What is CBG?

What is CBG?

How is CBG produced?

CBG is classified as a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which means it is non-intoxicating, making it different from THC. Since it is only found in small amounts (usually less than 1%) in most cannabis varieties, CBG is considered a minor cannabinoid. However, the two most important and abundant cannabinoids - THC and CBD - surprisingly come from CBG. The latter is their chemical precursor (the substance that takes part in the chemical reaction that produces another substance).

Cannabis plants first produce cannabigerol acid (CBGA) during their life cycle - which is the precursor of the three main subgroups of cannabinoids: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiol acid (CBDA) and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA).

 

Image: CBGA is the chemical precursor of THCA, CBDA and CBCA (not shown). Enzymes found in cannabis convert CBGA into either THCA or CBDA, which then undergo decarboxylation ('activation') by light or heat energy, resulting in the well-known cannabinoids THC or CBD.

Specific enzymes in the plant break down CBGA and 'direct' it to one of three subgroups. These acids are exposed to ultraviolet light or heat energy and voila, they become the familiar cannabinoids THC and CBD. In most varieties, CBGA is immediately converted to either THCA or CBDA. So more THC means less CBG and CBD (and vice versa).

Today, breeders are experimenting with genetic manipulation and crossbreeding to increase the amount of CBG. For example, the seed bank Subcool Seeds crosses varieties to create plants with higher CBG content. Scientists can also extract a higher percentage of CBG from germinating plants by determining the optimal extraction time, which is approximately six weeks during the total eight-week flowering phase. This is how the Dutch company Bedrocan produces its official medicinal variety Bediol.

Possible health benefits of CBG

The endocannabinoid system is a receptor system that is found throughout the human body and keeps it in a state of homeostasis. While there are some specific details about how cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system, in general they can affect diametrically opposed functions specific to each area of the body. For example, when there is an injury, the endocannabinoid system helps to regulate the cells of the immune system, thereby reducing inflammation.

CBG has been found to act on very specific physiological systems and problems and its medical use is showing promise, although more clinical research on human patients is obviously needed.

A summary of what we know today:

  • CBG could be particularly effective in the treatment of glaucoma because it reduces intraocular pressure. It is a potent vasodilator that also has neuroprotective effects.
  • In experiments on animals, specifically mice, CBG has been found to effectively reduce the inflammation characteristic of inflammatory bowel disease.
  • In a 2015 study, neurons in mice suffering from Huntington's disease, which is characterised by degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, were shown to be protected by CBG.
  • CBG is also proving to be a promising cancer fighter. As a concrete example, cannabigerol inhibits the receptors that cause cancer cells to grow. In one animal study, it was shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the colon and rectum in mice, slowing the progression of colon cancer. CBG inhibits tumours and chemically induced carcinogenesis, thus offering a very interesting option for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
  • Research suggests that CBG could also be an effective antibacterial agent, particularly against methicillin-resistant golden staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is resistant to various classes of drugs.
  • In a recent 2017 study, researchers claim that purified CBG stimulates appetite in rats. This could lead to an unusual non-psychotropic treatment for cachexia, which is muscle wasting and significant weight loss in late-stage cancer and other diseases due to inadequate food intake.
  • In a study looking at the effects of five different cannabinoids on overactive bladder syndrome, CBG performed best in inhibiting muscle contractions, so it could play an important role in preventing bladder dysfunction in the future.

Scientists are pleasantly surprised by these initial results with CBG and are promoting future research with CBG alone (isolated) or with CBG in combination with other cannabinoids (due to the so-called synergistic effect) for the treatment of various diseases. As it is a non-psychotropic substance, CBG has a wide range of potential uses not only for the above mentioned problems, but also for its analgesic effects, treatment of psoriasis and as an antidepressant.

Differences between CBG and CBD

CBG (cannabigerol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are two of the most well-known non-psychoactive cannabinoids, sharing several common features but also some key differences. While CBD has already secured its strong position on the market, the potential of CBG is only now starting to gain the attention it deserves.

Why should you consider CBG over CBD?

  • CBG, unlike CBD, is more effective in addressing certain health issues, such as glaucoma or inflammatory bowel diseases.

  • CBG has stronger antibacterial properties and may therefore be a better choice for people suffering from recurrent bacterial skin infections, acne, or inflammatory conditions caused by bacteria resistant to standard treatments.

  • CBG, unlike CBD, stimulates appetite, which may benefit people experiencing appetite loss.

  • If you are active and looking for a cannabinoid that supports health without significant relaxing effects, CBG is a more suitable option than CBD, which is mainly used for its highly calming to sedative properties. Yet, CBG also improves sleep quality — it promotes falling asleep with a clear mind and supports deep sleep. It is popular among those who want to stay productive in the evening but still easily switch into a restful mode. The ideal form is CBG oil, which can be taken in the morning to boost mental energy and focus, and in the evening in a lower dose to ensure quality rest.

CBG is an interesting alternative to popular CBD, especially for those who want to specifically support eye health, digestive health, and are looking for a compound effective in fighting bacteria. It is an ideal choice for active people who want to enjoy the benefits of cannabinoids without strong sedative effects.

 

Author: Elena Moreau

 

 

Photo: iStock

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