Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in hemp and cannabis plants. They’re able to interact with the body to potentially ease pain or help you sleep. Today, cannabinoids are available as oils, chocolate, lotions, and even pet treats or private label pet treats.
The US cannabinoids market reached $2.3 billion in 2019. Cannabidiol (CBD) is no longer the only cannabinoid available on the market, though. Instead, more people are beginning to turn toward “minor” cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG).
What is CBG, exactly? What is CBG used for? Keep reading to find out.
After reading this guide on CBG uses, you can determine if cannabigerol is right for you. You’ll have an easier time choosing between cannabinoids as well.
Make a more informed decision before you start shopping. Read on to discover the many potential CBG benefits you might experience today!
What is CBG?
First, let’s answer the question that’s likely on your mind: what is CBG?
The cannabis sativa plant contains over 60 cannabinoids that we know of. Scientists are still looking into cannabinoids that appear in lower quantities. One of these lesser-known cannabinoids is cannabigerol.
Other cannabinoids include CBD, cannabichromene (CBC), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the cannabinoid people associate with psychoactive side effects like hallucinations. CBD, however, isn’t psychoactive.
These cannabinoids are chemical substances that can interact with the body’s natural cannabinoid receptors. The body has two main known receptors, CB1 and CB2.
CB1 receptors are found throughout your nervous system. CB2 receptors are usually associated with inflammation that occurs throughout the body.
Since CBG appears in lower quantities, scientists are still learning about the potential CBG benefits and uses.
So what is CBG, really? It’s the precursor to THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. It’s sometimes called “the stem cell.”
There are also different forms of CBG. CBGA is an acidic, inactive form. With time, CBGA can change and break apart.
During this process, CBG becomes a base molecule. Other cannabinoids can form from the base molecule.
The Endocannabinoid System
Before we answer the question “what is CBG used for,” it helps to understand how cannabinoids interact with the body.
Your body contains a natural system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Your ECS regulates different bodily functions, including:
- Pain responses
- Metabolism
- Appetite
- Sleep
- Mood
The human body is able to use cannabinoids to keep the ECS in a state of homeostasis, or balance. Cannabinoids like CBD and THC interact with receptors. They’re then able to trigger a response that causes psychological changes.
For example, you could experience weight gain, mood swings, or feel drowsy.
You can take CBG to act with these receptors and trigger specific responses.
CBG vs CBD
What are the differences between CBD and CBG, then?
First, it’s important to note that neither CBD nor CBG causes psychoactive effects. They won’t alter your mental clarity or state of mind. You won’t have to worry about feeling high when using these cannabinoids.
It’s also important to recognize that everyone reacts to cannabinoids a little differently. The CBD and CBG benefits you experience can vary based on:
- General health
- Pre-existing conditions
- Age
- Weight
CBD is best known for its therapeutic benefits. It’s potentially able to interact with the ECS to ease inflammation.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to illness or disease. Unfortunately, chronic inflammation can cause pain, fatigue, and fever. It could even contribute to serious conditions like:
- Asthma
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Obesity
- Neurodegenerative diseases
Using CBD to ease inflammation could reduce your risk of a serious health condition.
We currently have more information about CBD than CBG. However, some reports suggest CBG is a partial agonist for cannabinoid receptors. In other words, CBG might offer different benefits than CBD.
Both CBG and CBD could potentially counter the effects of THC. They might counteract the “high” people experience after using THC.
CBG Uses
What is CBG used for, exactly? Here are a few potential CBG benefits you might experience when using CBG.
Remember, everyone reacts to cannabinoids a little differently. Try to keep an open mind before trying CBG for the first time. You can buy bulk cbg distillate to explore these potential benefits yourself.
Inflammation
Like CBD, CBG is potentially able to ease inflammation throughout the body. It might help reduce your risk of heart disease and other serious conditions.
Inflammation can also contribute to skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema. Using CBG might ease irritation or redness.
Glaucoma Treatment
Some studies indicate that CBG could help patients with glaucoma.
It could help by easing intraocular pressure. It could also offer therapeutic relief.
Make sure to speak with a doctor before you explore these CBG uses firsthand. Continue taking any doctor-prescribed medications. Talk to your doctor to determine if CBG will interact with any medications you’re already taking.
GABA Reuptake
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid. It encourages certain reactions, such as easing anxiety, stress, and fear. GABA reuptake could even help prevent seizures.
CBG might help inhibit GABA reuptake. This could help create sensations of calm and peace. It could help people with anxiety, too.
Colitis Inflammatory Bowel Disease
CBG might also help patients with colitis. It could help manage diarrhea, weight loss, nausea, and abdominal pain. We still need more research to explore these CBG benefits, though.
Cancer
Some plant-derived cannabinoids might inhibit tumor progression. They could keep tumors from growing as a result.
CBG might even offer a potential form of cancer treatment. We still need more research, though.
Anxiety and Depression
CBG might help patients with depression and anxiety by acting as a CB1 antagonist. It could also boost anandamide levels. Anandamide regulates your appetite, sleep, and mood.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Like other cannabinoids, CBG might help fight neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s. It could work as a neuroprotective compound to protect the brain from these conditions.
What is CBG Used For?: Your Guide to Cannabigerol
To recap, what is CBG used for? It’s a cannabinoid that could ease anxiety, inflammation, and other health conditions. Make sure to consult a doctor before using CBG or other cannabinoids for the first time.
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