Does CBG Oil Deserve Its Own Article? Your Conclusive Guide to Cannabigerol
Spoiler alert: we sure think CBG deserves its own article! There has been a growing interest in the cannabinoid during recent years, and it's easy to see why. Much like all other cannabinoids and compounds in the hemp plant, CBG is all-natural and has demonstrated some exciting potential benefits. This includes potentially helping to stimulate appetite and fight bacteria. Although further research is needed, we think that this warrants placing a spotlight on CBG!
When it comes to selecting a CBG product, things can become a little tricky, so keep reading for our helpful advice on purchasing a CBG product that’s best for you.
What is CBG?
So, what is CBG? Well, much like CBD, it's a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, sometimes referred to as the hemp plant. This cannabinoid has an interesting nickname, as it's often called the 'mother' of all cannabinoids. There is a good reason for this. All the cannabinoids in the plant are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), representing an acidic form of the CBG cannabinoid.
In comparison to the other cannabinoids in the plant, CBG is found in smaller quantities. Typically, 1% of CBG is present in the plant compared to 25% to 30% of THC and CBD, respectively. Therefore, in comparison to CBD, pure CBG products are difficult to come by, as the oil is generally in shorter supply and the market for them is much smaller.
How Does CBG Work in the Body?
So, how does CBG work in the body? This is where the endocannabinoid system (ECS) comes in. This is a system present in everyone's body, regardless of whether they use cannabinoid products or not. This system comprises receptors, cells, and molecules that work together to ensure that our body maintains the most optimal state possible, no matter what external stressors come into play. CBG can imitate the endocannabinoids in our body, which our body makes naturally.
There are also cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are located in our central nervous system (CNS) and our brain. CB2 receptors are primarily located in the immune system, among other areas within the body. CBG can bind to both of these receptors and potentially help to strengthen the neurotransmitter anandamide. This helps to regulate many vital functions, such as sleep, appetite and pain management.
Does CBG Cause Any Side Effects?
CBD is known to occasionally produce side effects for some people. For example, it can cause sickness, tiredness and a dry mouth. These will likely decrease once you find a dose that’s suitable for you. Currently, there simply isn’t enough research on humans to determine the possible side effects of CBG. However, it appears well-tolerated in animal models, which is encouraging. Further research is needed into the possible side effects of CBG. You should also be careful when taking certain medications, as the lack of research could pose a problem for some interactions.
How to Consume CBG
Due to the limited amount of CBG in the cannabis plant, pure CBG products can be costly and difficult to find. As always, you must source the most reputable products. This may take time, as you will need to do your research; however, it's completely worth your time. One top tip is to seek out products from companies that engage in third-party lab testing. This is an excellent way of discovering the ingredients (and their strengths) contained within a product.
More importantly, these findings are provided by a laboratory with no affiliation to the company manufacturing or selling the products. This means that you can trust the information provided. These findings should be easily accessible on the brand's website or sent to you via email. It's a sensible idea to avoid companies that don't partake in this type of testing or refuse to provide evidence of it.
If you're looking to reap the potential benefits of the CBG cannabinoid, then one of the best ways is to purchase a full-spectrum CBD product. This can be a good option for many reasons. Firstly, these types of products are easier to find. What's more, there's a variety of cannabinoids present in the final product. This raises the concept of the entourage effect – the idea that when all cannabinoids remain in their natural state, they work together in synergy. This can only be achieved through full-spectrum CBD products.
Here at PP Health, we recognise the full power of the hemp plant and the many reasons in favour of leaving it intact. This is why we utilise the gentle CO2 extraction process, which ensures that all delicate enzymes, vitamins, and cannabinoids are not subjected to heat. Our Gold Mild CBD Oil is diluted with organic olive oil, adding plenty of antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids to the final product.
The oil contains various cannabinoids (including CBG), such as cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabivarin (CBV) and CBD. You can alter your full-spectrum CBD experience to align it with your needs by purchasing it in the strength you require. Start with one or two drops of the oil to monitor how it makes you feel. The trial-and-error approach is best when it comes to figuring out your ideal dose.
