What is cannabigerol (CBG)? If you are new to cannabis — or if all cannabinoids other than CBD and THC blur together in your mind as random slime-like molecules — you probably haven’t heard of CBG. This cannabinoid is bursting upon the wellness and medical scenes as an up-and-coming natural health product, best known for its potent poo-power.
What is CBG?
CBG (cannabigerol) is one of at least 100 cannabinoids. Full-plant cannabis contains all known cannabinoids, but CBG is usually found in very small quantities, often less than 1 per cent of cannabinoids. Identified in 1964, CBG is non-intoxicating and does not induce ‘the high’ of THC.
Types of CBG Products
Cannabigerol (CBG), a lesser-known but increasingly popular cannabinoid, is available in a variety of product forms, each offering unique benefits and methods of consumption. As research into CBG’s therapeutic properties continues, its presence in the wellness market is expanding.
CBG Oils: One of the most common forms of CBG is oil, which is typically administered sublingually (under the tongue). This method allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream, offering quick onset of effects. CBG oils are ideal for those seeking precise dosage control and fast action, making them suitable for addressing issues like pain and anxiety.
CBG Edibles: Edibles infused with CBG, such as gummies and chocolates, provide a discreet and convenient way to consume CBG. The effects of edibles take longer to manifest compared to oils due to the digestion process, but they tend to last longer. This makes edibles a good option for sustained relief over several hours, particularly useful for chronic conditions.
CBG Capsules: Similar to edibles, cbg pills offer a precise and easy-to-manage dosage. They are ideal for those who prefer not to taste the cannabinoid or need a convenient form for regular intake.
CBG Topicals: Creams, balms, and lotions containing CBG are applied directly to the skin. These are particularly useful for localized issues such as skin conditions or joint and muscle pain. The CBG in topicals interacts with local cannabinoid receptors in the skin, offering targeted relief.
CBG Isolates: These are the purest form of CBG, containing 99% Cannabigerol with no other cannabinoids or plant materials. Isolates come in powder or crystal form and can be used in various ways, such as adding to food, drinks, or even homemade CBD products. This form is favored by those looking for the specific effects of CBG without the influence of other cannabinoids.
CBG Beverages: An emerging trend in the CBG market is cannabinoid-infused beverages, such as teas, coffees, or sparkling waters. These provide a novel and enjoyable way to incorporate CBG into one’s daily routine.
Each CBG product type offers a unique experience, catering to different preferences and needs. Consumers are encouraged to explore these options to find the most suitable form for their lifestyle and health objectives. As the CBG market evolves, we can expect to see more innovative and specialized products emerging, broadening the choices available to users.
How Does CBG Work?
CBG activates the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which maintains homeostasis, the body’s neurological equilibrium, by binding to both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS directly, whereas CBD’s primary interaction with the ECS comes through its binding to enzymes, not directly to receptors. Tsuji suggests that this could be attributable to a wider bodily effect than CBD. A little CBG in the blood might have influences on mood, appetite, or perception of pain, he says.
Potential Benefits of CBG
While research is still in its early stages, CBG shows promise in several areas:
1. Skin Health: CBG can help you get glowing, healthy skin, saying goodbye to conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
2. Relieve insomnia: It might help with sleep maintenance, providing a natural alternative for sleep disorders.
3. Pain Relief: CBG, like CBD, may have anti-inflammatory properties and could be useful for pain management.
4. Neuroprotective property: Preliminary research indicates CBG might have neuroprotective properties, and could be helpful in conditions such as Huntington’s disease.
CBG vs. CBD
Despite this similarity, there are important differences between CBG and CBD, starting with the ECS. CBG can function directly on ECS receptors whereas CBD cannot. Second, CBG is present only in low concentrations in the cannabis plant and is laborious and costly to produce, unlike its more abundant – and cheaper – partner, CBD.
Using CBG
CBG is available in oils, edibles, and isolates. If you use CBG oil, I would recommend taking it sublingually (under the tongue), which provides fast absorption into the bloodstream. If you use CBG as an edible, it will last longer but take a shorter amount of time to kick in again. And finally, if you would like to use CBG for a topical application, you can add CBG to cream and lotions.
