The CBG therapeutic properties

Amongst the more than 80 cannabinoids identified thus far and contained in cannabis we can find Cannabigerol, known also as CBG: a phytocannabinoid, which, differently from THC and just like CBD, isn’t psychoactive. 

Why is CBG important? 

Cannabigerol can be considered the “stem cell” of many chemical substances present in Cannabis. Due to the action of some enzymes, CBG is converted to other types of Cannabinoids, hence proving to be important in the therapeutic use of Cannabis connected to its characteristics.  

Bonni Goldstein, Medical director of Canna-Centers, has stated in the past how CBG inhibits the absorption of a chemical substance called GABA, with the same mechanisms of cannabinoids.

What does this mean?

It means that CBG gives muscle relaxation and contrasts anxiety states, in the same way as CBD does. 

The Italian study on CBG 

A study carried out  by researchers from the department of Pharmacy of the University of Naples, Federico II, in collaboration with medical professionals of the Diagnostic department of the Pellegrini Hospital in Naples and researchers of the CNR in Pozzuoli, has demonstrated the action of CBG in a case of intestinal inflammation and arrived to the conclusion that “cannabigerol is a new therapeutic opportunity for those suffering from the above mentioned disorder”. 

Certainly, additional studies will be necessary to determine what effectively is the therapeutic potential of CBG; we can however state that besides CBD and THC, there are other molecules capable of offering a support in the therapeutic area. 

CBD and CBG, which are the differences?

CBD and CBG are two completely different cannabinoids contained inside cannabis plants, they have very different chemical structures and concentrations.

Before mentioning the differences, it is necessary to point out how Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol have the capability in common to be effective, due to their analgesic properties, in contrasting skin disorders, like Psoriasis, bone metabolic disorders and disorders of the central nervous system.

The main differences can be found in the capability of CBG, unlike CBD, to operate as an anti-asthmatic, gives support in the antibacterial activity against ‘Staphylococcus aureus” and in the treatment of disorders in the urinary system.

CBD instead, unlike CBG, has the capability to be anticonvulsant, myorelaxant, antioxidant and antipsychotic.

CBG has been identified for the first time in 1964 by the scientist Y.Gaoni and is composed of  cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), one of the first cannabinoids forming itself in the cannabis plant.

 The ten therapeutic properties of Cannabigerol. 

1 – Anxiety and Muscle Tension: CBG inhibits the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), achieving the objective to diminish anxiety states and muscle tension associated with manifold reasons/pathologies as well. An action similar to that of Cannabidiol.
 
2 - Glaucoma: In the past we talked about the therapeutic potentials of CBD in this disease (Click Here) and in the same way CBG contributes to the reduction of intraocular eye pressure, while increasing the drainage of the eye.  
 
3 - Inflammatory intestinal diseases:  CBG possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in case of inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn’s Disease, and regarding this subject we’ve already talked about the contribution of CBD as well (Click Here)
 
4 - Anti-depressant: In the Scientific field it is demonstrated how CBG has antidepressant properties and potentially also analgesic effects.

5 - Anti-nausea e anti-emetic: Preclinical studies have demonstrated how CBG can have anti-nausea and antiemetic effects.
 
6 - Tumor: Some studies have highlighted how CBG would inhibit the growth of cancer cells, however still much has to be done and studied before being able to give the most precise answers regarding this Subject.  
 
Cannabis and Tumors: Read Enecta’s interview with doctor Massimo Nabissi.
 
7 - Neuroprotective Properties: CBG is a promising therapeutic agent in disorders related to the central nervous system, like epilepsy, Huntington’s disease.
 
8 - Antifungal and antimicrobial properties: Just like most of the main cannabinoids, CBG presents antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
 
9 - Psoriasis: CBG helps to contrast these kind of diseases, an argument already treated in relation to the effectiveness CBD has got with regards to psoriasis. (Click Here)
 
10 – Bladder dysfunctions: CBG would result to be the most effective cannabinoid for the treatment of bladder dysfunctions.