If you’ve heard about CBD and cannabinoids, you may now be wondering what CBG is and how they differ. Cannabigerol is a natural compound derived from cannabis that is gaining more and more attention in the scientific community and in the market for its potential in multiple applications. But what is CBG really about? What are its benefits and why is it arousing so much interest? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and find out what the “mother cannabinoid” has to offer.
What is CBG?
CBG, or cannabigerol, is a phytocannabinoid present in the cannabis plant. It is known as the “mother cannabinoid” as it is the precursor to CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids. During the plant’s growth cycle, CBG is converted to other compounds, which means that it is normally found in low concentrations in the mature plant. However, thanks to advances in cultivation and extraction, it is now possible to obtain greater amounts of CBG for study and consumption.
The origin of other cannabinoids
Unlike other cannabinoids found in higher concentrations in mature cannabis plants, CBG is produced in the early stages of growth. It all starts with cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the acidic form of CBG, which over time and through natural enzymatic processes, is converted into other cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, hence its nickname “mother cannabinoid”. Because of this, most cannabis plants contain only small traces of CBG in its final state. However, thanks to new cultivation techniques, scientists have managed to develop varieties rich in CBG, allowing them to be extracted in greater quantities.
Is CBG psychoactive?
Unlike THC, CBG has no psychoactive effects. Cannabinoids work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a set of receptors in the nervous and immune systems. THC has its psychoactive effect because of the way it interacts with receptors located in the brain, and although CBG also interacts with them, it does so in such a different way that it could even counteract some of the effects of THC. This property makes CBG an interesting option for those seeking wellness without experiencing the euphoric effects associated with other cannabinoids.
CBG vs. CBD: How are they different?
While CBD influences the endocannabinoid system primarily through modulation of its receptors, CBG appears to act more directly on certain receptors responsible for pain, inflammation, and neurological balance. This has led to CBG being considered a cannabinoid with more specific potential in some therapeutic applications compared to CBD.
What is CBG used for?
This surge of interest in CBG has also led to many studies and research regarding its effects. Although it is very close to other cannabinoids such as CBD, and they share many similarities, cannabigerol has its own interaction with the endocannabinoid system, giving it specific characteristics and areas where it has the greatest potential, a potential that is being explored in various areas of wellness.
Potential Benefits of CBG
Mood regulation and stress reduction
CBG is studied for its potential impact on emotional balance and stress response. It is thought to interact with receptors in the nervous system associated with mood regulation, such as serotonin receptors (Cuttler et al., 2024). This interaction has led researchers to analyze its potential to promote a sense of calm and emotional well-being.
Antioxidant effects of CBG
CBG has been analyzed for its antioxidant potential, suggesting that it could help neutralize free radicals and reduce cell damage (di Giacomo et al., 2020). This has sparked interest in its potential role in protecting the brain and skin, contributing to overall well-being and healthy aging. Its potential ability to modulate the body’s response to oxidative stress makes it a promising candidate in the field of well-being and longevity.
Anti-inflammatory effects of CBG
Research suggests that CBG may influence the body’s inflammatory response, helping to reduce the production of certain pro-inflammatory molecules. Its possible role in conditions where inflammation is a key factor, such as muscle discomfort or certain chronic disorders, is being explored. Although the initial findings are promising, more studies are still needed to understand their scope and applications (Kogan et al., 2021).
Is CBG safe to use?
CBG is generally well tolerated by most people. However, as with any supplement or natural compound, it’s critical to make sure you’re buying products from trusted sources that have lab certifications and that their composition is right for every need. In addition, although CBG is considered safe, it could interact with certain medications or health conditions, so it is always advisable to consult with a health professional before incorporating it into your routine.
Is CBG legal?
The legality of CBG varies depending on the country and its origin. In many regions, hemp-derived products with low THC content are legal, and CBG falls into this category. In Spain, the marketing of cannabis-derived products is legal as long as the amounts of THC are less than 0.2%. However, their use is restricted to topical applications or as collector’s products. It is important to check local regulations and ensure that you are sourcing quality products that meet legal standards.
Conclusion: CBG and its impact on well-being
Now that you know what CBG is, how it works, and some of its possible applications, it’s clear that it’s a cannabinoid with great potential. Although research is still ongoing, its interaction with the endocannabinoid system and other biological mechanisms makes it an interesting compound for overall well-being.
If you’re considering buying CBG, it’s important to make sure you’re buying from trusted sources that offer lab certifications and guarantee product quality. Exploring CBG responsibly can be an interesting way to complement your well-being and discover new natural alternatives for balancing the body and mind. Learn more at maionais.
References:
- Lowin, T., Tigges-Perez, M. S., Constant, E., & Pongratz, G. (2023). Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cannabigerol in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Cultures Are Partly Mediated by TRPA1. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(1), 855. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010855
- Cuttler, C., Stueber, A., Cooper, Z. D., & Russo, E. (2024). Acute effects of cannabigerol on anxiety, stress, and mood: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, field trial. Scientific reports, 14(1), 16163. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66879-0
- di Giacomo, V., Chiavaroli, A., Recinella, L., Orlando, G., Cataldi, A., Rapino, M., Di Valerio, V., Ronci, M., Leone, S., Brunetti, L., Menghini, L., Zengin, G., Ak, G., Abdallah, H. H., & Ferrante, C. (2020). Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects Induced by Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol in Rat CTX-TNA2 Astrocytes and Isolated Cortexes. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(10), 3575. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21103575
- Kogan, N. M., Lavi, Y., Topping, L. M., Williams, R. O., McCann, F. E., Yekhtin, Z., Feldmann, M., Gallily, R., & Mechoulam, R. (2021). Novel CBG Derivatives Can Reduce Inflammation, Pain and Obesity. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(18), 5601. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26185601
