What is CBG and what are the benefits of taking it?
CBG is another of a number of compounds naturally found in cannabis (belonging to the cannabinoid group) that is increasingly attracting the attention of the general public for its potential benefits to the human body. And rightly so, it seems. Although the information space is still relatively sparse on good scientific data and findings that can be relied upon with confidence, it is clear from research that CBG has similar potential to CBD.
Cannabigerol, or CBG, also known as the mother of all cannabinoids, can, among other things, increase a person's energy levels and thus boost their productivity, as well as relieve stress, but without the high associated with the effects of THC. CBG also has several potential health benefits that could benefit people suffering from a wide range of physical and mental ailments.
In this article, we take a closer look at the therapeutic potential of CBG, how it compares to CBD, and how to get the most out of CBG use.
What is CBG?
CBG, or cannabigerol, is produced by all cannabis plants. The difference between industrial hemp and high-THC hemp is how each plant processes CBG.High-THC plants synthesize more enzymes that convert CBG into THC, while industrial hemp has more enzymes that convert CBG into CBD.
All cannabinoids come from the acidic form of CBG - cannabigerol acid (CBGA).CBG is a non-psychoactive substance with some properties similar to those of CBD and THC when interacting with cannabinoid receptors.Although CBG will not make you feel groggy, it may produce a mild cognitive effect similar to that of delta 8 THC. This can make you feel more in tune or focused on whatever you're working on without over-stimulating your brain.It's because it can increase concentration and productivity that CBG has become popular among neurohackers, biohackers, and other health-conscious users who want to push the boundaries of their own performance.
Is CBG psychoactive?
CBG does not give you feelings of euphoria typical of, for example, its close relative THC. As disappointing as such information may be for some people, it opens the way for cannabigerol to be used more generally and may help cannabis itself overcome the myths and barriers of a section of society that sees the plant and its products as a potentially dangerous drug in a one-sided way.
CBG can thus be used during normal working days and enjoy its positive effects without having to worry about a state of so-called intoxication when consuming it.
How is CBG obtained?
CBG is relatively rare. Cannabis plants that are mature enough to harvest usually only contain around 1% CBG, which is a very small amount compared to how much THC or CBD you can get from cannabis. Fortunately, creative producers have found a way to extract large amounts of CBG without using huge amounts of hemp biomass.
CBG is extracted from young plants before their enzymes convert it into other cannabinoids. Scientists have recently made advances in genetically engineering cannabis plants to produce more CBG naturally, so that producing edible CBG extracts is not as challenging.
What does CBG do for the body?
Like other cannabinoids, CBG works through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system consists of two types of receptors (CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids and metabolic enzymes. As a whole, the ECS functions in promoting and maintaining homeostasis throughout the body. The endocannabinoid system is not unique to humans; all organisms have it, with the exception of some forms of marine animals.
But briefly on cannabinoid receptors. CB1 receptors are found in the central and peripheral nervous system and interact with neurotransmitters in the brain, while CB2 receptors are found primarily in the immune system and individual organs. CBG binds to both types of cannabinoid receptors but does not activate them. This makes it functionally different from THC, which binds to and activates them, and from CBD, which does not directly bind to either of these receptors.
Is CBG natural?
Yes, CBG is a completely natural compound and is produced in the early stages of cannabis growth. Some confusion about the natural status of CBG stems from the process used to extract it from the plant. Because CBG is found in low concentrations in cannabis, CBG producers use advanced extraction technologies, usually involving the use of CO2 or ethanol, to extract significant amounts of CBG from cannabis.
Is CBG legal?
CBG is legal, but its actual status in terms of the law is less clear. CBG is not classified as a drug under the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. In other words, it is not internationally regulated, so individual countries do not have to impose any restrictions on its use within their jurisdiction. As long as cannabis-derived products contain 1% THC or less, they can be legally sold online and in bricks-and-mortar stores.
What is the difference between CBG and CBD?
Chemically, CBG and CBD are quite similar. Both molecules contain only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. They also have a similar chemical structure. However, there are significant biological differences between the two compounds:
CBG vs. CBD: effects and benefits
CBG and CBD have different ways of interacting with the ECS. CBG interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors, while CBD does not directly bind to them. This consequently gives CBG and CBD different pharmacological effects. Nevertheless, they also have several similar effects. The most obvious one, according to CBD and CBG users, is that cannabinoids help them manage anxiety and stress. CBD is generally recommended more for pain and inflammation, while CBG works better to increase focus and attention.
CBG vs. CBD: medical research
When it comes to health benefits, we definitely know more about CBD than CBG today. Many studies have identified CBD as a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can be used for a wide range of conditions, from inflammation to chronic pain, depression, anxiety, addiction, diabetes, autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders.
In contrast, research on CBG is as yet insufficient. But current knowledge suggests it may help with conditions such as:
- Loss of appetite
- Bacterial infections
- Bladder dysfunction
- Cancer
- Glaucoma (glaucoma)
- Huntington's disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
While the above list looks promising, it is important to note that studies only suggest these benefits. Much more research is needed to fully understand how CBG affects our health.
CBG vs. CBD: Availability:
This is perhaps the biggest difference between CBG and CBD. It takes approximately 20 times less plant matter to produce CBD than it does to produce the same amount of CBG, making CBD significantly cheaper. Until there is a major breakthrough in methods of extracting CBG, its popularity will not match that of CBD.
How to increase the effects of CBG
If you're considering taking CBG and reaping the benefits it brings, i.e. cognitive enhancement in particular, there are a few things you can do to increase its effectiveness.
1. only take CBG when you need it
First and foremost, you should only use CBG when you really need it. Because CBG binds to CB1 receptors, it can numb them over time and its effects will gradually fade.
Save CBG for when you have your most challenging mental activities ahead of you or when you're going through an intense period at work.
2. Build good life habits
The second most important aspect of maximizing the benefits of CBG is incorporating other productivity-enhancing habits into your daily life. Getting enough quality sleep, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise will help improve your peace of mind and focus. Taking CBG puts you in a better frame of mind than you would be without it, so if you're already productive, CBG can push you further to become the best version of your working self.
3. Establish stress reduction practices
If you want to maintain your mental health, learning how to manage stress is of the utmost importance. Daily meditation, mindfulness of your own feelings and bodily experiences, or journaling are excellent ways to reduce stress and cortisol levels, which are linked to better cognitive function. Journaling can be especially beneficial if you are a "ruminative" type of person and often struggle with a relentless influx of thoughts.
Conclusion.
CBG is one of the secondary cannabinoids found in small amounts in cannabis. It has similar effects to CBD, but is considered a better choice for increasing concentration and productivity. Unfortunately, products with CBG are much less readily available than dietary supplements containing CBD due to the aforementioned difficulties in production. CBG requires approximately 20 times more plant matter than CBD, making even small batches of CBG extracts expensive to produce.
Despite promising advances in extraction methods, we still have a long way to go if we want CBG products to be as affordable as other more popular cannabinoids. Overall, CBG can be a great supplement to help you stay balanced and do more things. But don't expect miracles from it.
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