What is Cannabigerol or CBG?
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What is CBG?
Summary
Answer
What is CBG?
CBG, or cannabigerol, is one of the many naturally occurring cannabinoids or "phytocannabinoids" found in the cannabis plant. This cannabinoid is not intoxicating, meaning it does not produce the same psychoactive effects that are associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBG was discovered by Raphael Mechoulam, the Israeli scientist that also discovered THC.
Is CBG a Precursor to Other Cannabinoids?
CBG is a precursor to many other cannabinoids including THC and cannabidiol (CBD). During the early stages of a cannabis plant's growth, CBG is present in high concentrations, but as the plant matures CBG is converted into other cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, through natural enzymatic processes.
Does CBG Interact With the Endocannabinoid System?
CBG interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), the body's complex network of receptors, enzymes, and signaling molecules that help regulate and balance key bodily functions. CBG binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors but with a lower affinity compared to that of THC or CBD.
What Does Current Research Say About CBG?
Most research regarding CBG is still in its preliminary stages. But a lot of the research looks promising! A good way to think about CBG is that it is similar in a lot of ways to CBD. It is not intoxicating and may have many beneficial properties that warrant further study.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Researchers found that in animal experiments CBG produces anti-inflammatory effects. This means that CBG could hold therapeutic promise in the treatment of conditions driven by inflammation such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis. It's somewhat unclear exactly how CBG works to lower inflammation, but it might have to do with CBG's activity at different receptors involved in signaling associated with the inflammatory response.
Neuroprotective effects
Research shows that CBG has neuroprotective properties too, which is why this cannabinoid may benefit neurodegenerative conditions such as Huntington's disease and multiple sclerosis. CBG appears to provide neuroprotective benefits by acting as an antioxidant.
Antibacterial properties
CBG has also shown promise as an antibacterial agent. In laboratory studies, CBG demonstrated antibacterial activity against the drug-resistant bacteria MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). CBG appears to produce anti-bacterial effects by interfering with the bacterial cell membrane.
"CBG treatment leads to intracellular accumulation of membrane structures. ...CBG alters the membrane properties, induces membrane hyperpolarization, and decreases the membrane fluidity" - Frontiers in Microbiology
These findings could eventually lead to the development of new, cannabinoid-based treatments against bacterial infections, especially given that antibiotic resistance is at an all-time high!
Concluding Remarks
While the research on CBG is still in its early stages, evidence points to a multitude of potential therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antibacterial effects. But of course, further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action, optimal uses, and potential risks. As with any cannabinoid-based product, be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to use CBG!
- The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol.
- Novel CBG Derivatives Can Reduce Inflammation, Pain and Obesity Novel CBG Derivatives Can Reduce Inflammation, Pain and Obesity.
- Anti-Bacterial Properties of Cannabigerol Toward Streptococcus mutans Anti-Bacterial Properties of Cannabigerol Toward Streptococcus mutans.
- Pharmacological Aspects and Biological Effects of Cannabigerol and Its Synthetic Derivatives Pharmacological Aspects and Biological Effects of Cannabigerol and Its Synthetic Derivatives.
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