How Effective is CBG?

Medically reviewed by Alexander Tabibi, MD
December 16, 2020
CBG Weed Effective
CBG Weed Effective

CBG – Cannabigerol

How effective is CBG? As we continue to dive into the hemp plant, we’re finding more properties for compounds other than CBD, showing us that cannabidiol isn’t the only useful thing that hemp has to offer.  Cannabidiol is the compound that occurs in the highest levels in hemp, and as a cannabinoid, it’s capable of supporting the endocannabinoid system’s role of maintaining homeostasis throughout the body.   But other cannabinoids in the hemp plant may offer other distinctive effects that are highly desirable, which is why an influx of unique cannabinoid isolates are hitting the market.

 

One of the most widely sought-after cannabinoid types after CBD is CBG, which is cannabigerol, a minorly occurring cannabinoid that behaves similarly to CBD but may provide effects in a different manner.

How CBG Works in the Body

Cannabigerol is a cannabinoid just like cannabidiol, and generally speaking, all cannabinoids are processed by the body in a similar manner.  When we consume them regardless of the delivery method, they bind with cannabinoid receptors which are found in every bodily system, and this binding process allows the receptors to regulate the functions of adjacent bodily processes, which is why hemp in general is known to promote such widespread effects throughout the body.

 

This means that CBG can also deliver incredibly useful regulatory effects when we use it, but because each cannabinoid interacts with the endocannabinoid system in its own distinctive manner, these effects may be unique to the compound.

What are the Properties of CBG?

The thing about minor cannabinoids in hemp is that they have not been given nearly the same amount of attention as CBD by the medical community, and so the studies on their properties are quite limited compared to those that we have on cannabidiol.  But that is slowly changing, because researchers are beginning to find that each cannabinoid may play an important role.  Therefore, although there aren’t many studies on CBG just yet by comparison, we do know that there are more studies underway that will emerge in the near future to give us a clearer picture of what this particular compound is capable of.

 

Essentially, what this means is that the properties of CBG we will be discussing are based on what researchers have discovered thus far, but likely, they are just the starting point.

  • Study #1: CBG’s potential to aid in neurological health by reducing neuroinflammation and acting as a neuroprotectant, much like CBD. This could offer positive implications for those dealing with neurological disorders including epilepsy and dementia.
  • Study #2: CBG’s particularly potent anti-inflammatory activity, which could possibly help with pain caused by inflammation as well as symptoms associated with inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
  • Study #3: Cannabigerol seems to offer unique appetite-stimulating effects that can be useful to those who struggle to consume enough food due to low appetite. This could be particularly useful to those using chemotherapy who can develop such a low appetite that their health becomes compromised as a result of low caloric intake.
  • Study #4: Researchers have found that cannabigerol may play a role in calming the brain mechanisms that are overactive in those who suffer from OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), which gives us an early sign that this compound may offer unique usefulness to those dealing with various anxiety-related conditions.

What Kinds of CBG Products are Available?

It’s become easier than ever to find CBG-based hemp products on the market, as more companies are producing cannabigerol-rich formulas based on consumer demand.  You can find products made with CBG isolate in various delivery methods and strengths, but a growing amount of research is showing us that cannabinoids may be most effective when taken in combination with one another due to their mutually synergistic relationship.

 

Hemp farmers are beginning to develop high-CBG strains that allow us to consume higher levels of this cannabinoid along with CBD, CBN, and other cannabinoids known for potentially offering useful effects.

Is CBG Effective?

Now there is the question that’s on most of our minds.  Well, because it hasn’t been researched to the extent that CBD has just yet, we can’t say anything concrete.  What we can say is that these early studies show a lot of promise, and that more discoveries will likely be made in the coming years relating to CBG’s specific benefits.  We also know that many hemp enthusiasts are finding a lot of success by incorporating CBG specifically into their daily routines.

 

Therefore, while we can’t give you a definitive answer about its effectiveness, we can say that you’re likely to have a positive experience with CBG, as we know that it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system in a way that’s similar to CBD, which many will tell you is quite effective.

CBG Looks to Be Promising for Years to Come

CBG is a unique cannabinoid that may be effective at regulating various bodily processes that can be compromised in their functionality.  Cannabigerol may help with pain, inflammatory symptoms, OCD and more, based on the few studies that have been done thus far.  Therefore, there is good reason to consider making it a part of your daily routine by once again, finding a CBG-rich formula in a preferable delivery method and strength.