CBG in CBD Oil

CBG – the "Mother" of Cannabinoids: What You Should Know About One of the Key Ingredients in CBD Oil

CBD Oil has now become widely recognized and respected as a natural supportive product. However, more and more people are seeking products that contain other beneficial compounds alongside CBD to enhance the effectiveness of CBD Oil.

Among these, one of the most exciting and promising cannabinoids is CBG, or cannabigerol.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at:

• what CBG is,

• how it relates to the mechanism of action of CBD Oil,

• what scientific research supports it,

• and why it is considered a particularly valuable ingredient in premium CBD Oils.
  
  

What is CBG (Cannabigerol)?

CBG (cannabigerol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant. What truly makes it special is that:

CBG is considered the "parent" cannabinoid.

In the early stages of cannabis development, most cannabinoids exist in the plant as CBGA (cannabigerolic acid). This compound later forms the basis through enzymatic processes for:

• CBD (CBGA →  CBDA → CBD)

• and THC (CBGA →  THCA → THC)

This is why CBG is often called the "mother" of cannabinoids, without which CBD would not exist.

Why is CBD Oil containing CBG more expensive?

Most cannabis strains are selectively bred specifically for high CBD content, so most CBGA is converted into CBD or other cannabinoids during growth.
As a result, by harvest time, the plant contains only about 0.1–1% CBG, meaning much more biomass is needed to extract the same amount of CBG. 

Extracting CBG is also technically more challenging and costly, which is why high-CBG-content CBD Oil is rarer and more valuable.

This is why premium, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD Oils are considered truly premium products.

Of course, a product doesn't become good just because it's expensive. The presence of CBG also has well-documented therapeutic benefits, which we will cover below. 

How Does CBG Affect Our Body?

Like CBD, CBG exerts its effects through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system plays a key role in, among other things:

• regulating pain perception,

• in inflammatory processes,

• mood and stress management,

• and immune response.

Research indicates that CBG:

• binds more directly to the ECS’s CB1 and CB2 receptors than CBD does,

• exerts a modulatory effect on other cannabinoids,

• and can boost the effectiveness of CBD Oil.
  
  

Scientifically Studied Effects of CBG

In recent years, an increasing number of preclinical and laboratory studies have focused on CBG. Based on current findings, CBG:

May Have Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Animal studies suggest that CBG can reduce inflammatory markers, especially in the gut.

Neuroprotective Properties

Research indicates that CBG may support the protection of nerve cells, particularly in conditions where the nervous system is under increased stress.

Antibacterial Activity

Laboratory tests showed that CBG was effective against certain antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.

Mood and Stress

CBG may have a mild “tonic” effect, which is why many users report feeling more balanced during the day when using CBD Oil that also contains CBG.

Summary – The Role of CBG in Quality CBD Oils

CBG is gaining more attention for good reason. Although present in relatively small amounts, it plays a key role in the effectiveness of CBD Oil.
According to scientific research, CBG:

• supports CBD’s actions,

• contributes to anti-inflammatory and balancing effects,

• enhances the therapeutic value of full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD Oils.

If you’re truly looking for quality CBD Oil, it’s always worth choosing a product that also contains CBG.

What Does One of the Most Renowned Experts Say About CBG?

A Conversation with Dr. Bonni Goldstein About CBG

Bonni Goldstein is a well-known physician and researcher in the field of cannabinoid medicine. Her specialty lies in the use of medical cannabis and the study of the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids.

Bonni Goldstein worked for many years as a pediatric emergency physician before specializing in cannabis medicine. Her research and clinical practice related to medical cannabis therapy have earned her significant recognition and fame.

She is one of the leading experts in cannabinoid medicine and has helped thousands of patients find appropriate therapeutic solutions using cannabis. She develops personalized treatment plans, applies dosing protocols, and integrates cannabis therapy in collaboration with conventional medicine.

Dr. Bonni Goldstein regularly gives lectures and trainings to share her knowledge and experience in cannabis medicine. She participates in many conferences and events worldwide, presenting her expertise to professional audiences. Her work has had a significant impact on the field of cannabis medicine and has contributed to broader acceptance and understanding of medical cannabis as a therapeutic option. Her achievements and dedication over the years have made her a prominent figure in the field.

Ben Amirault, CannMed: I wanted to talk about one of the so-called “minor” compounds that will be featured this month at the CannMed expo. You mentioned that cannabigerol or CBG is one of your favorite cannabinoids. Why is that?

Dr. Goldstein: It seems that CBG’s effects are very similar in many ways to THC and CBD—but maybe it even does its job a bit better. It acts like a bridge between THC and CBD. CBG has no intoxicating effects and it’s not harmful to health. It appears to be effective at lower doses compared to CBD and seems to address some of the main issues that bring people to cannabis—like inflammation, pain, anxiety, sleep problems, depression, and cancer. It’s ideal for those who don’t want cannabis intoxication and don’t want to pay a lot for products containing high doses of CBD.

CannMed: Interesting that you say CBG is a bridge between THC and CBD. Is that because CBG is the starting compound for the other plant cannabinoids?

