The complexities of Cannabis’ chemical structure are yet to gain acknowledge, and recognition since the number of countries legalizing it are only a few. Medical professionals are finding it challenging to back up its medical advantages with studies due to limited permission and restricted methods to subject marijuana under research. However, as clinical studies proved the benefits of Cannabis over, multiple country leaders reconsidered the idea of banning marijuana.
Today, we are confident that Cannabis contains 483 known active compounds, and some of the most prominent among medical patients and recreational users are THC, CBD, and CBG. The main question is, what is CBG? And how does it differ from CBD and other compounds as well?
What is CBG?
CBG or cannabigerol is one of the active compounds of Cannabis that makes it medically efficient. Although the mixture hasn’t reached clinical trials yet, in-vitro studies with rats unveiled that CBG is indeed a treatment with numerous medical ailments, especially cancer.
Another discovery from a board-certified medical cannabis expert, Perry Solomon, M.D. revealed that CBD is not a common cannabinoid. The blind research for chemical components cannabis has ignored the possibility of the origin of other known compounds such as CBD, CBC, AND THC, knowing that the cannabis plant has been existing for a thousand years.
The breakthrough research unearthed that CBG is the predecessor of other prominent cannabis’ chemical compounds. According to Dr. Solomon, CBG is a stem cell where its acidic and inoperative structure named CBGA breaks down before turning into a base molecule that became the origin of other cannabinoids.
Thanks to research, the uncovering of wonders and curiosity is one stepping-stone for medical professionals who wish to elaborate their knowledge about the contents of Cannabis. Besides, it’s a relief to users as well upon learning that smoking weed can somehow be full of advantages.
How does Cannabigerol or CBG works?
The scarcity of research and trials overwhelms the possible benefits and advantages of CBG but not in the right way. While it limits our understanding about it, it also prevents us from educating the people if dangers were living in the said compound. However, there are few, but not enough, information that could leave us comfortable with familiarity and astonishment. From the looks of it, the description of CBG makes it ultimately superior to other cannabinoids, except they have similarities in terms of influence and body regulations.
Our bodies produce compounds like endocannabinoids that bind with receptors, specifically CB1 and CB2, which plays a significant role in adjusting our overall functions to maintain homeostasis or internal balance of our physiological capabilities and tasks. CB1 receptors’ station is found in the brains and nervous system while the CB2 receptors are located everywhere in the body, specifically in the immune system’s cells. These receptors bind with other compounds such as AEA or anandamide and 2-AG or 2-arachidonoylglycerol. The AEA receptor is more of a neurotransmitter that brings impacts to our cognitive abilities and mood while 2-AG provokes anti-inflammatory effects.
The reason why it’s important to know is that cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are also capable of binding with our endocannabinoids. Similar to other cannabinoids, CBG also influences the receptors in our bodies. For instance, THC connects with the CB1 receptor that could give you extreme mind alteration and psychoactive effects, but CBD does not, however. CBD works by influencing the way they interact with other cannabinoids, which is why high CBD marijuana is widely beneficial.
Medical professionals are still in the dark with what other capabilities does CBG has. Nevertheless, research made it possible for them to see that CBG’s superior move is to bind with CB2 receptors and could prevent other compounds from connecting with CB1. CBG also does not interfere with THC binding with CB1. What it does is it elevates the impact more. The uncertainty of the extent function of CBG is still unknown, but medical expert suggests having all cannabinoids altogether to give more advantage in whatever field the user desire.
However, now we know what is CBG, what it stands for and its direct purposes, we should be able to differentiate it from other cannabinoids such as CBD and THC.
What are the similarities and differences between CBG and CBD?
According to research, CBD is one of the origins of CBD, making them two different compounds in a cannabis plant. The difference will be the purposes they serve and what pharmacological advantages they can give.
Unlike THC, CBG and CBD aren’t psychoactive compounds and cannot alter your perceptions and control the clarity of your mental state. Still, they have impacts on our mind because they both serve potential medication to mental disorders like anxiety and depression among other illnesses. Meaning, they will not highly intoxicate you like the way THC will. Furthermore, Dr. Solomon’s studies find that both CBD and CBG counteracts the heady impacts of THC since CBG can activate CB1 receptors like CBD. This capability reduces psycho-activation.
Now with the difference, in in-vitro tests, CBG increased the appetite of lab rats in a way that they became hungrier each time passes. On the other hand, CBD is not capable of such a thing. Also, CBD does not directly interrelate with endocannabinoids. Meanwhile, CBG interacts directly with CB1 and CB2 to stimulate therapeutic results.
What is CBG and its Primary Role and Benefits?
THC and CBD are both well-known cannabinoids with their prominent functions and roles. But not CBG. The data and interpretation came from early studies that involve lab rats and in-vitro studies. Note that these are only potential benefits due to the lack of clinical trials and advanced findings.
One of the most promising potentials of CBG is to fight cancer. Laboratory studies show that CBG inhibited the growth of cancer cells but only a few are tested, according to Dr. Goldstein. In an analysis in 2009, necessary results proved the potential hindrance of CBG towards a growing tumor. For further verification and data precision, multiple reviews emerged and showed the same outcomes, and some include prevented tumor growth in colon and breast cancer.
It also has antibacterial properties that could treat bacterial infection. Research from 2008 shows that it barred life-threatening bacteria that contain high resistance towards antibiotics, especially MRSA or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Moreover, Laboratory studies verified its medical benefits where patients acquired an isolated CBG that let them gain control over pain management together with other disorders like inflammatory bowel disease and colitis. Also, it can treat glaucoma since CBD cannot do such a thing, and consuming THC is quite risky with its intoxicating impact. Along with that is its wide variety of medical advantages like curing neurodegenerative diseases and bring relief and relaxation.
Therefore, we can conclude that the superiority of CBG exists due to influential and ambitious studies backing it up, and future clinical trials are bound to occur. The improvement of technology advancement in science made it possible to administer the strength and effectiveness of CBG. Hopefully, there are more to come that will solve uncertain assumptions and make Cannabis legal all over the world.
