You've Heard Of THC & CBD, Now It's CBG's Turn
Cannabis is a complex plant. The cannabis industry has been focused on two particular cannabinoids: THC and CBD. There are many other cannabinoids being discovered and starting to emerge as stars in their own right.
One of these is Cannabigerol CBG. CBG is gaining attention for its anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. CBG has yet to reach the status of CBD. This cannabinoid will be the new star in consumer products as its intriguing medicinal benefits become known.
CBGA is the precursor to THCA and CBDA. During the flowering cycle, CBGA is converted into THCA, the precursor of THC, and CBDA, the precursor of CBD. After this, the plant contains trace amounts of CBGA.
CBG binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body, inhibiting the psychoactive effects of THC. CBG also increases anandamide, a cannabinoid regulating many functions, including appetite, sleep, mood, and the immune system. CBG also functions outside of the endocannabinoid system and is an agonist to the serotonin 1A receptor.
CBG medical properties:
Neurodegenerative Conditions: A 2015 study in Neurotherapeutics, found CBG was "active as a neuroprotectant," increasing antioxidant activity. This suggests CBG could be a viable treatment for neurodegenerative conditions.
Anti-Tumour: Studies found CBG inhibits cancer cells and acts as an appetite stimulant. This will be a beneficial treatment for chemotherapy patients. A study published in 2016 Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, found "non-psychoactive plant-derived" cannabinoids, including CBG, are direct inhibitors of tumour growth. A 2006 study in The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics found CBG could be an effective treatment for breast cancer.
Antibacterial Properties: CBG has remarkable antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. A 2008 study in the Journal of Natural Products, found CBG could be an effective treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-MRSA, a staph infection resistant to certain antibiotics.
Glaucoma: A study in the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, examined how THC and CBG could help lower intraocular pressure in the eyes of cats. They concluded CBG and related cannabinoids may provide healing for patients suffering with glaucoma.
Inflammation: A 2007 study in the Journal of Dermatological Science, found CBG, and other cannabinoids, treated inflammation caused by psoriasis, caused by an overactive immune response. In another study in Biochemical Pharmacology, CBG reduced colon inflammation in rats. CBG may be an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease IBD symptoms.
