Move Over CBD—CBG is the Next Big Thing!

• CBG may be new to you, but it could be just as useful as CBD.
• This cannabinoid has the potential to knock inflammation out cold.
• Here’s the latest research about what CBG might be able to do for you.

6-minute read

CBG on the Rise

No doubt, you’ve heard about CBD by now. It’s everywhere. But there are other parts of the cannabis plant, like cannabigerol (CBG), that have the potential to be just as beneficial. CBG appears in low quantities in cannabis plants. Don’t get it twisted though! This doesn’t hinder the power of this minor cannabinoid. It’s still potent enough to treat chronic health issues. Here’s what you need to know right now.

The Mother Cannabinoid

CBG deserves way more shine, appreciation, and research. Ahem, we’re looking at you, medical research community. Did you know that it’s the mother cannabinoid? It’s the chemical precursor to both THC and CBD. Here’s how it works. As cannabis matures, CBG-a turns into THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Like CBD, cannabigerol is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found most in low-THC and high-CBD cannabis strains. Although it won’t get you high, that doesn’t change its massive potential. Compared to CBD, the research for CBG is still in its infancy. But early studies are promising.

CBG Isn’t as Simple as ABC

CBG is abundant in cannabis. But that’s only in the early stages of its growth. Because of that, it’s primarily found in young cannabis plants. Remember how we mentioned its acidic form, CBG-a? After it starts transforming into other magical substances, CBG’s concentration in the plant drops like a stone. In the dry weight of cannabis, the amount of cannabigerol in the plant tends to be less than 1%.

CBG Supply Limits

CBG’s low concentration in mature cannabis plants creates  a unique issue for growers, processors, and consumers. That low concentration means that it takes a heap load of cannabis to make a product that’s high in CBG. In turn, that means more processing. Experimentation on more efficient methods of extracting it are underway. For instance, yeast fermentation technology might offer a more affordable, sustainable, and quick method. But, for now, those of us who want to enjoy CBG’s benefits will have to live with low supply. Of course, that also means these products are likely to be pricier than other cannabis. But, depending on your health issues, it might be worth it.

Bye-bye Inflammation

Research increasingly shows that inflammation is the root of many health issues. But early studies are revealing CBG’s potential to treat inflammation all over the body.

Breathe Easier with CBG

If you’ve ever experienced asthma, you’re used to inhalers. Bronchodilators, like these, relax the muscles in the lungs and widen the airways (the “bronchi”) to improve breathing. But these Big Pharma drugs come with side effects like racing heart rate, the shakes, and headaches. With long COVID symptoms in the spotlight, more attention is being paid to the treatment of breathing problems.  One 2021 study used a combo of CBD and CBG to treat lung inflammation. This research indicates that both cannabinoids might be beneficial for breathing problems. Until now, studies about the potential of cannabis for treating lung issues have been limited. That’s due to the plant’s psychoactive effects, the lung irritation that smoking can cause, and the restricted access of researchers to cannabis due to prohibition. But the successful use of CBG in this study might clear the path for further research on cannabis for breathing difficulties.

CBG and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)

IBD can be disruptive, debilitating, and downright irritating. IBD can also cause irreversible damage to your digestive system. But traditional treatment relies mainly on steroids. Unfortunately, the side effects of steroids range from  weight gain to immunosuppression to hip necrosis. Yep, we’re not kidding. Steroids can literally turn your hips to mush. So much for treatment making you feel better, not worse, right? So, researchers are exploring CBG for IBD. In a 2013 study, CBG reduced inflammation and increased recovery rates in the colon.  This study also suggests that it might be able to prevent the damage caused by IBDs. So, CBG could help to preserve the health of your intestines over time. It might be a minor cannabinoid, but research like this shows that it could be a major factor in helping those of us who live with IBDs like Crohn’s disease and colitis.

Cancer and CBG

CBG could also be an alternative treatment for cancer. You might not realize it, but colorectal is the third most common kind of cancer in the world. A 2014 study showed that CBG could inhibit the growth of these kinds of cancer cells. So, CBG might be able to slow down tumor growth. Since these studies have been performed exclusively on rats, we need further research to understand the effect on humans. In addition, a 2020 study seems to confirm CBG’s ability to suppress cancer cell growth as well as the spread of these cells into other parts of the body.

Brain Health

CBG might also be on its way to becoming a treatment for neurological problems.  One 2014 study positions CBG as potentially helpful for combating degenerative conditions like Huntington’s disease. Over time, this disease negatively affects the nerve cells in the brain to severely decrease  muscular, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions. Luckily, we can detect the  genetic markers for diseases like Huntington’s now. So, cannabigerol might serve as a preventative supplement for people with these genetic markers.

Other Potential Uses

From the illnesses we’ve considered so far, CBG has a wide range of potential uses. But, this powerful cannabinoid might just be getting started. It could also help with bladder health and glaucoma. It even has the potential to help out those of us who aren’t sick. We’ve all had those moments when you get a higher dose of THC than you’d like. When that happens, a full-spectrum CBD product with significant percentages of CBG can come in handy to reduce the unwanted effects of too much THC.

Ways to Take CBG

We know. CBG is pretty awesome. And finding CBG products is getting easier. But, if you’re captivated by its range of benefits and want to incorporate it into your routine, you can also look for a full spectrum CBD product. Selecting full spectrum CBD products means that it’s more likely that all the minor cannabinoids are in there, too. You can find full-spectrum CBD in everything from from edibles to oils to concentrates. Go with whichever you like most. For those of us who just want the  flower, some strains have more significant levels of CBG. Try White CBG, Super Glue CBG, and Jack Frost CBG.

Check the CarFax! Or in This Case the COA

When shopping around, be sure to take a close look at each product’s certificate of analysis (COA). The COA breaks down exactly what’s in the product. If a product doesn’t have a COA, skip it. Instead, go for brands that tell you exactly what’s in them.

Just the Beginning

Everything that we’re learning now about CBG’s potential health benefits might just be the tip of the iceberg. As legalization spreads, cannabis research will unveil more of its hidden benefits. Don’t take our word for it. Try out the mother cannabinoid for yourself.