What is CBG?

what is cbg

Cannabigerol, or CBG for short, is an organic chemical compound that belongs to the cannabinoid family and is extracted from various varieties of hemp. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabidiol), but exactly like CBD (cannabidiol), it is not a psychoactive substance and therefore does not cause intoxication. In addition, it is a natural, organic and non-toxic compound. Recently, it has been attracting increasing interest due to its therapeutic properties and, as confirmed by animal studies, it has no side effects and is a very well-tolerated and safe substance. 

What is CBG?

Cannabigerol, like cannabidiol (the best studied cannabinoid apart from THC), is extracted from cannabis. Unfortunately, in most varieties of these plants, it is found in very small amounts, oscillating around 1%. This makes the production of CBG oils very expensive and their price high. But here is an interesting fact. In Poland, research is underway that will probably lead to the cultivation of hemp with a CBG content of 12%. Let's hope so. Then the price of products with its content will undoubtedly come down.

CBG was discovered in 1964 by scientists led by Prof. Raphael Mechoulam, a prominent Israeli scientist who devoted himself to the study of cannabinoids. Together with his research team, he isolated tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and just cannabigerol. But also many other cannabinoids. Professor Mechoulam has published more than 450 scientific papers.

It should also be noted that cannabigerol is a completely legal substance in Poland, as it is not on any list of prohibited or controlled psychotropic drugs or narcotic substances. Although there is not yet much research into this substance, it is already known that CBG has very high protective and therapeutic potential. 

What properties does cannabigerol exhibit?

Unfortunately, probably due to the small amount of CBG in hemp, it has been a substance that has been treated lightly and there is not much research done on its properties. However, the results of those that have been done are so promising that more and more scientific heads have started to lean on cannabigerol.

It is already known that CBG works on similar principles as CBD. This means that it interacts with the same receptors of the endocannabinoid system. This is why the effects on the body of both cannabidiols coincide.

 Scientific studies have already confirmed some of the properties of cannabigerol. It is therefore known to exhibit action:

  • Analgesic - The analgesic effects of CBG have been known for many years and have been well studied. The results say that these properties are stronger than many commonly used pharmacological painkillers.
  • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant - 2019 studies have shown that combining CBG with CBD has much better therapeutic effects. This is because both cannabinoids have been shown to enhance each other's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and combined are more effective.
  • Antibacterial - In this case, it is also worth combining CBG with CBD, as together they have a much stronger effect on bacteria. But CBG alone is also effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), but also against other antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
  • Anti-cancer - In this respect, the research results are extremely promising. For example, in the case of breast cancer, they have shown that CBG and CBD administered together interact with limonene, resulting in the self-destruction of breast cancer cells precisely. But it doesn't stop there. The combination of both cannabidiols with a terpene present in hemp and hops (myrcene) inhibited the development of liver cancer, which was caused by aflotoxins.
  • Antifungal - CBG alone does not exhibit strong antifungal properties. This is different when it is combined with CBC (cannabichromene) and a terpene called caryophyllene oxide. Such a mixture showed antifungal efficacy at the level of pharmacological drugs.
  • Neuroprotective - and research has been conducted in this field, which has shown that CBG has strong neuroprotective properties and may be effective in treating neuroinflammatory conditions. Additionally, it can minimise oxidative stress. 
  • Relaxing and calming - as it has a potential inhibitory effect on the reuptake of GABA, or y-aminobutyric acid, it can have a relaxing and calming effect.
  • Anti-anxiety - An anti-anxiety effect may be exerted when combined with CBD oils and a terpene found in hemp and lavender called linalool. 
  • Antidepressant - in this case, studies have so far only been conducted on animals, but the results say that CBG can have an antidepressant effect. 
  • Reducing pressure - CBG has been found to have an effect on lowering intraocular pressure, which should be of interest to glaucoma sufferers.
 

When should CBG be used?

The above properties make it possible to successfully use cannabigerol in the treatment of many diseases and ailments, such as:
  • Glaucoma - by lowering intraocular pressure.
  • Huntington's disease - Studies in mice have shown that CBG can promote regeneration, but also stimulate the emergence of new nerve cells in the brain, thanks to its neuroprotective properties. This makes it CBG oils can support the treatment of this disease.
  • Bladder diseases - and especially incontinence problems can be prevented by using CBG, as it supports the proper functioning of the bladder.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease - thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, can minimise inflammation in the gut. On top of this, it has the ability to reduce oxidative stress and the associated iron loss.
  • Tumours - research suggests that CBG inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells and other cancers, including skin, breast and colorectal cancers.
  • Bacterial infections - CBG's antibacterial properties predestine the substance for use in various bacterial infections.
  • Cholesterol - CBG regulates bad cholesterol levels in the blood.
  • Skin diseases - Studies show that CBG can have a salutary effect on a wide variety of skin ailments such as dandruff, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, eczema and various fungal diseases. To this CBG oil It accelerates the recovery of epidermal cells quite strongly.
  • Appetite disorders - This aspect is particularly important for cancer patients once HIV-positive, as it helps regulate feelings of hunger and also supports the functioning of the intestinal flora.
  • Neurodegenerative diseases - CBG has the ability to protect cells and nerve fibres, thereby increasing their vitality. This is important, for example, in the treatment of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. 
  • Anxiety and depression - through its ability to raise anandamide levels and inhibit GABA reuptake, CBG may be thought to have a beneficial effect on those struggling with anxiety and depression.
 
As you can see, the therapeutic properties of cannabigerol appear to be extremely versatile and the scientific findings offer hope for improving the health of many patients. It seems that this is only the beginning and any further research will uncover many new possibilities for CBG. 
 
 

Bibliography:

  1. Cannabigerol https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kannabigerol
  2. Prof. Raphael Mechoulam https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raphael_Mechoulam
  3. "In Vitro Model of Neuroinflammation: Efficacy of Cannabigerol, a Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoid", by A. Gugliandolo, F.Pollastro, G. Grassi, P. Bramanti, E. Mazzon; 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073490/
  4. "Could the Combination of Two Non-Psychotropic Cannabinoids Counteract Neuroinflammation? Effectiveness of Cannabidiol Associated with Cannabigerol"; authors: Santa Mammana, Eugenio Cavalli, Agnese Gugliandolo et al; 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6915685/
  5. "Antibacterial Cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa: A Structure-Activity Study"; authors G.Appendino, S. Gibbons, A. Giana et al; 2008; https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/np8002673

Main photo: source freepik.com

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