Cannabigerol (CBG) is a lesser-known cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts, THC and CBD. Despite its relatively low profile, CBG has gained attention recently for its potential therapeutic benefits. So why haven’t you heard much about CBG, and how does it work?
Continuing from part one of this series, this article will explore the reasons behind CBG’s obscurity and how it works.
Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system, responsible for maintaining homeostasis and overall balance. There are over 100 known cannabinoids, with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) being the most prevalent and widely studied.
CBG is found in much lower concentrations in most cannabis strains, typically less than 1%. This is because CBG is the precursor to other cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. As the cannabis plant matures, enzymes in the plant break down CBG, converting it into other cannabinoids. This process explains why mature plants usually have a low amount of CBG.
Due to its low concentration and the fact that it has only recently gained attention, there has been less research on CBG compared to THC and CBD. As a result, CBG is not as well-known or widely discussed, despite its potential therapeutic benefits.
Like other cannabinoids, CBG interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system responsible for regulating various physiological processes, including mood, sleep, appetite, pain, and immune system response. The ECS consists of three main components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.
Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds in our body, similar in structure to the cannabinoids found in cannabis. The two primary endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These endocannabinoids bind to receptors—primarily CB1 and CB2—found throughout the body, influencing various functions and processes.
CBG is unique because it has a high affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors, acting as a partial agonist. This means it can bind to these receptors and activate them, albeit with less intensity than a full agonist like THC.
Additionally, CBG has been shown to inhibit the uptake of anandamide, an endocannabinoid that plays a role in pain, mood, and appetite regulation. By increasing anandamide levels, CBG may have potential therapeutic effects.
The answer is both medical and recreational users. Medical users tend to be more aware of the potential therapeutic benefits of CBG and have been using it to treat a variety of ailments.
For instance, CBG is being studied for its potential use in treating chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, nausea, and cancer. Recreational users are also drawn to CBG for its non-intoxicating effects, allowing a more mellow experience than other cannabinoids.
In addition to medical and recreational users, CBG is also being used by researchers and scientists. Researchers are studying CBG’s potential therapeutic benefits, while scientists are looking into ways to increase the concentration of CBG in cannabis plants.
This is important because the concentration of CBG in cannabis plants is relatively low, meaning it can be difficult to extract in large quantities.
As research continues to uncover the potential of CBG, its popularity is sure to grow even further. CBG has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic applications, from anti-inflammatory to anti-anxiety.
In addition, it is believed to provide relief from many ailments treated with CBD, such as pain and inflammation, without the intoxicating effects. While more research is needed to understand the potential of CBG fully, its potential is encouraging, and its popularity will continue to rise.
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Please note: This blog post reflects historical data predating recent changes in cannabinoid laws, medical cannabis regulations, and some of our best CBD product names, strengths, and formulations. These historical blogs remain as a reference post our website update, but they might contain outdated information. Discover our updated CBD and legal cannabinoid products for the best CBD experience.