When to Consume CBG
When it comes to consuming CBG oil or full-spectrum CBD oil, there's no set routine that you need to follow. This is a highly individual process, as you need to consider why you're supplementing it into your lifestyle. For example, if you want it to help manage your stress levels, it would make sense to consume it when you feel the need. On the other hand, some people prefer to supplement CBG more generally, in which case they may prefer to consume it as part of their routine.
For example, you could mix in CBG with your breakfast, as it can make a great addition to a healthy bowl of porridge or oatmeal. It also helps you remember to take your daily dose! Of course, adding the oil to your food means it will take longer for you to feel the possible benefits. The cannabinoids need to travel through your liver and digestive system before they are absorbed into your bloodstream. This is in contrast to consuming the oil sublingually, as you can typically feel the potential effects within ten minutes.
CBG vs CBD
As research begins to expand, there will likely be more similarities and differences between CBG and CBD to report. In terms of their similarities, they are both non-intoxicating and aren't thought to negatively alter mood. Furthermore, they both interact with the receptors in the body and may offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
In terms of their differences, there's a much higher content of CBD in the plant in comparison to CBG. Hence it can be challenging to find a reputable CBG product. CBG may also provide some different benefits in comparison to CBD. Overall, further research is needed into CBG to compare the two cannabinoids more effectively. Ironically, the amount of scientific research and attention is one of the main differences between CBD and CBG.
The Potential Benefits of CBG
Now, let’s get into one of the most frequently asked questions surrounding CBG, which is “what are the benefits of CBG?” Similar to CBD, CBG shows potential in different areas of wellness. Let’s take a look at some of the main focus areas of CBG investigation.
Antibacterial Properties
CBG has shown potential as an antibacterial agent. For example, research from 2008 indicates that CBG can kill harmful bacteria, specifically methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This type of bacteria can cause staph infections resistant to drug treatment. Staph infections can cause sore, red patches of skin, crusts and blisters. They are typically treated by a course of antibiotics. Occasionally, this condition can worsen and become life-threatening.
One further study published in 2020 further confirmed this theory. This is extremely promising and warrants further investigation. Of course, CBG alone won't help to minimise infections. You should always practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and cleaning your living environment regularly.
Stimulating the Appetite
Appetite stimulation can be necessary for a variety of reasons. For instance, some illnesses and treatments will diminish appetite. This is particularly relevant in the case of chronic illness. Stress can also cause the appetite to diminish. We need a certain number of calories per day to function physically and mentally. One promising study on rats published in 2016 examined whether CBG could help to stimulate their appetite. The authors of the study concluded that CBG demonstrated a novel appetite stimulant in rats and was well-tolerated. This is promising and warrants further research into CBG as an appetite stimulant in humans.
Cancer Cells
One significant study published in 2014 examined the effects of CBG on colon cancer in rats. The researchers observed that the CBG cannabinoid showed potential in blocking the receptors linked to the growth of cancer cells. They also suggest that CBG shows promise in inhibiting the growth of colon cancer cells and may one day be considered to prevent the disease. However, it's important to note that this research is still in its very early stages.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is a fairly common condition that affects millions of people all over the world. There currently is no cure for it, meaning that conventional treatment focuses on symptom management. The symptoms can vary from weight loss, tiredness, diarrhoea and stomach pain. Sometimes the symptoms can go into remission; however, other times, they can flare-up. This can cause significant discomfort and suffering and make going about daily life difficult.
One study from 2013 examined the effects of CBG on mice. The same type of inflammation in people with IBD was induced in a group of mice’s colons. They were then provided with CBG. The researchers suggested that CBG could reduce the production of nitric oxide and inflammation in the colon. It could also reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in their intestines. This is beneficial as ROS can cause damage to cells. The authors of this study found the results promising enough to suggest that CBG could be legitimately considered for clinical experimentation in people with IBD.
The future of CBG for IBD is exciting and could potentially be used in conjunction with traditional treatments. These treatments include lifestyle changes, such as special diets and a regular exercise regimen. Depending on the severity of the condition, sometimes doctors will need to prescribe medications like antibiotics or steroids.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition when the optic nerve becomes damaged. It is typically caused by a build-up of fluid in the front of the eye. This fluid increases pressure and can lead to vision loss if the condition isn’t identified early. Interestingly, medicinal cannabis is often presented as an alternative treatment for some people with the condition.
