CBG vs. CBD

Cannabinoid Fever

The cannabis plant is complex, with over 400 chemical units expressed. Among these cannabis compound teammates are CBG and CBD, two of at least 120 phytocannabinoids identified to date. [1] Neither of these two will get you high, even though they are both connected to THC (more on that connection later). The two “star” cannabinoids found in cannabis are THC and CBD, heavy hitters dominating the marijuana press tour because of the amount of research focused their way. And while the acidic version of CBG is the source material for all other cannabinoids, she presents a mystery worth looking into, just like good film noir.

A Brief History of Medicinal Marijuana

Cannabis has been used and cultivated by humans for at least 6,000 years. [2] We understand more today than ever, thanks to studies dating back to the end of the nineteenth century. Also, we continue to understand how cannabinoids can improve health and well-being thanks to improved science and legislation. 

Here are a few cannabis as medicine facts:

  • In ancient China, marijuana was used to treat various ailments, including malaria and menstrual pain.
  • In 1839, a trailblazing physician named William Brooke O’Shaughnessy published his findings on the effects of gunjah, aka cannabis indica. O’Shaughnessy sang the praises of cannabis’s ability to treat rheumatism and seizures. [3]
  • Medicinal marijuana was banned in the U.S. by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Despite research by O’Shaughnessy and others into the medicinal uses of the cannabis plant, it still received a Schedule 1 classification. (For reference, Schedule 5 narcotics have “accepted medical use in treatment in the U.S..”)  [4]
  • Since then, some synthetic cannabinoid drugs have been approved to treat nausea: Nabilone in 1985, Dronabinol in 1986, and Sativex (in Europe) in 2010. 
  • In 2018, Epidiolex became the first FDA-approved drug made directly from the cannabis plant rather than synthetically.

While research on cannabinoids is ongoing, the future of medicinal applications is exciting, and we have only scraped the surface.

Antioxidant Power

It has been scientifically proven that CBD is a potent antioxidant and can prevent free radicals in the body. [5] All cannabinoid compounds work by interacting with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a neuromodulatory system in the human body that is present with or without cannabis use. The ECS helps to manage neurological, cardiovascular, immunological, and other chronic conditions. [6] CBG also exhibits strong antioxidant activity and can scavenge free radicals, protect oxidation processes, and reduce metal ions. In fact, according to this same research, CBD and THC exhibit antioxidant activity more potent than vitamins C, A, and E. [5]

More About CBG & CBD

CBG (cannabigerol) is a non-psychoactive, neutral compound found in cannabis and hemp plants. [1] In all plants, cannabis or hemp, the presence of CBG is very low, which is what has contributed to the lack of research. But since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp plants with less than 0.3% THC are legal on a federal level, increasing interest in cannabinoid pharmacology. [7] This bill gives growers the freedom to crossbreed to produce a higher concentration of CBG. Furthermore, CBG is not a scheduled substance, so scientists have access to funding to do more research on potential applications. 

Cannabinoids bind to our receptors, and CBG and CBD have similar binding properties. But, while there is little evidence to show the binding effects of THC and CBD on the Alpha-2 adrenoceptors, CBG has such powerful potential in this area that there is a significant discussion in the scientific community about the implications, including the potential to address symptoms of adult ADHD. [8]

The THC Connection

Remember that THC connection we mentioned? Here’s some fun science: without CBG-A (the acidic form of CBG), cannabis would not produce a psychoactive effect. In the living cannabis plant, cannabinoids appear as acids; when the product is dried, stored, and heated, the acids decarboxylate into their final forms, THC, CBG, and CBD (among countless others). Think of CBG-A as that uptight friend from college who took a trip to Brazil and came back super chill. (And bearing gifts!)

Cannabis Delivery in San Jose

Speaking of gifts, have you tried Canna Culture’s VIP program? Join today to reap the rewards when you shop in-store or through our fast and reliable delivery service. Choose from an impressive selection of prerolls, edibles, flower, and more, and see why our clients consistently give us 5.0-star reviews. If you’re ready to make a weed delivery order, browse our current menu and place your order online. Clients in San Jose and Los Gatos can call (408) 264-7877 or contact us online for general questions.

