THC, CBD, CBC, CBGA, CBDV and CBN. These are just a few of the close to 100 known cannabinoids found in marijuana. Major cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are well-known within the medical marijuana community. But there are many more components of the cannabis plant that hold potential health and therapeutic benefits. The most recent cannabinoid emerging from the alphabet soup of abbreviations is cannabigerol – CBG.
The First Cannabinoid
CBG is sometimes called the “parent cannabinoid” or “mother of all cannabinoids.” It is the first cannabinoid synthesized by young cannabis plants. It starts with cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which is the biological building block for THC, CBD, and more than 100 additional cannabinoids found in marijuana.
CBGA concentrations are typically greatest in the early stage of the cannabis plant’s growth. This acid provides natural protection against fungal infections. As the plant matures, CBGA is transformed into acidic cannabinoids such as THCA and CBDA, which ultimately become THC and CBD. A smaller amount of CBGA becomes CBG and remains in the mature cannabis plant. It is also found in significant quantities in industrial hemp. This is why CBG extracts are typically made from young hemp plants.
Is CBG The New CBD?
CBG’s growing reputation as a non-psychoactive therapeutic agent has sparked a rapid increase in the popularity of CBG-based products. Marketers are labeling it as “the new CBD,” and its portrayal as the next miracle cure. Among the known differences between these two cannabinoids are that CBG can provide more powerful antibacterial effects than CBD, and has stimulating rather than sedative effects. The Internet offers numerous consumer endorsements for CBG-based products. A sampling of these reviews includes quotes such as:
- “Cured my acne”
- “Both energizing and calming”
- “Instant relief for swollen knee”
- “I sleep better at night”
- “Helps my mood and anxiety”
- “Gave relief from stomach problems”
- “Reduced the aches and pains of fibromyalgia”
- “Helped my back pain”
- “Energetic, uplifting and help with focus”
While some of these claims may be exaggerated or lack scientific confirmation, there’s little doubt that this foundational cannabinoid can provide a number of therapeutic benefits. Such benefits may be partly due to CBG’s unique molecular structure, which allows it to influence the human body in a way no other cannabinoid is known to do.
The CBG/CB2 Connection
CBG was discovered in the 1960s. But because it is not psychoactive, it did not receive the same attention as cannabinoids such as THC. This changed when medical marijuana revealed how the cannabinoids in marijuana can bind to and influence the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). According to noted cannabis researcher Peter Grinspoon:
The ECS regulates and controls many of our most critical bodily functions such as learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory and immune responses, and eating.
The human endocannabinoid system absorbs cannabinoids through pathways known as CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are concentrated primarily in the brain and central nervous system, and have a high binding affinity for THC – the cannabinoid that produces marijuana’s psychoactive effects. CB2 receptors are found throughout the body and are concentrated in the peripheral nervous system where they play important roles in immune system responses, digestive functions, pain relief, and cardiovascular health.
CBG has a larger and more complex molecular structure than cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. This complexity allows it to bond with CB2 receptors in ways that other cannabinoids can not. Thanks to this enhanced bonding ability, the “mother cannabinoid” delivers a wide range of therapeutic benefits.
What Are The Benefits Of CBG?
New and ongoing research shows that this “mother of all cannabinoids” may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-tumoral properties, and provide a wealth of therapeutic benefits, including anti-anxiety, neuroprotective, dermatological, and appetite-stimulating effects. Below, CannaMD covers some of those findings.
Stress Reduction And Mood Enhancement
In a study conducted at the University of Aberdeen, laboratory research found that CBG created stress-reducing changes in the brain chemistry of mice. It binds with alpha-2 receptors to activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, and decreases anxiety. It also interacts with 5-HT1A receptors that regulate serotonin levels to improve mood and mental performance.
The same research showed that it can boost the production of anandamide, an endocannabinoid popularly known as the “Bliss Molecule.” Andamine release triggers the brain’s reward response and provides a natural mood elevation. Increased anandamide levels have also been shown to have a mitigating effect on stress and fear-related behaviors and disorders, including PTSD.
The first human-based investigation of CBG-rich marijuana’s potential stress-relieving properties came from a 2021 survey led by Dr. Ethan Russo of the CreDO Science research group and Carrie Cuttler, PhD, of Washington State University. This survey included 127 patients who used CBG-predominant cannabis therapies to treat anxiety, pain, depression, and insomnia. Among the key findings:
- Half of those surveyed used CBG-rich cannabis to treat anxiety.
- One-third of respondents considered CBG-rich marijuana helpful in combating depression.
- Within that group, 80% felt that cannabis therapy was more effective than conventional antidepressant medications.
In a follow-up to this survey, Cuttler, Russo, and colleagues at Washington State University and the University of California Los Angeles recruited 34 current cannabis users. Participants were given CBG-infused tinctures or placebo samples.
Before taking their samples, participants were assessed for levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and mood using both subjective reporting and scoring by accepted assessment tools. Assessments were repeated 20, 45, and 60 minutes after taking the CBG-infused tinctures or placebo samples. In a follow-up session one week later, participants took the alternative sample and repeated all tests.
