What Is Cannabigerol (CBG) and How Does It Affect the Body?
Most people are already familiar with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, as well as their effects on the human body and mind. However, cannabis contains a wide variety of other compounds, many of which are less well-known. One such cannabinoid is cannabigerol (CBG). Although CBG is present in cannabis plants at very low concentrations, its therapeutic properties are attracting increasing attention.
How Is CBG Produced?
CBG is a non-psychoactive compound, meaning it does not cause the intoxicating effects associated with THC. Because CBG typically makes up less than 1% of the total cannabinoid content in most cannabis strains, it is considered rare and less significant by many researchers. Interestingly, both CBD and THC are actually derived from CBG (see diagram 1). CBG itself is formed from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which also breaks down into other acids (CBDA and THCA) that eventually become the plant’s main active compounds.
Special enzymes in the plant break down CBGA, converting it into one of three cannabinoid acids. When these enzymes are activated by UV light and heat, CBG is transformed into THC and CBD. This is why CBG is found in such low concentrations in mature plants—it quickly converts into other compounds.
To obtain higher concentrations of CBG, cultivators have developed special strains through genetic manipulation that prevent CBG from breaking down into other acids. For example, the company Subcool Seeds offers a wide selection of strains with high CBG content, which typically flower 6–8 weeks after planting. Another strain, Bediol, is produced by the Dutch company Bedrocan.
Medical Potential of CBG
The human body’s vital processes are regulated by the endocannabinoid system, which produces substances that control various biological functions. In addition to the body’s own cannabinoids, external cannabinoids can also influence these processes. Each cannabis compound has its own specific effects: for example, CBD helps reduce inflammation, while THC protects brain cells from damage.
CBG, though rare, has shown several promising properties in research studies:
- Eye Health: CBG receptors are found in the eyes, leading doctors to believe it may be effective in treating glaucoma by reducing blood vessel pressure in the eye. In addition to its general ability to dilate blood vessels, CBG also has neuroprotective properties.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Animal studies have shown that CBG has anti-inflammatory properties that may help treat inflammation in the intestines.
- Huntington’s Disease: A 2015 study on rats found that CBG can help alleviate symptoms of Huntington’s disease.
- Cancer Therapy: CBG has shown some effectiveness in cancer treatment. Experiments on rats demonstrated that CBG can inhibit the growth of cancer cells associated with intestinal tumors.
- Antibacterial Properties: CBG is a strong antibacterial agent, capable of fighting even methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Since the 1950s, scientists have noted the effectiveness of cannabis extracts in treating skin infections, but only recently have they identified the specific active compound responsible.
- Appetite Stimulation: A recent study found that purified CBG (free from all delta-9 THC impurities) is an effective appetite stimulant. Doctors are considering CBG as a potential treatment for cachexia, a condition that causes rapid weight loss and muscle atrophy.
- Bladder Disorders: CBG was found to be the most effective of five cannabinoids tested for treating bladder dysfunction and incontinence.
Researchers continue to study CBG both in isolation and in combination with other cannabinoids. Since CBG is non-psychoactive, there is a good chance that health authorities may eventually approve it for unrestricted use. Additionally, scientists believe CBG could be used as a pain reliever, antidepressant, and treatment for psoriasis.