In the constantly evolving world of cannabis and its derivatives, a new star is rising on the horizon: CBG. This cannabinoid is gaining traction for its unique properties and potential health benefits. Let’s dive into the world of CBG, exploring what it is, how it works, and why it might just be the next big thing in wellness.
CBG: The Mother of Cannabinoids
So the reason that scientists have called it the ‘mother of all cannabinoids’, is because all other cannabinoids, from THC and CBD to CBN and dozens of others, are made from cannabigerolic acid, sometimes called CBGA. The CBG acid transforms as the plant grows, becoming these other, more familiar molecules.
How CBG Works
CBG interacts with the human body through something called the endocannabinoid system. That system is already inside of your body. When you consume CBG it binds to CB1 receptors, which are located in the nervous system, and also binds to the CB2 receptors, which are located in the immune system. This interaction might have an influence on pain, inflammation and mood.
Potential Health Benefits of CBG
Although it’s still in the early stages of research, CBG appears to have some promising applications: 1.
- Pain Relief
- Neuroprotective
- Anti-inflammatory Effects
- Appetite Stimulation
- Anxiety and Depression
- Glaucoma
- Cancer
- Bacterial infection
CBG vs. CBD
Although CBG and CBD do share some characteristics, including a lack of intoxicating effects and some therapeutic properties, they differ in their molecular structure and proportions within cannabis plants. CBD is far more common and better characterized than CBG, which is exceedingly rare.
Consumption and Availability
CBG can be found as oil or tincture, or in gummies, capsules and topical lotions. Meanwhile, because of its scarcity, CBG products might also cost significantly more than comparable CBD products. Also, it is important to select third-party tested CBG products.
Something else to consider is organic CBG as it has been gaining popularity for valid reasons. Its production is aligned with a growing global emphasis on health, safety, and environmental sustainability. While non-organic CBG products may still offer benefits, the organic variant stands out for its purity, enhanced quality, ecological benefits, and ethical production. As the market for CBG continues to evolve, the demand for organic options is likely to grow, reflecting a broader trend towards organic products in various sectors.
The Legal Landscape
In the ever-evolving Legal Landscape, it’s crucial to understand the status of CBG, much like CBD, when derived from hemp (containing ≤0.3 percent THC). Federally, CBG is deemed legal in the US, yet local regulations can fluctuate. Thus, it’s imperative to conduct thorough research to grasp the nuances of your specific locale’s laws.
Moreover, CBG manifests in various forms, including oil or tincture, as well as in the delightful options of CBG gummies, capsules, and topical lotions. These diverse products cater to different preferences, ensuring accessibility and versatility within the CBG market.
The Future of CBG
As interest increases, CBG production is only going to increase and research is going to expand into what benefits it may offer. In the future, it might find itself becoming a requirement of the wellness and medical space, truly bringing about new levels of treatments and relief for different ailments.
The Science Behind CBG
CBG that binds with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) could be therapeutically effective. The endocannabinoid system is involved in regulating a wide variety of physiological processes, such as pain sensation, mood and immune system function. Within this system, CBG binds both to a group of cannabinoid receptors called CB1, and CB2, which interact and influence a wide variety of physiological functions. Binding with these receptors is thought to contribute to CBG’s potential as a therapeutic.
Therapeutic Potential of CBG
While research is just beginning, preliminary studies and anecdotal results suggest that CBG could become an excellent therapeutic compound. Here are some possible areas of focus:
- Neurological Disorders
- Gastrointestinal disorder
- Eye Health
- Research into Cancer
- Antibacterial/Antimicrobial
CBG in Mental Health
New research indicates it could be useful in treating mental health as well. Because CBG has no psych activity – unlike its cousin, THC – it seems to influence anxiety and depression in a positive direction, attracting the attention of psychiatrists. It also has no psychotropic effects, making it a promising option for those wanting relief without ‘getting high’.
CBG in Pain Management
Perhaps the most hopeful CBG area of study is for more than just providing a less intoxicating high; in fact, it could offer an alternative for these solution-seekers suffering from pain conditions. Unlike opioid narcotics, which don’t actually reduce inflammation in the body and rather gain their effectiveness through a pain-numbing property, CBG works through the ECS and has some potential to act on inflammation. It could be just the thing people need to take the edge off of chronic pain.
Challenges and Opportunities in CBG Research
Its unique qualities mean that it’s rare for hemp cultivars to produce more than a few percent CBG. Rarity equals cost. Interest in CBG is growing not only among hemp cultivators, but also increasingly in the cannabis space, and this in turn will incentivize more growth, leading to commercial development of more CBG products. Breeding techniques and extraction methods are likely to improve over time as well and result in a greater percentage of CBG in hemp cultivars.
CBG vs. Other Cannabinoids
If CBD, both as a botanical medicine and as a standalone product, has been a dominant figure over the past couple of years, then CBG is a different horse in that it interfaces with the ECS in distinct (but complementary!) ways. Devoid of intoxicating side effects, unlike THC, it is less likely to trigger the warning signals some traditional medical experts use to deride cannabis itself.
The Future of CBG in Wellness
With the wellness industry moving towards natural, holistic solutions, CBG is poised to become an increasingly important cannabinoid as users and medical communities embrace the potential benefits for holistic wellbeing, whether that’s in improving mood, gaining more restful sleep or managing pain and stress.
Conclusion
CBG has a niche, and should also have a growing place in our natural wellness playbook. As scientists continue to explore its properties and range of possible benefits, I predict we will see a lot more CBG out in the world. Wellness warriors and anyone interested in medicinal alternatives should take note.
