What is CBG: Benefits and Uses and Effects

January 17, 2023

Many people are beginning to understand the benefits of full-spectrum CBD+THC but did you know there's another cannabis compound — called CBG — that's included in a growing number of the highest-quality full-spectrum CBD oil blends?

CBG is so important in the creation of other therapeutic cannabis compounds that it even has its own nickname – "The Mother of All Cannabinoids”.

In this short guide we'll explore:

What CBG is
How it works
CBG vs. CBD therapeutic benefits
How CBG makes you feel
Finding top-quality CBG blends

Cannabigerol (CBG): What it is and how it works

"The Mother of All Cannabinoids”

CBG is a cannabinoid, which is a special type of neurotransmitter (signaling agent) found in the cannabis plant. Like CBD, it is nonintoxicating and won't get you high. CBG gets its nickname "mother of all cannabinoids" because the compound that it starts off as is the same compound that the cannabinoids CBD, THC, and CBC start off as.

All these cannabinoids begin their life cycle as 'CBGA'. Certain enzymes in the cannabis plant convert CBGA into CBDA, THCA, and CBCA. The "A" stands for acid, and the carboxyl ring that forms these acids must be removed in order for you to experience the therapeutic benefits of these cannabinoids. This removal process is called decarboxylation, and it usually is done by applying heat to the plant. Harvested plants also decarboxylate naturally over time. When the carboxyl ring is removed, CBG, CBD, THC, and CBC form.

CBG and Your Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

CBG works through your Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This system is made up of key receptors, including CB1 and CB2. It also includes endocannabinoids such as anandamide and 2-AG that bind to these receptors in order to send out signals to properly regulate many of your main mind-body health processes.

These endocannabinoids and receptors work together in your ECS to optimize and balance important functions, such as:

Metabolism
Digestion
Pain Responses
Learning and Memory
Mood and Emotions
Immune Responses
Sleep-Wake Cycles

Just like your body's naturally occurring endocannabinoids, CBG has been shown to bind directly with CB1 and CB2 receptors to assist in keeping your body's natural wellness processes flowing smoothly.

CBG vs. CBD: Difference and therapeutic benefits

Because CBD has a different molecular structure than CBG, it does not bind directly to either CB1 or CB2. Instead, it works as a kind of "background support" for the ECS in a few key ways:

It helps inhibit the uptake and breakdown of your body's naturally-occurring endocannabinoids
It helps certain compounds bind better to the CB1 receptor
It helps increase brain endocannabinoid levels

In addition to their different ways of interacting with the receptors of the Endocannabinoid System, CBG and CBD work in opposite ways on a key serotonin receptor called 5-HT1A.

CBG is also the only known cannabinoid that activates adrenergic receptors, which are the main group of receptors that regulate dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

What does CBG do for the body?

Researchers say CBG "shows promise" for treating the components of metabolic syndrome, especially hypertension (high blood pressure), because of its work activating the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor. (This is the receptor that's responsible for helping regulate smooth muscle effects.)

What's more, when CBD was combined with CBG, it was shown to enhance CBG's positive effects on metabolic syndrome. This may have important implications for helping with weight management, diabetes control, and cardiovascular health.

CBG was also shown to be the most effective cannabinoid for treating certain antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

CBG has shown promise for anti-inflammatory and neuroprotectant (nerve-protecting) attributes. Other potential therapeutic benefits of the compound include are discussed further in this link.

What does CBD do for the body?

How does CBG make you feel?

Recently, the first study that focused on the changes in symptoms for people who use CBG-dominant strains of cannabis was conducted. Here's what it revealed:

80% said it worked better on their depression symptoms than conventional medication
78.3% said it worked better for anxiety
73.9% said it worked better for chronic pain
73% said it worked better for insomnia

1. Does CBG increase serotonin?

Serotonin is a hormone and a neurotransmitter (signaling agent). It helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite.

Research reveals that CBG's work as an antagonist on the 5-HT1A receptor may help increase serotonin levels in the brain.

This is important because serotonin has been shown to help positively regulate stress and increase resilience to stressful situations.

In addition, low serotonin levels have long been indirectly linked to major depression. A groundbreaking new 2022 study provides the first direct link between depression and a lack of serotonin release in the brain. For this reason, CBG's potential ability to increase brain serotonin may have positive impacts on helping people manage their depression symptoms.

More research is needed to understand and confirm CBG's exact role in regulating serotonin.

2. Does CBG give you an energy boost?

CBG has a reputation for increasing people's energy levels. This may be in part due to the role of serotonin in promoting wakefulness.

3. Does CBG get you stoned?

CBG is a non-psychoactive compound – meaning it won't get you stoned.

The only psychoactive compound in cannabis that may get you stoned is THC. By law, hemp plants used to make full-spectrum CBD oil with THC must contain less than 0.3% THC. This includes blends that contain CBG. At these low levels, you may experience the therapeutic benefits of THC without experiencing its intoxicating effects.

Finding High-Quality CBD+THC Blends with CBG

Because CBG is present in some hemp plants in much lower amounts than CBD and THC, it typically is more expensive than these cannabis compounds.

However, the highest-quality CBD producers use hemp strains that are carefully cultivated and harvested to ensure they are rich in CBG, and they pass on these cost savings to you.

At Eli Ruby, our flavorful Natural Watermelon CBD + THC Mega Gummies contain a whopping 50mg of CBG per gummy, plus 70mg CBD, and 5mg Delta 9 THC – and because of our careful hemp plant selection process, they are affordably priced.

For those interested in microdosing CBG, check out our equally affordable Organic Lemon Lime CBD Gummies with 5mg CBG and 25mg CBD per gummy.

Why Else Should I Choose Eli Ruby for My CBG Products?

Here are some other great benefits of our CBG-rich full-spectrum CBD and Delta 9 THC products for sale online:

All our hemp (cannabis) extracts are 100% made in the USA
All our 3rd party lab testing Certificates of Analysis are conveniently posted online for complete product transparency
All our products are manufactured in an FDA-registered facility
We follow the science to create natural CBG and CBD products rich in wellness-balancing plant compounds

The best news? With the passage of the federal 2018 Farm Bill, you can legally buy CBD & Delta 9 THC products online that contain less than 0.3% THC, in accordance with your state guidelines.

Check out all our hemp-based CBD/CBG oils, gummies, and roll-ons that are expertly crafted to help you balance your mind-body health!