Dr. Goldstein: CBGA, the precursor to CBG, is known as the mother of all cannabinoids because it is found in the immature cannabis flower. From there, depending on genetics and enzymes produced by the plant, CBGA converts into CBDA and/or THCA, which become CBD and THC when heated. CBGA hasn't been extensively studied, but I suspect we will eventually find that CBGA possesses interesting anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. We just don’t know yet. At least CBG is currently under investigation. I regularly follow the scientific literature, and just this year a study from Israel was published about how CBG may help with multiple sclerosis. Another study looked at CBG’s action mechanism regarding pain and inflammation. So, there’s a lot of excitement around CBG.

CannMed: For what health issues might CBG be effective?

Dr. Goldstein: I think CBG can offer a lot to people dealing with inflammation, pain, and mood disorders like anxiety or depression. Ethan Russo and other researchers recently conducted a survey among CBG users. About 70% of them said that CBG was better than conventional pharmaceutical treatments. They highly rated its use for anxiety, pain, depression, and sleep problems. I’m not exactly sure whether CBG acts directly as a sedative, but if it reduces anxiety and pain, you’ll probably fall asleep more easily and maybe sleep better. It's worth noting that much of this anecdotal data is supported by preclinical research findings.

  "CBG can offer a lot to people dealing with inflammation, pain, and mood disorders like anxiety or depression." 

Dr. Goldstein: I believe the survey involved hemp-derived CBG. There are high-CBG cannabis flower varieties and I have seen oral oils that have antibacterial and anti-psoriasis effects. Psoriasis is a well-known condition that causes not only joint pain but also thick red patches and scaling on the skin—very uncomfortable. CBG has been found to have anti-psoriasis properties. It acts directly on skin cells and inhibits the buildup of scaly patches. I think this just illustrates how wide-ranging cannabinoid applications really are. People often ask: How can these compounds be effective for so many things? Well, they have multiple "targets" in the brain and body, making them quite remarkable.

CannMed: How does CBG differ from other plant cannabinoids in terms of its targets? Does it work on the same receptors with similar mechanisms?

Dr. Goldstein: There is overlap with some THC and CBD activities, but also some opposing reactions. CBD and CBG cause opposite actions at a specific serotonin receptor—the 5HT1A. CBD binds to it, while CBG blocks it. Both affect this receptor but in different ways. CBG overlaps with CBD by binding to so-called PPAR receptors [on the cell nucleus surface]. Both cannabinoids interact with TRP [ion] channels to help with inflammation and pain.

CBG is the only cannabinoid shown to act on the alpha-adrenergic receptor, which mediates pain perception and inflammation. There are medications for ADHD and other behavioral disorders targeting this receptor. I always consider CBG when treating children with behavioral difficulties. I've used it with some autistic patients. Some families report their children become calmer, more focused, and in some nonverbal autistic children, speech even improves. However, other parents say that CBG makes their children overly hyperactive. This is probably a dosing issue. Why not try it? We know it’s safe. We start with very low doses to monitor what happens, and I, along with the parents, supervise the process. So far, about 60% of children trying CBG have benefited.

CannMed: I’m glad you mentioned ADHD. My son was diagnosed with ADHD. I’m surprised to hear CBG might be helpful.

Dr. Goldstein: We don’t have clinical trials proving that CBG is definitely beneficial or harmful for children. In my California practice, efficacy allows me to work with parents to try different cannabinoids and see what helps. We proceed methodically: start low and titrate up. We focus on one compound at a time to assess benefits. Sometimes we use CBD alongside CBG. In those cases, if we see increased effects, it's hard to tell whether it's the added compound or the combination. There’s trial and error, and it takes time. I always tell families when we first meet that we'll be working together for a while. Not everything works perfectly the first time. We might get lucky, but that’s not the usual.

CannMed: Another thing I noticed is the idea that CBG enhances the body's function. Could you elaborate?

Dr. Goldstein: Several endocannabinoids including CBD and CBG delay the breakdown of our body's own cannabis-like compounds. Our internal endocannabinoids are released as needed in response to triggers, usually stressors like illness, trauma, or infection. Your body produces these endocannabinoids to help maintain balance among the varied signals cells continuously send and receive. The endocannabinoid system is a physiological regulator that helps keep us balanced. We can support our natural endocannabinoid system by using plant cannabinoids that delay endogenous cannabinoid breakdown, thus prolonging their effects. This is similar to how some antidepressants work by extending serotonin's breakdown time.

  "We can support our natural endocannabinoid system with plant cannabinoids" 

CannMed: Is it true that exercise also encourages the body to produce endocannabinoids?

Dr. Goldstein: Yes.

CannMed: Is using CBD or CBG an effective way to maintain anandamide* levels in the system and better utilize our natural cannabinoids?
*Anandamide: one of the body's primary cannabinoids

Dr. Goldstein: Theoretically yes, although I can't say definitively that there is a direct connection. What is clear is that the literature confirms cannabinoids’ anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects, and that one dose won’t produce the expected effect. It’s helpful to think of cannabinoid-containing wellness regimens alongside other healthy habits to develop our endocannabinoid system—healthy nutrition, exercise, good sleep, and stress management.

