What is CBG? A Guide to Cannabigerol (CBG) Effects, Benefits & Properties
Learning about different cannabinoids sometimes feels like spooning through a bowl of alphabet soup. CBD, CBN, THC, CBG – what does it all mean? All of those letters naturally make it challenging to understand how different compounds could benefit you. Take cannabigerol, or CBG, for example; it’s one of many cannabinoids that exist in products on the market yet is still largely underestimated. But what is CBG, anyway, and what makes it unique? Below, we’ll break down all the basics about CBG, including its effects, benefits, and potential as a treatment for many chronic illnesses.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, including both hemp and marijuana. CBG is derived from its acidic form, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which is known as the “mother of all cannabinoids.”
CBGA is the foundational molecule from which all other cannabinoids emerge. As the cannabis plant grows, enzymes convert the CBGA into three cannabinoid acids. Then, through decarboxylation (the process that activates compounds into cannabis), CBGA becomes CBG.
Although CBG generally appears in low amounts in cannabis plants, breeders can create CBG-rich cannabis. However, this comes at a cost. In fact, CBG is known as one of the most expensive cannabinoids to produce.
Learn More: What is a Cannabinoid?
What Are the Effects of CBG?
CBG is best known for its sedating, pain-relieving, and calming effects. Like CBD or THC, it works by binding to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, a complex network that influences bodily functions and cues like appetite, immune responses, and more.
When it enters the bloodstream, CBG stimulates certain receptors – namely CB1 and CB2 receptors – and prompts changes in the body. That’s why CBG can do things like make your stomach growl or inflammation levels drop.
CBG effects may be even more intense when you ingest a product that contains other cannabinoids thanks to the entourage effect, which suggests that cannabinoids work synergistically and increase the efficacy of one another.
CBG Benefits & Properties
Similarly to CBN, there is very little human evidence conducted at this point of the effects of this cannabinoid. It has been confirmed that CBG does not offer a high or psychoactive experience like that of THC, but some commonly attributed therapeutic benefits include similarities to CBN. Let’s take a look at the potential benefits of CBG:
Neuroprotectant Properties
CBG has been the subject of research aimed at testing its effectiveness in combatting neurodegenerative diseases.
For example, one 2015 study tested CBG on mice that had Huntington’s Disease, a disease affecting the nerve cells in the brain. The study found that CBG proved to be effective as a protectant against nerve cells.
Of course, research that analyzes CBG’s effects on humans is still necessary, but this early evidence certainly is promising! Researchers have also explored whether CBG can be used to fight other conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Appetite Stimulation
Like other cannabinoids – such as CBD – CBG has been proven to be an appetite stimulant, at least in early studies conducted on rats.
A 2017 study showed that rodents exposed to CBG increased their meal consumption significantly. This finding suggests that CBG could be beneficial for those living with conditions that affect their ability or urge to eat.
Antibacterial Properties
CBG has also been identified as a beneficial anti-bacterial agent. A 2020 study found that CBG could be helpful for fighting strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), one of the most common “superbugs” found in hospitals.
This discovery is especially impactful because MRSA is tricky to combat with traditional antibiotics, meaning that we could be witnessing the beginning of a new approach to using cannabis medicinally.
CBG for Cancer
Out of all of the benefits of CBG, cancer treatment is perhaps the most eye-catching.
There have been many studies that seek to measure the effectiveness of CBG on cancer. A 2014 study, for instance, observed that CBG could fight the spread of colon cancer in mice, even inhibiting tumors.
Likewise, a study on cats found that CBG may be a potential treatment for glaucoma. Cats that received CBG with glaucoma had relieved pressure in their eyes compared to those who had not.
CBG for Sleep
Cannabis, in general, is known for its ability to help people fall asleep and fight insomnia. However, anecdotal evidence indicates that CBG may be one of the best cannabinoids for sleep. While research into the benefits of CBG for sleep is still ongoing, one 2023 study shows that all of those personal experiences with CBG may have some truth to them.
