The cannabis plant contains hundreds of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. These compounds have been discovered to have many effects in the human body.

Cannabis has two major cannabinoids known for their immense therapeutic benefits. While these cannabinoids known as CBD and THC are the most dominant in the industry, studies have discovered lesser known cannabinoids that are just as powerful as these two.

One of the cannabinoids emerging as a powerhouse in the health and wellness industry is CBG.

What is CBG?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a unique cannabinoid known as the precursor or mother of all cannabinoids. It follows a different path compared to other cannabinoids.

You see, all cannabinoids exist in the cannabis plant in their acidic forms as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and so on.

Through decarboxylation, cannabinoid acids turn into the cannabinoids we know like CBD and THC.

When it comes to CBGA, as the plant matures, it breaks down producing the acidic forms of other cannabinoids like THCA, CBDA, CBCA and more.

Basically, CBGA is responsible for the formation of other cannabinoids. As such, the cannabis plant generally has little CBGA left. But when extracted, it can be processed into the rare cannabinoid CBG.

Why is CBG Important?

Cannabinoids interact with a system in the body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is composed of cannabinoid receptors known as CB1 and CB2 that are present throughout the body, but mainly the brain and  central nervous system.

The ECS is responsible for many biological processes including internal homeostasis. CBG is known to interact with both cannabinoid receptors, amplifying the effects of certain neurotransmitters.

Like CBD and THC, CBG’s complex interaction with the body’s ECS contributes to its powerful therapeutic effects.

While CBG is closely related to THC, it has more in common with CBD. Both are non psychotropic, meaning they don’t have the mind-altering effects THC has.

How to Use CBG

CBG is no different from any other cannabinoid when it comes to usage. When extracted, CBG is usually prepared into oil to use sublingually. Some brands also make gummies for oral consumption.

The Benefits of CBG

CBG is emerging as a potential powerhouse in the health industry with many health benefits as detailed on this page. Let’s highlight a few of these potential benefits.

Inflammation

Like CBD, CBG has anti-inflammatory properties and may be able to help with conditions that cause inflammation. For people with Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), an inflammation of the digestive tract, CBG may be combined with other treatments to offer relief.

CBG’s potential to reduce inflammation was seen in a study on mice, where the cannabinoid was able to relieve inflammation in the colon.

Pain Relief

Can CBG help with pain?

Well, unlike THC which is psychoactive and can relieve pain through it’s mind-numbing effects, CBG interacts directly with pain receptors in the brain and the central nervous system blocking pain pathways.

Another study on mice, found that CBG can relieve pain associated with inflammation and neuropathic pain.

Neurodegeneration

CBG may play a role in combating neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Considering inflammation and oxidative stress are factors in brain cell damage, CBG’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties could help protect the cells.

Cancer

CBG may play a role in cancer treatment as it appears to have anti-cancer properties. A few studies on different types of cancers found that CBG can prevent the growth of tumors. Researchers studying the effect of CBG on colon cancer found that the cannabinoid slowed down tumor growth.

Bacterial Infections

Various studies have revealed that CBG has antimicrobial effects. In fact, CBG’s antibacterial potential is stronger than that of CBD. According to researchers, CBG may have future use in treating multidrug-resistant bacteria.

CBG’s Legal Status

Cannabigerol is one of the cannabis compounds considered legal as long as it’s extracted from hemp varieties, which are federally legal cannabis plants. Just like Cannabidiol, Cannabigerol remains legal provided it comes from a plant with less than 0.3%.

Final Thoughts

CBG is emerging as a highly promising cannabinoid with the potential for future medical breakthroughs, especially when it comes to cancer. However, more research is needed to fully understand and appreciate CBG. Still, if you are already using other cannabinoids, you should probably add CBG to the list.