The Benefits of Smoking CBG

For the last several years, the well-known cannabinoid CBD has been making cannabis science headlines in a big way.  However, another cannabinoid is making a name for itself, despite being somewhat rare. It's called CBG (cannabigerol) and even though it is harder to come by, and is found in much lower quantities than its other cannabinoid cousins, scientists and consumers, alike, are paying attention to this lesser-known ally. Several studies have been published revealing the potential benefits of including CBG in your daily routine. 

Meet the Mother

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.” All of the above-mentioned cannabinoids (among others) are derived from CBGa. It is through a specific enzymatic process that CBGa is converted into THCA, and further down the line, THC and CBD. Just like CBD, CBGa and CBG are found in higher concentrations in the low-THC cannabis varieties including hemp - the male, non-psychotropic cannabis plant. (Click here to learn more about the difference between hemp and female cannabis plants.) Also, the younger the plant is, the more CBG it will contain. 

The fact that cannabis plants contain a much lower quantity of CBG than other cannabinoids could be a contributing factor as to why CBG hasn’t been studied as extensively as other more common cannabinoids. Its rarity in the cannabis product market, along with its complex extraction process make it more expensive and harder to find. Expert cannabis breeders and geneticists are working hard on creating high-CBG cannabis strains through the processes of cross-breeding and phenotype hunting. 

Accessing CBG

Many cannabis users choose to consume CBG by taking a broad-spectrum CBD oil, which contains some CBG as well as other beneficial cannabinoids. Check out some broad-spectrum CBD oils that are available for purchasing here. Pure CBG oil does exist, but is less accessible to the average consumer as it is currently uncommon and expensive. 

Another way to consume CBG is by smoking cannabis (THC) strains where it is found in higher concentrations. Some of these strains include:

• The White
• White Whale
• White CBG
• White Widow
• Jack Frost
• John Snow
• Frosted Cake CBG
• Sour G
• Lemon Cream Diesel
• Cosmic Diesel
• Stardust CBG
• Super Glue CBG
• Plain Jane

CBG Benefits

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. A few studies have been published exploring the more complex pharmacological actions of CBG. 

• Pain relief and inflammation. One 2021 study explains that CBG shows the ability to block responses in pain-sensing neurons. It also mentions that combining THC, CBD and CBG together proves to be more effective in treating pain and inflammation. This 2021 study reveals that significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties were experienced when synthetic CGB derivatives were tested. 
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease. This 2013 study explains the mechanisms behind the therapeutic use of CBG to treat IBD. This 2020 study highlights the elevated benefits of CBG in treating IBD, in combination with fish oil. CBG is also showing effectiveness for treating colitis and Crohn’s Disease specifically.
• Glaucoma. Scientists continue to study the effects of cannabinoids (including CBG) for treating glaucoma. Many years of studies have confirmed that cannabis is an effective ally in treating glaucoma. 
• Neuroprotective. This 2015 study (and this one from 2020) explains how the neuroprotective properties of CBG have the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
• Anti-bacterial. It has been proven that CBG contains antibacterial properties. One interesting study from 2021 reveals the efficacy of using CBG to prevent dental cavities. It does this by interfering with the growth of Streptococcus-type bacterias, which are responsible for the formation of tooth decay. 
• Anti-cancer. This 2019 study shows the potential benefits in treating ovarian cancer with CBG and CBD. Cannabis has long been studied and proven effective in treating cancer, and scientists continue to dig deeper by comparing the effects of individual cannabinoids. Another epic study reveals the efficacy in treating colon cancer with CBG.
• Antiemetic and appetite-stimulant. Just like THCa, CBG is proving to be an effective antidote to the nausea and vomiting experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.  
• Bladder Dysfunction. This 2015 study compared the effects of 5 different cannabinoids in treating bladder dysfunction. The findings revealed that CBG was the most effective cannabinoid for improving bladder conditions.

There have been very few scientific studies involving CBG compared to other cannabinoids, and this is mainly because of how little of the cannabinoid itself is present in the cannabis plant. However, the benefits of CBG are proving to be of equal importance when compared to other cannabinoids such as CBD. 

It is important to learn as much as possible about specific cannabinoids before consuming cannabis products. The best way to begin is to experiment with very low doses. Adjust the doses accordingly once you become more familiar with the different effects. The team behind The Green Dragon CBD is helpful and knowledgeable, and would be happy to answer any questions regarding using CBG and other cannabis products. Contact The Green Dragon CBD here. 

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