What does CBG do for you? How does it work with CBD?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a cannabinoid, it’s one of the many chemicals found in cannabis plants. While the most well-known cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), there’s been an increasing interest in the potential benefits of CBG more recently. 

CBG is viewed to be the precursor to other cannabinoids. This is because CBG-A, the acidic form of CBG, breaks down to form CBG, CBD, THC, and CBC (cannabichromene, another cannabinoid) when heated.

CBG is found in smaller quantities than other cannabinoids in cannabis plants. In most strains of the plant, only 1% of CBG can be found, compared to 20 to 25% of CBD or 25 to 30% of THC.1

This makes consumer products derived from cannabinoids rare and often expensive. However, CBG is growing in popularity because of the many potential benefits the cannabinoid offers. 

In this article, we will talk about CBG, how it compares to CBD, how it works, and affects the body. We will also consider the side effects of CBG and its benefits.

While you may not have heard about CBG, it is emerging and growing in popularity. Humans have reaped its benefits for millennia, in both cannabis and hemp plants. 

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a type of cannabinoid obtained from the cannabis plant. It is often referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids. This is because other cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), an acid form of CBG.

CBD and CBG are both non-intoxicating cannabinoids, which means that they won't get you high. They also both interact with the same receptors in the body. According to a 2018 study, they appear to have anti-inflammatory effects1.

However, CDB seems to have some separate functions and health benefits from CBD. The main difference between CBD and CBD comes down to the level of research available.

However, with CBD becoming more popular, there's a high likelihood of research being done on it.

CBG is processed by the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is made up of molecules and receptors in our bodies that are responsible for keeping our bodies in an optimal state regardless of what’s going on in our external environment.

In our bodies, CBG imitates endocannabinoids, the natural compounds our body makes. 

Our body contains two types of cannabinoid receptors—CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found in the nervous system and brain, while CB2 receptors are located in the immune system and other areas of the body.

CBG works by binding to both receptors where it’s thought to strengthen the function of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in enhancing pleasure and motivation, regulating appetite and sleep, and alleviating pain. Unlike THC, CBG has no psychotropic effects, so it will not give you a high. 

Not so much is known about the side effects of CBG oil or other forms of CBG. So far, it seems to be well tolerated by rats2, but there’s not enough research to say much about the potential side effects it might have on humans.

Very little is known about CBG and how it might interact with medical prescriptions, as well as vitamins or supplements. 

If you are on any kind of medication, it is better to check with your health provider before using CBG products. This is even more important if you're on a medication that contains a grapefruit warning.

Medications that often have this warning include:

• antibiotics and antimicrobials
• anticancer medications
• antihistamines
• antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)
• blood pressure medications
• blood thinners
• cholesterol medications
• corticosteroids
• erectile dysfunction medications
• gastrointestinal (GI) medications, such as to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or nausea
• heart rhythm medications
• immunosuppressants
• mood medications, such as to treat anxiety, depression, or mood disorders
• pain medications
• prostate medications

CBD can affect how your body processes these medications. However, it is not certain that CBG has the same effect, but considering how similar it is to CBG, it is advisable to be on the safer side.

Despite its rather small numbers in mature weed buds, when used alone, CBG demonstrates several benefits to the human body. 

CBG, like CBD, is non-intoxicating and does not impart a high, despite its connection to THC. Research shows it can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors within the body’s endocannabinoid system, meaning it not only interacts directly with the body’s internal systems but can also counteract the effects of other cannabinoids, such as THC. 

The human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) keeps the body in a balanced state of homeostasis via innumerable receptors throughout limbs, organs, nerves, and systems (e.g., digestive, immune, reproductive, and more). 

A patient study in 2021 indicated a majority of patients found CBG-dominant products effective in treating their chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia, among other conditions 3. 

While there are still gaps to fill in the research on CBG, early findings indicate it has numerous health benefits: 

• minimizing intraocular pressure while acting as a vasodilator neuroprotectant. This makes it very effective for treating and managing symptoms of glaucoma. 
• Stimulating appetite, though studies have only been done on rats. This may help induce appetite in chronically ill patients or those who have lost their appetite from cancer treatments. 
• An agonist to alpha-2 receptors, which are primarily found in the nervous system and regulate blood pressure and heart rate, as well as sympathetic nervous system activity. By inhibiting them, CBG may be able to address symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. 
• High potential as a cancer inhibitor and treatment, including for breast, gastric, and colorectal cancer cells, and even glioblastoma brain tumors.  
• An antibacterial agent, even against bacterial strains resistant to other drugs. 
• Anti-inflammatory properties when tested on mice with induced colitis could prove an effective and holistic treatment for various inflammatory bowel diseases.
• An agonist to alpha-2 receptors, which are primarily found in the nervous system and regulate blood pressure and heart rate, as well as sympathetic nervous system activity. By inhibiting them, CBG may be able to address symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. 

