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You might be familiar with THC, the psychotropic (and, in most places, illegal) compound found in cannabis and marijuana. If you’re a fan of cannabinoids, you’re also probably acquainted with CBD, its more “respectable” brother with therapeutic effects and no narcotic properties. But does “CBG” sound familiar to you?
Some consider CBG, or cannabigerol, the father of cannabinoids. This fascinating molecule is required to synthesize CBD and THC. However, when we stop this conversion process midflow, we obtain a product with enormous potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers. If you’re curious about CBG, this is your article!
Key Facts
- CBG is a molecule found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it has no psychotropic properties.
- Researchers are studying the potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects of CBG oil.
- Check whether your area’s laws allow CBG purchase. If they do, choose a product from a certified manufacturer. Make sure it’s synthesized with high quality standards by checking the method of extraction, THC content, carrier oil, and packaging.
The best CBG in the United Kingdom: Our Picks
The products we’re recommending in this guide are genuine discoveries in the cannabinoid field. Their extraction and synthesis was overseen by experts and the cost-effectiveness is simply extraordinary. Following your area’s laws is your responsibility, however, and legislation might limit or prohibit cannabinoid use.
Buyer’s Guide: What You Need to Know About CBG
Cannabigerol, or CBG, is a cannabinoid molecule with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects (as shown in vitro). CBG’s acid form is a precursor for other, better-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD. It has no narcotic properties. Researchers are exhaustively studying its benefits and side effects.
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What Is CBG?
Studies show that CBG molecules are used to synthesize other cannabinoids like THC or CBD (for which we also provide a buyer’s guide). In other words, cannabigerol exists first, and through a series of chemical reactions, it “matures” into THC, CBD, and other compounds (3).
What Do We Know About CBG’s Effects?
Because it lacks psychoactive properties, CBG cannot produce the intoxicating feelings which THC can. Its effects are more like CBD; its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties may treat certain illnesses. Let’s look at the possible benefits:
| Potential Benefit | Type of Study | Results Found |
|---|---|---|
| Potential treatment for glaucoma. | Animals (5). | Can potentially reduce pressure inside the eye. Requires further study. |
| Antibacterial effects and potential antiseptic effects. | In vitro (6). | CBG and other cannabinoids stop the growth of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. |
| Cancer-preventative potential. | In vitro and in animals (7). | CBG stopped the growth of tumor cells in vitro and in animals . |
| Potential pain treatment.
¿Potencial tratamiento para el dolor? |
Hypothesis under study (8). | CBG has analgesic potential. It may be more effective than THC at reducing certain inflammation markers, but requires further study for confirmation. |
| Neuroprotective effects. Potential for degenerative brain conditions like Huntington’s. | Animals (9). | In experiments, CBG protected rats’ brains when they were exposed to toxins. |
|
Appetite stimulant. |
Animals (10). | In studies, CBG made rats eat twice as much as normal. |
| Potential muscle relaxant. | In vitro and in animals (11). | CBG could have better muscle relaxant potential than THC or CBD, but this requires further study. |
| Potential psoriasis treatment. | In vitro (12). | CBG and other cannabinoids inhibit the uncontrolled multiplying and growth of skin cells (which is what causes psoriasis). |
These preliminary studies have extremely promising potential health implications. Reducing pressure in the eyes could help prevent complications from glaucoma, even blindess. And CBG’s neuroprotective effects could fight off conditions which damage the brain.
But don’t be hasty! These effects were discovered in controlled experiments using cells grown in labs (in vitro cells) or animals. Much more study is needed before we can confirm these effects apply to humans, especially when we’re discussing conditions as serious as cancer.
What’s the Future of CBG?
CBG can also enhance the entourage effect.
That term was coined by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, the discoverer of THC, and his team of specialists (13). The entourage effect refers to different cannabinoids’ ability to work together – a synergy which may increase their medicinal effects.
We may be able to use CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids in conjunction to maximize the absorption and effects of each component, more effectively treating chronic pain and insomnia. And combining CBG with THC should heighten THC’s therapeutic effects and limit the psychoactive ones (14).
However, the key word here is potential. Research into this molecule is still in very early phases. Current results are promising, but they don’t allow us to fully grasp all the repercussions of this molecule on the human body (15).