CBG has also shown potential in helping to treat glaucoma. One 2008 study reports that CBG was able to reduce intraocular pressure. They administered CBG to rats with glaucoma and reported that the pressure in their eyes reduced and, in turn, helped to increase aqueous humour outflow. This is a type of fluid that the eye produces to help maintain normal pressure levels. If you experience the symptoms of glaucoma, then you must make an appointment with an eye specialist.
Possible Neuroprotective Properties
CBG may have neuroprotective properties. This is evident from one study from 2015, which examined the effects of CBG and other cannabinoids on mice with Huntington's disease. This is a neurodegenerative condition that causes the nerve cells in the brain to break down. The disease is passed down through the family if they have the gene that causes gradual damage to the brain. Symptoms include depression, problems with mobility, slurred speech, personality changes and issues with swallowing and breathing.
During the later stages of this illness, people typically need nursing care. The authors of this study suggested that CBG shows promise at treating neuroprotective conditions because it can act as a neuroprotectant. This means that it can prevent damage from occurring in the nerve cells in the brain. It was also noted that CBG helped to improve motor deficits. This is very promising research and indicates that further peer-reviewed research could help to confirm these findings and discover an appropriate dosage for neuroprotective conditions.
Bladder Health
One study that was published in 2015 examined how cannabinoids can affect the bladder. This study examined the following cannabinoids: CBD, CBG, CBDV, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and CBC on the contractions in mouse bladders. The authors report that CBG demonstrated the most promise out of the cannabinoids in treating dysfunctions in the bladder.
They also state that CBG could reduce the acetylcholine-induced contractions in human bladders. This is promising, as these contractions can sometimes cause discomfort and prevent the bladder from emptying fully and indicates that CBG could help maintain bladder health. Further research is needed to draw any firm conclusions surrounding this.
Managing Stress
Managing stress is vital for our overall well-being, as stress can negatively impact mental and physical health. For example, stress can make you feel sick, decrease your appetite, give you headaches and body aches. Mental symptoms of stress and anxious feelings can include difficulty concentrating and feeling on edge. Stress can occur for a range of reasons, and it can affect a wide range of people. For instance, the loss of a loved one, work issues and relationship breakdowns can all cause these symptoms to creep up on you.
Some people are interested in CBD for its potential in stress management; however, CBG may also be useful for helping to manage these feelings. Both cannabinoids contribute to inhibiting the breakdown of GABA (a neurotransmitter). GABA helps foster feelings of relaxation and helps the body in regulating its response to psychological stress. CBG could help take this further in its stress response, as it interacts with the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor.
One 2009 study suggests that CBG can inhibit the uptake of serotonin. This means that there would be an increase in its concentration in the brain, helping to regulate mood. Finally, CBG has been proven to exhibit an increase in analgesic (calming) effects compared to THC and an improved GABA reuptake inhibitor. In addition, it can also help to relax your muscles.
Therefore, CBG could prove a great supplement for your stress management routine. Other natural ways to manage your stress are through exercise, getting enough sleep, good social life and self-care practises. This can include massage, warm baths, reading and journaling. It’s all about finding what works for you.
Supporting a Healthy Metabolic Process
Some people can struggle in their quest to lose weight. This could be for various reasons, such as food addiction, pain, injuries and illnesses making it difficult to exercise. The good news is that a promising study reports that CBG demonstrated potential in positively affecting fat storage. This was specifically concerning adipocyte tissues in obesity. These findings were drawn from a computer simulation; however, it warrants further research into human and animal models. These could help to confirm that CBG can impact fat metabolism.
Final Thoughts
The majority of attention has been focused on the CBD and THC cannabinoids, as they take up more space in the plant. However, CBG can be regarded as the new and up and coming cannabinoid! This is especially relevant when it comes to full-spectrum CBD oil, as all of the compounds contribute to the full benefits of the plant, with CBG being one of the other key players. After all, CBG is the mother of all cannabinoids, and it's also non-psychoactive, meaning most people may safely consume it.
When it comes to selecting your CBG product, we highly recommend a full-spectrum CBD oil. It not only includes the other beneficial compounds from hemp, but it will also be far less costly than purchasing a pure CBG oil. Remember, always purchase from reputable companies that offer proof of third-party lab testing and have good reviews from previous customers.
We hope that you enjoyed learning about CBG and that you see why it deserves its very own article!
