CBG Benefits: A 101 Guide To What It Is, How It Works and Why You Should Use It

There is no doubt that cannabinoid products have become the talk of the town in recent years. Cannabidiol (CBD), arguably the most popular cannabinoid, has attained popularity due to its therapeutic properties and non-psychoactive nature. However, there seems to be an emerging product gaining attraction amongst younger and older folks.

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a cannabinoid obtained from hemp and marijuana. It is commonly referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids since it is acidic. CBG-A can produce CBD, THC, and several other cannabinoids. Besides CBD and THC, CBG is also known to have various medicinal properties. We shall take a closer look at the benefits of CBG, what it is, how it works, and why you should consider using it.

What is CBG?

As mentioned, CBG is a cannabinoid obtained from hemp and marijuana. These plants are strains of the cannabis plant, and CBG is extracted from younger cannabis plants since the concentration of CBG is higher than in fully developed hemp plants. Additionally, CBG plant strains have a higher concentration of CBG oil. Other cannabinoids such as CBD, THC, and cannabichromene (CBC) can also be obtained from CBG.

There are various CBG formulations, which differ in intensity and potency:

Full spectrum CBG Oil

It has all other cannabinoids and terpenes. However, THC levels are relatively lower to prevent any psychoactive effects.

Broad Spectrum CBG Oil

This is THC free but contains other cannabinoids and essential terpenes.

CBG Isolate

This is purely CBG since all other cannabinoids have been extracted from it.

Full spectrum and broad spectrum CBG exhibit the entourage effect – a phenomenon in which the chemical compounds present in CBG, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, work synergically to enhance the effects dispensed by CBG oil.

How CBG Oil Works

CBG oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system by binding with endocannabinoid receptors. The endocannabinoid receptors are located in various body parts. For example, CB1 receptors are located in the central nervous system (the brain and the spine), while CB2 receptors are located in the immune system (white blood cells, the spleen). Therefore, this interaction leads to the strengthening of the function of anandamide. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that helps enhance motivation and regulate appetite and sleep.

Additionally, CBG helps reduce anxiety levels by triggering the production of higher serotonin levels. Serotonin hormone regulates digestion, sleep, mood, nausea, and anxiety levels and improves bone health. Higher serotonin levels help in alleviating depression, reducing stress, and improving mood. Unsurprisingly, people who have depression are known to have low serotonin levels.

Benefits of CBG Oil

CBG oil is known to have various therapeutic properties.

According to Aqawi et al. (2021), CBG has antibacterial properties that kill harmful bacteria, which are dangerous and may prove difficult to treat. The bacteria in question include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Velasco et al. (2016) explained that CBG has anticancer properties that help inhibit the growth of tumors and cancerous cells in the body.

According to Giacoppo et al. (2017), CBG has antioxidant properties that stabilize free radicals produced by the body. These radicals damage the skin by dehydrating it and making it lose its firmness. CBG prevents oxidative stress from the skin, which otherwise causes skin itchiness.

According to Atalay, Jarocka-Karpowicz & Skrzydlewska (2020), CBG has anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate inflammation in the bowel. Additionally, it helps in alleviating muscle pains and skin inflammation.

Where Should You Buy CBG?

CBG can be purchased from various local and online stores. Local stores that sell CBG products include dispensaries, chemists, and convenience stores. However, shopping online has become more convenient and advantageous for a couple of reasons:

• You have access to a wider inventory
• You can check the hemp source
• You can confirm the extraction method
• You can confirm the THC levels
• Reduced shopping time
• You can confirm whether the product has undergone intensive independent third-party testing
• You can read customer reviews
• You can contact customer representatives in case of any inquiries

CBG Consumption Methods

There are several CBG consumption methods, which differ in terms of intensity and potency:

CBG Gummies

These are chewy edibles infused with a precise amount of CBG oil. They are popular due to their delicious taste, and easily customizable nature

CBG Capsules

These are pill-like substances with a gelatin outer casing. They have a precise amount of CBG oil infused in them and do not have a taste or flavor

CBG Tinctures

They are CBG oils with an alcohol base to improve their longevity and effectiveness. They are administered under the tongue and have a high bioavailability because they do not have to be processed by the gut

Frequently Asked Questions About CBG

Can CBG Get You High?

Since THC levels are known to be below 0.3%, especially in full spectrum CBG, it is not enough to make you feel high.

Does CBG Interfere With Any Medication?

Various medications should not be used with CBG since it decreases efficacy. These medications include heart rhythm medication, antibiotics, antihistamines, blood thinners, and blood pressure medications.

Does CBG Cause Any Side Effects

Low-quality CBG oil is known to cause several side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, and migraines.

Can You Test Positive For a Drug Test After Using CBG?

You can test positive for a drug test if you use CBG products that have more than 0.3% THC.

Are CBG Products Legal?

CBG is extracted from the hemp plant, amongst many other cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. In 2018, congress passed the Farm Bill, which led to hemp legalization because hemp was removed from the legal definition of marijuana. Therefore, hemp products were declared federally legal as long as they contained less than 0.3% THC.

Summary

CBG is a cannabinoid extracted majorly from the hemp plant. There are three formulations: full spectrum, broad spectrum CBG, and CBG isolate. CBG does not make you feel high since the THC levels are relatively lower. CBG is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the muscles, gut, and skin. Therefore, this improves cardiovascular and skin health. Moreover, CBG oil is known to prevent oxidative stress from affecting the skin, improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety and improve stomach health.

While shopping for CBG products online, you can check the hemp source, the extraction method, the customer reviews, and whether or not the product has undergone intensive independent third-party testing. CBG is legal under federal law, although it must contain less than 0.3% THC.

References

Aqawi, M., Sionov, R. V., Gallily, R., Friedman, M., & Steinberg, D. (2021). Antibacterial properties of cannabigerol toward Streptococcus mutans. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12, 656471.

Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2020). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21.

Giacoppo, S., Gugliandolo, A., Trubiani, O., Pollastro, F., Grassi, G., Bramanti, P., & Mazzon, E. (2017). Cannabinoid CB2 receptors are involved in the protection of RAW264. 7 macrophages against the oxidative stress: an in vitro study. European journal of histochemistry: EJH, 61(1).

Velasco, G., Hernández-Tiedra, S., Dávila, D., & Lorente, M. (2016). The use of cannabinoids as anticancer agents. Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology and biological psychiatry, 64, 259-266.