The Benefits of CBG: Exploring the Potential of Cannabigerol
Cannabigerol (CBG) is gaining attention as one of the most promising minor cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Although CBG is typically found in trace amounts—less than 1% in many strains—it plays a vital role in the synthesis of well-known cannabinoids like CBD and THC.
As the cannabis plant matures, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) breaks down and converts into cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), the inactive precursors to CBD and THC.
During the heating process, known as decarboxylation, these inactive compounds transform into their active forms, producing CBD, THC, and only a small amount of CBG. While THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis, both CBD and CBG contribute to health benefits without any intoxicating effects.
What Are the Medical Possibilities of CBG?
Due to its potential therapeutic applications, CBG is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after cannabinoids for extraction. Recent studies indicate that CBG has significant medicinal possibilities.
One of the noteworthy benefits of CBG is its potential in treating eye conditions such as glaucoma by lowering intraocular pressure. CBG is believed to act as a potent vasodilator, promoting the dilation of blood vessels and enhancing blood flow.
Moreover, CBG may possess neuroprotective qualities. Research from 2015 indicated that CBG could protect neurons in mice suffering from Huntington's disease, which is characterised by the degeneration of brain nerve cells. Additionally, CBG has been effective in reducing inflammation for those with inflammatory bowel disease.
CBG also shows promise in cancer research. Studies have shown that CBG blocks receptors responsible for cancer cell growth, with one particular study demonstrating that it inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells in mice.
European research has substantiated that CBG acts as a powerful antibacterial agent against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a bacterial strain known for its resistance to numerous conventional antibiotics.
In 2017, researchers discovered that a purified form of CBG functioned as an effective appetite stimulant in rats. This could provide significant benefits for individuals experiencing muscle wasting and severe weight loss due to late-stage cancer and other illnesses.
Additionally, CBG has shown promise as a remedy for bladder dysfunction disorders and is useful for general pain relief. Its therapeutic effects also extend to common skin conditions such as psoriasis and exhibit potential antidepressant properties.
Despite its many benefits, one major challenge with CBG is its extraction process. Due to its high costs, CBG has acquired the nickname "the Rolls-Royce of cannabinoids."
CBG is approximately five times more expensive than CBD because of the substantial amount of plant material required to extract minuscule quantities. For instance, if a cannabis strain contains 1% CBG, extracting the desired concentration necessitates twenty times the biomass.
Can CBG Be Extracted?
The technology for CBG extraction remains relatively new and requires specialised and costly equipment. To make CBG more accessible and affordable, researchers are currently exploring the development of cannabis strains that are naturally high in CBG.
Preliminary findings and ongoing research continue to reveal the enormous potential of CBG, with studies investigating its effects both in isolation and in combination with other cannabinoids.
By exploring the benefits and possibilities of CBG, we can better understand its role in the future of cannabis medicine.
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Liz Filmer
