CBG: The Complete Guide
Cannabigerol (CBG) is taking the world by storm. And along with other popularized cannabinoids it is showing a lot of promising effects and benefits for our health and wellness. In this article, we will explore this exciting cannabinoid, how it compares to CBD, and how it may help with everyday conditions.
A dose a day may give you the reset you need to feel release and restoration.
What is CBG?
CBG is a non- intoxicating (meaning it won’t get you high) chemical compound that comes from the hemp plant, and is known as the mother of all cannabinoids. CBG has been coined this term because cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are derived from CBG.
Other compounds like CBD are found in high quantities in hemp. Around 25% and 20% respectively. In comparison to some of these more widely known cannabinoids, under 5% of CBG can be found in hemp. This means that CBG products can be a little harder to find, and when you do, they are usually expensive. However, this amazing compound is growing in recognition by medical experts and the public alike due to its many possible and science-backed benefits.
Juna sources our CBG from an organic farm in Vermont where it is naturally occurring within the plant strain. CBG can be found in Juna’s Ease collection and customer’s praise the new Ease CBG:CBD formula.
What is the Difference Between CBG and CBD?
First of all, much more is known about CBD due to its wide availability. CBG is much rarer, making it less known at this time. This makes CBG one of the most expensive cannabinoids to produce, some coining it “the Rolls-Royce of cannabinoids.” It has been difficult for producers to get large quantities of CBG to the market, which additionally foils its research potential. More research needs to be done on CBG, its potential effects, and benefits.
Not only do cultivators of CBG need to have a lot of plant material and get the timing of its extraction just right, they also need to understand what signs have the most advantage of developing higher CBG and possibly need specialized production equipment. A chromatography apparatus is needed to precisely isolate and purify CBG to order to preserve the therapeutic, botanical actives.
Another way CBD and CBG differ is the way they react once they enter the body. While both interact with receptors in our endocannabinoid system (ECS), they do so in different ways. CBD tends to interact with receptors indirectly, while CBG directly interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. Due to this effect, CBG may be more efficient at directly delivering its benefits to our systems.
CBG v. CBD
CBD is known for its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and has become a staple in many skincare and wellness products. Several studies have been done on CBD, making it one of the more mapped-out cannabinoids on the market. Its benefits are numerous and side effects mild to rare.
On the other hand, CBG is less known, more expensive, but shows a lot of similar benefits to CBD. And it may even be better for specific conditions. Let’s explore what we currently know about CBG and what possible benefits it may have for us.
Potential CBG Benefits
Increases dopamine: CBG is said to boost dopamine levels, which can help treat depression, sleep disorders, and poor appetite.
Decreases anxiety: CBG has shown strong anxiolytic qualities. It provides muscle-relaxing relaxation and increased dopamine that can contribute to decreased anxiety. It is also said to improve energy and focus, which is linked to a better overall feeling of wellbeing.
Regulates appetite: Some lab experiments on animals have indicated that CBG can increase appetite. This could be helpful for people suffering from cancer or HIV.
Can help lose weight: The anti-inflammatory properties of CBG may hamper lipogenesis and prevent obesity. It is known to boost the metabolism, making it easier to burn fat.
Decreases inflammation: Animal studies have shown that CBG may be helpful in treating inflammatory bowel diseases.
Pain relief: CBG is capable of relieving chronic pain as well as relaxing muscles for added effects. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties are said to be even greater than THC's.
Regulates blood pressure: CBG may stimulate a2-adrenergic receptors located in the brain and blood vessels.
Treats glaucoma: Researchers have found that CBG may potentially treat glaucoma. CBG was given to cats with glaucoma and the results showed a decrease of intraocular pressure. The outflow of aqueous humor, the nutritional fluid inside the eye that maintains eye pressure, was increased.
Offers neuroprotective properties: Animal studies have shown that CBG may be helpful in the treatment of Huntington’s disease, an incurable brain disease. CBG was observed to act as a neuroprotectant, seemingly protecting the brain’s nerve cells from damage. It also improved deficits in motor function and preserved striatal neurons against 3-nitropropionic acid toxicity.
Anti-bacterial: A study done in 2020 on CBG’s effects on bacterial infections found that CBG fought against methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This is the drug-resistant bacteria that causes staph infections.
CBG for Anxiety & Depression
The benefits of CBD for anxiety and depression have been well-documented. But what about the effects of CBD’s close family member CBG?
Anxiety: Since CBG and other cannabinoids interact with our ECS, it can be inferred that CBG may have an effect on mental and physical behaviors. This is because the ECS regulates important processes like appetite, sleep, mood, and memory. It does this through its neurotransmitters and receptors such as CB1 and CB2 receptors as we’ve previously mentioned.