How Should I Take CBG?
If you’re planning on using a CBG product, there are expert recommendations we suggest you follow. Dr. Ethan Russo, a neurology specialist and pioneer in cannabinoid research, recommends this treatment plan (16):
- Start slow: Use minimal amounts and gradually increase dosage.
- Keep it balanced: Find a dose strong enough to relieve your symptoms and pain without causing side effects (such as sleepiness).
- Seek medical supervision: Look for a health professional who can help you address your individual needs and potential complications. They should be a good listener, ready to learn and to teach.
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What Do We Know About CBG’s Side Effects?
Some CBG producers claim that, because CBG has no psychoactive effects, it should be a safe compound.
According to producers, serious intoxication would require taking unusually high amounts (150 mg per pound you weigh). That dose would be equivalent to taking multiple vials of CBG, intended to last for months, all in one sitting (18).
However, some health experts are more skeptical about these claims. Official health organizations warn that this product could still have unknown long-term effects on the brain or metabolism. These recommendations for safe use apply to all cannabinoids (19):
- Be responsible. The only way to ensure no risk whatsoever is to abstain. Cannabinoids should only be taken by adults in sound mind.
- Know the risks. Cannabinoids (but primarily THC) could affect your intellectual ability and heart and lung health. Their relationship to cancer is inconclusive; some studies have found a relationship between using cannabinoids and preventing cancer. Other trials, however, seem to link THC to increased risk of tumors.
- Protect developing brains. Underage people using cannabinoids (but mainly THC) has been linked to reduced mental performance in the long term. Cannabinoids should only be used by adults. Even among adults, the older you are, the safer you are from possible effects on your brain development.
- Avoid THC and synthetic products. Most of the serious side effects of cannabinoids (reduced ability to focus, mental illness, and heart attacks) are linked to THC. If THC molecules are synthetic, there is a greater chance of side effects. Your CBG supplement should contain no THC.
- Be patient. When taking CBG, keep in mind that its effects can take several minutes to appear. This delay can cause a false impression about its strength, leading you to consume higher doses than needed. Keep this in mind to prevent intoxication.
- Use in moderation. Authorities believe that cannabinoids’ side effects are more common if you take these substances daily. If you want to take CBG more than once a week, ask a doctor.
- Check your family history. Cannabinoids have been linked to psychosis (mental illnesses like schizofrenia) in people genetically predisposed to them. If your family has a history of serious mental illness, avoid cannabinoids.
- Abstain if you’re pregnant. For pregnant women, taking cannabinoids can cause anemia and affect the size of the fetus. The children of mothers who used cannabis during pregnancy show lower intellectual performance. For these reasons, taking cannabinoids during pregnancy is highly unrecommended.
These warnings were written with THC, cannabis’s psychoactive ingredient, in mind; they should apply less to CBG. However, they can also help you lower the odds of side effects from CBG supplements. Plus, avoid combining CBG with drugs that metabolize in your liver. These include (15, 20):
| Drugs metabolized in the liver |
|---|
| Antibiotics |
| Antifungals |
| Anti-epileptics |
| Antiarrhythmics |
| Antiparasitics |
| Alcohol |
| Anticoagulants |
Legal Notice
This buyer’s guide to CBG products is meant for informative purposes and is not applicable in regions where the law prohibits oral or topical use of CBG. These items are not a substitute for prescribed medication, and they should not be used by children, pregnant women, or people with chronic illnesses.
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Taking CBG with alcohol or other recreational drugs is discouraged. Misuse could have serious unexpected health consequences which may require immediate medical attention.
The Monederosmart team assumes no responsibility for the consequences of irresponsible product use.
Summary
Cannabinoids never cease to surprise us. The discovery of CBG has opened up a new field of research about the cannabis plant’s compounds. Though some have baptized this compound as “the new CBD”, cannabinoid experts prefer to see CBG as a possible companion working alongside the molecules we already know.
In laboratories, CBG has shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. In the future, that could lead to the creation of new remedies for currently untreatable problems! Be patient, use CBG responsibly, and let’s keep learning more about this newly-discovered molecule. We’ll be the first to let you know about any CBG news!
If this guide helped expand your knowledge of CBG, feel free to leave a comment or share this article.
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