What is CBG?

Cannabigerol (CBG)

More and more frequently in the Cannabis industry we encounter products containing CBG, a cannabinoid still not very popular but with immense potential. Researchers are noticing that unlike CBD, CBG has a much faster interaction with the ECS (endocannabinoid system), which allows its effects to be noticed earlier than CBD.

Is CBG here to stay? Let’s try to find out together what it is and in which cases it can help us.

CBG, the cannabinoid “Mother”

CBG, which stands for Cannabigerol is one of the more than one hundred cannabinoids present in the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa L.).

It is considered the “mother” cannabinoid, this is because the CBGA molecule (“A” stands for “acid”) depending on which synthase enzyme catalyzes the reaction, THCA-synthase, CBDA-synthase, etc., converts it into THCA, CBDA and so on with the others cannabinoids. This makes us understand that in a plant with high CBDA or THCA content we are unlikely to encounter high CBGA content. Seeing the potential of this cannabinoid geneticists around the world are already working to create cannabis or hemp genetics with high CBG content.

Remember that all the cannabinoids of the living plant are found, almost exclusively, in acid form (A), to be activated they need heat causing a reaction called decarboxylation, that is the detachment of a carboxyl group from the molecule, this causes them to be transformed into CBG, CBD, THC, etc.

In the hemp plant CBGA performs other fundamental functions for the correct development of the plant, among the most important we consider that of guiding the resources of the plant towards the flowers for the production of resin and seeds. This function is made possible thanks to the support of programmed cell death in the leaves, avoiding the waste of energy for the plant itself.

Interaction with the ECS (endocannabinoid system)

Obviously, cannabigerol, not only performs important functions within the plant, being a non-intoxicating cannabinoid and thanks to its interaction with our endocannabinoid system it could be of great help in treating various diseases. Several very promising studies give it as a possible ally against glaucoma, epilepsy and intestinal diseases.

Below we list its major properties:

• reduction of intraocular pressure (Glaucoma);
• beneficial for inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.);
• neuroprotective (degenerative diseases of the central nervous system, Parkinson’s/Alzheimer’s, etc.);
• anti-inflammatory (migraine, menstrual pain, joint pain, backache, post-operative pain, fever, etc.);
• antibacterial (limits the reproduction and movement of malignant bacteria);
• anxiolytic (anxiety disorders, insomnia, tachycardia, excessive sweating, muscular and mental tension, etc.);
• antitumor (inhibits proliferation of cancer cells, relieves pain associated with the disease);
• analgesic (acute and chronic pain, arthritis, flu, colds, excessive muscle tension, fibromyalgia, etc.).

CBG applications

Regarding the ingestion or administration of CBG in general terms, as with CBD, there are three main applications:

• topical: applied in the form of an oil, balm, cream or patch directly to the painful area;
• oral: sublingually it presents a more homogeneous absorption, generally in the form of oil or pill;
• inhalation: in the form of inflorescences or concentrates, it is rapidly absorbed but the physiological effect is short-lived.

Conclusion

There are not many studies yet, but the results are very promising. Hopefully, with the openness of several countries towards the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, we can facilitate research on them and thus improve the lives of many people. The time is now.