“Cannabis plants make CBG, but usually the plant doesn’t stop there. CBG is just a brief way station on the way to the production of other cannabinoids, like THC and CBD,” Dr. Ethan Russo, Director of Research and Development at the International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute.
“CBG binds to the cannabinoid receptors but with an affinity that is way lower than THC, so a person can take a large amount of it and not be intoxicated,” Russo says. “But it displays a very strong anti-anxiety effect and it also has muscle relaxing effects, maybe even more than THC. Scientists believe that CBG binds to certain endocannabinoid receptors in the brain that mitigate anxiety and pain.”
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a compound found in the hemp plant, commonly known as a cannabinoid. There are over 100 of these compounds in the hemp plant with profiles varying depending on the strain and the conditions under which it was grown and harvested.
These cannabinoids have specific effects on human physiology through something called the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system has two primary receptors: CB1 which affects the brain and nervous system, and CB2 which affects with the immune system. Scientists are continuing to study the different effects of these cannabinoids and their interactions with each other and the human body.
CBG is what is known as a precursor to its more well-known progeny THC and CBD. As a result of this conversion, most plants do not have high levels of CBG unless they are bred and harvested specifically for this cannabinoid.
Studies are revealing that CBG has many potential benefits that show promise for the reduction of inflammation, stomach issues, fighting cancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, and the protection and regeneration of the nervous system.
CBG has no psychoactive effects, in fact in may actually inhibit the psychoactive effects of THC. It is believed to have positive effect on sleep, mood, and appetite, partially due to its capacity to reduce GABA uptake and block serotonin receptors.
One product I really like is called RECEPT from Prime My Body. Dr. Ruan has done a great job with this formulation.
These studies are a great reference for those of you wishing to dig deeper into the benefits of CBG and the other endocannabinoids:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26197538
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25269802
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25252936
http://norml.org/library/item/introduction-to-the-endocannabinoid-system
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1965836
CBD 