You have definitely heard of cannabidiol or better known as CBD by now with it available everywhere from the grocery store to the local gas station. Maybe you have a friend who has exclaimed some extraordinary benefits from taking CBD oil or possibly a coworker has told you how well CBD gummies have improved their sleep. Even some primary care physicians and chiropractors are recommending CBD cream for the relief of aching muscles and sore joints. CBD has many reported benefits from users that say it helps to fight anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, cancer, seizures, digestive issues, and so many more. This has led it to explode in popularity and take the health industry by storm. Everything from smokables to edibles to topicals have taken the world by storm. CBD is everywhere and only continuing to grow with so many users saying how much it helps them. While you have most likely heard of CBD you have probably never heard of cannabigerol or better known as CBG.
What is CBG?
CBG is one of the six main cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant. It is similar to CBD in many respects in that it is nonpsychoactive and seems to help the same conditions. Cannabis plants make what is called cannabigerolic acid (CBGA.) CBGA is what is known as a precursor to the other three main cannabinoids, which are tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA). When these acids are exposed to heat or ultraviolet light, they become the cannabinoids we know and love, THC and CBD. Depending on the enzymes present in the plant it will determine if the variety is high in THC or high in CBD. Although some breeders are experimenting with cross-breeding and genetic manipulation to increase the production of CBG in cannabis.
CBG and Reported Medicinal Benefits
While there has been limited research done on CBG, there have been studies conducted to test the possible healing properties of CBG. The results that we have seen have been extremely positive. CBG could possibly target extremely specific physiological systems and problems and it is showing very encouraging possible medicinal results. Such as one that studied the effectiveness of CBG over other cannabinoids to inhibit muscle contractions in the bladder, meaning it could be an excellent way to treat bladder dysfunction. It has also been shown to be an appetite stimulant in rats, opening up the door to a non-psychoactive drug for cancer patients suffering from cachexia. One European study has shown CBG to be an effective antibacterial, especially against Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA.) It could possibly help to fight cancer by blocking the receptors that cause cancer cell growth and protect neurons in mice with Huntington’s Disease. In other animal experiments, it was found to decrease the effects of inflammatory bowel disease.
You have definitely heard of cannabidiol or better known as CBD by now with it available everywhere from the grocery store to the local gas station. Maybe you have a friend who has exclaimed some extraordinary benefits from taking CBD oil or possibly a coworker has told you how well CBD gummies have improved their sleep. Even some primary care physicians and chiropractors are recommending CBD cream for the relief of aching muscles and sore joints. CBD has many reported benefits from users that say it helps to fight anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, cancer, seizures, digestive issues, and so many more. This has led it to explode in popularity and take the health industry by storm. Everything from smokables to edibles to topicals have taken the world by storm. CBD is everywhere and only continuing to grow with so many users saying how much it helps them. While you have most likely heard of CBD you have probably never heard of cannabigerol or better known as CBG.
Where Can I Find CBG?
CBG is present in hemp flower, but in small percentages. There are some growers out there that have perfected strains that are high in CBG. It is on the rise in popularity as many people have said it has many of the same healing properties as CBD. This makes CBG easier to find and many retailers are starting to offer CBG rich products beyond just the flower. As this amazing compound gains more popularity like its more well-known cousin CBD it will be more and more available to the general public.
CBG and the Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a system discovered in the 90s while studying THC. It was found to exist in most living things and uses a group of compounds called endocannabinoids. The purpose of the ECS is to maintain homeostasis with the body and help in an array of areas such as appetite, digestion, chronic pain, mood, sleep, stress, inflammation, motor control, metabolism, memory, cardiovascular system function, muscle formation, liver function, reproductive system function, nerve function, skin, bone remodeling, and growth. This is where the cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and CBG come in. They have been shown to take the place of endocannabinoids, or just assist them in binding with the receptors of the ECS. CBG has been shown to work with the ECS and promote what is called the “entourage effect.”
What is the Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect is the term given to the phenomenon of cannabinoids working better while in conjunction with other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes present in the cannabis plant. This is why full-spectrum or whole plant products are so desirable since they have a majority of the compounds found in the plant. This phenomenon is leading us to do even more research on things like CBG, CBN, CBC, and THCV the lesser-known cannabinoids. As well as a myriad of terpenes and flavonoids that are showing incredible medicinal properties.
The Future of Hemp and CBG
There is a fair amount of time and money being spent on the study of cannabis plant, hemp and it seems like every day new discoveries are made about the benefits to humans. Cannabinoids are showing great promise to treat a large variety of ailments and conditions. Many people report that they are changing their lives and continue to seek them out. With a large flow of money only means a larger flow of research and who knows what we will learn in the future. Cannabis appears to have some very powerful medicines contained within its leaves and we can reasonably expect to see many more come in the next few years.
