What is CBG?

CBG, being a lesser-known cannabinoid than CBD, also has very interesting properties. It is more difficult to obtain, because either it is produced in smaller quantities than CBD, or it must be obtained from special plants, intended for the production of this cannabinoid.

What is CBG and what are its effects?

CBG stands for cannabigerol. CBG is a derivative of the cannabis plant that has a number of beneficial properties, which is why it’s becoming increasingly popular. In recent years, a new industry has developed around legal cannabinoids, thanks to the rise in popularity of CBD. However, CBG, which is a lesser-known substance, can also provide multiple benefits.

What is CBG?

CBG is a compound produced by all cannabis plants, which has no psychotropic effects. Although it was discovered in 1964 by Raphael Mechoulam¹, the father of cannabis research, it had not been studied in depth until recently. CBG is the fundamental parent molecule of THC and CBD, so without it, these cannabinoids wouldn’t exist. In other words, both THC and CBD are derived directly from cannabigerol. CBG is usually found in very low amounts in cannabis plants, at levels of around 1%. This is because, as the plants develop, this compound is transformed into other types of cannabinoids, remaining in the plants in trace amounts. However, relatively recently, in 2019, a group of researchers at the Polytechnic University of Valencia managed to obtain a plant rich in CBG, by eliminating the elements that facilitate the transformation of this cannabinoid into other cannabinoids. This variety of cannabis yields CBG levels of over 15%, which means it can be successfully isolated. As a result of this discovery, other CBG-rich cannabis strains have emerged. Contrary to what you might think, neither these nor the original variety have been obtained through genetic engineering techniques, meaning that they’re not genetically modified cannabis. Quite the opposite, as they’ve been obtained through the selection and subsequent crossing of strains that naturally produce high amounts of CBG. In this way, the specimens obtained from the crosses have more and more CBG until a specimen is produced with the desired levels of this cannabinoid.

Effects of CBG

This cannabis derivative has many beneficial properties. It’s considered analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antibacterial, neuroprotective, an appetite regulator, and anti-tumour. In 2021, researchers at several American universities conducted a survey asking users of CBG-rich cannabis strains about their use. Some 40% of users who used it for medical purposes did so to alleviate chronic pain². One of the benefits attributed to this cannabinoid is its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. CBG has been shown in experimental models to have the ability to inhibit the activity of the enzyme responsible for the inflammatory response. For this reason, it’s thought to have anti-inflammatory as well as analgesic properties³. In addition, several studies suggest that CBG may have anxiolytic properties and potential antidepressant properties. Several experimental models support these results, although more research is needed⁴. According to the discoverer of CBG (R. Mechoulam), CBG has antibacterial properties that are superior to those of THC and CBD, as it’s effective against bacteria, mycobacteria, and fungi⁵. In addition, this cannabinoid has also been shown to be effective against bacteria resistant to traditional antibiotics, such as Staphylococcus aureus⁶. Another study published in 2012 suggested that CBG may have neuroprotective properties that could be useful in the treatment of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis⁷. A year later, in 2013, further research provided the first evidence that CBG has the ability to stimulate appetite. This suggests that this ability could be useful in the treatment of certain types of anorexia, such as that associated with cancer⁸. It has also been reported that CBG reduces the proliferation of certain types of cancer, such as lung, prostate, and colorectal cancer, among others⁹. As always, at The Tree CBD, we remind you that these are just studies and many of them have been carried out with experimental models. Therefore, it’s important to remember that CBG products aren’t intended for the diagnosis, treatment, or curing of any disease. We always recommend that you consult a doctor on a case-by-case basis, and follow the recommendations given to you by your medical specialist.

CBG or CBD?

Many users have doubts about whether they should opt for CBG or CBD, or combine both cannabinoids. The truth is that this is a rather personal matter that depends on each case. Knowing the properties of both, it’s worth highlighting the antibacterial and appetite-stimulating properties of CBG, which would be greater than those of CBD. In addition, the anxiolytic properties of CBD are worth noting, as well as its potential to help you rest better. The combination of both cannabinoids usually results in a synergistic effect, which enhances the effects of both cannabinoids.

References

Gaoni, Y., & Mechoulam, R. (1964). Isolation, structure, and partial synthesis of an active constituent of hashish. Journal of the American chemical society, 86(8), 1646-1647.
Russo, E. B., Cuttler, C., Cooper, Z. D., Stueber, A., Whiteley, V. L., & Sexton, M. (2021). Survey of Patients Employing Cannabigerol-Predominant Cannabis Preparations: Perceived Medical Effects, Adverse Events, and Withdrawal Symptoms. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
Formukong, E. A., Evans, A. T., & Evans, F. J. (1988). Analgesic and antiinflammatory activity of constituents of Cannabis sativa L. Inflammation, 12(4), 361-371.
Deiana, S. (2017). Potential medical uses of cannabigerol: a brief overview. Handbook of Cannabis and Related Pathologies, 958-967.
Ibid.
Appendino, G., Gibbons, S., Giana, A., Pagani, A., Grassi, G., Stavri, M., … & Rahman, M. M. (2008). Antibacterial cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa: a structure− activity study. Journal of natural products, 71(8), 1427-1430.
Granja, A. G., Carrillo-Salinas, F., Pagani, A., Gómez-Cañas, M., Negri, R., Navarrete, C., … & Muñoz, E. (2012). A cannabigerol quinone alleviates neuroinflammation in a chronic model of multiple sclerosis. Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, 7(4), 1002-1016.
Brierley, D. I., Whalley, B. J., & Williams, C. M. (2013). Modulation of feeding behaviour by the non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid cannabigerol. Proceedings of Pharmacology, 2013. London: British Pharmacological Society.
Ligresti, A., Moriello, A. S., Starowicz, K., Matias, I., Pisanti, S., De Petrocellis, L., … & Di Marzo, V. (2006). Antitumor activity of plant cannabinoids with emphasis on the effect of cannabidiol on human breast carcinoma. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 318(3), 1375-1387.

Frequently asked questions about what CBG is

How do you take CBG?

There are many products that contain this cannabinoid. CBG oil, for example, is very similar to CBD oil, and can be used in the same way. These oils can also be combined to achieve a synergistic effect of both cannabinoids. Moreover, both CBG-rich flowers and CBG hash are also very popular products in countries where the consumption of these products is legal. In Europe, they’re sold for use as collectibles or for aromatherapy purposes. Therefore, any other form of use would be considered misuse.

How is the CBG dosage calculated?

The suitable CBG dosage for each user depends on a number of factors, such as intended use, the user’s weight, the type of CBG product, etc. It’s best to follow the same recommendations for the consumption of this cannabinoid as for CBD. Thanks to our CBD dosage calculator, you can find out the optimal amount of CBG for any specific case.

Is CBG legal?

As with CBD, there’s no law specifically prohibiting its use. However, as you probably know, any cannabis derivative has a legal THC limit, which in most European countries is around 0.2%. Therefore, CBD products are legal as long as they don’t exceed this limit. However, not all forms of CBD consumption are legal in all countries. In Europe, for example, hemp flowers, regardless of whether they contain CBG or CBD, can’t be consumed, as they can only be collected or used for aromatherapy purposes.