What is CBG? The Lowdown on CBG Benefits, Origins, and More

What’s the big deal about cannabigerol? Also known as CBG, this compound has made a splash recently in cannabis circles. But why all the buzz? What is CBG exactly? And what’s more, could we take advantage of any benefits CBG may offer?Buckle up. We’re going to answer those questions, and a few more, in this post.

Background: What is CBG?

So many cannabinoids exist (more than 100, in fact) that one of your first questions might be “what is CBG?” CBG, like both THC and CBD, is a member of the cannabinoid family of organic compounds. Cannabis plants develop these compounds naturally throughout their lifecycle.Specifically, CBG appears to be a precursor molecule to other cannabinoids. You can find CBD most abundantly in young cannabis plants. As these plants mature, CBG transforms into other cannabinoids, such as THCa (which is then converted to THC when heat is applied).However, unlike its more famous cannabinoid cousin, THC, CBG doesn’t appear to have any psychoactive properties. In other words, it won’t make you feel “high.” Instead, CBG may have a variety of possible beneficial effects.

CBG Benefits, Decoded

Like other members of the cannabinoid family of compounds, CBG may demonstrate several possible benefits. CBG may be able to help alleviate several maladies, including:Infections: A 2020 study released by the American Chemical Society seems to indicate that CBG may possess significant antibacterial properties. Researchers discovered that methicillin-resistant streptococcus aureus (MRSA) couldn’t stand up to CBG. That’s significant, and worth further study to confirm, since antibacterial-resistant diseases could pose a significant risk to the world as we know it in the future.Glaucoma: Some research suggests that CBG may be able to reduce intraocular pressure (IOC). Since IOC is one of the main issues behind glaucoma, CBG appears to have the potential to reduce problems associated with this condition.Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): a team of Italian researchers discovered that CBG could possess some specific anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, they discovered that CBG could help people suffering from IBD find relief.These CBG findings appear promising. Research is still in its early stages, though. As a result, most researchers won’t say that CBG definitively has these benefits. We’ll need more data before we can say that with confidence.

How Does CBG Work?

All cannabinoids exert their effects on the body by binding with receptors in the central nervous system. More specifically, in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Your body normally uses these self-made endocannabinoids to bind with ECS receptors and trigger some kind of outcome. Cannabinoids can “hack” these receptors by imitating endocannabinoids and triggering them. CBG works the same way.Specifically, research suggests that CBG appears to bind with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, but most readily with CB2 receptors, found throughout the body. They appear to have some control over inflammation and immune system response. Binding with these CB2 receptors likely provides CBG with its possible benefits.

How to Use CBG

Interested in trying CBG for yourself? You have plenty of options. The most common might involve using CBG-infused oil. Some edibles and vape cartridges also contain CBG, in addition to other cannabinoids.You can find a variety of CBG products, not to mention regular cannabis flower, concentrates, edibles, and more, at one of LA’s top dispensaries. And if you’re too busy researching cannabinoids to stop by, you can even bring the dispensary to you with delivery options.Links:More than 100 cannabinoids:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5741114/CBG psychoactivity:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4987683/CBG MRSAhttps://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00419CBG Glaucoma:https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jop.1990.6.259CBG IBD:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006295213000543?via%3Dihub How CBG Works:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6021502/CB2 Receptors:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5075023/