What is CBG?
CBG, or Cannabigerol, is referred to often as the stem cell or parent of the cannabinoids CBDa, and THCa. CBG is the precursor from which CBD and THC come from. CBG can become CBD or THC depending on a myriad of factors, including genetic manipulation or brefeding of the cannabis plant. Without CBG in plants like hemp, there is no CBD or THC.
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Benefits Unique to CBG, & Benefits Shared Among CBD
Each cannabinoid has different impacts on living organisms. Even though CBG is a precursor to CBDa and THCa, the CBG cannabinoid still has its own unique effects in addition to some overlap. One such unique effect is CBG’s potential for relieving intraocular (inside the eye) pressure relating to glaucoma. Not a replacement for your Rx glaucoma medication, but an extra help that is organic and natural through CBG. THC does have a similar benefit, but with CBG you can have the benefit without the psychoactive effect of getting “high”.
CBG has been shown to possibly reduce anxiety, provide muscle tension relief, and a sense of peace and calm throughout the body and brain. It achieves this by obstructing GABA uptake. You can learn more about GABA synthesis and its impact on anxiety, stress, and depression here. Several studies have supported this, from the 1970s and again with many more recent studies.
Perhaps one of CBG’s most unique effects is that it may assist with Huntington and other neurodegenerative diseases. More specifically, CBG is considered a neuroprotective compound.
Since CBG is the precursor to CBD & THC, it makes perfect sense that there are many effects of CBG which overlap the effects of the others. Joint pain relief in particular is a shared benefit of both CBD and CBG. Another such overlap is that CBG also works to fight inflammation and possesses antibacterial characteristics.
Many studies have already observed a measurable result in using CBG in helping inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, and the related symptoms. Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, regularly refers to two conditions; Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
CBG also holds great promise for reducing inflammation of the skin, specifically eczema and psoriasis.
The Future of Wellness
The CBD movement has grown amazingly well due to its many applications, serving the health needs of millions. However, CBD is not the only beneficial cannabinoid that can be leveraged to support better health. Cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and a hundred plus others all have their own value and contributions to make. As our technology in cultivation and extraction advance, so to will our ability to isolate each cannabiniod in large quantities suitable for prioritization. As the CBD movement reaches its peak, other cannabinoids like CBG are about to have their own movements as well.