Does CBG Increase Serotonin?

Cannabinoids are widely used today due to their health effects on the body, for example, pain relief, reducing inflammation, and improving sleep. Furthermore, research suggests that CBG can effectively increase serotonin, which helps in reducing stress and anxiety. This article will focus on CBG and whether it can increase serotonin levels.

Most cannabis products are regulated in several states due to their effect on the brain. For example, marijuana products like THC are psychoactive and cause a 'high' sensation. However, cannabis products such as hemp extracts are shelved in various retail markets, such as capsules, gummies, and tinctures.

Cannabis compounds, including CBD and CBG, are the new specimen on the market. Furthermore, cannabinoids work by interacting with the endocannabinoid receptors in the body. They also impact other chemicals in the body, including serotonin. This helps in relieving anxiety and reducing stress and depression. Read on to discover how CBG increases serotonin levels.

CBG and Serotonin

CBG is the third most known hemp-derived cannabinoid. Hemp and marijuana are plant strains of the cannabis plant, and each strain has varying effects. There is a surge in the popularity surrounding CBG because it alleviates mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, and stress. CBG and CBD have more similarities than differences. The difference is based on the amounts; CBG occupies 15 of the cannabis plant, 20%-25% is covered by THC, and CBD covers 25% - 30%. Furthermore, CBD and CBG do not have a psychoactive effect on the user. According to Watt & Karl (2017), THC has a hallucinogenic effect and, thus, is a known marijuana compound widely restricted for recreational and medical use in several states.

As mentioned, CBG interacts with different chemicals in the body, including serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that connects the brain and the nerve cells. It transmits impulses from the nerves to the brain and the rest of the body. Additionally, serotonin is key in different body functions such as mood, sleep, accelerating wound healing, blood clotting, nausea, and increasing sex drive.

How Does CBG Help Increase Serotonin?

CBG is popular for its therapeutic effect on the body; however, if you are looking for some benefits from the compound, you should understand that the research is limited. Several cannabinoids have little scientific evidence to support the claims; thus, you must consider consulting your doctor before administering CBG.

According to Messina et al. (2022), CBG impacts the body and brain and thus can help with anxiety, stress, and depression. Also, it can be reliable for any health conditions connected to cognitive impairment.

What Does the Research Say?

Scientists believe CBG has the potential benefits for alleviating depression. Serotonin receptors are impacted positively by CBG. Lower levels of serotonin are believed to be connected to depression. Studies show that CBG does not directly bind to serotonin but may already impact how the chemical receptors respond to serotonin in the system.

More studies showed that CBG impacts the brain by binding with endocannabinoid receptors that transmit impulses that increase serotonin. Many reviews are published yearly since there is more opening and understanding about CBG and its impact on the human body.

How CBG Works

As mentioned, CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors in the body to dispense its effects. Endocannabinoid receptors, such as CB1 and CB2 receptors, are found all over the body, including in the brain, nerves, and the skin. CB1 is found mainly in the central nervous system, while CB2 is found in the immune system and other body organs. CBG binds to the two receptors, leading to the transmission of electric signals that increase serotonin, reduce anxiety, and alleviate inflammation and muscle pains. On the flip side, THC acts on the CB1 receptors, which is the reason for the psychoactive effect on the user.

Howe Does CBG Compared to other Antidepressant Medications?

Many antidepressant medications are prescribed to patients. However, many tend to have side effects; studies show that CBG has more beneficial health effects than antidepressant medicines. Furthermore, antidepressant drugs take longer before the effect is felt. CBG also has fewer side effects than inorganic drugs that tend to cause mood swings, insomnia, and agitation.

You should remember that CBG cannot be substituted for your medication. Never take the prescribed medication without consulting your doctor. Furthermore, the inability to strictly follow the dosage can cause severe side effects.

Does CBG Help with Anxiety?

Depression and anxiety are interconnected and thus can occur together. Studies found that people taking 600mg of CBG exhibited significantly reduced anxiety compared to those with a placebo. Also, 300mg is shown to reduce anxiety and increase serotonin levels.

Side Effects of CBG

CBG has various side effects, such as dry mouth, changes in weight, appetite, diarrhea, and increased fatigue. However, some studies show that cannabis extracts can damage the liver and lungs when inhaled using vape pens.

According to Gonen et al. (2020), CBG can also cause drowsiness, especially when overdosed. Therefore, there is a need for extensive research on the long-term effects of the compound. Although researchers suggest no long-term side effects, it is important to be cautious while using CBG products.

The WHO review shows no side effects of CBG, although it adversely reacts with other medications such as antihistamines, heart rhythm medications, and blood thinners.

How to Use CBG

CBG is mainly found in its oil. After extraction, it is mixed with carrier oil such as coconut and hemp oil. According to  Rochfort et al. (2020), CO₂ is the best cannabinoid extraction process since it does not contaminate the final extract. CBG is available in different forms, including;

• Edibles such as food, drinks, and gummies.
• Vapes are inhaled into the lungs using vape pens.
• Topicals are designed to be used on the skin surface, for example, lotions, creams, and salves.
• Tinctures are administered sublingually and are quickly absorbed into the body.

Conclusion

CBG is widely appreciated due to the health benefits it offers the body. It effectively alleviates anxiety and depression, removes harmful bacteria from the body, and relieves pain and inflammation. Serotonin is a chemical compound in the body that transmits impulses from the nerves to the brain. CBG does not boost serotonin levels but improves how the brain receptors respond to CBG. Serotonin helps with different body functions such as mood, sleep, healing of wounds, blood clotting, nausea, and sex drive. Although CBG has proved reliable, you should consult your doctor before using any form of CBG for your depression. The compounds azre not a substitute for antidepressant and anti-anxiety medicines.

References

Gonen, T., & Amital, H. (2020). Cannabis and cannabinoids in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Rambam Maimonides medical journal, 11(1).

Messina, G., Rovelli, F., & Lissoni, P. (2022). A Review of the Psychobiological Differences among Tetrahydrocannabinol, Cannabinol, Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol. Clin Rev Cases, 4(2), 1-4.

Rochfort, S., Isbel, A., Ezernieks, V., Elkins, A., Vincent, D., Deseo, M. A., & Spangenberg, G. C. (2020). The utilization of design of experiments approaches to Watt, G., & Karl, T. (2017). In vivo evidence for therapeutic properties of cannabidiol (CBD) for Alzheimer's disease. Frontiers in pharmacology, 8, 20.

optimize supercritical fluid extraction of medicinal cannabis. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 1-7.

Watt, G., & Karl, T. (2017). In vivo evidence for therapeutic properties of cannabidiol (CBD) for Alzheimer's disease. Frontiers in pharmacology, 8, 20.