What is CBG?

CBG or Cannabigerol is a minor cannabinoid but is also said to be the mother of all cannabinoids! Why? well because without it, cannabis would have no high! AND all other cannabinoids are derived from Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA) which is an acidic form of CBG. Even THC and CBD! Holy mother of cannabinoids! CBG is derived from a young cannabis plant, specifically when a cannabis plant begins to mature and bud, as they contain higher amounts of CBG than a fully developed plant. As a cannabis plant matures– various enzymes and compounds combine to create CBGA, which is where all cannabinoids start as the plant nears the end of its grow cycle. With the combination of UV light, the absorption of this light goes and converts THCA and CBDA.

Unless the plant is bred to do so there are only small amounts of CBG present in hemp: CBGA is present in both cannabis and hemp plants. The unique thing about CBG besides a multitude of physical and mental health benefits and the reason more and more people have begun breeding to achieve high amounts of CBG is because unlike CBD it doesn’t need anything like THC to catalyze. CBG is non-intoxicating – which means there isn’t a high. CBG is processed by the body’s Endocannabinoid Systemin our bodies, CBG imitates endocannabinoids or the natural compounds our body make.

In case you need a quick reminder – the Endocannabinoid System is made up of natural molecules known as cannabinoids and the pathways in which they interact with. This is a unique communications system found in the brain and body that affects many important functions. Together these parts work as a whole to regulate a number of activities including mood, memory, appetite, and more.

 CBG works by binding to both receptors (CB1 and CB2) within the bodies Endocannabinoid System, so it directly interacts with the bodies internal system which can be extremely beneficial to those suffering from various ailments, where it is thought to strengthen the function of anandamide – a neurotransmitter that plays a role in enhancing pleasure and motivation, regulating appetite and sleep, and alleviating pain. It has also been said to counteract other cannabinoids like THC.

 As mentioned above, CBG and CBD don’t bind to the same receptors in the body, so because of this CBG can bind to the same receptors as THC it can be used to address nervous system conditions like migraines and muscle soreness. CBG can be extremely beneficial for chronic pain as you can combat the pain without the intoxicating effects of THC. CBG is also said to be particularly beneficial for fighting inflammation. Its anti-inflammation properties reduce inflammation and production of nitric acid and also reduces the formation of ROS or reactive oxygen species in the intestines. This can be helpful to those suffering from Colitis, IBS and IBD (inflammatory bowel syndrome/disease).

Those that suffer from Huntington's disease, a condition that causes the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain-  can look to CBG as it has acted as a neuroprotectant. This means that it protects the nerve cells in your brain from damage and has also been looked at in improving motor deficits and preserves striatal neurons against 3 nitroporpionic acid toxicity! CBG has also been looked at as a cancer inhibitor and treatment for those with breast, gastric, colorectal cancer and brain tumors. In a study with rats with colon cancer, CBG showed promise in blocking the receptors that cause cancer cell growth and inhibiting the growth of colorectal cancer cells.

CBG can be helpful to those that suffer from Glaucoma as CBG helps with the reduction in eye pressure and can increase the aqueous humor outflow or the fluid produced in the eye with nutrition. CBG can help alleviate anxiety and symptoms of ADHD, can help regulate heart rate and blood pressure and has been said to help stimulate appetite. Lastly, CBG is also an anti-bacterial agent and can be especially beneficial against MRSA which causes staph infections and is drug resistant. 

Resources? 

https://blog.lunatechequipment.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-cbg

https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-is-cbg-cannabinoid

https://www.verywellmind.com/cannabigerol-cbg-uses-and-benefits-5085266