There is much less research into the therapeutic benefits of CBG compared with CBD.

A 2020 review analyzed several studies on the therapeutic uses of CBG. It highlighted studies showing that it may be an effective treatment option for the following neurological disorders:

• Huntington’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• multiple sclerosis

The review also suggested that the anti-inflammatory properties of CBG may make it an effective treatment for IBD. One 2015 study stated that CBG could help reduce several symptoms of IBD.

Most people use CBG products at high doses and do not experience side effects. Those who do report side-effect symptoms that are very similar to CBD use when they've taken way too much.

Some of the possible common side effects of CBG include:

• Dizziness
• Changes in appetite
• Digestive system upset (stomach aches, nausea, diarrhea)
• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• Dry mouth

If you experience any of these symptoms from your CBG product, you should make sure you're purchasing CBG from a reputable source.

Since extracts from the hemp plant are such a new industry, some businesses are taking advantage of the lack of regulations and could be selling scam products or contaminated products.

In a broad view, CBG may seem like a variation of CBD, as they are both intoxicating and show similar anti-inflammatory characteristics. But there are specific differences that may influence how you consume each one separately from the other. 

CBD and CBG do not bind to the same receptors in the body, and also differ on a molecular level. Because CBG can bind to the same receptors as THC, it can potentially address issues that pertain to the nervous system, including conditions mentioned above, such as glaucoma, migraines, muscle soreness, etc.

On the other hand, CBD may be more effective for conditions relating to immunity and mood disorders.

Both CBD and CBG are considered to be safe, with few side effects. However, it's important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking either CBD or CBG for anxiety.

BATCH’s Gold Reserve Gummies are bursting with beneficial cannabinoids, including CBD, CBG, and more. Made with 100% organic hemp, these delicious gummies are infused with BATCH’s unique and highly effective full-spectrum CBD oil. 

With any of BATCH’s CBD products, you can enjoy the “entourage effect,” which is the synergistic and therapeutic interaction of all the natural cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. BATCH’s full-spectrum CBD products continually receive incredible reviews and are some of the top-performing CBD products available today. 

Not all CBG gummies are the same! 

Let's discuss the different types of best CBG gummies you will find around today.

CBG gummies that are full spectrum will contain all of the cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. This includes CBD, THC, and CBN. Full-spectrum gummies will provide you with the most benefits and will be the most effective for you.

Broad-spectrum gummies do not contain THC and will not provide you with the psychoactive effects of THC. However, they will still provide you with the benefits of CBG. If you are looking for gummies that will not make you high, then THC-free gummies are the best option for you.

CBD isolate is a type of CBD that has been isolated from all other cannabinoids. This means that it does not contain THC, CBN, or any other cannabinoid. CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD and will be the most effective for you.

Now that you know more about the different types of CBG gummies, you can make an informed decision about which type is right for you.

CBG is becoming increasingly popular, but research around it cannot be compared to other cannabis products. While it may offer several potential benefits, not much is known about its side effects or how it might interact with certain medications.

If you’re very excited about trying CBG, you might find it easier to find high-quality full-spectrum CBD oils, which should contain some CBG. Just make sure to check in with your healthcare provider first if you take any medications or have an underlying health condition.

Sources:

1. Navarro G, Varani K, Reyes-Resina I, Sánchez de Medina V, Rivas-Santisteban R, Sánchez-Carnerero Callado C, Vincenzi F, Casano S, Ferreiro-Vera C, Canela EI, Borea PA, Nadal X, Franco R. Cannabigerol Action at Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2Receptors and at CB1-CB2 Heteroreceptor Complexes. Front Pharmacol. 2018 Jun 21;9:632. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00632. PMID: 29977202; PMCID: PMC6021502.
2. Brierley DI, Samuels J, Duncan M, Whalley BJ, Williams CM. Cannabigerol is a novel, well-tolerated appetite stimulant in pre-satiated rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2016 Oct;233(19-20):3603-13. doi: 10.1007/s00213-016-4397-4. Epub 2016 Aug 9. PMID: 27503475; PMCID: PMC5021742.
3. Russo EB, Cuttler C, Cooper ZD, Stueber A, Whiteley VL, Sexton M. Survey of Patients Employing Cannabigerol-Predominant Cannabis Preparations: Perceived Medical Effects, Adverse Events, and Withdrawal Symptoms. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2022 Oct;7(5):706-716. doi: 10.1089/can.2021.0058. Epub 2021 Sep 27. PMID: 34569849; PMCID: PMC9587780.