You’ve Heard of CBD, but What Is CBG?

what is cbg

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Last Updated on November 15, 2023 by

Most people are already familiar with CBD, or cannabidiol—a market that’s expected to exceed $20 billion by 2024. CBD products are available as oils, tinctures, chocolates, beverages, lotions, and even pet treats! With all that we know about CBD, however, there’s still a lot to learn about cannabinoids and their many health benefits.

what is cbg

For starters, more people are asking, “What is CBG?” How is this cannabinoid different from the ever-popular CBD products available?

Keep reading to find the answers! In this guide, we’ll review everything you need to know about CBD benefits, CBG vs CBD, and more!

Set CBD aside and learn all about CBG with this helpful guide.

What is CBG?

The cannabis sativa plant contains overs 60 known cannabinoids. Today, most people are familiar with:

  • Cannabidiol (CBD)
  • Cannabichromene (CBC)
  • Cannabigerol (CBG)

These cannabinoids are substances that interact with your bod’s natural cannabinoid receptors. There are two main receptors: CB1 and CB2. 

While CB1 is connected with the body’s nervous system, CB2 is more commonly associated with inflammation throughout the body. 

Though CBG is one of the better-known cannabinoids, it only appears in small quantities within each plant. Scientists haven’t completely studied CBG’s entire range of benefits and effects, namely because of scarcity.

As the precursor to CBD, THC, and CBD, CBG is sometimes referred to as the stem cell. 

There are different forms of CBG to consider. For example, CBGA is an acidic, inactive form. Over time, this form changes and breaks apart.

Once it’s broken down, CBG becomes a base molecule. Other cannabinoids will form from this molecule, allowing CBGA to convert into THC and CBD. 

The Endocannabinoid System

The human body is made up of different systems responsible for different functions. One such system is the endocannabinoid system, which is designed to receive the compounds mentioned above. Your body uses CBD, CBC, CBG, and other cannabinoids to create harmony throughout the body. 

What is CBG, exactly?

Like other cannabinoids, CBG affects the body’s endocannabinoid system. Your body’s CB1 and CB2 regulators impact your neurohormones, which play a part with your:

  • Response to pain
  • Metabolism
  • Mood
  • Appetite
  • Sleep

Cannabinoids react to the receptors before activating a response. This response causes you to experience physiological changes. For example, a response might trigger mood swings or weight gain.

By taking CBG, you can potentially act on the receptors. CBD and CBG products can help stabilize your body, which can help you avoid these psychological changes. 

The body’s naturally-produced cannabinoids are called endocannabinoids. Two examples include Anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).

Meanwhile, the cannabis plant contains plant-based cannabinoids, which are called phytocannabinoids.

These include CBG, THC, and CBD. 

What’s the Difference?

Now that we’ve answered the question, “What is CBG?” let’s dive into how this cannabinoid differs from the others. 

One of the better-known differentiators is that THC is psychoactive, meaning it will get you high. CBD and CBG, on the other hand, don’t cause psychoactive effects. Neither will alter your state of mind, mental clarity, or day-to-day functionality. 

CBD

Instead, CBD is best known for its capacity to relieve pain and stabilize bodily responses like sleep. 

New products are emerging that demonstrate CBD’s potential ability to help patients in various ways. For example, researchers are focusing a lot of attention on CBD’s ability to prevent seizures. Their research even led to an FDA-approved pharmaceutical-grade CBD product called Sativex.

This product is designed to prevent seizures in children with epilepsy. 74.6% of patients using Sativex experienced reduced seizures and epilepsy symptoms.

CBD might also relieve inflammation, which is associated with:

  • Chronic pain
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Mouth sores

Over time, chronic inflammation might also contribute to certain health conditions. The inflammatory response can potentially damage your tissues, organs and healthy cells. This will lead to DNA damage and internal scarring.

Chronic inflammation is associated with:

  • Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s
  • Asthma
  • Obesity
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Heart disease
  • Cancer
  • Type 2 diabetes

By using CBD products, you can potentially reduce your risk of these health concerns. 

CBG

Like CBD, CBG isolate is non-psychoactive. However, scientists are still researching how CBG fully affects humans. For example, they’re exploring how different non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBG can offer clinical uses.

You can buy CBG isolate bulk to experience the benefits for yourself. 

