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The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds, and cannabigerol (CBG) is sometimes known as the mother of all cannabinoids. This is because it plays a role in how other cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) are formed.
CBD and THC are two active compounds that you’ll see often when researching medical cannabis. The main difference is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick questionnaire on our website. Below we’ll be exploring the role of CBG in medical cannabis.
Benefits of CBG for Inflammation, Anxiety, and Pain
There’s ongoing research on the potential therapeutic benefits of CBG and how it can be used in medical cannabis. There’s currently limited information on CBG, and how much of it can be found in specific strains. So it’s easier to pay attention to CBD and THC content - which, like we said above, are actually formed from CBG. The research we do have highlights these potential benefits:
- CBG for anxiety UK: Most people in this small-scale study reported that CBG was more effective at easing anxiety and reducing depression than conventional medicines.
- CBG for pain relief: This study found that 73.9% of people felt CBG worked better for chronic pain than traditional medicines.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): In this review, between 15% and 40% of people with IBD use medical cannabis and CBG to increase their appetite and reduce pain.
- Huntington's Disease: This is when nerve cells in the brain break down. But, CBG appears to have a positive effect on cell viability.
- Cancer: CBG appears to potentially stop breast cancer cells from increasing and potentially kill off inflammatory cells.
- Bacterial Infections: This study found CBG potentially has antibacterial properties.
It’s important to remember that a lot more studies are needed to fully understand the potential therapeutic benefits of CBG.
Differences Between CBG, CBD, and THC
As we said above, CBD and THC are two active compounds. Both are used in medical cannabis, and can have a lot of different potential therapeutic benefits.
CBG has a much lower concentration in the cannabis plant, and the extraction method for this cannabinoid is complex, which is partly why you won’t see it very often when looking into medical cannabis. But remember, it plays a role as a precursor for other cannabinoids like CBD and THC.
Did you know that THC and CBD can sometimes be greater together, due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect?
How CBG Works in the Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, is a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. The ECS influences and modulates pretty much every single function within your body, directing, correcting and managing your overall health.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why cannabis works so positively on so many different conditions. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD and THC, it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body.
Is CBG Legal and Safe in the UK?
Medical cannabis, including medical cannabis with CBG, has been legal in the UK since 1st November 2018, but it needs to be prescribed by a specialist doctor. To be eligible, you’ll need a diagnosis for a qualifying condition such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD or autism, and to have been offered at least two conventional treatments.
Just because vapes, edibles and CBG oil in the UK is legal, doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. It is always a good idea to check if you’re travelling somewhere, what their rules and laws are around medical cannabis.
FAQs
Is CBG stronger than CBD?
In most strains of medical cannabis, you won’t find very high levels of CBG. This is because, like we mentioned above, there is a low concentration of this cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, and the extraction method is complex. So, this isn’t necessarily a question you need to ask. Instead, consider looking at THC/CBD content and terpenes, which are the part of any plant that produces its smell. These can have a direct impact on strain effects.
Can CBG help with chronic pain?
Yes! CBG has the potential to help ease chronic pain - which we explore in this study above - alongside other cannabinoids like THC and CBD. It may also help with anxiety, depression and 50+ other health conditions.
Is CBG suitable for daily use?
If you’ve been prescribed medical cannabis, whether it includes CBG or not, you should always consume following your clinician's guidance. This could mean consuming daily, and if that’s how they’ve prescribed, that’s how you should consume.
Failing to follow the dose and treatment plan laid out by your clinician could lead to unwanted side effects, and less effective symptom relief.
Summary
Whether you’re comparing CBG vs CBD for pain, anxiety and depression, or you simply want a better understanding of how medical cannabis is formed, its potential benefits and the different ways to consume, we hope the above information has helped. If you want to find out more, we have a quick guide to medical cannabis here.
If you’re considering medical cannabis treatment, the best thing to do is speak to your clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second questionnaire.