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Those who are familiar with cannabis may have only heard of Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). You may be aware of their effects and benefits, but did you know that there are over 100 different cannabinoids present in cannabis and hemp? Many of these cannabinoids are not as well-known and research is being undertaken to better understand them.
One of these lesser-known cannabinoids is called as Cannabigerol, commonly known as CBG. Even though it is not available in large quantities in most hemp products, CBG has recently garnered the attention of researchers and like CBD is being proven to have positive health benefits.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a close chemical relative of CBD and THC. It is a non-acidic cannabinoid produced when heat is applied to the CBGA molecule. Most hemp strains contain less than 1 percent CBG but there are some high CBG strains available and with selective breeding this can be increased in others. Learn more at LifeResearchco.
Like CBD, CBG is not psychoactive, meaning it will not make you feel ‘high’ or ‘stoned’ which is associated with consuming THC rich cannabis.
What CBG does have is numerous benefits to the human body including:
- Analgesic effects (helps relieve pain)
- Antibacterial properties
- Anti-convulsive
- Anti-inflammatory
- Improve sleep patterns
- Stimulates appetite
- Increased Brain cell growth
- Stimulates bone growth
- Anti-depressant
How Does CBG Oil Work?
Just like other cannabinoids, CBG works by influencing the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This is something that forms part of the nervous system in all mammals. The ECS system is a complex collection of CB1 and CB2 receptors, endocannabinoids chemicals, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are compounds which are produced by the bodies that help bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors. This helps regulate most of the physiological functions and also maintain a state of internal balance in the body.
CB1 receptors are found in the brain and nervous system. CB2 receptors are present in the rest of the body, generally in the cells of the immune system. Several different endocannabinoids bind well with these receptors.
The cannabinoid elements found in the cannabis or hemp plant also help bind with these receptors as they have similar shapes. THC combines with CB1 receptors, which changes the way you think and get ‘high’ or stoned. CBD, on the other hand, does not bind with these receptors easily but it does influence how it reacts with other cannabinoids.
Research shows that CBG binds mainly with the CB2 receptors and that also in high doses it could block other cannabinoids from binding with CB1 receptors.
Such complicated interaction between different cannabinoids and the ECS (endocannabinoid) system of the body is called as the ‘entourage effect.’ Research is still being carried out, but it is believed that these cannabinoids should always be used in combination, as this way they prove to be a lot more beneficial than using any one of them alone.
Why do people use CBG oil?
The health benefits of CBG are still not completely explored. Research so far suggests that the use of CBG oil may prove to be a beneficial as a supplementary aid in the treatment of a wide range of psychological and physical ailments.
CBG has antibiotic traits. Moreover, it is touted as a powerful pain reliever. As a matter of fact, some research shows that CBG proves to be a lot more effective at managing pain than CBD or THC. CBG greatly helps with the side-effects of menopause. This could be mainly due to its pain-relieving characteristics.
People make use of CBG as it also has anti-tumour capabilities and may prove to be beneficial for those suffering from skin cancer. Considering different skin conditions, CBG helps ease the psoriasis condition by preventing the reddening of the skin.
Some people also make use of CBG products as it helps them regulate their mood. This is mainly because of its anti-depressant traits, which help raise the serotonin levels in the brain.
The use of CBG may help complement the treatment of conditions such as:
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Anti-inflammatory disorders
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Depression
- Chronic joint pain
- Insomnia
- Osteoporosis
- Huntington’s disease and MS
- Psoriasis
- Bladder dysfunction
- Low appetite which generally results from chemotherapy and several allopathic treatments
- MRSA – Methicillin-resistant microbial strains
As CBG research continues to develop, this list is likely to grow even longer in the future.
How does CBG compare with CBD oil? Can they be combined?
CBG oil is organic hemp oil that has a higher concentration of Cannabigerol (CBG) but contains equivalent levels of Cannabidiol (CBD). Both of these components are among the key cannabinoids that are present in the cannabis plant and work together in synergy.
Research shows that the combination of these compounds leads to higher effectiveness than they offer individually. Certain effects could be achieved which cannot be made possible separately. The more equal the ratios of CBD and CBG oil are, the better the results.
Their non-psychoactive properties make CBG and CBD oil ideal for people of all ages.
If you’re ready to try CBG and or CBD oil, we recommend our European readers start with the following review of the UK’s best CBD oils.
