CBG (Cannabigerol): The Mother of All Cannabinoids
CBG Benefits: What is Cannabigerol, The Mother of All Cannabinoids
In the cannabis world, THC and CBD get all the attention but there’s another cannabinoid that deserves just as much: CBG, or cannabigerol (CBG). Often called the “mother of all cannabinoids” CBG is the precursor to many other cannabinoids including THC and CBD. Although it’s present in lower concentrations in most strains, CBG is gaining recognition for its benefits and uses. In this post we’ll get into what CBG is, how it works and why it’s the mother of all cannabinoids.
What is CBG?
CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. One of the many bioactive compounds in the plant. It’s often called the “mother” or “stem cell” of cannabinoids because it’s the precursor to other cannabinoids. During the growth of the cannabis plant enzymes break down CBGA (the acidic form of CBG) into three main cannabinoids: THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) and CBCA (cannabichromenic acid). These acidic forms are then decarboxylated into THC, CBD and CBC respectively.
Because of this conversion process CBG is usually present in cannabis in very small amounts, usually less than 1%. But with specialized breeding techniques and extraction methods it’s possible to grow cannabis with higher CBG content and open up new possibilities in both medical and recreational cannabis use.
How Does CBG Work with Cannabinoid Receptors?
Like other cannabinoids CBG interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) a complex network of receptors, enzymes and endocannabinoids that regulate various physiological processes such as mood, pain, appetite and immune response. CBG binds to the cannabinoid receptors, specifically the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and body.
- CB1 Receptors: These receptors are in the brain and central nervous system. CBG’s interaction with CB1 receptors is thought to modulate mood, anxiety and appetite.
- CB2 Receptors: These receptors are in the immune system and peripheral tissues. CBG’s interaction with CB2 receptors is believed to be anti-inflammatory and pain relieving.
CBG also blocks the uptake of anandamide a neurotransmitter that’s involved in pleasure and motivation, appetite and sleep and pain relief. By blocking anandamide reuptake CBG may be contributing to prolonged mood lifting and pain relieving effects.
CBG Benefits
Research on CBG is in its infancy but the early results are promising especially when it comes to therapeutic benefits. Here are some of the benefits of CBG that have caught the attention of scientists and healthcare professionals:
1. Anti-Inflammatory
CBG has shown to be an anti-inflammatory which could be useful in treating inflammatory diseases like IBD and other inflammatory disorders. In preclinical studies CBG has been shown to reduce inflammation in animal models so it may help manage chronic inflammatory conditions.
2. Neuroprotective
One of the most interesting uses of CBG is its neuroprotective properties in treating neurological disorders. Research has shown CBG may protect nerve cells from damage and degeneration so it may be useful in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s and Parkinson’s.
3. Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Activity
CBG has shown strong antibacterial properties especially against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) a type of bacteria that’s resistant to many antibiotics. Molecular pharmacology studies have shown CBG’s antibacterial properties. So CBG may be a alternative treatment for infections that are hard to manage with conventional antibiotics.
4. Glaucoma
CBG has been shown to reduce intraocular pressure which is a major risk factor for glaucoma. By interacting with receptors in the body CBG lowers eye pressure and may help manage this eye condition and prevent damage to the optic nerve which can lead to vision loss.
5. Appetite Stimulation
Unlike THC which can cause the munchies CBG seems to stimulate appetite but with potential health benefits without the psychoactive effects. This could be useful for people with conditions like cancer or HIV/AIDS where appetite is crucial for recovery and quality of life.
CBG vs CBD
Both cbd and cbg are non-psychoactive cannabinoids with therapeutic benefits but they work differently in the body due to their unique interaction with the ECS.
- Receptor Affinity: CBG binds directly to both CB1 and CB2 receptors while CBD has an indirect interaction with these receptors. Direct binding may make CBG more effective in certain therapeutic applications like pain relief and neuroprotection.
- Antibacterial Properties: Both cannabinoids have antibacterial effects but CBG seems to have a stronger effect against specific resistant strains like MRSA.
- Appetite Stimulation: CBG may be more effective than CBD in stimulating appetite so it’s a better choice for people who need to increase food intake without the psychoactive effects of THC.
Despite the differences CBG and CBD can work together, enhancing each other’s benefits when used together. This is called the “entourage effect” where the combined effect of multiple cannabinoids is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
CBG Future
As CBG gains popularity so does the demand for cannabis strains that produce more of this cannabinoid. CBG is one of the minor cannabinoids that’s getting attention for its benefits. Breeders are developing new strains to maximize CBG and extraction techniques are improving to isolate CBG better.
The legal landscape for CBG is also changing. CBG is currently legal in most places where hemp derived CBD is legal but as more research is done and popularity grows the regulatory environment may change and CBG products may become more widely available in the future.
Conclusion
CBG may not be as popular as THC or CBD but its unique properties and benefits make it worth looking into. While CBD is a major cannabinoid because of its high concentration and extensive research CBG is a minor cannabinoid. But from its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects to its antibacterial properties and glaucoma treatment CBG is proving to be a useful compound.
As research unfolds and the cannabis industry grows we’ll see more CBG products in the market and more options for people looking for natural plant based treatments for various conditions. Whether you’re a medical patient looking for alternative treatments or just curious about the latest in cannabis science CBG is a cannabinoid you should pay attention to.
So next time you hear someone talking about cannabis benefits remember there’s more to the plant than just THC and CBD. CBG the mother of all cannabinoids is here to stay.