  "We can support our natural endocannabinoid system with plant cannabinoids" 

CannMed: Could you talk about how CBG might enhance other cannabinoids’ effects or about situations where cannabinoid combinations might be beneficial?

Dr. Goldstein: There’s a 2019 animal study showing that a combination of CBD and CBG reduced neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative disorders associated with dementia, like Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS. This preclinical study demonstrated CBD and CBG working well together and yielding better results in protecting against neuroinflammation. This relates to the concept of synergy, where combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes appear to enhance positive effects. Another recent study showed that, beyond THC and/or CBD, CBG has anticancer activity against certain brain tumor cells. When some of my cancer patients with advanced cancer and poor prognosis seek help—something I’ve been doing for years—I add CBG to the mix.

CannMed: In what other situations do you find that CBG might help when an existing cannabis regimen isn’t effective?

Dr. Goldstein: I feel that if I’m trying to address anxiety, pain, and inflammation and don’t see good results with THC and/or CBD—which are the two most commonly used cannabinoids—then adding CBG is definitely worth trying. It’s important not to forget that when combining cannabinoids, lower doses of either or both can still work well while enhancing effects. Studies support that sub-therapeutic doses, meaning doses not expected to produce clinical effects, work better in combination. For many people, high-dose products are simply unaffordable. Sometimes a small combined dose of two compounds is much more effective. Regarding CBG—for treating anxiety, pain, psoriasis—I use it with my autistic patients and cancer patients, because it’s safe. If someone struggles and conventional medicine isn’t helping or only helps to a point, I don’t see a reason not to try CBG and other cannabinoids under medical supervision while we have compelling preclinical data begging for clinical trials.

  "CBG is always a compound I consider when treating children with behavioral or other difficulties." 

CannMed: It seems that patients tolerate CBG very well, but are there any side effects?

Dr. Goldstein: I haven't observed many adverse reactions in children I’ve treated. In some autistic kids, CBG can be overly stimulating, so I warn families about this before starting. It’s very likely a dosing issue. Dosage is extremely important! For some children, low doses may be too stimulating. If this happens, we try higher doses. I’ve not noticed or heard of many side effects in adults taking CBG. Some adults say CBG is somewhat energizing, so it’s not advised to take it immediately before bed until you know how it affects you. On the other hand, some say CBG helps with sleep because it calms and reduces anxiety. When a doctor prescribes an antidepressant or opioid, no one can predict how you’ll respond if you haven’t used such a medication before. The same goes for CBG.

CannMed: CBG is still one of the lesser-known cannabinoids. How easy is it to access CBG products?

Dr. Goldstein: In a video I posted on YouTube, I show some CBG products. It’s available as flower if you want to vaporize it. Mostly, it’s available as tinctures, which are extracts in a bottle with a dropper for sublingual use. I’m not promoting any particular company, but a quick Google search can help. Of course, before buying anything, make sure the product comes with a cannabinoid certificate showing its ingredients. If no such certificate is available, move on to the next product!

CannMed: We previously did a podcast with a laboratory expert who talked about some manufacturers even falsifying their certificates...... So Bonni, before you go, I want to thank you for talking to us about CBG. I look forward to your presentation on cannabinoids at the CannMed 2023 expo, where you will lead the medical team alongside Dustin Sulak, Kevin Spelman, and Eloise Thiessen. Could you give us a brief insight into what people can expect and why you think events like this are important for educating clinicians and laypeople about cannabis medicine?

Dr. Goldstein: This is important because healthcare professionals currently have no comprehensive training program, no residency or fellowship focused specifically on cannabis therapy. Feedback is invaluable when we hear directly from clinicians who actually practice this form of treatment and research cannabis medicine. The lecture series is essentially a full-day training. We start with the physiology of the endocannabinoid system, the physiology of cannabinoids, and other plant components. Dr. Kevin Spelman is one of the speakers; he is a brilliant botanist and herbal expert with many years of experience. His lectures are amazing, especially to me coming from an allopathic medical background. Understanding botanical medicine represents a big shift. Having him on board really helps bridge the gap for those coming from allopathy. I will talk about pediatrics, my specialty. Then there will be practical panels presenting case studies and advice on helping patients choose the right treatment. It’s truly a full day packed with information for everyone wanting to deepen their knowledge. I really enjoy it. It’s great to be among like-minded people and hear about others’ experiences. I’m always learning something from my CannMed colleagues, the audience, and fellow speakers.

It's important to mention that CBD/CBG oil is not a miracle cure! The cornerstones of maintaining good health are regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a stress-free lifestyle. CBD does not replace any of these! CBD is classified as a "novel food" in Hungary and most EU countries because its widespread use before 1997 has not been proven, so no claims can be made about preventing or curing diseases with CBD-containing products.

Follow our blog for useful CBD Oil content!

Read about the effects of CBD Oil here!


  cbd oil     buying cbd oil  

CHECK OUT OUR HIGH-CBG OILS!