Getting to Know CBD and CBG

Introduction

Over the past several years, CBD (cannabidiol), a cannabinoid found in cannabis has exploded in popularity and found its way into several industries from skin and beauty products to dog treats. But recent developments in the cannabis world have paved the way for another therapeutic cannabinoid called CBG (cannabigerol). Both CBD and CBG provide amazing medical benefits without the psychoactive element that THC is known for.  So, what is the difference? 

What is CBG?

CBG is comparatively rare and harder to extract into its purist form, but its therapeutic effects have been observed to reduce inflammation, treat pain and possibly curb prefoliation of cancer cells. That being said, CBG still needs more research and testing as it has received less attention than other cannabinoids such as CBD and THC.  

CBG is what we call a “precursor cannabinoid” because of the important role that it plays in forming other cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, as all other cannabinoids are derived from CBGA the acidic form of CBG. CBG is rather rare because of its role in forming other compounds within cannabis. 

Benefits of CBG

Research on CBG is rather scarce comparatively to its cousins THC and CBD, although there are some studies that link CBG with exciting therapeutic uses such as:

·       Increased Appetite: In a 2017 study, it was found that CBG can encourage appetite in rats. Therefore, pure CBG may be an efficient treatment for cachexia, appetite loss and wasting in seen in the later stages of cancer and other fatal diseases. Thus, the compound can provide such benefits without the unwanted intoxicating effects from THC. 

·       Killing drug-resistant bacteria: In another study concerning the anti-bacterial properties of cannabis, CBG exhibited its potential as a potent antibiotic. The study found that the compound was just as powerful of an anti-biotic as vancomycin to treat MRSA bacterial infections.

·       Cancer:  CBG was also found to inhibit irregular cell proliferation.  A study conducted on mouse skin melanoma cells showed evidence of CBG’s anti-tumorigenic properties by curbing formation of melanoma cells.

·       Treating glaucoma: CBG has also shown promise in treating glaucoma by relieving pressure in the eyes caused by this disease. 

·       Inflammation: In a study on mice, CBG had positive results in treating inflammation in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Benefits of CBD:

·       Can Reduce Chronic Pain: CBD can reduce chronic pain by interacting with our endocannabinoid receptors and reducing inflammation. Especially when CBD and THC are combined. 

·       Can Reduce Anxiety and Depression: CBD link to treating anxiety and depression via its ability to interact with our serotonin receptors. Studies in both human and animals have yielded positive results.

·       Can Reduce Feelings of Nausea: According to results from a study on CBD combined with THC was shown to alleviate cancer related pain, nausea and vomiting. 

·       May Reduce Acne: Due to CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties it may be beneficial against acne and its ability to affect the production of sebum which causes acne.

·       May Have Neuroprotective Abilities: This is the most widely studied use for CBD. It was shown in a study that CBD can reduce the number of seizures with those suffering from epilepsy. Another study showed that in animal and test tube studies that CBD can reduce the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusion:

Overall, the cannabis scientific community is providing an interesting insight on the miracles of CBG and other cannabinoids like CBD. However, some major differences between CBD and CBG, is that CBG has been said to have a greater ability to fight cancer causing tumors, increase appetite, anti-bacterial properties and its ability to relieve pain and swelling associated with glaucoma. Nevertheless, both are unique and can be used to alleviate and reduce some medical conditions.