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What is CBG: Effects, Benefits, Uses, & Legality

Medically Reviewed by Ciera Cammilleri

Often referred to as the "mother of cannabinoids," CBG is the foundational compound that gives rise to many other cannabinoids in cannabis. Its role at the heart of cannabis' therapeutic potential makes it a key player in the plant's medicinal and healing properties. While CBG itself is rare in mature cannabis plants, it has been found to offer powerful medicinal benefits, drawing increasing interest from researchers and medical professionals alike.

What You'll Learn

CBG is a unique cannabinoid with a wide range of potential benefits and uses. Though it's rare in mature cannabis plants, there's still much to discover about this remarkable molecule. In this article breakdown, you'll learn:

  • What CBG is
  • The significance of CBG as the "mother of all Cannabinoids"
  • The effects of CBG
  • How CBG can be used
  • The benefits of using CBG
  • Potential risks associated with CBG
  • The legality of CBG
  • Which cannabis strains are higher in CBG
  • How to find CBG in cannabis products

What is Cannabigerol (CBG)?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is often referred to as the "mother of all cannabinoids" because it plays a crucial role in the formation of other cannabinoids. Technically, CBG exists in its precursor form as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). When a young cannabis plant grows, it produces large amounts of CBGA. This compound then transforms into other cannabinoid acids like THCA, CBDA, and CBCA. When exposed to heat or UV light -usually from sunlight- they acids convert into CBG, THC, CBD, and CBC. However, after the production of these other cannabinoids, only a small amount of CBGA remains, making CBG quite rate in mature cannabis plants. This rarity is why CBG is considered a "minor" cannabinoid, despite its significant medicinal value. Since mature cannabis plants contain only trace amounts of CBG, it is often difficult to extract. Importantly, CBG is non-psychoactive. It won't cause a high or euphoria, but it does interact with various receptors in your endocannabinoid system, providing a range of potential effects and benefits.

What are the Effects of Cannabigerol (CBG)?

CBG has been extensively studied, and despite its rarity, it has shown a wide range of medical benefits. These effects are the result of specific biochemical reactions and receptor activations within the body. Let's dive into the effects of CBG and explore how they can be used both medically and in everyday life.

  • Reduces Inflammation and Pain - Like many cannabinoids, CBG helps reduce inflammation, offering significant pain-relief. It is particularly effective in addressing overactive inflammation, providing targeted relief for conditions like arthritis or inflammatory pain.
  • Stimulates GABA Production - CBG stimulates the production of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that helps slow brain activity, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep. GABA also aids in reducing muscle spasms, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing intraocular pressure (pressure inside your eyes that causes Glaucoma).
  • Reduces Free Radicals - CBG has antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals throughout your body and nervous system, offering protective benefits against oxidative stress and cellular damage.
  • Regulates Immune Responses - CBG plays a role in modulating the immune system, helping to balance overactive immune responses in conditions like gastrointestinal disorders and autoimmune diseases.
  • Prevents Tumor Cell Growth - CBG has been found to inhibit the TRPM8 receptor, which can prevent the proliferation of tumor cells, showing a promise in cancer research.
  • Stimulates Appetite - Unlike other cannabinoids that may cause the "munches", CBG can stimulate appetite in a more controlled way, which is especially beneficial for individuals with a suppressed appetite, helping them eat more comfortably and healthily.
  • Reduces Nausea - CBG has antiemetic properties, meaning it can suppress nausea and reduce vomiting, making it useful for individuals undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or those with motion sickness.

What is Cannabigerol (CBG) Used For?

With its diverse range of benefits, CBG has become a sought-after cannabinoid for medical use. Cannabis-knowledgeable doctors are already recommending it for a variety of conditions. Here is a look at some of the keyways CBG is being used in the medical field:

  • Decrease Anxiety - CBG's ability to stimulate GABA production makes it an effective option to help manage anxiety, offering relief with fewer side effects compared to traditional medications.
  • Improve Sleep - CBG is used to manage insomnia and other sleep disorders, helping to improve both the depth and quality of sleep.
  • Pain Management - CBG may help reduce inflammation and address the perception of chronic pain, making it a valuable tool for pain relief.
  • Inflammatory Conditions - CBG is effective in managing a variety of inflammation-related conditions, including arthritis and digestive disorders, by targeting the root cause of inflammation.
  • Autoimmune Conditions - Due to its immune-regulating effects, CBG can be helpful in managing mild autoimmune conditions, such as psoriasis and gastrointestinal issues, and may reduce the need for immunosuppressant medications.
  • Neuropathy Prevention - CBG is neuroprotective and shows promise in reducing the risk of or treating conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
  • GI Conditions - CBG can help manage gastrointestinal conditions caused by inflammation or overactive immune responses, providing relief for individuals with conditions like Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Blood Pressure Reduction - By promoting GABA production, CBG can help lower blood pressure, making it a potential option in managing hypertension.
  • Glaucoma Management - CBG's effects on GABA production have also been shown to reduce intraocular pressure, offering potential benefits for individuals with glaucoma.
  • Chemotherapy Support - CBG helps stimulate appetite and suppress nausea, improving the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
  • Anti-Cancer Potential - CBG has demonstrated the ability to inhibit the development of tumors and cancer cells, showing promise as part of cancer treatment research.

What are the Benefits of Cannabigerol (CBG)?

CBG offers a wide range of benefits, both for those seeking its medicinal properties and for those looking to enhance their daily cannabis experience. In addition to its therapeutic uses, CBG provides several everyday advantages.

  • Calming and Relaxing - CBG naturally promotes a sense of calm and relaxation. It can help alleviate daily anxiety and assist in unwinding after stressful situations.
  • Better Sleep Quality - CBG aids in falling asleep faster, staying asleep longer, and achieving deeper, more restorative sleep, helping you feel more rested and rejuvenated.
  • Exercise and Injury Recovery - CBG is effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with exercise, improving muscle recovery, and supporting injury healing.
  • Pain Relief - Whether for temporary discomfort or chronic pain, CBG offers a natural alternative for pain management, reducing both pain and inflammation.
  • Reduced Risk of Certain Conditions - Regular use of CBG may lower the risk of various health conditions, including hypertension (high blood pressure), glaucoma (elevated eye pressure), certain types of cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Are There Health Risks to Consider with Cannabigerol (CBG)?

As with all cannabinoids, CBG is processed by the liver, which means it can interact with other medications metabolized by the same organ. These interactions may either enhance or reduce the effects of certain medications. While it is theoretically possible to consume enough CBG to cause liver damage this is unlikely due to the small amounts of CBG typically found in cannabis and the difficulty in extracting it in significant quantities.

Is Cannabigerol (CBG) Legal?

CBG is federally legal in all states. As a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, it is not subject to specific regulations. Since it can be extracted from hemp plants, which are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, CBG is widely available and permitted.

What Cannabis Strains Contain Cannabigerol (CBG)?

While CBG is typically found in low quantities in mature cannabis plants, its medicinal value has led to the cultivation of strains with higher CBG content. These strains are specifically bred for their increased CBG levels and are often named to highlight this feature.

  • Lemon Diesel CBG
  • Goliath Hybrid
  • White CBG
  • Super Glue CBG
  • Hack frost High CBG
  • Sour G High CBG

Purchasing Cannabis with Cannabigerol (CBG)

If you are interested in experiencing the benefits of CBG, you can find high-quality cannabis products containing CBG at your nearest Zen Leaf dispensary. Our knowledgeable Cannabis Advisors are here to guide you in selecting the right strains and products that align with your needs or goals, ensuring a personalized experience. Contact us today to learn more and find the perfect CBG products for you.