By now, most cannabis consumers are very familiar with Cannabidiol or CBD and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and their effects on the body system. The CBD is best known for its medicinal or therapeutic effects, while THC brings out the high in cannabis. These two are also very popular as cannabis concentrates are also widely available in local and online stores.
As we all know, cannabis is made up of hundreds of cannabinoids, and one important is CBG or Cannabigerol. What is CBG? Read on this article, as we will learn more about this compound, how it works, and how it affects the body and how it interacts with other cannabigerol.
What is CBG?
What is CBG, you may ask? CBG stands for Cannabigerol, which one of the hundreds of compounds found in a cannabis plant, which is known as cannabinoids. We are all aware of the two most important cannabinoids in a marijuana plant, which is the CBD and THC, but this time we will talk about a small yet very helpful compound called CBG.
CBG exists in cannabis plants in very low concentrations compared to CBD and THC. However, recent studies have explored the effects and benefits of this compound, and the interest of getting to know this compound is increasing because of the positive effects of the studies conducted involving the benefits and effects of CBG.
CBG was discovered in 1964 in Israel. It was isolated from other components, particularly the CBD and THC. CBG, unlike THC, does not have psychoactive properties that can produce the high of the cannabis plant.
Though CBG research is on the infancy period, CBG is being studied for its therapeutical benefits. So far, according to studies, CBG can help in the treatment of colitis, cancer, and neurodegeneration. According to researchers, CBG is not a very common cannabinoid, and it is found in small quantities. You have to found a considerable amount to be able to test it. The very important discovery is that CBG is the forerunner to important cannabinoids CBD, CBC, and THC. This means that the CBGA or the acid on CBG, when broken down, is the bases of forming these three important molecules.
How do CBG works?
Like other cannabinoids, CBD works in the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is made up of many receptors, like CB1 and CB2. They are the compounds that our body produces. The CB1 receptors are found in the nervous system, while the CB2 receptors are on other parts of the body.
According to research, CBG binds with the CB@ receptors. In higher dosages, it can block other compounds from CB1 receptors, but it does not alter the psychedelic effects of THC in the body. The interaction of cannabinoids in the endocannabinoid system is known as the “entourage effect”.
The effects of CBG in the body
Though are still few studies regarding the use and effects of CBG, early studies have shown positive results in its effects in the body system:
- CBG is effective against inflammation. The CBG compound is said to be effective against inflammation. On a study conducted subjecting CBG for a disease called inflammatory bowel disease or also known as IBD, it showed a positive result that it reduced inflammation. This experiment was conducted with mice as the subject. According to the study, CBG has significantly reduced inflammatory problems on the subject, but it is yet to be tested on humans.
- Neuroprotective effects. CBD is said to have neuroprotective effects, and it acts as anti-oxidants. It also protects the nerve system from infection or damage. It was also discovered that CBG helps improve motor functions, and it preserves neurons from illnesses such as Huntington’s disease.
- Antimicrobial effect. Along with other cannabinoids, CBG has antimicrobial effects. In a study exposing this compound to Staphylococcus aureus bacterium and it showed significant antimicrobial properties.
- CBG is found to be an appetite stimulant. A study conducted in 2016 showed that rats provided with CBG had increased their appetite measured by the number of meals they have eaten.
- CBG can help those who have bladder issues. CBG was very effective among other cannabinoids, along with THCV. It is effective in reducing bladder infection and helps in the treatment of bladder related health issues. The same is true when humans were subjected to the test.
- CBG can potentially treat glaucoma and intraocular pressure. A study conducted in 1990 subjecting CBG for glaucoma found out that CBG and other related cannabinoids have medicinal potential in treating glaucoma. However, it is important to consult a doctor and have a prescription before if you are going to use cannabis as an alternative medicine.
- CBG can potentially fight cancer. According to a study conducted in 2009, CBG can potentially slow tumor growth. It can act as a direct inhibitor of tumor progression.
What are the other uses of CBG?
CBG is now being recognized as one important compound that composes marijuana. For a very long time, this compound has been overshadowed by THC, CBD, THCA, and the effects of CBG have not been recognized.
It is a good thing that more researchers are now being conducted to shed light on the effects of CBG in the body system. CBG also influences the important receptors CB1 and CB2. CBG, according to studies, has an effect on t α2-adrenoceptors as well as 5-HT1A serotonin receptors that are present in the nervous system.
Studies also showed that CBG could hinder the recapture of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline by cells. This lets CBG very effectively in dealing with depression and anxiety.
Conclusion
The exploration of what is CBG, its uses, and its effects may still be in the early stage, but so far, it is gaining attention as the results are promising. CBG has long been overshadowed by THC, CBD, THCV, but now researchers are exploring CBG to know its contribution and benefits. It will no longer be a surprise if soon breakthroughs will happen involving this compound. It’s about time we put CBG in the spotlight.