Study results showed that the most significant effect of the tinctures was a sizable decrease in anxiety levels, with the greatest reductions found at the 45-minute assessment point. Stress levels also declined during the trial and mood improved, but to a lesser degree than the anxiety-reducing effects.
Enhances Verbal Memory
An unexpected result of the Washington State study was revealed during tests for verbal memory. A majority of participants were able to recall more words from a provided list while under the influence of the tincture than before taking it or when testing after taking a placebo. The authors write:
We hypothesized that CBG would not impair memory, but our finding that [it] significantly enhanced verbal memory was unexpected.
Continuing:
It would be interesting to examine whether [it] might offset the detrimental effects of THC on verbal memory.
Fights Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is thought to be linked to a wide range of chronic health conditions including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, and chronic obstructive lung disease. CBG’s anti-inflammatory properties may prove useful in the treatment of many of these diseases. It has shown promise in promoting brain health by controlling the neuroinflammation and oxidative stress associated with conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s disease.
Protects Brain Health
In addition to protecting the brain from inflammatory diseases, CBG may help restore mental function (16) after brain damage caused by clots or strokes. There are also indications that it may stimulate the growth of new brain cells, and research suggests that when CBG and CBD are used together, the resulting combination provides greater anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits than either compound alone.
Combats Antibiotic-Resistant Staph Infections
The spread of drug-resistant staph bacteria known as MRSA is a growing problem in hospital environments. CBG exhibits antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that could help curb this problem. A study from McMaster University found that it blocked the growth of MRSA cell clusters. This finding may hold promise for developing new antibiotic products to control MRSA and other drug-resistant staph infections.
Treating Eating Disorders
In laboratory studies, CBG it proved to be an effective appetite stimulant with no intoxicating or adverse effects. This could provide a valuable tool for treating conditions such as the loss of appetite associated with cancer and eating disorders such as anorexia and cachexia, which is a metabolic syndrome that causes muscle loss.
Helps With Stomach Problems
CBG may help improve digestion and relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and irritable bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Research shows that these conditions are caused by chronic inflammation linked to deficient levels of endogenous cannabinoids in the body’s natural endocannabinoid system. CBG’s ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system may help restore endogenous cannabinoid levels in the digestive system.
A study from the University of Naples found that CBG reduces the painful bladder contractions associated with IBS. This finding may lead to new cannabinoid medications that provide relief from conditions such as overactive bladder syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and similar diseases.
Promotes Bone Growth And Healing
CBG may prevent bone loss caused by aging and osteoporosis. It does this by binding to the body’s CB2 cannabinoid receptors, which stimulate bone formation and protect against bone resorption. These regenerative and protective properties are enhanced when combined with CBD and other cannabinoids.
CBG also plays a valuable role in healing broken bones. During the initial stages of bone repair, CBG and combinations of CBG/CBD encourage formation of the cellular material that builds bone mass. Later in the healing process, they restore bones to their original size, increase bone marrow, and help absorb minerals that build bone density and strength.
What Other Benefits Does Cbg Provide?
The medical cannabis community continues to gain new insights into CBG’s potential therapeutic benefits. Studies suggest that it may have therapeutic value in the treatment of certain types of cancer. It reduces tumor formation in certain types of stomach and colorectal (26) cancers and shows promise in the treatment of two common types of breast cancer.
Topical applications of CBG have proven more effective than CBD for treating skin conditions such as acne and rashes. In laboratory studies, CBG provides protection from certain liver diseases (29) and helps prevent liver damage caused by chronic obesity. It may also help balance hormone levels.
As additional research is conducted, these and other beneficial properties may be further substantiated. CannaMD will continue to keep you updated on the latest developments in CBG-based medications and therapies.
How To Find CBG-Rich Marijuana
CBG extracts are made from young hemp plants with negligible amounts of THC. For this reason, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate it and there are no restrictions on the sale of CBG-infused products. The marketplace is filled with a variety of unregulated CBG-infused salves, tinctures, dietary supplements, edibles and oils available over the counter or sold online.
Studies have shown that a significant percentage of CBD and CBG-based products have mislabeled content and may contain detectable levels of undesirable byproducts. The best way to ensure content and quality of a product is to check for a certificate of analysis (COA) from a trusted third-party laboratory.
View a COA Example
CBG-rich vaping juice oils are available, but pure oils may not be compatible with all vaping devices because of their highly viscous nature. Temperature becomes an important consideration in preserving the delivery of CBG when vaping. As compared to other cannabinoids, it has a low boiling point of 126F/52C and may require a special vaporizer to preserve potency.
Growers are now producing a number of new cannabis strains with significantly greater levels of CBG. Two popular strains that combine a high CBG content with elevated THC content are Lemon Diesel and Mickey Kush. Online reviews of these strains indicate that the CBG content may offset the debilitating effects of THC to create a relaxing but overall motivating experience.
One trusted source for information on CBG-rich cannabis strains is ACS Laboratory, which provides independent third-party testing series for cannabis retailers and consumers. For CBG-rich strains with limited or no psychoactive effects, the lab suggests:
- White CBG
- White Widow
- Jack Frost