What are the benefits of CBG?

What are the benefits of CBG?

CBD has taken over the wellness world in the last few years, appearing in everything from face creams and capsules to teas and toothpastes. Now, another cannabinoid called CBG is getting attention for its equally amazing benefits. In this article, we’ll explain what CBG is, why you should be taking it, how you can try it for yourself and give overview of other organic supplements in the UK. You can read more about CBD vs CBG in our article CBD or CBG - which is best?

What is CBG?

CBG, or cannabigerol, is a type of chemical called a cannabinoid. It’s found in hemp and marijuana plants, along with lots of other cannabinoids like CBD and THC (the chemical that gets you high when you smoke cannabis).

What’s the difference between CBG and CBD?

CBG is actually a precursor to those other cannabinoids. It’s produced in young plants and then turned into forms of CBD, THC and various other substances. A young hemp plant contains lots of CBG, but by the time it’s fully grown, it contains only around 1% CBG, compared to around 20-25% CBD. Because of this make-up, you need a lot more plants to create CBG oil than you do for CBD oil. CBG is also more complex to extract. That means CBG tends to be more expensive than CBD, and a little more difficult to track down. If you’re debating whether to go for CBD or CBG, we go into the differences and benefits in more detail in our article CBD vs CBG: Which one is best?

How does CBG work?

In the 1990s, scientists discovered a system in the body that keeps things in a state of balance. Your endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates everything from your appetite and metabolism to your sleep patterns and moods. It does this using its own endocannabinoids (internally produced cannabinoids), which travel around the body attaching to receptors and signalling for the ECS to take certain actions. There are two types of receptors: CB1 receptors, found in the nervous system and brain, and CB2 receptors, found all over the body. Plant cannabinoids can interact with your ECS in a similar way to your own endocannabinoids. Some, like THC, bind to the same receptors as an endocannabinoid, producing a similar effect. Others can affect the enzymes that break down your own endocannabinoids when they’ve done their job, either limiting or prolonging their effects. CBG does a bit of both. It acts on your CB1 and CB2 receptors, and it also prevents the breakdown of a key endocannabinoid called anandamide. Also known as the “bliss molecule”, anandamide is involved in pleasure, happiness and feelings of wellbeing. It also plays an important role in motivation, sleep, appetite and pain regulation.

What are the benefits of CBG?

Compared to CBD and THC, not a lot of research has been done into the benefits of CBG. It’s too early to make any definitive claims, but based on the research that has been done, CBG is looking to be just as promising as CBD when it comes to promoting wellness. Here’s what we know about CBG so far.

1. CBG might help to improve your mood.

In one interesting study, scientists looked at the happiest populations in the world and found that they had one thing in common: a genetic mutation that lowered their levels of the enzyme that breaks down anandamide. It’s thought that by preventing your body from getting rid of anandamide, CBG strengthens and prolongs its mood-boosting effects. By extension, it might also offer some protection against depression, anxiety and other mood-related disorders.

2. CBG may help to fight inflammation and pain.

Anandamide is also heavily involved in inflammation and pain perception. One study showed that it reduced inflammation in the vascular system, and another study showed that it decreased inflammation associated with periodontitis in rats. Yet another study pointed to its positive effects on inflammation, pain, and perception of pain associated with rheumatic diseases like arthritis. Since we know that CBG enhances the effects of anandamide, it stands to reason that CBG might be helpful to those with pain disorders or inflammatory conditions. We already know that it can reduce inflammation associated with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis. Hopefully in the near future, we’ll know much more about how this works and whether it can be helpful for other inflammation-related conditions.

3. CBG may protect against Huntingdon’s disease.

Huntingdon’s disease is a devastating degenerative condition in which the nerve cells of the brain break down. In one animal study, CBG was found to protect the nerve cells from damage and improve motor impairments. Based on these findings, researchers are studying whether CBG might protect against other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

4. CBG might help to treat glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a disorder of the optic nerve, often caused by pressure from fluid build-up at the front of the eye. A 2008 animal study found that CBG relieved this pressure, encouraged better fluid flow, and restored essential nutrition to the eye.

5. CBG is effective against certain antibacterial infections.

MRSA is a dangerous bacteria that’s notoriously resistant to antibiotics. In a 2008 study, CBG was found to have a potent antibacterial effect on several MRSA strains that had so far proven incredibly difficult to treat.

Is CBG safe?

So far, CBG appears to be well-tolerated and safe for most people. We’re not aware of any adverse reactions or major side effects, although you should double-check with your doctor if you have a pre-existing condition. Cannabinoids are known to react with certain medications. They can change how the medication is metabolised in your body, leaving you with either too much or too little. If you’re currently taking medication, check with your doctor to make sure you can safely take CBG alongside it. Will CBG get you high? No. Unlike THC, CBG doesn’t have a psychoactive effect so you won’t feel high after taking it. In fact, it’s actually thought to alleviate some of the less enjoyable side effects of THC, like paranoia. How do I take CBG? CBG is usually sold as an oil and comes in either a dropper bottle or a spray bottle. You place the oil under your tongue, where it’s absorbed directly into your bloodstream and takes effect in about 30 minutes. Where can I buy CBG oil? Right here! Feel Supreme has just launched a brand new CBG spray, available in two dosages: 500mg and 1000mg. Get yours here and let us know what you think.