What is CBG & What’s It Used For?

The cannabis plant contains a variety of cannabinoids, which are compounds that researchers have discovered provide many benefits to users. Some compounds are more well-known than others.

While we all know about THC, another cannabinoid is stepping into the spotlight. Perhaps you have heard of it. It’s called CBG. It’s not as well known as THC or CBD, but more dispensaries and herbal medicine shops are starting to carry products with CBG due to popular demand. Here’s our educational guide to CBG and how people who consume it typically use this important compound from the cannabis plant.

What is CBG?

CBG stands for cannabigerol. You can think of it as the parent cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. As the cannabis plant develops, an acidic form of CBG called CBGA forms. The cannabinoids THC and CBD both derive from the parent compound’s CBGA.

Cannabis strains that are high in CBG include Jack Frost CBG, Super Glue CBG, and White CBG. 

Possible Medical Benefits of CBG

First, you should know that we are not doctors. Always consult your primary care provider prior to taking CBG. 

Cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and CBG work by attaching to special receptors in the body. The CB1 receptor is located in people’s central nervous systems, while CB2 receptors are in the immune system. Scientists have found that CBG acts on both CB1 and CB2 receptors but does not cause the psychoactive properties as TCH, as noted by a report in Women’s Health. It indicated that CBG might help reduce feelings of anxiety and paranoia that sometimes occur when individuals consume products containing large amounts of THC.

Researchers think CBG helps boost the function of a neurotransmitter called anandamide, which is involved in regulating your appetite and sleep and helps to curb pain while improving pleasure.

How is CBG Consumed?

People consume CBG by smoking or vaporizing cannabis flowers as well as by vaporizing concentrated oils or using a tincture absorbed under the tongue. If you are interested in trying CBG, CBG oil is a great place to start. Using a potent extract and an easy-to-dose dropper, beginners often find oils easiest to use.

Benefits of CBG

As noted by Leafly, potential benefits of CBG include:

• Reduce intraocular pressure in the eye to treat glaucoma.
• Protect neurons in experiments on mice with Huntington’s disease.
• Decrease inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (mouse experiments).
• Inhibit the growth of colorectal cancer cells (as tested in mice).
• Battle bacteria, such as MRSA (Staphylococcus aureus), with research based on skin infection treatments dating back to the 1950s.
• Help with bladder dysfunction problems, with CBG being tested to inhibit contractions of bladder muscles.

Is CBG Right For You?

If the potential benefits of cannabigerol have caught your interest, you may want to try using it as part of your wellness regimen. Of course, it’s a good idea to consult with your primary health care provider for guidance if you have any questions about CBG. You can obtain CBG products at a local dispensary when you’re ready to try this cannabis compound yourself.