When CB1 receptors interact with cannabinoids, it is possible the central amygdala’s neurons become less active. This is where stress and anxiety are regulated. If regulated at a healthy level, the body will maintain a fairly even rhythm and low cortisol level. But in contrast, constant pressure on these neurons can cause severe anxiety. CBG can apply fast-acting effects when stimulating CB1 receptors.
CBD and CBD allow our bodies to better regulate the stress response. Even though we may still be exposed to our stressors, these cannabinoids will enable us to better handle them.
Depression: Those suffering from depression are low in serotonin and dopamine. These hormones are signaling agents that help regulate our mental state, mood, happiness, and self-esteem. The depletion of the receptors for these agents may indicate depression.
It is important to understand that CBD and CBG cannot cure depression. However, it has been surmised that they may be able to activate the serotonin receptor, causing a better mood and increased self-esteem. In this way it may work as a support system for antidepressants.
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid that occurs naturally in your brain. Researchers believe that GABA functions to control fear and anxiety when neurons are overexcited. CBG may prevent serotonin and GABA uptake in the brain. This may allow for improvement of levels in the brain’s neurotransmitters. Since depression is linked to decreased serotonin and GABA, this implies that CBG could be a helpful advocate in the treatment of depression. CBG may even be more effective than THC and CBD in some ways. It can prevent the GABA uptake more than other cannabinoids, and does so without intoxicating effects.
CBG may also help with Anandamide production. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid also known as “The Bliss Molecule.” It has the ability of increasing dopamine levels, and regulates things like appetite, sleep, and mood. Having a high amount of anandamide may help reduce fear, and thus boost mood.
Besides treatment for anxiety and depression, CBG shows promise with the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. If you have tried the following, and still are not seeing a change in your gut inflammation, CBG could be a great solution.
Natural Remedies That May Soothe Gut Inflammation: Now for the glamorous condition with the not-so-pleasant effects: gut inflammation. This occurs when the intestines have become inflamed. Common symptoms include an upset stomach, weight changes, fatigue, eczema, and food allergies. If you suspect you have an issue, there are a few steps you can take. Here are some natural options you can try to soothe your bowel issues:
- 1.Implement prebiotics and fiber (25-40g/day) into your diet
- 2. Drink green tea
- 3. Eat foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as carrots, bananas, and kiwi
- 4. Implement bone broth in your diet
- 5. Take a garlic extract supplement
- 6. Use digestive essential oils
- 7. Eat lighter meals
- 8. Avoid smoking
- 9. Avoid overuse of painkillers
- 10. Reduce stress
- 11. Use CBD + CBG daily for support
Gut Inflammation & Health with CBG & CBD
People with chronic inflammation of the bowel are said to have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two types of IBD. Ulcerative colitis affects the colon, or large intestine, while Crohn’s disease includes any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. IBD affects millions of people around the world and there is currently no cure. However, there are many ways to treat it, one of which may be CBG.
- In 2013, a study was done on mice of the effects of CBG on IBD. The researchers induced inflammation in the colons of mice, then treated them with CBG. They noted that CBG was able to reduce the inflammation and nitric oxide production. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause cell damage, toxicity, and nutrient deficiency. The formation of ROS in the intestines was reduced by CBG. It was concluded that CBG reduced colitis and the spread of bacteria related to IBD.
- A 2015 study indicated that cannabinoids can help lessen bladder dysfunctions and excessive contractions. CBG was the most effective of all cannabinoids tested to decrease contractions.
More research is needed, but the results that both CBG and CBD have shown indicate a lot of promise. Stay tuned for the growing evidence that so far works in favor of these two cannabinoids. If you are interested in trying CBG or CBG for IBD, anxiety, depression, or any other conditions we have mentioned, we recommend getting a doctor’s opinion first. They will have a better idea of your case and what you sort of treatment will need. That being said, CBD/CBG oil makes for a great supplement to your treatment plan.
CBG to Your Rescue
Just like CBD, CBG has a lot of exciting potential benefits. It has exhibited anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-depression effects. Although the two share a lot of the same benefits, it is very likely that the two work better together. This is due to the entourage effect that occurs when two or more cannabinoids as well as terpenes are combined. The effects are compounded when they work synergistically together.
That is why we recommend our full-spectrum hemp oil for Ease. You will find it quickly comes to your rescue when faced with stress and anxiety, and allows for the release of mental and physical tension. It is great for PMS and endometriosis.
As the CBD/cannabis industry grows, we discover more and more amazing benefits of these cannabinoids. CBG and CBD and just the tip of the iceberg. There are still hundreds of cannabinoids to learn about that may have even more benefits.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. It is not provided to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or ailment. It should not be interpreted as instruction or medical advice to displace the advice of your doctor or other medical professionals. We recommend talking to your doctor to prepare a treatment plan for any diseases or ailments.