Researchers are expending more time and effort investigating cannabis and major cannabinoids like CBD and THC; as a result, minor cannabinoids are being discovered as another form of alternative medicine. After looking into CBN and how its effects compare to popular CBD treatments, we now turn to cannabigerol (CBG), known as the mother of all cannabinoids.

What is CBG?

 Though it appears in lower concentrations in the cannabis plant, CBG plays a vital role in the formation of major cannabinoids. The compound starts out as cannabigerolic acid (CBGa) and transforms into other acids that later become CBD and THC when exposed to heat or light. This is why chemical concentrations are higher when there is a greater presence of CBG in the plant. When it comes to CBG’s benefits and side effects, research is still very limited, but preliminary findings have shown it can be as useful as a major cannabinoid and highly similar to CBD.

What are the benefits of CBG?

 Like the comparison of CBN to CBD, CBD and CBG also share similar benefits like cancer symptom relief, anti-anxiety and anti-inflammation properties, and neuroprotection; however, the complete list of CBG’s effects is still being written. Uniquely, early clinical research shows CBG could be a potential antibiotic for bacterial infections like MRSA, which can cause staph infections. Another distinct use may be for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases and bladder issues.

CBD vs. CBG: Similarities

 Both cannabinoids can provide relief without the intoxicating effects of THC, making both compounds federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Studies have also shown their effects intensify when CBD and CBG are used together, though the two can balance adverse side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Both chemicals can be found in broad-spectrum CBD oils, which are made with all cannabinoids found in cannabis except for psychoactive THC. If looking for a purer form of CBG, it can also be found as an isolate containing no other compounds. Both chemicals can be taken sublingually, orally or topically.

CBD vs. CBG: Differences

 Despite many similarities, there are a few differences to note between these chemicals starting with the amount found in cannabis. Most plants contain just 1% of CBG, compared to an estimated 25% of CBD. The smaller quantity restricts research, extraction and production, making products much more expensive and harder to find due to the shorter supply.

CBD and CBG have been linked as both cannabinoids can offer similar benefits. There has been well-documented CBD research, while CBG investigation is still very limited. Aside from the shared effects with CBD, early studies have indicated CBG can uniquely treat gastrointestinal diseases and has antibacterial properties. As researchers have yet to determine its long-term side effects, drug interactions and safety, it is recommended that users understand study is still ongoing when looking for treatment.

Websites

Benton, Emilia. “Love CBD? Then You Need to Get Caught up on CBG, the next Buzzy Cannabinoid.” Women's Health, Women's Health, 2 Nov. 2021, https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a33405455/what-is-cbg/.

“MRSA.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 Feb. 2019, https://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/index.html.

Nachnani, Rahul, et al. “The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol.” Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 1 Feb. 2021, https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/376/2/204.

Ohwovoriole, Toketemu. “What Is Cannabigerol (CBG)?” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 10 Dec. 2021, https://www.verywellmind.com/cannabigerol-cbg-uses-and-benefits-5085266#:~:text=Broad%2Dspectrum%20CBD%20oils%20contain,it%20doesn't%20include%20THC.