What are the actual health benefits of CBG? Can CBG help with stress and nervousness, aches or discomfort, occasional sleeplessness or inflammation from physical activity? Here is everything you need to know about the benefits of CBG and its unheated precursor, CBGA, and how they can be used to help improve your health.
What is CBG
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a cannabinoid that shares some overlapping features with the better known cannabinoids THC, CBD and CBDA, along with its own distinct properties.
The ‘mother of all cannabinoids’ (or the ‘stem cell cannabinoid’) is how many think of CBG, because its original, unheated form, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), transforms into THCA, CBDA, or CBCA. When heated (decarboxylated) or over time, CBGA becomes CBG.
Health Benefits of CBG
Similar to other cannabinoids, CBG has the potential to aid in helping a wide range of symptoms, including worry, nervousness, occasional sleeplessness, aches, discomfort, occasional nerve discomfort, support digestive health and brain function. CBG may be helpful for mood, speech, worry and other symptoms [1].
Although human research on CBG benefits is limited, pre-clinical studies suggest that CBG may help support digestive health. Additionally, CBG has been found to be a powerful broad-spectrum plant compound that may help with antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
Relevant Scientific Research Regarding CBG’s Potential Promise*
Pain and Inflammation after physical activity including occasional nerve discomfort such as shooting, stabbing and stinging aches
CBG was shown to be far more effective than THC and aspirin in one rodent study [2].
GI Support
According to a 2013 study on mice, CBG appears to lessen the inflammation in the gut [3].
Ocular Pressure
CBG may be beneficial because it was shown to lower intraocular pressure, according to a 2008 research study [4].
Malignant Cells
In a 2019 study that tested many different types of cannabis against many different types of cells, products that had the same amount of CBD and THC could have differing effects on the viability of cells. Two of the most common reasons were the presence or absence of CBG or THCA; CBG-containing cannabis products demonstrated greater effects [5].
*This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is being shared for educational purposes and is not a substitute for or alternative to information from your healthcare providers.