing brain damage. It’s also worth noting that the cannabis compound can naturally improve motor deficits and facilitate the preservation of striatal neurons.
Antibacterial Properties
Along its other health properties include antibacterial properties. CBG has demonstrated that it’s a good source of alternative medicine with potent antimicrobial effects. researchers have established that it has antibacterial properties. as a result, it can health those with conditions that need antibiotic treatment.
Fighting Cancerous Cells
A study done by researchers observed that CBG can help to treat cancerous cells in rats with colon cancer. From these studies, it was found that CBG had a great potential in blocking the receptors that trigger the growth of cancer cells. Besides that, it was also found that CBG was effective in inhibiting the rapid growth of colorectal cancer cells.
Besides that, there have been also multiple other pieces of evidence that cannabigerol can help manage other forms of aggressive cancers including brain tumors. Well, this is only possible due to the cannabis’ compound’s strong anti-tumor properties.
Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is a medical phrase that describes both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The medical condition causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. If the inflammation is left untreated for long, then it may cause significant damage to the digestive tract. A study done by several researchers on lab rats shows that CBG can be effective in managing IBD. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects that provide a therapeutic calming response to the gastrointestinal tract.
Managing Glaucoma
Research has shown that this organic cannabis compound can treat glaucoma. Note that this is an eye condition where the optical nerve that connects to the brain gets damaged. Glaucoma usually develops as a result of fluid buildup in the eye’s front. The abnormal fluid accumulation is what leads to increased pressure inside the eyes and can result in loss of vision. A medical cannabis product such as CBG can be effective in treating glaucoma. The organic compound has effective anti-inflammatory properties and pain-relieving effects. this makes it possible for it to reduce intraocular pressure.
Side Effects of CBG
Before you consider adding CBG to your wellness routine, it’s important that you understand its side effects. you need to be sure that using this product won’t interfere with your wellbeing or cause disruptive effects. So, some of the potential side effects of using CBG products include:
Diarrhea
It’s the most common side effect of CBG. Diarrhea usually happens as a result of overdosing on products that contain this organic cannabis compound. So, while the body is trying to eliminate the excess content, you will be forced to experience regular and uncontrolled bowel movements.
Appetite Change
You may notice a significant change in your appetite as soon as you start using CBG. It can stimulate your appetite while in some people it may repress it. Generally, the appetite-stimulating effects of CBG usually vary from person to person.
In other words, you might eat more or completely avoid your meals. This phase is usually temporary and will pass once the level of this cannabinoid isn’t active in your body.
Dry Mouth
This is one of the side effects that’s similar to CBD. Taking cannabigerol, especially in excess amounts will interfere with the production of saliva. The salivary gland may temporarily fail to work optimally, leading to the dry mouth effect.
Is CBG Legal?
CBG is legal to produce, purchase, and use under federal law as per the information in the 2018 Farm Bill. The legalization of the Agriculture Improvement Act made all hemp-derived cannabinoid products that contain less than 0.3% legal in the US.
Can CBG Make Me High?
While CBG is extracted from the cannabis plant, it can’t make you high like THC. It’s a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid and this means that it’s incapable of resulting in a euphoric effect. however, it has therapeutic properties. so, it can only make you feel relaxed and less anxious.
Where to Buy CBG
Unlike CBD, CBG is quite scarce. Manufacturers usually face difficulties when it comes to the production of CBG. This makes it quite harder to produce, unlike the other popular cannabinoids. Take note that since CBG also shares some similarities with the more popular CB, manufacturers would rather choose the latter. But you can still find it in hemp-based pharmacies or simply research and make purchases directly from the manufacturer’s website.
The Bottom Line
Cannabigerol is a cannabinoid that has lots of therapeutic health benefits. It has been steadily gaining popularity and thousands of people now use it to manage different health issues. While it might not be as popular as THC and CBD, this nonpsychoactive product is something that consumers should consider. Its strong anti-inflammatory, neuroprotectant, antibacterial, and anti-tumor properties, etc., make it effective in treating several health issues.
