Even though many people know the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD oil), hemp oil, and other cannabinoids, some lesser-known compounds are gaining the attention of hemp enthusiasts. Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of over 120 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. This non-psychoactive compound, like the other cannabinoids, interacts uniquely with the interceptors in the endocannabinoid system present in the bodies of dogs, cats, and other mammals.
CBG, although considered a minor cannabinoid, is catching the eye of many people due to its promising health benefits. Israeli scientists discovered CBG in 1964, and its antibacterial properties caught the scientific community’s attention. If you want to understand CBG oil, read on to learn more about this promising cannabis compound.
The benefits of CBG: what we know so far
Many researchers and industry experts call CBG the “mother of all cannabinoids” because it works like a stem cell for all other main cannabis compounds. Cannabigerolic acid (CBGa) is the parent compound that generates CBD, THC, and other compounds in the hemp plant. Understanding the molecules of CBG helps scientists create hemp strains with unique cannabinoid profiles and obtain high CBG, THC, or CBD oil extracts.
Because it’s found in minimal amounts on cannabis plants (around 1%), the medical knowledge about CBG’s potential health benefits is limited. So far, it’s understood that CBG works in conjunction with other cannabinoids for an overall synergetic effect. Like cannabidiol (CBD), CBG oil has been found to relieve various medical conditions without any risk of intoxication from THC (the compound that causes people to get high).
Examples of CBG benefits
The possible health benefits of CBG are bringing many new products to the market of countries and states where hemp is legal. Most of the health benefits of CBG are related to its ability to act on our endocannabinoid and central nervous systems without any intoxicating effect. Disclaimer: The alleged benefits are extracted from other sources and do not represent health claims. The isolated form of CBG has high potential as it can have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and neuroprotective effects, as well as other benefits listed below:
- Glaucoma treatment: A study in 2008 has shown that CBG can help decrease intraocular pressure, and the compounds also have vasodilatation and neuroprotection properties, which allow the treatment of glaucoma. This effect happens due to the presence of endocannabinoid receptors inside the structures of the eye.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Although this disease is incurable, a study performed in 2013 has shown that CBG can attenuate the inflammation of the colon in an experiment involving mice who suffered from IBD.
- Cancer: CBG has high potential in fighting cancer, as researchers from Italy in 2013 tapped into its ability to hinder the growth of cancer cells in the colon. In this study, CBG was able to block receptors that cause cancer cell growth, therefore showing an exciting chance of treatment for colorectal cancer.
- Antibacterial effects: CBG has also recently been shown to be a powerful antibacterial agent, according to a study performed by an Italian University. The cannabinoid proved to be potent against strains of Staphylococcus aureus highly resistant to methicillin.
- Bladder dysfunctions: A team of researchers investigated the effects of CBG in the contractions of the bladder and found with promising results. According to the study, CBG was able to reduce contractions in the human bladder, which can be beneficial to treat several bladder dysfunctions.
CBG vs. CBD: understanding how these cannabinoids interact
Now you know what CBG oil is and understand why scientists, industry experts, investors, and consumers are excited about its recent findings. Both CBG alone and combined with other cannabinoids show promising treatments and therapies for several conditions. We will watch for the latest updates regarding this cannabis compound.
It’s crucial to understand the difference between cannabinoids to use the products safely. Both CBD and CBG can counteract any psychoactive effects from the THC that is responsible for the “high” sensation. Even though found in very low quantities in most cannabis strains, CBG can increase the positive effects of CBD. Together, these two compounds work better in what is known as the “entourage effect.” Although many may question what’s the best option between CBG vs. CBD, both cannabinoids can be used in their isolated or combined forms. CBG-only products, however, are usually more expensive.