Dosage and Safety
As with any nature-based medicine, individual responses differ when it comes to dosage. CBG is metabolized differently per person, and you also need to factor in body size and weight to find the correct dose. When managing conditions with CBG-enriched cannabis, always start with a small dose and gradually increase it. Most people work within an established dosage when introducing cannabinoids like CBG into their daily routine. A good rule of thumb has always been to multiply one’s weight by 0.2mg of CBG, and go from there.
The Future of CBG
CBG may therefore have therapeutic potential for a myriad of health and wellness conditions that, hopefully, will become clearer as the emerging research continues.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of CBG
Although much more research needs to be done, we know that CBG has enormous therapeutic potential. Here are just some areas where CBG has shown promise.
1. Neurological Conditions: Emerging research suggests that CBG could possess neuroprotective qualities. This could point to benefits for conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and brain injuries. Given CBG’s ability to support nerve cell health, this could open up new doors within neurology.
2. Cancer: Some preliminary research indicates that CBG may have some anti-cancer properties as well. This is because CBG inhibits receptors that trigger cancer cell growth. While this research is still in its infancy, this might be a promising new area of CBG research in oncology.
3. Antibacterial activity: this might well be its most interesting characteristic; CBG has so far shown promise as an antibacterial agent. Like other bacteria (or most viruses), pathogenic bacteria often adapt to eliminate the action of antibiotics. It’s thought that the dysbiosis of gut bacteria underpinning IBD might well be one of those processes. When that occurs, it becomes vital to find alternative ways of killing them, as the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics to defend against dysbiosis could itself set off problems. The health industry has tried, and very largely failed, to defeat dysbiosis with prebiotics and probiotics, but still aims to do so. Perhaps CBG can help.
4. Eye Health: Because CBG is great at reducing intraocular pressure, it helps with glaucoma and can be very useful for eye health in general. It is a vasodilator and also exhibits neuroprotective properties.
5. Boosts Appetite: Like THC, CBG stimulates appetite. Individuals with HIV/AIDS and cancer can experience an increased appetite under the influence of cannabinoids.
The Challenges and Future of CBG
Despite its potential, there are challenges in the CBG market:
1. Extraction and Production: It’s an expensive undertaking because the concentrations of CBG are generally lower in the cannabis plant than in CBD, and CBD extraction has long been a highly developed craft. However, new breeding techniques and cultivation have led to a new generation of CBG-rich strains that will hopefully make CBG more affordable and available in the future.
2. Regulatory Landscape: Similar to other cannabinoids, CBG is challenged by regulatory barriers. CBG’s legal status is dependent upon geographical location and whether the cannabinoid is derived from a hemp or marijuana plant. Consumers and producers should stay informed on the laws surrounding CBG.
3. Experimental studies and clinical trials: Since the experimental studies are at an early stage and there has been a very limited number of clinical trials, much more research into CBG’s full range of benefits and side-effects is needed. Future interest in CBG and resources for its research will surely follow as more people hear about it and look to this compound for help.
Incorporating CBG into Your Wellness Routine
If you’re considering adding CBG to your wellness routine, here are some tips:
1. Consult with Healthcare Providers: Consult with your healthcare provider before you begin using any supplement, particularly if you have an existing health condition or currently use medication.
2. Quality Is Key: When looking for CBG, source it from reputable companies, with high-quality, lab-tested CBG products. This is key to knowing the item is safe and will give you those precise results.
3. Dose Low, Go Slow: Begin with a low dose, and gradually increase it to find the dose that is best for you. Observe your body and adjust accordingly.
4. Keep a journal: Being able to chart your use of CBG is important, so it’s a good idea to keep track of your dosage, experience and outcomes.
The Final Words
CBG holds an amazing spot in the cannabis family with unique therapeutic potential in skincare, sleep, analgesia and neuroprotective capacity. With the growth and change of the US cannabis industry, I personally look forward to seeing more CBG products and studies in the future that will bring justice to the amazing compound that is CBG.
Remember, too, while CBG might be promising, ‘for further effects, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before adding any product to your wellness routines, and especially if you have previous health conditions or medicines you’re taking’.
—
With this beginner’s guide to CBG, we hope to deliver an overview of Cannabigerol, its potential benefits, as well as its comparison to other cannabinoids. Eventually, as more research emerges, the use of CBG will undoubtedly take a leading role in health and wellness, paving the way to numerous natural therapies.