CBG Good for Stress, Anxiety and Memory, Says Study
There are hundreds of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and one of them is CBG, a less familiar counterpart of CBD and THC. Researchers are rushing to find out more about these other cannabinoids and they do discover new things about them every day. While CBG can be medicinally used to reduce stress and anxiety, it can also help improve memory, says the latest study on the cannabinoid.
CBG, which is short for Cannabigerol, can effectively treat anxiety and stress, and it may help in enhancing memory, according to a new study published in the journal Nature: Scientific Reports.
CBG is one of the less explored cannabinoids in cannabis research. However, as hemp extracts increasingly feature CBG additions, there’s more interest to expose all potential health benefits or any adverse reactions from using this cannabinoid.
Preclinical trials have shown that CBG has a wide range of therapeutic qualities, including as pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and blood pressure-regulating agent. Anecdotal evidence further suggests that the CBG or Cannabigerol can also assist with depression and poor sleep.
However, here's what the first CBG study to evaluate the cannabinoid efficiency for anxiety, stress and mood in humans has to say.
CBG Has Proven Medicinal Effects for Stress, Anxiety and Memory
Researchers affiliated with Washington State University and the University of California, Los Angeles, assessed the effects of hemp-derived 20 mg CBG tincture and placebo in 34 study participants. The selected group did not have prior history of CBG use.
The research found out that CBG was associated with noticeable improvements in verbal memory as well as it reduced stress and anxiety. No intoxicating or performance-impairing effects were observed in the study.
“Results of this double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over field trial indicate that 20 mg of hemp-derived CBG reduces subjective ratings of anxiety and stress in healthy cannabis-using adults in the absence of motor or cognitive impairment, intoxication, or other subjective drug effects (e.g., heart palpitations, dry mouth),” the researchers wrote in the paper conclusion.
Those participants who took CBG experienced anxiety relief and reductions in stress within the first hour of consumption, according to the study. In a subsequent verbal memory test, they also recalled more words than individuals who took placebo.
While CBG did not impact cognition or movement, participants reported minimal changes in symptoms like sleepiness and increased appetite.
What is the Difference Between CBG and CBD?
Both Cannabigerol (CBG) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are extracted from cannabis. Both have substantial therapeutic value and are non-psychedelic.
The main difference between these two cannabinoids is that CBD is a major cannabinoid, while CBG is a minor one. Meaning, CBG is found in less significant amounts in cannabis and hemp cultivars.
The cannabinoids interact in their own unique ways with the body’s endocannabinoid system. But deliver similar health benefits, including appetite stimulation, muscle relaxations, and pain reduction.
CBD is more established in terms of medicinal use. Notably, it’s used for treatment of seizures and epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and poor sleep, but is also given for other medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson, and Crohn's disease.
Full-spectrum hemp oils would typically contain CBD and CBG together with other minor cannabinoids and extractions, such as CBDV, CBC, CBDA, CBGA, hemp seed oil and others.
Are There Any Adverse Effects from CBG?
Most users consume larger doses of CBG and they rarely report unwanted side effects. When side effects appear, they are similar to those of CBD.
Some of the possible side effect reactions from CBD include:
- Feeling dizzy
- Feeling sleepy
- Appetite changes
- Upset stomach
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
How to Avoid CBG Side Effects?
It’s important to purchase CBG-containing hemp products from reputable brands. That would significantly reduce the chances of ending up with a low-quality product that may lead to experiencing adverse reactions. That is a general recommendation when buying any kind of cannabis product.
Legal CBG should be processed from hemp. It can be found in broad-spectrum hemp oils. CBG is best extracted with ethanol or CO2 extractions as these methods give pure final products, without intoxicating solvent leftovers that might harm your health.
If you are not sure whether you will tolerate CBG well, start with small doses and increase as you get more experience with it.
Also read on Soft Secrets:
- CBD Is Effective for Anxiety, Depression, and Poor Sleep
S
Stephen Andrews
