CBG (cannabigerol): Studies and Benefits

Cannabis research has opened our eyes to the new possibilities of non-psychoactive cannabinoid treatment. These cannabinoids, like CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBC, provide many of the benefits of hemp without the mind-altering effects of THC. New cannabinoid research shows that these cannabinoids are a great addition to everyday life for many different health reasons. 

CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG (cannabigerol) are two types of these non-psychoactive cannabinoids. They provide similar benefits but target different health needs, so they are a great combination to be used together.

CBD treatment is often combined with CBG treatment to improve the effects of both cannabinoids within your body. While CBG is a lesser-known compound, it provides incredible health benefits.

From reducing pain and brain fog to boosting energy and focus, read on to learn how cannabigerol treatment can help you reach your wellness goals!

What is CBG and Its Health Benefits?

CBG is a lesser-known, non-psychoactive compound, but it plays a major role in the world of cannabinoid treatment. Without it, we wouldn’t have other beneficial compounds like CBD and THC. 

Cannabigerol is often referred to as “the mother of all cannabinoids”. Think of CBG like a stem cell – when hemp and cannabis plants are young, they contain an acidic form of CBG known as CBGA. As the plant grows up, the CBGA converts into CBDA and THCA, which are then converted to CBD and THC.

Once the CBG is converted into other cannabinoids, the hemp and cannabis plants are left with low levels of the compound. As a result, CBG tends to be rarer and more expensive. However, since CBG treatment is becoming known as beneficial within the medical community, companies are innovating the organic growth of young hemp plants, specifically to lower the cost of CBG. 

Like all other cannabinoids, CBG interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to affect the many systems of the body, including pain, temperature, and appetite.

CBG specifically interreacts with the body’s CB1 endocannabinoid receptor in the central nervous system, and the CB2 receptor in the peripheral nervous system. This interaction promotes many different health benefits. Here are some of the benefits that CBG treatment can provide: 

• CBG Helps Reduce Pain and Inflammation: Cannabigerol treatment is shown to reduce pain and inflammation related to everyday injuries and autoimmune conditions. CBG can help improve immune cell activity to allow the body to combat disease naturally. 
• CBG Helps Decrease Stress and Anxiety: CBG treatment can increase GABA production in the nervous system, helping the body slow down and relax. It allows the brain to decrease stress and anxiety, improving relaxation and sleep quality. 
• CBG Helps Protect the Brain: The CBG cannabinoid treatment is research-backed to reduce inflammation in both the brain and body, protecting the delicate fibers of the body. Some studies show it can support brain cell regeneration for long-term brain health.
• CBG Helps Improve Appetite: CBG shares a common characteristic with its ‘child compound’ THC in that it helps improve appetite. That means a CBG treatment can promote healthy eating for anyone with an inconsistent appetite. 
• CBG Supports Eye Health: Studies show that we have a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors in our eye tissues. CBG interacts with these receptors to promote blood flow in the eye area, which can improve eye health. 
• CBG Helps Boost Metabolism: When combined with a healthy diet, CBG may be able to speed up metabolism to encourage more body fat burn. More research on CBG treatments is needed to understand the full effects of CBG on metabolism. 
• CBG Helps Blood Pressure: One animal study has revealed CBG’s potential to lower blood pressure in laboratory rats. In 2017, the study’s results showed CBG may have similar effects in humans.

CBG Treatment: What Treatments Is It Used For?

Here are some of the potential CBG treatments that current research is pointing toward:

• Cannabinoid for Anxiety Treatment: CBG’s calming effects make it a potential treatment for anxiety. It can help reduce the symptoms of related conditions like PTSD, depression, panic disorders, insomnia, and various phobias. 
• Cognitive Issues: Cannabigerol helps reduce inflammation in the brain and may help decrease the risk of cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease. 
• Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a condition that damages the eye’s optic nerve. It causes painful pressure on the eye and visual disturbances. CBG may be able to help relieve symptoms of eye pressure. This may improve eye health and decrease the risk of eye disease. 
• Autoimmune Conditions: CBG’s potential to calm immune cell activity may make it an effective treatment for autoimmune conditions like Crone’s disease and ulcerative colitis. However, more research is needed to fully understand its function in autoimmune conditions.
• Heart Conditions:  High blood pressure is a risk factor for several heart diseases, including heart failure, aortic aneurysm, and arterial fibrillation. It can even lead to kidney disease. Research points to CBG as a way to potentially help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of related diseases. 
• Obesity: The potential of CBG to boost metabolism may aid with weight management and fat loss. If so, it could help reduce obesity which leads to conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
• Cannabigerol in Cancer Treatment: In the future, medical experts may integrate CBG in cancer treatment for its ability to promote apoptosis (cell death in tumors) and the regrowth of healthy cells. Cannabigerol oil in cancer treatment also helps improve appetite and decrease nausea in people undergoing chemotherapy. Some other cannabinoid in cancer treatment studies have revealed the plant compounds’ potential to target various types of cancer.
• CBG Treatment for Epilepsy: Many studies have revealed cannabinoid treatment for epilepsy is effective in reducing seizures. That means it’s possible CBG treatment could also be helpful in seizure prevention. 

How Should I Take It and Boost Its Effects?

CBG is rarely sold on its own. It is often combined with other cannabinoids. For example, you may find products that mix THC and CBG together, or they may contain CBD and CBG. Typically, the combination of more cannabinoids is a good thing because of the entourage effect – where each cannabinoid enhances the effectiveness of each other cannabinoid it’s combined with! 

It’s best to start with lower doses of CBG (around 10-20 mg daily), then you can work your way up to see how it affects you. Some people find CBG works perfectly for them in small doses, while others need larger doses. Everyone’s body is different, and proper CBG dosage can vary.

Dosage recommendations will also vary depending on your health needs. For example, if someone is taking CBG for severe pain, they might need larger, more frequent dosages compared to someone taking CBG for appetite.

While CBG can be found in various cannabis products, and trace amounts are typically present in THC flower, it’s best to use a CBG-dominant oil to ensure you get an accurate dose of CBG. You can also find CBG in tablets, vapes, creams, and transdermal patches, but the sublingual (under the tongue) oil method is by far the best for fast, safe, and total absorption.

Most products will provide instructions for optimal CBG treatment doses. However, it’s always best to start slow and work your way up so you can determine how CBG will affect you before you proceed.  

Summary

CBG could be a natural health treatment for many conditions that have been gaining momentum over the past few years. Scientists are recognizing the potential for CBG to help with many different problems. You can currently find CBD, CBG, and THC together for different health results. 

Remember, start low and slow, notice how it effects you, and increase your CBG dose until you feel your best!

Source: USA Medical