Cannabigerol (CBG)

Cannabinoids all start off as Cannabigerol, or CBG. CBG’s precursor, cannabigerolic acid, or (CBGa) is the primary cannabinoid. It is non-psychoactive and can be thought of as the “stem cell” of other cannabinoids found in cannabis. It is the precursor to the three major branches of cannabinoids: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa), cannabidiolic acid (CBDa), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCa). The plant has natural enzymes, called synthase, that break the CBGa down and mould it toward the desired branch. When exposed to heat, or prolonged UV light, CBGa will break down and become CBG. This break down explains the low concentration of CBG in most strains. Besides its role in forming other cannabinoids, CBG has a number of important effects of its own.

In January 2015, researchers studying CBG in mice discovered neuroprotective effects with Huntington’s disease and have shown promising results in slowing down colon cancer. CBG cannabis strains will hopefully be used therapeutically as an antidepressant, and as a functioning painkiller. CBG’s antibacterial effects can alter the overall affects of cannabis. CBG is known to kill or slow bacterial growth, reduce inflammation, (particularly in its acidic CBGa form,) inhibit cell growth in tumour/cancer cells, and promote bone growth. It acts as a low-affinity antagonist (a type of receptor that blocks or dampens agonist-mediated responses rather than provoking a biological response itself upon binding to a receptor) at the CB1 receptor. CBG has also been found to inhibit the uptake of GABA, this causes a feeling of relaxation. Researchers suggest that CBG cannabis strains will also be beneficial for the treatment of psoriasis, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and skin diseases.

CBG is effective in a range of treatment and therapies which can include:*

• Producing Modest Anti Fungal Effects

• Inhibiting Keratinocyte Proliferation — may be Useful in Treatment of Psoriasis

• In Conjunction with l-limonene (citrus terpene found in cannabis), CBG shows promising results to fight Breast Cancer

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat or cure any diseases.