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What is CBG and How Can It Benefit Me?

CBG, or cannabigerol, is the  OG cannabinoid that all others come from. Researchers call it “the mother cannabinoid.”

First discovered in 1964, cannabigerol (CBG), is an incredible compound with lots of therapeutic potential. It is just one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis. Its acidic form, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), is the foundation of many other major and minor cannabinoids.

It possesses the same health benefits as CBD — and then some. 

CBG is one of hemp’s most exciting ingredients, but it’s far from the only compound the hemp plants possess. The reality is that hemp is an unusually diverse plant with thousands of beneficial ingredients. A 2016 study rightly called hemp “The Plant of the Thousand and One Molecules.” 

These molecules can be divided into three categories: cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Hemp’s terpenes include

  • Humulene is an earthy terpene found in many hemp strain. which may combat inflammation. 
  • Pinene is a piney terpene that gives hemp its energizing effects. Studies have found that pinene is a natural bronchodilator.
  • Limonene is a citrus-like terpene that gives hemp some of its most impressive anti-inflammatory properties. 
  • Beta-caryophyllene is a spicy terpene that also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It binds to the same endocannabinoid receptors that CBD does so strongly that some researchers consider it a “dietary cannabinoid.”

Hemp’s flavonoids include Cannflavin A and Cannflavin B. 

  • Cannflavin A is a unique flavonoid found only in cannabis and hemp. 
  • Cannflavin B is another flavonoid produced only by cannabis and hemp. Older studies have shown that it may reduce inflammation more powerfully than aspirin. 

Some CBG products do a much better job at delivering hemp’s benefits than others. A key distinguishing feature is the presence of full-spectrum.  

What is full-spectrum CBG?

The ingredients list above is fairly comprehensive and full-spectrum CBG ‘captures’ most of it. 

Defined as any hemp-derived product that contains a full-spectrum of hemp’s primary active ingredients, full-spectrum CBG is as close to nature’s best as we can get. Woke Botanicals,  organic, cold-pressed, Full-spectrum CBG contains CBGA, CBG and  CBD, CBDA, CBN, terpenes, flavonoids, et cetera.

Full-spectrum CBG products come in all different shapes and sizes, including oils, tinctures, capsules, topicals and edibles. Studies from Israel’s top cannabinoid research lab have found that full-spectrum extracts are several times stronger than other types of cannabinoids. Scientists call its compound + compound synergy, the entourage effect. 

 What is the entourage effect and how do I take advantage of it?

Thankfully, activating the entourage effect doesn’t require that you understand how hemp is sourced or the way that complex pharmacological reactions work. 

The only thing required to experience the benefits of the entourage effect for yourself is a premium full-spectrum CBG product. 

 “It has become clear that the healing potential of the whole plant is stronger than isolated compounds on their own,” confirms Lumír Hanuš, one of the world’s leading cannabis researchers.

 “I can see two different directions [for the future of cannabis/hemp research]. One will focus on the production of derivatives of active compounds that could be patented and sold in order to make as much money as possible. The other direction puts patients before profit and focuses on the use of the whole plant and synergistic effects of its compounds.”

 – Lumír Hanuš, the chemist who discovered anandamide

How CBG Works

CBG interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining internal homeostasis of many important biological processes related to mood, sleep, memory, appetite, reproduction, and immune responses.

The ECS is composed of a system of cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are usually found in the nervous system and brain. CB2 receptors are mainly found in the immune system.

Cannabigerol, in particular, binds to both receptors and amplifies the effects of anandamide, a neurotransmitter known as the “bliss molecule,” which is responsible for affecting motivation, appetite, sleep, pleasure, and pain.

CBG is a CB1 receptor agonist, meaning it interacts with the receptor and causes an increase in anandamide (AEA) levels in the nervous system. CBG can also interact with CB2 receptors in the gastrointestinal and immune system. Research is not clear whether it is a CB2 antagonist or agonist.

Research has shown that CBGA can influence 5HT1A-receptors. This receptor is responsible for regulating serotonin levels. CBG can be a moderate block of the receptor, which can affect the serotonin signaling in the central nervous system.

In addition, CBG has been shown to be an adrenoceptor agonist. This helps it control the expression of noradrenaline and adrenaline in the central nervous system. Adrenaline and noradrenaline are major neurotransmitters in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS).

CBG has the following reported (not allowed to make claims due to F D A) therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC.

  • Anti-microbial
  • Anti-bacterial
  • Anti-inflammatory                                                                                              
  • Anti-fungal                                                                                                                                    
  • Anti Depressant                                                                                                                      

CBG vs CBD

Many new users may confuse CBD and CBG. CBG shares many of CBD’s medicinal properties. Both CBG and CBD have enormous potential to perhaps treat a variety of conditions and symptoms without getting you high. Unlike THC, CBG and CBD do not have intoxicating effects. They may also reduce the negative side effects of THC.

Potential Benefits of CBG

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract and includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. A 2013 study on animals found that CBG was able to reduce inflammation and nitric oxide production in the colons of mice. It also reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the intestines.

Bacterial Infections

A 2020 study discovered that CBG has strong antibacterial properties. In particular, CBG was effective against methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. MRSA is known for causing drug-resistant staph infections that are difficult to treat.

Glaucoma

In a 2008 study on animals, research found that cannabigerol was effective in treating glaucoma. Research showed that cannabigerol reduced eye pressure and increased aqueous humor outflow, a fluid that helps maintain eye pressure and provides nutrition to the eye.

Huntington’s Disease

Huntington disease is a rare and inherited condition that results in the destruction of nerve cells in the brain. In a 2015 study, researchers tested the effects of CBG and other cannabinoids in mice with an experimental model of Huntington’s disease.

In the study, CBG functioned as a neuroprotective compound by protecting the nerve cells in the brain from damage. In addition to its neuroprotective effects, it also improved motor deficits and protected striatal neurons against 3-nitropropionic acid toxicity.

Colon Cancer

In a 2014 study, researchers found that CBGA reduced tumor growth in mouse models of colon cancer. CBG inhibits colon carcinogenesis by blocking TRPM8 channels that promote cancer cell growth. It also inhibited the production of colorectal cancer cells.

Bladder Dysfunction

A 2015 study tested the effects of many cannabinoids on bladder contractions. Researchers found out of all the cannabinoids, CBG was the best at treating bladder dysfunctions, followed by THCV, CBD, and CBDV.                                                                                                            

How to Use CBG

CBG products are becoming more prevalent than ever, especially in oil form. Still, CBG oils are relatively expensive and rare compared to other cannabinoid oils.

Common CBG-derived products include:

  • CBG Flower
  • CBG Gummies
  • CBG Isolate
  • CBG Tincture
  • CBG Sublingual Tablets
  • CBG Salve
  • CBG Soft gels

Only full-spectrum CBG — products that contain a full spectrum of hemp’s bioactive cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids — stay true to nature’s original design. 

Woke Botanicals, Raw, Organic, Cold-Pressed extracts are pure and packed with all of the benefits of the hemp plant.

You can find our full line of Woke Botanicals CBG gummies here. We also have a line of tinctures with CBG here. Both products are a great way to try CBG and see if it works for your wellness routine!