People are becoming increasingly familiar with some of the more well-known compounds from the cannabis plant, but there’s a lesser-known compound known as cannabigerol (CBG) that is showing great promise with a number of health-related concerns. So what is CBG? And is CBG better than other cannabinoids?
Let’s start with what cannabinoids are and how these compounds affect the human body.
What are cannabinoids?
There are essentially two main types of cannabinoids—endogenous cannabinoids, which are produced naturally in the human body, and exogenous cannabinoids. Exogenous cannabinoids are also referred to as phytocannabinoids because they come from the cannabis sativa plant (better known as marijuana or hemp).
Both endogenous cannabinoids and exogenous cannabinoids bind with receptors in the human brain and throughout the body, producing reactions that may influence health and wellbeing in significant ways.
It is estimated that there are over 480 different compounds present in the plant. About 150 are considered cannabinoids, but as research continues, more cannabinoids are likely to be confirmed.
What is cannabigerol?
When the cannabis plant is young, CBG-A (the acidic form of the compound) is the predominant compound. CBG-A is then converted into one of the other cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant such as CBG and other compounds. For this reason, it is often referred to as “the mother of all cannabinoids”.
As with the better-known compound, cannabigerol is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high. Cannabigerol bonds with the same receptors in the endocannabinoid system of the body as other more popular compounds, although they appear to have different effects.
Potential CBG effects
Current research suggests that cannabigerol may bring relief for a wide array of issues. It is thought that CBG influences the function of neurotransmitters that play a role in pleasure, motivation, and pain. Cannabigerol has been found to boost dopamine levels, which can help alleviate depression, sleep disorders, and dysregulated appetite.
A recent study published in September 2021, of which Dr Russo was a co-author, is the first of its kind to assess cannabigerol use patterns. The survey found that most participants were attempting to address problems with sleep, aches and pains, and mood. In fact, 73.9 percent of participants in the survey claimed their situation was more improved with fewer side effects than conventional medicines. The study clearly indicates that more research is needed about how CBG acts differently than other cannabinoids.
Cannabigerol has great potential. It has shown very positive results in fighting depression, anxiety, chronic pain and insomnia.
—DR. ETHAN RUSSO
How cannabigerol works with the endocannabinoid system
The role of the endocannabinoid system is to create a state of balance in the human body. When a physiological system is out of balance—the immune system or chronic pain or inflammation, for example—the endocannabinoid receptors bind to the available cannabinoids to help address the problem.
CB1 receptors are found primarily in the nervous system and brain. CB2 receptors are located mainly in the cells of the immune system. Cannabigerol binds with these receptors to help influence specific physiological processes.
CBG is thought to bond primarily with CB2 receptors, although in higher concentrations may help to block unwanted effects from other compounds. This synergistic effect is what’s known as the entourage effect.
How cannabigerol and terpenes promote wellness
Terpenes—aromatic plant essences—also can influence our sense of wellbeing. Think about the relaxing scent of a bouquet of lavender, the grounding of pine needles, or the energizing zest of lemon. These aromas influence our brains through terpenes specific to that plant.
When terpenes are combined for effect with cannabinoids like CBG and CBN, and others, the effect of those cannabinoids can be fine-tuned and amplified.
CBG-Infused Daygold Plant Blends
Daygold Plant Blends are physician-formulated to promote wellness. Our Easy Relief and Calm Mind blends offer CBG and other compounds from the hemp plant to provide optimal results. Our Restful Night blend also contains CBN for added benefit. Each formulation has its own custom terpene blend that not only is pleasing to the nose and taste buds, but also activates the cannabinoid compounds for specific benefit.