It may not be as well known as its fellow cannabinoids CBD and THC, but early research suggests CBG has significant potential in a range of health conditions; from easing anxiety to helping tackle antimicrobial resistance. Here’s everything you need to know.
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CBG: everything you need to know
CBG is one of around 144 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Although it is not as well known as major cannabinoids CBD and THC, it has its own therapeutic effects and has demonstrated potential in early studies.
What does CBG stand for?
CBG is an abbreviation of cannabigerol, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid typically found in low-THC and high-CBD cannabis cultivars.
The ‘mother of all cannabinoids’
CBG is sometimes referred to as ‘the mother of all cannabinoids’ because it is a precursor molecule that is converted into other cannabinoids like CBD and THC during the plant's growth.
It is typically found in much smaller amounts in the plant, often less than 1%, while THC and CBD, two of the most abundant compounds found in the plant, can reach levels of 20% and above.
Is CBG psychoactive?
Like CBD, CBG is non-intoxicating, meaning that while it does interact with the endocannabinoid system, it won’t give you the ‘high’ often associated with cannabis and particularly, THC.
Is CBG legal?
Products containing CBG are generally legal in the UK as long as they contain less than 0.2% THC. They can also be prescribed by a doctor as part of a patient’s medical cannabis treatment plan.
What is the difference between CBD and CBG?
While both CBG and CBD offer some similarities, they differ in their chemical structure, abundance in the plant, interaction with receptors, and potential applications
How does CBG interact with the body?
CBG is believed to interact with both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, potentially offering a broader range of potential effects. It has shown a particular affinity for the CB1 receptors, suggesting it may influence mood, pain perception, and other functions.
CBG may also influence the production or breakdown of endogenous cannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), which play crucial roles in various physiological processes.
Potential benefits of CBG
While research is ongoing, CBG has shown promise in studies for potential benefits including:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Neuroprotective effects
- Appetite stimulation
- Glaucoma treatment
CBG is also thought to have anxiolytic effects, meaning it could help offset some of the unwanted side-effects of THC, such as anxiety and paranoia.
What does the science say about CBG?
Although the clinical research in this area is limited so far, there have been a number of promising studies supporting the potential therapeutic effects and clinical application of CBG.
In a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial — the first to examine the effects of CBG in humans— the cannabinoid demonstrated efficacy in reducing anxiety and stress, as well as enhancing verbal memory when compared to a placebo.
Research has also shown that CBG can reduce intraocular eye pressure caused by glaucoma, and it may be beneficial in treating conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. For example, in one study, CBG increased the rate of tissue recovery in the colon and reduced inflammation. The authors also found that CBG was effective as a treatment to prevent colitis-associated damage.
Meanwhile, a study from 2020 suggested that CBG may help in the fight against antibiotic resistance. Researchers identified CBG as an antibacterial compound that may serve as a lead for new drug development. Their study found that it was not only antibacterial but it was effective in mice fighting a resilient form of bacteria referred to as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Can my doctor prescribe CBG?
Yes, cannabis-based medicines containing CBG can be prescribed by your doctor at Releaf.
Although products with high levels of CBG are generally not as widely available, one of the medical cannabis cultivars grown here in the UK actually contains up to 2% CBG (17% THC, 2% CBG & <1% CBD), as well as a significant amount of CBGA.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that there is still a lot we don’t know about the long-term effects of CBG and how it interacts with other medications. Always speak to your specialist doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.
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Sarah, a distinguished journalist with over a decade in publishing and communications, now excels in cannabis health and policy journalism in the UK, advocating for informed health decisions through her award-winning work.
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