While THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), the two major cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, have been well-researched and shown to have a tremendous number of benefits, researchers are now starting to see the many benefits that the minor cannabinoids of the cannabis plant have to offer.
One of the most exciting and promising of the minor cannabinoids is CBG (Cannabigerol), and ongoing research on CBG reinforces its potential. It has been shown to offer potent relief in many areas including inflammation and anxiety, without being intoxicating.
CBG starts as CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) in the young cannabis plant. CBGA is sometimes referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids” because, as the plants grow and mature, the CBGA is naturally converted into THCA and CBDA. These will then be converted to THC and CBD by heat and time.
While CBG can be harvested from young cannabis plants, because of the many benefits CBG has shown, cannabis growers are now breeding plants to specifically produce higher levels of CBGA that will not convert into other cannabinoids as the plant matures. These plants end up producing flowers that have high levels of CBG.
CBG Benefits: What You Need to Know
CBG can interact with many different targets in the brain and body to offer several medicinal benefits. Research is showing that CBG’s way of interacting with the body can be distinctly different from CBD and THC.
Like CBD, it is not intoxicating and will not cause a ‘head high’ feeling. Unlike CBD, it does not diminish the euphoria of THC when used together.
Here is a deeper look into the many different benefits of CBG.
Anxiety – CBG increases GABA, a chemical in our nervous system that decreases anxiety, showcasing the potential therapeutic effects of this non-psychoactive cannabinoid. It is calming and relaxing without causing sedation. CBG may also help with physical anxiety symptoms like the “fight or flight” feeling. This may be helpful for those who experience anxiety due to ADD/ADHD.
CBG helps increase dopamine levels, helping to boost mood.
While CBD helps anxiety by working through serotonin receptors, for individuals with serotonin sensitivity, CBG, since it works differently, can be a good alternative to CBD.
Because of its interactions with GABA, many people have reported positive effects on their well-being, such as an increase in focus and energy when using CBG.
Pain – CBG has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain. It inhibits enzymes that produce inflammatory compounds. It has also been shown to help relieve peripheral neuropathic pain at lower doses than THC or aspirin.
CBG has been shown to work synergistically with THC and CBD for increased pain reduction.
Neuroinflammation – A recent study showed that the combination of CBD and CBG was effective at lowering neuroinflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Neuroprotective – CBG has demonstrated strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, providing a protective effect for brain cells.
Sleep disturbances – While CBG is not necessarily sedating, its anti-anxiety benefits and interactions with GABA can be helpful for people who occasionally have trouble with sleep.
GI Health – CBG has been shown to ease inflammation in the gut. It also reduces damage caused by oxidation of the cells in the digestive tract, providing a protective effect.
Appetite – CBG can help with appetite by increasing Anandamide, a chemical our bodies make that helps regulate appetite.
Glaucoma – CBG helped reduce intraocular pressure. Since CBD has the potential to increase intraocular pressure, CBG may be a better choice for glaucoma patients who are looking to cannabis for help.
What is CBG Good For? CBG for Daily Wellness and Therapeutic Benefits
With the various benefits that CBG has shown and its non-intoxicating quality, it can be a wonderful boost to your everyday wellness regimen.
On its own, CBG can be quite beneficial, but it also works synergistically with CBD and THC, showcasing the effects of cannabinoids when combined. By working together, they enhance each other’s abilities to offer an increased medical benefit.
When trying any CBG product, starting low and going slow is important. A good starting amount is 5mg, two times a day. You can slowly increase the amount taken by small increments and how often you take it to find the amount and timing that works best for you.
CBG Cannabinoid Products at Verdes Cannabis
At Verdes Cannabis, we are happy and excited to have several products combining CBG with CBD and/or THC. We offer options from gummies and chocolates to drinks and tinctures.
Our knowledgeable staff can answer your questions and help you find the perfect product for your wellness goals. Contact us today!
As the Head of Education & Culture for Verdes Cannabis, a legacy cannabis company in New Mexico, Kelly is responsible for researching, creating, and delivering cannabis education to not only staff but also to clients and the community. She has extensively studied cannabis for the last 5 years, receiving several certificates from the Medical Cannabis Institute and Medical Marijuana 411. She continues her studies by attending medical cannabis conferences and monthly webinars with the top researchers and doctors in the field of medical cannabis. She enjoys being able to use her extensive knowledge and training in cannabis to educate and help others learn about this amazing plant.
