Will CBG Show Up in a Drug Test?

CBG is a cannabinoid that has gained interest among younger and older folks. Furthermore, it is organic and has minimal side effects. Also, it has various health properties, for example, relieving pain and reducing anxiety. This article will explain more about CBG's therapeutic benefits and whether or not it shows up on a drug test.

Cannabinoids are widely spread. This comes after the legalization of hemp-derived cannabinoids after Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill. Furthermore, hemp was discovered to be non-psychoactive, as it contains lesser amounts of psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); therefore, it cannot affect the user's mental state. CBG is growing in popularity thanks to its numerous potential benefits. Its therapeutic impact includes alleviating pain, preventing cancer, and treating glaucoma. It has antioxidant and antibacterial properties, among other cannabinoids and chemical compounds such as terpenes, CBN, CBD, and flavonoids. Additionally, its products are legal in 50 states, while few states approve of using cannabis compounds. Read on to determine whether CBG is psychoactive and can appear in a drug test.

Understanding CBG

CBG is derived from the cannabis and hemp plant and is one of the most known cannabinoids after CBD and THC. On the other hand, the legal THC amount is 0.3%, approved by the FDA as non-intoxicating.

Similarly, even those who use broad-spectrum CBD benefit from the compound. It cannot have a positive drug test since it does not have any traces of THC.

According to Watt & Karl (2017),  THC is the most common marijuana compound with psychoactive properties. The hemp plant contains a high amount of CBD and is therefore considered relatively safer by the Food and Drug Administration. (FDA)

The golden specimen is associated with diverse therapeutic effects on the body. CBG oil is low since it covers only 1% of the plant. However, CBG amounts are higher in younger cannabis plants compared to fully grown ones.

CBGA, an acidic form of CBG, is converted to CBD and THC, thus the reason for higher amounts of CBD and THC in cannabis plants. Therefore, cannabis farmers are trying different techniques to increase the amounts of CBG by practicing cross-breeding and genetic manipulation. Also, there are developed CBG strains such as Glue CBG, White CBG, and Jack Fort. The strains are known to have higher amounts of CBG.

CBG acts on the endocannabinoid system to provide relief. The endocannabinoid system has various nerves, brain, and skin receptors. Furthermore, they are mainly divided into CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CB1 receptors are found in the spine, and the brain, while CB2 receptors are found in the immune system and the rest of the body. CBG binds to the CB2 receptors, leading to the transmission of impulses that reduce muscle pains and inflammation. On the other hand, THC activates the CB1 receptors, thus causing mental alteration.

 Studies show that endocannabinoid receptors have the same molecular structure as cannabinoids in plants. The receptors are responsible for well-functioning the immune system and regulating appetite and senses.

CBG Formulations

Full spectrum CBG contains various cannabinoids in hemp, such as CBG, CBD, and THC. Furthermore, it contains other essential chemical compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids. Terpenes are responsible for the characteristic scent in plants, while flavonoids protect the body organs from oxidative stress. However, THC levels are relatively lower to reduce the psychoactive effects.

Broad spectrum CBG contains various chemical compounds such as CBG, CBN, and CBD. However, it does not contain THC since THC is completely extracted from it.

CBG isolate only contains CBG since all other cannabinoids and chemical compounds are absent from it.

Health Benefits of CBG

CBG can help the body in different ways without intoxication. Different researches support the ability of CBG to offer therapeutic effects; however, most research is limited to rats and mice. Therefore, there is a need for more research on human beings. Some of the therapeutic benefits include;

 Alleviating Huntington's Disease

According to Micki (2013), CBG can form a protective gear, thus preventing the damage of the brain's nerve cells and promoting motor control. Different health conditions, such as Huntington's disease, affect the nerves and break down the brain nerve cells.

Anti-inflammatory

According to Hill et al. (2016), CBG has an anti-inflammatory effect and thus can be used to treat different inflammatory health conditions. For example, inflammatory bowel disease is a health condition causing severe swelling in the bowel. Inflammation can affect your daily life and productivity and is mostly accompanied by pain. Furthermore, IBD is an incurable condition faced by many people in the world. Research suggests that IBD patients showed significant change, including a reduction in pain after CBG administration.

CBG can also alleviate other inflammatory conditions, such as acne and eczema.

Pain Alleviation

Muscle aches and body pains can adversely affect your daily life and limit you from reaching your full potential. Furthermore, pain can negatively impact your sleep pattern, causing insomnia. Many over-the-counter painkillers, and drugs, such as opioids, can be used to ease the pain. However, all tend to have side effects such as headaches and addiction.

According to Darkovska-Serafimovska et al. (2020), cannabinoids (CBG and CBD) can naturally ease muscle pains, joint aches, and nerve pains since they have a soothing and relaxing effect on the body and the brain.

Fighting Cancer Cells

According to Dariš et al. (2019), it was observed that CBG could block the growth of cancer-causing receptors. More research about the ability of CBG to fight against cancer cells needs to be conducted. Studies suggest that CBG can contain cancer cells by inhibiting multiplication and spread. Therefore, it is believed that CBG can help cure and treat colon cancer.

Antibacterial Property

Research associated cannabis with antibacterial properties. According to Stahl et al. (2020), CBG can prevent and treat various bacterial infections, including drug-resistant bacteria that cause staph infections. Similarly, when used topically, it can help treat skin infections, including eczema and psoriasis, when applied to the skin. The skin is the largest body part to protect the delicate inner organs. Thus, they are exposed to dangerous disease-causing organisms, including bacteria.

Conclusion

CBG is not widely available like the other compounds due to its scarcity. CBG is found in fewer quantities, making it rare and expensive. This is because CBGA, the acidic form of CBG, is converted to THC and CBD. Therefore, cannabis farmers cross breed and adopt genetic manipulation to produce more CBG.

THC and CBD are the product of CBDA, an acidic compound of CBD. Furthermore, CBG does not have a psychoactive effect; thus, it does not appear in drug tests. On the contrary, you will benefit from its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic properties. CBG is also known to fight off cancer cells and alleviate glaucoma.

References

Dariš, B., Verboten, M. T., Knez, Ž., & Ferk, P. (2019). Cannabinoids in cancer treatment: Therapeutic potential and legislation. Bosnian journal of basic medical sciences, 19(1), 14.

Darkovska-Serafimovska, M., Serafimovska, T., Arsova-Sarafinovska, Z., Stefanoski, S., Keskovski, Z., & Balkanov, T. (2018). Pharmacotherapeutic considerations for use of cannabinoids to relieve pain in patients with malignant diseases. Journal of pain research, 11, 837.

Hill, L. A., Bodnar, T. S., Weinberg, J., & Hammond, G. L. (2016). Corticosteroid-binding globulin is a biomarker of inflammation onset and severity in female rats. The Journal of endocrinology, 230(2), 215.

Míčka, T. (2013). Getting High to Get Well: Scientific Evidence of Therapeutic Uses of Cannabinoids and Terpenoids.

Stahl, V., & Vasudevan, K. (2020). Comparison of efficacy of cannabinoids versus commercial oral care products in reducing bacterial content from dental plaque: A preliminary observation. Cureus, 12(1).

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