A Beginner’s Guide to CBG And Its Potential Benefits
Till date, over 100+ cannabinoids have been identified in the cannabis plant. With CBD and THC, the two major cannabinoids garnering mainstream success and fame, people often forget to talk about the other lesser known cannabinoids which also have the same number of beneficial properties, if not more.
Of course it is due to the amazing benefits that both CBD and THC offer the users that make them so popular and famous among cannabis enthusiasts. However, it is still not enough to ignore other cannabinoids that could offer even more significant benefits.
One of such cannabinoids that has become a topic of much discussion in the past three to four years is CBG or Cannabigerol. Let us go through this beginner’s guide that will shed light onto the very amazing benefits of this cannabinoid.
What Is CBG?
CBG or Cannabigerol is a cannabis compound that is often referred to as ‘the mother of all cannabinoids’. This is because it was discovered way back in the year 1964. Along with this, the additional factor that makes it the mother of all cannabinoids is its acidic form CBGA, being the precursor to all other major and minor cannabinoids including:
- Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA)
- Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA)
- Cannabichromenic Acid (CBCA)
The reason for its lesser known status is supposed to be its immediate conversion to any of the above three listed cannabinoids and it’s very small presence in the final plant. Because it naturally occurred less, it was only reasonable for people to conduct less research on it. Despite this, gradually, many research studies have emerged that have carefully evaluated the potential benefits of this cannabinoid for various ailments.
Potential Benefits of Using CBG
As mentioned above CBG is a foundational compound that leads to the creation of many other amazing cannabinoids. However, there are some stipulated benefits of this amazing cannabinoid on its own that deserve their fair share of recognition. Let us go through them to understand CBG for medical purposes in more detail.
CBG For Glaucoma
It was found out that severe eye conditions like Glaucoma can be rectified with the right consumption of CBG-infused products. This claim is backed by a study that was done on cats. This study showed how ingesting CBG can lead to a decrease in the intraocular pressure, which can potentially help all patients who are suffering from this eye disorder.
CBG For Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Inflammatory bowel diseases and many of the gastrointestinal issues that occur due to the inflammation in the digestive tracts can also be significantly helped with the right consumption of CBG. Generally IBD is considered to be an untreatable condition but as per studies, combining the goodness of CBG, CBD and fish oil can be the ultimate solution for it.
CBG For Huntington’s Disease
As per research that was conducted on the effects of CBG on a neurodegenerative condition like Huntington’s Disease, it was found out that it can actually protect the nerve cells inside the brain from immense damage. CBG begins to act like a neuroprotectant, which broadens its scope as a possible medicine for Huntington’s Disease.
CBG For Cancer
Another animal experiment, this time done on rats actually shows the amazing benefits that the use of CBG can have for cancer patients. CBG can successfully block the receptors that are responsible for the multiplication of the cancer cells and can even inhibit the growth of other tumors.
CBG For Bacterial Infections
Cannabigerol has also been identified as a valid treatment for bacterial infections. It was as recently as in 2020, that this amazing property of CBG was discovered and it added to the conversation of demanding more research in its support. It was found to be particularly beneficial against Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a bacteria which causes staph infections and is drug-resistant.
Is CBG Better Than CBD?
Now that the potential medical benefits of CBG have been covered, it obviously raises the question of comparison between the two cannabinoids which resemble each other the most, CBG and CBD.
So, is CBG better than CBD? Let’s find out.
CBG is surprisingly quite similar to CBD as both are cannabis derived compounds that do not give any of the psychoactive effects that THC is often associated with. This adds to the experience of wanting a world where CBG infused products exist alongside the numerous CBD ones.
However, it is not safe to proclaim it as the better alternative to the good old CBD. CBG has immense potential but until more research is done it isn’t advisable for medical marijuana patients with a medical marijuana card to switch to its use. Exercise patience and with time, more significant research studies will make it possible for us all to use this cannabinoid to our best advantage.