A group of 63 veterans received CBG or a placebo medication and wore fitness trackers to monitor their sleep quality. Both those who had received CBG and the placebo showed signs of sleep quality improvement.
So, while the study could not make any firm conclusions on the efficacy of CBG for sleep, it did point out that the results, coupled with the safety of CBG (compared to other insomnia interventions), warrant further study.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Like so many other cannabinoids, CBG can help to reduce inflammation. This was put to the test in a 2013 study on mice with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is caused by chronic inflammation in the digestive system and affects many people.
Researchers demonstrated that CBG was able to help address inflammation in the digestive tract, which is something that will likely also be explored through human-based studies in the future.
CBG Side Effects
Because we still have much to learn about CBG and how it uniquely affects the body, it’s sometimes tricky to attribute certain side effects to CBG itself. However, all cannabinoids carry the risk of side effects, including:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Increased appetite (which might be a good thing!)
- Dry or red eyes
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
You may be more likely to experience these sorts of side effects after taking a higher CBG dosage or consuming products that contain other cannabinoids (like CBD or THC) as well as CBG.
Top CBG Products to Consider
Ready to try CBG for yourself? From CBG isolate powder to oils and tasty edibles, there’s no shortage of product options out there to explore. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular product categories you’ll encounter.
CBG Gummies
Who it’s for: Those looking for long-lasting, full-body effects
Pop a CBG gummy or edible in your mouth, wait about 30-60 minutes, and feel the effects wash over your entire body.
Because edibles release cannabinoids into your bloodstream as they’re broken down and digested, they steadily work their magic over the course of several hours. That means they tend to deliver relief that sticks around a lot longer than what you’d get from an inhalable.
CBG Oil
Who it’s for: Anyone who needs precise control over dosage
If you’re looking to treat certain health conditions or otherwise want to be specific and precise when it comes to dosing, a CBG oil might be up your alley. CBG oil can also be used topically or mixed into beverages and food, making it extra versatile. Looking for something that’s highly effective at treating pain? Try a CBD CBG tincture or oil.
CBG Vapes
Who it’s for: Fans of fast-acting effects or travel-friendly products
When you need relief that kicks in within minutes, you can’t go wrong with a CBG vape. Not only are they quick and beginner-friendly, but vapes are also discreet enough to take on the go, making them ideal for travel.
Final Thoughts: Cannabigerol (CBG) Basics
What is CBG good for? The better question might be what is it not good for. While research into CBG’s benefits and effects is still evolving, what we know so far shows that this cannabinoid certainly has plenty to offer. Try CBG yourself to see how it enhances your routine – you might be surprised by just how big of a difference a single cannabinoid can make!
You can always buy CBG online from reputable brands here at The Green Dragon CBD. We’re also here to answer your questions and help you find the right products for your needs. Reach out to us at any time for a free consultation!
CBG on its own is non-psychotropic, meaning that you won’t get a mental high like you would from consuming THC.
CBG is a cannabinoid precursor to the more familiar cannabinoids THCa, CBD, and THC, among others. It is often referred to as the “Mother of All Cannabinoids.” There is anecdotal evidence that smoking these specific high-CBG strains can create feelings of euphoria, upliftment, mental and visual clarity, focus, and calmness. CBG is also potentially effective in acting as a buffer to the paranoia that is often experienced by those using high-THC products.
CBG has been studied for various health benefits, including neuroprotective properties, appetite stimulation, and antibacterial effects. Research suggests that CBG may help with conditions like Huntington’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and even certain types of cancer. Additionally, anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies indicate that CBG may support better sleep and reduce inflammation.
CBG, or cannabigerol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It is often referred to as the "mother of all cannabinoids" because it is the precursor to other compounds like CBD and THC. Unlike THC, CBG is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce a high. It interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, offering potential therapeutic benefits such as pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and appetite stimulation.
