CBG 101: Everything You Need to Know About the Next Big Cannabinoid

Jul 27th 2020

There’s a new cannabinoid in town and it’s dubbed as the “Rolls Royce of cannabinoids” because of how expensive it is to develop. It’s CBG and if you haven’t heard of it yet, it’s about time you acquaint yourself with the next big thing in the world of cannabis.

We’re dishing out everything we know and everything you need to know about CBG now.

What is CBG?

Cannabigerol or CBG is classified as a minor cannabinoid without psychoactive effects. Cannabinoids are any of a group of closely related compounds and the active constituents of cannabis.

CBG is present at low levels (usually less than 1%) in most cannabis strains. It is produced when heat is applied to the CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) molecule.

In the 1960s, researchers first discovered CBG and it was then considered to be “mother of all cannabinoids.” It has earned this title because it's the precursor to every cannabinoid in the plant. Cannabis plants produce cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the precursor to the three main cannabinoid lines: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA).

How does CBG work in the body?

CBG does the same thing as other phytocannabinoids, which is interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). However, CBG does this slightly differently. The ECS is responsible for regulating essential processes in the body, including sleep, appetite, memory, mood, reproduction, and fertility.

When CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid system, it acts on both CB1 and CB2 receptors, making it slightly different than CBD, which only responds to CB2 receptors. However, one commonality between CBG and CBD is that they both antagonize anandamide to help it function better.

Can CBG make you high?

No. As mentioned above, CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, just like CBD. CBG is what’s considered as an “antagonist” in brain-chemistry terms because it interferes with the trippy high created by THC, which, of course, doesn’t make it a bad this at all!

Are there benefits when you take CBG?

There needs to be more research and studies on the maximum potential of CBG. But so far, this cannabinoid has been promising:

CBG may be effective in decreasing the inflammation characteristic of inflammatory bowel disease, based on animal experiments involving mice.
According to research, CBG can be potentially effective in treating glaucoma because it reduces intraocular pressure.
CBG tested best at inhibiting muscle contractions, in a study that looked at the effects of five different cannabinoids on bladder contractions. It may be a future tool in preventing bladder dysfunction disorders.
In a recent 2015 study, CBG was shown to protect neurons in mice with Huntington’s disease, which is characterized by nerve cell degeneration in the brain.
European research shows that CBG may be an effective antibacterial agent, particularly against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) microbial strains resistant to several classes of drugs.
Recently, in a 2017 study, researchers showed that a form of CBG purified to remove delta-9 THC was a very effective appetite stimulant in rats, making it a novel non-psychotropic therapeutic option for cachexia, the muscle wasting and severe weight loss seen in late-stage cancer and other diseases.

What’s the best CBG dosage?

As of now, researchers still have to conduct studies to determine the proper dosage of this cannabinoid. But as with most wellness alternatives, the best practice to introduce CBG into your system is to start slow and work your way up. Start with three drops per dose and add one drop every other day. Also, remember to take into account the other cannabinoids that are in the CBG product. Gradually and carefully, test which dosages work best for your body until more definitive answers and research arises.

Ready to experience CBG? Check out the Complete Hemp line of CBG products!

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