For example, some reports suggest that CBG is a partial agonist for cannabinoid receptors. This means that CBG could serve purposes that differ from CBD’s known abilities. Though it’s possible CBG could help patients with other ailments, it’s also likely there’s some overlap.

For starters, CBG can alter your mind in a way that might help ease anxiety and depression symptoms. 

CBG could also help counteract the effects of THC the same way CBD is able to.

Like CBD, CBD is able to activate CB1 receptors. This ability means CBG can decrease psycho-activation, which allows CBD and CBG to help you counteract the “high” you experience from THC.

The (Potential) Health Benefits of CBG

It’s important to note that people react differently when they use CBD and CBD products. In other words, you might not experience every health benefit CBG has to offer. 

Now that you know what is CBG, let’s review how it can help your health. While these CBG benefits might sound promising, clinical trials are still underway as we strive to learn more about cannabinoids. 

Glaucoma Treatment

For starters, CBG might help treat patients with glaucoma by relieving intraocular pressure. While CBD can’t help glaucoma patients, THC can. Patients who prefer to avoid THC’s psychoactive effects use CBG to counteract the high. 

Researchers recently determined that CBG could also provide glaucoma patients with therapeutic relief. If you have glaucoma, make sure to speak with your doctor before replacing any medications. In fact, patients should continue taking their doctor-prescribed medication in addition to using CBG to experience positive effects. 

Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s response for fighting off injuries or illnesses. As mentioned above, inflammation can lead to other harmful medical conditions. The symptoms range from mild to severe depending on the level of inflammation.

Symptoms can also last for a few months to years at a time. 

CBG products could help reduce your body’s inflammation levels. By reducing inflammation throughout your body, you’re also reducing your risk of severe conditions like type 2 diabetes or heart disease. 

Inflammation can also cause skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Reducing inflammation could help clear up red and irritated skin. 

Colitis Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Some researchers are studying rats to determine if CBG can help patients with colitis. In one study, the positive results indicated that inflammatory bowel patients could manage:

  • Nausea
  • Joint pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Craps
  • Diarrhea
  • Low appetite levels
  • Weight loss

However, more research is still underway to determine if CB isolate can help as a course of treatment. 

GABA Reuptake

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring amino acid in your body. As a neurotransmitter, it encourages certain reactions throughout your brain. For example, GABA that’s attached to a GABA receptor can help your body relax.

The effects include reduced fear, anxiety, and stress levels.

In some cases, GABA reuptake can also prevent seizures.

Taking CBG can help inhibit GABA reuptake, which can relieve tension and help soothe sore muscles. This will also lead to a sensation of peace and calm.

GABA reuptake inhibitors are already used to treat patients with anxiety. By using CBG products, you can decrease GABA uptake and potentially decrease your anxiety levels as a result.

Cancer

As you explore the various CBG benefits, you might come across research regarding CBG’s ability to inhibit cancer cell growth.

In one study, researchers found that CBG could potentially slow a tumor’s progressive growth. Another study concluded plant-derived cannabinoids like CBD and CBG could help inhibit tumor progression.

CBG oil might have the ability to enhance fire-line therapy activity, too. However, research has so far only looked at a few forms of cancer, such as breast and colon cancer. 

Since CBG might help slow the progression of cancer cell growth, it also has the potential to offer cancer treatment. Currently, treatments such as chemotherapy cause uncomfortable effects, such as nausea. CBD could help stimulate appetite, reduce nausea, and help patients currently undergoing cancer treatment.

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Like CBD, CBG might also help in the fight against certain neurodegenerative diseases. So far, researchers have looked into CBG’s effect on both Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s disease. 

CBG might help normalize the expression of abnormal genes that are associated with cognitive degeneration and reduced brain function. As a result, CBG could potentially work as a neuroprotective compound. If successful, CBG would protect the brain from Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative conditions. 

Anxiety and Depression

CBG’s ability to act as a CB1 antagonist might also help patients with anxiety and depression. CBG might increase anandamide levels, which regulates your sleep, appetite, and mood.

By blocking serotonin receptors, CBG could work as an antidepressant. It’s power as a GABA uptake inhibitor could reduce anxiety levels, too. However, researchers are still exploring how CBG benefits these conditions. 

What is CBG?: Meeting the Cannabinoid That’s Making Waves

To recap, what is CBG? This cannabinoid is the future! By exploring CBG products, you can improve your mind, body, and overall health.

CBG isn’t the only item in style. Check out our Shop today for more ways to keep up with the latest trends.