CBG: The "Mother of Cannabinoids"

In recent years, there's been a significant increase in the interest of the use of plant-derived ingredients in pharmacotherapy. One of the plants that are often studied for use in pharmaceutical and biomedical activities is Cannabis sativa L. It should be noted that compounds obtained from Cannabis sativa L. are usually considered more beneficial than synthetic ones. When used for extended periods of time, the latter may cause unwanted side effects.

What is Cannabigerol (CBG)?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid typically most abundant in low-THC and high-CBD cannabis strains, which includes hemp. CBG is often referred to as the "Mother of Cannabinoids." It is considered to be the pre-cursor to other cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA).

 

CBG is one of the 100s of cannabinoids that are in the cannabis plant. When CBG is in its acidic form, CBGA, the compound can break down (when heated) to produce the same acidic-form precursors of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (as well as CBC, known as cannabichromene, another type of cannabinoid). CBG acts on both CB1 and CB2 receptors, it doesn't have the same psychoactive effect as THC. CBG is found in smaller quantities than other cannabinoids in cannabis plants. In most strains of the plant, only 1% of CBG can be found compared to 20 to 25% of CBD or 25 to 30% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

CBG vs CBD

One of the biggest differences between CBG and CBD is the quantity. Most cannabis plants contain approximately 1% of CBG and up to 25% of CBD. CBG oils contain terpenes, flavonoids and some amount of other cannabinoids.

CBD + CBG Combo

When CBD and CBG are taken together, they balance each other out. CBG works directly on the receptors. CBD stimulates the enzymes that produces the body’s natural endocannabinoids. The combination of taking the combination of CBD + CBG can offer a variety of therapeutic benefits. Studies suggest that CBD is more effective for physical discord and CBG is more effective for neurological discord.

 

How Does CBG Work?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is processed by the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is made up of receptors and molecules that are responsible for keeping our bodies in an optimal state (regardless of what’s going on in our external environment). Our body contains two types of cannabinoid receptors—CB1 and CCB2. The CB1 receptors are found in the Central Nervous System and brain, while the CB2 receptors are located in the Immune System and other areas of the body. CBG works by binding to both (CB1 and CB2) receptors where it’s thought to strengthen the function of anandamide. The anandamide is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating sleep and appetite, alleviating pain and enhancing pleasure and motivation. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBG has no psychotropic effects, so it will not give you a high.

Potential CBG Benefits

While human research on CBG is limited, the pre-clinical studies have shown promising results in glaucoma, nerve pain, inflammatory bowl disease and mood disorders.

Research suggests that CBG could:

• Assists stress management

• Decreases inflammation

• Promotes a healthy appetite

• Assist in eye health

• Promotes relaxation 

 

References:

Anokwuru, C.P., Makolo, F.L., Sandasi, M. et al. Cannabigerol: a bibliometric overview and review of research on an important phytocannabinoid. Phytochem Rev 21, 1523–1547 (2022). Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-021-09794-w

Borelli, Francesca, et al. “Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease.” Biochemical pharmacology 85.9 (2013). Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23415610/

Jastrząb A, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Skrzydlewska E. The Origin and Biomedical Relevance of Cannabigerol. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2022; 23(14):7929. Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23147929

Mammana S, Cavalli E, Gugliandolo A, Silvestro S, Pollastro F, Bramanti P, Mazzon E. Could the Combination of Two Non-Psychotropic Cannabinoids Counteract Neuroinflammation? Effectiveness of Cannabidiol Associated with Cannabigerol. Medicina. 2019; 55(11):747. Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55110747

Rahul Nachnani, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage and Kent E. Vrana. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol. 2021; 376 (2) 204-212. Link: https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.120.000340

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