Cannabigerol (CBG), "The mother of all cannabinoids," is one of the many cannabinoids found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. CBG is lesser known than its famous cannabinoid cousins CBD and THC, but it has properties that are unique to it as a therapeutic compound. CBG was discovered in the 1960s but most of the research conducted on it has been within the last decade, due to its relative scarcity and small concentrations in the plant.
So what is CBG?
Cannabinoids all start off as Cannabigerol, or CBG. CBG’s precursor, cannabigerolic acid, or (CBGa) is the primary cannabinoid. It is non-psychoactive and can be thought of as the “stem cell” of other cannabinoids found in cannabis. It is the precursor to the three major branches of cannabinoids: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa), cannabidiolic acid (CBDa), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCa). The plant has natural enzymes, called synthase, that break the CBGa down and mould it toward the desired branch. When exposed to heat, or prolonged UV light, CBGa will break down and become CBG. This break down explains the low concentration of CBG in most strains. Besides its role in forming other cannabinoids, CBG has a number of important effects of its own.
CBG is neuroprotective, perhaps more than any other cannabinoid. Studies show that CBG is effective against Huntington's Disease; it protects against inflammation and oxidation in the brain, two main causes of neurodegeneration. CBG has also been shown to boost serotonin levels, which plays a crucial part in healthy brain functioning.
How can CBG help people?
Research has shown that CBG is massively beneficial to the gastrointestinal tract in many ways. It has been proven to protect against NSAID medication (Advil, Aleve) or alcohol induced irritation and lesions by reducing the gastric acid secretions of the stomach. Research confirms that CBG is, like CBD, effective at combating gastrointestinal cancer cells. CBG also has implications of appetite control and regulation.
Consumers have reported that CBG in topical form can be used to spot-treat acne and improve general dermatological health.
THC and CBG work wonderfully together at inducing sleep, as there is an entourage effect with cannabinoids when taken simultaneously. Our Zkittles vape cartridge, Bubba Kush preroll, or Delta 8 is Better oil are great when used with CBG for alleviating insomnia.
Conclusive research states that CBG is possibly therapeutic in treating glaucoma, as all cannabinoids are to some extent. But CBG may be the most promising of them in relieving pressure on the eye which causes glaucoma.
