CBG: The Not-So New Kid on the Block

CBG – have you heard of it?

By now, most people are familiar with CBD and its effects on the body, but did you know there are many similar compounds in the hemp plant? You hear us talking a lot about CBD. And that makes sense. I mean, we’re in the business after all.

But something we don’t talk a lot about (but should), and something you may not even know about is cannabigerol.

It’s time to fix that!

What is CBG?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a lesser-known cannabinoid that, just like CBD, comes from the hemp plant.

It’s considered a minor cannabinoid (because it isn’t found in as high concentrations) but oddly enough, both CBD and THC start out as CBG (as well as CBC, another cannabinoid)! It’s the chemical precursor to all 3, sort of like a parent.

CBG

How? Enzymes in hemp break down CBG and channel it toward one of the 3 lines. Add a little ultraviolet light or heat, and they transform. It’s like magic (or science).

Potential Benefits

Like CBD, CBG has major potential when it comes to your health. It interacts with the receptors in the Encocannabinoid System (ES).

In fact, it has been found to act on some very specific physiological systems, including the:

  • eyes
  • bowel
  • nerve cells in the brain
  • muscles
  • bladder

Check this out: There’s more on how the Endocannabinoid System works right here.

But probably most important is the research being done on CBG and cancer. Now, we are NOT, by any means, saying that it can help cure cancer. Firstly, we’re not allowed to say it, and secondly, the research doesn’t actually tell us that.

What it does tell us is that it was shown to block receptors that cause cancer cell growth in mice. A study done in 2014 found that colon carcinogenesis is inhibited by CBG. That means it inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer cells. What we do know for certain is that there is definite potential here for future study!

It’s also an effective antibacterial agent. Researchers in Europe have discovered that CBG may be effective in combating drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). That’s a really good thing, and again, important for future study.

Read this next: CBG plays a big role in the Entourage Effect.

Final Thoughts

We are still just starting to understand all of the different cannabinoids and their various potentials. It’s so important to discover what all of these different compounds can do, and how they can help us live better.

As for CBG, the research is out there – have a look!