What is CBG Cannabinoid?

Most cannabinoids possess properties that enable them to treat many stubborn diseases. CBG cannabinoid is one of the many beneficial cannabinoids.

CBG means cannabigerol. It is a compound found in the hemp plant. It is not as abundant as its sister THC and CBD. Full-grown hemp can only produce 1% of CBG. A young hemp plant has a relatively higher amount of this chemical than a mature plant. CBG is converted into other cannabinoids when a hemp plant achieves maturity. For this reason, manufacturers prefer harvesting CBG from a young hemp plant to meet the demand of many consumers. Today, through cross-breeding, there are hemp species grown specifically for the production of CBG. Those species are modified to produce less THC, CBD, and more of this rare compound CBG. CBG occurs as an acid from which the other cannabinoids are derived. This makes CBG to be referred to as the mother of other cannabinoids. It is safe as it has no psychotropic effects like THC.

Much research is being undertaken on the promising health benefits of this cannabinoid. It has major properties such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and therapeutic. Baron (2018) noted that these properties enable it to treat various diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, anxiety, and bacterial infections. CBG is consumed in its oil form. CBG oil can be taken as tinctures, capsules, edibles, or vapes.

How is CBG Isolated?

CBG is mostly extracted from the young cannabis plant to maximize the amount of CBG before it is converted into other cannabinoids. There are three different methods by which CBG can be extracted. These methods are hydrocarbon, alcohol, and CO2. The hydrocarbon and alcohol methods are cheaper compared to CO2 extraction. However, CBG is isolated using those methods that may contain impurities and higher amounts of THC. The best method of extracting CBG is the CO2 method. However, it is an expensive method as it uses expensive equipment. CBG extracted through the method is also expensive but of high quality. When buying any CBG product, always check the method used in extracting the CBG.

Where Can You Buy CBG Products?

CBG products are very few compared to CBD. However, users can still get them from the local markets or order online. Most CBD shops also sell CBG products. The most common of all is the CBG oil. You can also get CBG capsules, edibles, and topicals. If you cannot find them easily around you, there is an alternative. You can buy full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD oil. Broad-spectrum contain all cannabinoid, including CBG. Full-spectrum contains CBG and other cannabinoids, including THC. THC found in CBD products does not exceed 0.3%. This amount is very low to cause psychotropic effects.

Is CBG Cannabinoid Psychoactive?

CBG is not psychoactive, neither does it make you high nor fail a drug test. The compound in the cannabis plant that causes the high feeling is called THC. CBG oil and all the other CBG products do not contain THC. However, full-spectrum CBG products contain some amount of THC, which is very little to make you high. Cabrera et al. (2021) commented that combining THC and CBG increases the effectiveness of CBD in treating diseases through the entourage effects.

What Are The Benefits Of CBG Cannabinoids?

CBG is rich in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and therapeutic properties. These properties enable it to treat some conditions and diseases such as:

Colon Cancer

CBG has anti-tumor properties. Lu et al. (2017) established that CBG could inhibit the growth of cancer cells are reduce cancer tumors in the colon. However, since this study was based on animals, there is a need for human studies to show the effects CBG would have on a human.

Bacterial Infections

Schofs et al. (2021) showed that the antibacterial properties in CBG can treat even the most stubborn bacteria. Unlike common pharmaceutical antibacterial drugs, bacteria do not become resistant to CBG. This can treat serious infections like those caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

This disease attacks the gut. It is caused by serious inflammation that mostly occurs in the colon. It is characterized by severe diarrhea and stomach pains. Henshaw et al. (2021) identified that CBG could reduce inflammation in the colon.

Glaucoma

This is a condition that attacks the eye leading to blindness. It is caused by abnormally high blood pressure that attacks the optic nerve. CBG was administered to cats with glaucoma. The condition improved by an increased outflow of aqueous humor. However, there is a need for human research to complement this information.

Huntington’s Disease

This is a neurodegenerative disorder. A study on mice found that CBG can treat the condition and other neurodegenerative diseases. However, CBG was more effective after it was administered with other phytocannabinoids.

Bladder Dysfunctions

It is commonly presented as urinary incontinence. Cannabinoids affect the bladder in positive ways improving its way of functioning. Izzo et al. (2015) showed that CBG could treat bladder dysfunctions by improving urine retention in the bladder.

Side Effects of CBG Cannabinoids

CBG is either ingested or topically used on the skin. Ingesting CBG may have side effects such as fatigue, increased appetite, and sleepiness. There are no known side effects of CBG applied topically.

Unlike CBD, CBG has not been found to interact with other medications. However, consult your doctor before taking a CBG supplement if you are under medication. CBG safety for unborn babies and children is not known. To be safer, pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid CBD unless administered by a doctor.

Conclusion

CBG cannabinoid is a compound derived from the hemp plant. It is not as abundant as CBD or THC. It is extracted using the CO2 method. You can buy CBG from CBD shops or make an order online. CBG is not psychoactive like THC. Apart from CBG products, you can get CBG by consuming full-spectrum r broad-spectrum CBG oil. This compound has endless benefits, including treating colon cancer, inflammatory bowel syndrome, Huntington's disease, glaucoma anxiety, bladder dysfunctions, and bacterial infections. The body tolerates CBG well; hence it does not cause serious side effects. The most common effects are mild and include changes in appetite, sleepiness, and fatigue.

References

Baron, E. P. (2018). Medicinal Properties Of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, And Flavonoids In Cannabis, And Benefits In Migraine, Headache, And Pain: An Update On Current Evidence And Cannabis Science. Headache: The Journal Of Head And Face Pain, 58(7), 1139-1186.

Cabrera, C. L. R., Keir-Rudman, S., Horniman, N., Clarkson, N., & Page, C. (2021). The Anti-Inflammatory Effects Of Cannabidiol And Cannabigerol Alone, And In Combination. Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 69, 102047.

Henshaw, F. R., Dewsbury, L. S., Lim, C. K., & Steiner, G. Z. (2021). The Effects Of Cannabinoids On Pro-And Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines: A Systematic Review Of In Vivo Studies. Cannabis And Cannabinoid Research, 6(3), 177-195.

Izzo, A. A., Muccioli, G. G., Ruggieri, M. R., & Schicho, R. (2015). Endocannabinoids And The Digestive Tract And Bladder In Health And Disease. Endocannabinoids, 423-447.

Lu, X. S., Qiao, Y. B., Li, Y., Yang, B., Chen, M. B., & Xing, C. G. (2017). Preclinical Study Of Cinobufagin As A Promising Anti-Colorectal Cancer Agent. Oncotarget, 8(1), 988.

Schofs, L., Sparo, M. D., & Sanchez Bruni, S. F. (2021). The Antimicrobial Effect Behind Cannabis Sativa. Pharmacology Research & Perspectives, 9(2), E00761.