Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are the two most well-known and discussed cannabinoids found in marijuana, of the hundreds that there are. THC and CBD also form part of the main cannabinoids in cannabis. Let us have a look at a lesser-known cannabinoid called Cannabigerol (CGB). CBG is essentially the parental cannabinoid of THC and CBD. This parental cannabinoid is also non-intoxicating, just like CBD.
This cannabinoid is vital to the production of THC and CBD. For explanation purposes, let’s call the CBG cannabinoid the Mother, seeing as though we use female plants for their flowers. The Mother produces an acid, CBGA, that acts as a precursor to the main cannabinoids and their respective acids found on the plant. The main cannabinoid acids are called THCA, CBDA, and CBCA (see below). Enzymes in the plant break down the CBG acid and direct the broken-down acid towards the main cannabinoid acids. After that, exposure to heat or an ultraviolet light turn those acids into the cannabinoids we love; THC and CBD.
CBG, just like CBD, is providing desirable results for medical conditions and illnesses. Although the current research is limited, the results are already promising. In a study, found on PubMed, they tested the effects of using cannabinoids for the treatment of glaucoma. It is thought that CBG is particularly effective in glaucoma. This is due to the fact that it acts as a vasodilator (opening blood vessels) and has neuroprotective effects (protection and preservation of neuronal structures and functions).
In recent studies as well as in animal studies, CBG has been found to aid in inflammatory bowel disease, Huntington’s disease, colorectal cancer cells, and bladder dysfunction disorders. Huntington’s disease is characterized by the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain. CGB has shown to protect neurons in this disease. Inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease can be reduced significantly with CBG.
CBG has also shown to block receptors that cause cancer growth cells and presented itself as a very exciting cure for colorectal (colon or rectum) cancer. It inhibited tumors as well as prohibiting the formation of cancer (carcinogenesis). Five different cannabinoids were tested on bladder contractions and CBG tested best. It inhibited muscle contractions which could be used for preventing bladder dysfunction disorders. CBG is also proving promising as an antidepressant.
In the majority of the cannabis strains, less than 1% can be found on the plants. In order for us to benefit from the medical properties of CBG, its’ quantity in the plants needs to increase. Breeders are currently experimenting with genetic manipulation and cross-breeding to increase its quantity. The more THC content there is on a plant, the less the CBD and CBG content and vice versa.
With CBG gaining more and more interest from medical professionals, breeders and users, we now have three cannabinoids that are each respectively extraordinary. There are hundreds of cannabinoids on this plant and limited studies done on their medical benefits. Imagine what we might find if we invested more resources into investigating this revolutionary plant. The shown benefits of CBG are specific but its medicinal value is life-saving. Who knows…This cannabinoid could possibly take the limelight from CBD.
Want to learn more about using CBG to soothe various conditions? Take a look at these posts:
Great article! Love the info packed writing. Very insightful and easy to grasp. Please keep them coming!
Thanks for sharing an informative Blog
“Do you prefer an indica or a sativa?” is typically the first question asked at a dispensary. Indica vs. sativa refers to the two main categories of cannabis strains. Both indicas and sativas differ in appearance and effects. Indicas are generally known for a sedating effect, while sativa strains are known for a cerebral high….
According to research, “Migraine is highly prevalent, affecting 12% of the population, attacking up to 17% of women and 6% of men yearly. Among children, it tends to happen more in girls than boys.” A migraine can be very disabling and last from hours to two or three days. Migraines are considered to be the…
PTSD can have far-reaching effects on health, functionality as well as on quality of living, which is why having access to effective treatment is so important. If you are living with PTSD or are living with someone who has PTSD, you would have first-hand experience with how challenging it can be getting through life on…
Up until recently, lack of cannabis education meant that people were blissfully unaware of the fact that the plant is not limited to just one strain and, therefore, does not produce just one type of effect. Fortunately, agricultural experimentation has led to the market exploding in terms of strains that can satisfy everyone, from beginners…
Using cannabis to help combat anxiety is a tricky business. Studies have given us significant evidence that cannabis can be used to help cope with anxiety and because anxiety is so common, that’s an extremely welcome piece of information. In fact, 72% of daily cannabis users reported consumption to relax or relieve tension and 58%…
Side hustle: Many of us have one (or more) to help make some extra for things we need and want in life—things…
Ohio introduced a legalization bill, cannabis and psilocybin could be the future of cancer care, and a ketamine company is looking to…
A bill was passed to legalize the possession and sharing of certain psychedelics for Californians aged 21 and above. The bill underwent…