CBG has been called the "Next Big Thing," the "New CBD," and the "Rolls-Royce of cannabinoids" by industry insiders. However, people frequently question what the heck it is, what the advantages are, and how it differs from CBD.
What is CBG oil?
CBG Oil or cannabigerol, is a rare exotic minor cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant. It has been called the “Mother of all Cannabinoids” because other cannabinoids originate from CBGA a form of CBG.
CBG levels in hemp are lower than other cannabinoids making it harder and more expensive to produce. Industry expert refer to CBG as the “Rolls-Royce of Cannabinoids.” because it takes thousands of pounds of biomass to create a small amount of CBG. Because of this there are fewer wellness brands with CBG based product right now but that will soon change as consumer demand is increasing.
CBG is well established for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it a popular choice for treating conditions like arthritis and chronic pain. It's also been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation in the gut, which can help with conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
However, new research is discovering even more benefits of CBG.
Let take a look at the growing benefits and CBG, why it’s becoming one of the more popular ingredients in natural wellness products and the science that backs it up.
How Does CBG Work?
CBG is processed by endocannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of chemicals and receptors that keep our bodies functioning properly. CBG mimics the endocannabinoids found in the human body. CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors exist in all humans. CB1 receptors are found in the nervous system and brain, whereas CB2 receptors are found throughout the body.
CBG binds to both receptors, thereby strengthening anandamide, a neurotransmitter that improves pleasure and motivation, regulates food and sleep, and relieves pain.
Ok by now you are probably asking what the heck is the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Yeah, we know this is starting to sound like a high school biology class with all this science talk. However, this part is critical to understanding how not only CBG but CBD and all cannabinoids work with the body.
The endocannabinoid system, to put it simply, is your body's own regulatory mechanism that helps keep equilibrium in your mind and body, even when outside influences and certain lifestyle choices throw it out of whack.
Endocannabinoids are present in nearly every organ and tissue, including the immune system, brain, central nervous system, glands, connective tissues, and many more. This remarkable mechanism, which was just recently identified in the 1990s, is thought to be crucial to your body's capacity to promote balanced health.
What’s the Difference Between CBG and CBD?
Molecular Structure
CBG and CBD have different molecule structures and, unlike THC, neither has psychoactive properties.
Molecular structures, which essentially describe the quantity and configuration of oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen atoms that make up a cannabinoid, are different for CBG and CBD.
The endocannabinoid system is affected in distinct ways by CBG and CBD. For some applications, CBG may be more effective than CBD alone since it directly binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBG is the original source of CBD and thought to be more potent because it is a precursor to all other cannabinoids. So, for people looking for the very best in hemp wellness products CBG may be the answer.
Affordability
Currently CBG is one of the most expensive cannabinoids due to the high-demand, low-supply issue. This means it costs the brand considerably more to produce CBG products that it does CBD, hence the “Rolls-Royce” of cannabinoids.
That obviously trickles down to what a consumer pays which understandably can be a big difference.
Benefits and Uses of CBG Oil
Athletic Performance and Recovery
CBG Oil is becoming increasingly popular among athletes. CBG is present in Raw Botanics RESTORE product for that reason. This particular CBG Oil is popular among serious endurance and strength athlete as well as weekend warriors looking for the extra boost.
CBG increases motivation, concentration, and vitality in athletes. CBG also reduces inflammation and anxiety while improving performance and post-workout recovery.
Reduce Inflammation and Benefit Gut Health
Numerous studies have suggested that CBG may lessen inflammation throughout the body. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBG have the potential to benefit not only gut health but also cognitive function, athletic recovery, sleep, hygiene, longevity, and other areas.
Recent research suggests that CBG can effectively reduce inflammation in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also known as inflammatory bowel disease, which affects millions of people worldwide. Data from a mouse study revealed that CBG had a beneficial effect on the signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Stress and Anxiety
CBG is a powerful mental health regulator. Research indicates that CBG oil can be used in the same way as CBD oil, to calm anxiety and relieve stress. We know that stress, anxiety, and depression can have a big effect on our physical and mental health. CBG oil could be the tool that helps you treat your mental health problems in a natural way.
Of course, If you have a serious mental illness, you should always talk to your doctor before using CBG oil or any supplements.
Weight Loss or Obesity
A number of studies are currently being done on CBG for the treatment of obesity and general weight loss. Researchers at Oxford University describe the synthesis of three novel CBG derivatives and their benefits in preclinical pain, inflammation, and obesity models.
CBG demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It further demonstrated the ability to inhibit weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet as well as steatosis, a precursor to liver fibrosis linked to diabetes and obesity. The study adds to the growing body of evidence that CBG has anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, CBG derivatives show promise as novel medication options for treating a wide range of metabolic diseases that affect a growing population.
A 2021 Study titled Novel CBG Derivatives Can Reduce Inflammation, Pain and Obesity determined that CBG derivatives have the potential to be further developed as novel drug candidates for use as anti-obesity treatment.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8467477/
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/18/5601
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28348416/
Natural Sleep Aid
Usually when industry experts and scientist discuss hemp for a use as a sleep aid they are focused on CBD and more recently the promising rare exotic cannabinoid CBN. However, recent studies point to CBG as having a very positive effect on sleep health.
Improved sleep is critical for recovery. CBG stimulates sleep and prevents insomnia by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. This could help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, allowing them to wake up refreshed and ready to go. It may not be known as a sedative cannabinoid but its effect on general wellness and relaxation plays a big role in helping people sleep.
Fighting Cancer-cells
in a 2014 study of rats with colon cancer. Evidence displayed that CBG inhibited cancer cell proliferation and blocked growth receptors CBG has since been proposed for the treatment and prevention of colon cancer by researchers. The studies are rather new on this subject but promising and worth noting.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2020/2371527/
Huntington’s Disease
The disease Huntington's destroys brain cells. Researchers have been investigated the neuroprotective effects of CBG and other cannabinoids in Huntington's disease rats. CBG seems to shield brain nerve cells from damage. “EHP-102, a compound derived from the non-psychoactive cannabinoid called cannabigerol (CBG), has been shown to reduce inflammation and neuronal loss in mouse models of Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases”. Therefore, CBG may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of neurologic diseases (such as Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Multiple Sclerosis) as well as inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13311-014-0304-z
How do you take CBG Oil?
CBG oil is taken in the same way you would CBD or any other cannabinoid.
CBG Tinctures
The most common way to take CBG through a Tincture. Tinctures are an elixir that is squirted or dropped under the tongue and held there for 60 seconds. CBG oil is put under the tongue (sublingually) because this part of the mouth is a capillary-rich area so the CBG will reach your bloodstream quicker.
CBG Softgels or Capsules
People who want to keep a steady supply of the compound in their bodies can also take CBG oil in capsule or softgel form. Because of how long it takes to go through the digestive system, CBG may not work for up to 30 minutes after being taken by mouth. CBG softgels and capsules are great for people who find it easier to travel with or who want to have a more precise dosage.
CBG Oil can be applied to the skin as a balm or lotion.
Applying CBG directly to affected areas may relieve pain in muscles or joints. Currently, only a few companies sell CBG-specific topicals. A little-known hack for the lack of CBG topicals on the market is to use a CBG tincture applied directly to the skin or mixed into any common base, such as shea butter, coconut oil, or jojoba oil.