Oxidant/Antioxidant Imbalance

So how does the ability of cannabinoids to scavenge free radicals (unstable molecules) and protect oxidation processes contribute to our overall health? Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals, so the ability to hunt down these unstable molecules and act as stabilizers has tremendous implications. Oxidative stress (cell and tissue damage) contributes to diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS, and MS. [9] There is much to be known about cannabinoids. Still, the fact that many of them are more effective in fighting oxidative stress than vitamin E gives hope for a brighter future in the fight against these diseases and other mental disorders like depression and memory loss.

Additional Health Benefits of CBG

A recent survey of 127 participants who use CBG to treat anxiety, chronic pain, depression, and insomnia reported that CBG significantly improved their conditions. Additionally, over 70% of those surveyed said CBG was more effective than conventional medicine, and over 80% reported no withdrawal symptoms. [10]

Furthermore, early findings indicate CBG could:

  • Offer relief of glaucoma symptoms – CBG is shown to reduce pressure within the eyeball because it is a vasodilator. The inner pressure of the eye depends on the balance between fluid production and drainage. [11]
  • Be considered for clinical experimentation in IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) patients because of successful anti-inflammatory testing on mice. [12]
  • Offer neuroprotective properties which can combat Huntington’s disease. [13]
  • Prove a powerful antibacterial agent. [14]
  • Stimulate appetite.

Our Products Containing CBD and CBG

Are you looking to test the effects of these cannabinoids for yourself? We’ve got you covered. Head to our online store to check out our CBD and CBG products. And don’t forget: we deliver!

CBG Products

PROTAB CBG

Induces a state of calm without psychoactive effects in one single easy-to-swallow tablet. Each tablet contains 25 mg of CBG.

Pear 1:1 CBG + Hybrid Enhanced Gummies

CBG + THC imbues these gummies to produce a restorative and rejuvenating balance. Contains 100 mg of THC and 100 mg of CBG per container.

CBD Products

Choose from a wide variety of CBD products, including:

  • Cartridges
  • Salves
  • Tablets
  • Gummies
  • Mints & more!

As CBG research develops, we will continue to offer an even more comprehensive range of products, so be sure to check back. Questions? Call us at (408) 264-7877 or send us a note via our contact form.

We look forward to a healthier future together, thanks to the incredible cannabinoid!

References

  1. Peng H, Shahidi F. Cannabis and Cannabis Edibles: A Review. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2021;69(6):1751-1774. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.0c07472
  2. Atakan Z. Cannabis, a complex plant: different compounds and different effects on individuals. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. 2012;2(6):241-254. doi:10.1177/2045125312457586
  3. O’Shaughnessy WB. On the preparations of the Indian hemp, or gunjah, (Cannabis Indica) their effects on the animal system in health, and their utility in the treatment of tetanus and other convulsive disorders / [W.B. O’Shaughnessy]. Wellcome Collection. Published 1839. Accessed July 8, 2022. https://wellcomecollection.org/works/yuwk7u76/items?canvas=7
  4. USC Environmental Health & Safety. Overview of Controlled Substances and Precursor Chemicals | USC Environmental Health & Safety. ehs.usc.edu. https://ehs.usc.edu/research/cspc/chemicals/#:~:text=The%20Controlled%20Substances%20Act%20(CSA
  5. Dawidowicz AL, Olszowy-Tomczyk M, Typek R. CBG, CBD, Δ9-THC, CBN, CBGA, CBDA and Δ9-THCA as antioxidant agents and their intervention abilities in antioxidant action. Fitoterapia. 2021;152:104915. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2021.104915
  6. Avery MC, Krichmar JL. Neuromodulatory Systems and Their Interactions: A Review of Models, Theories, and Experiments. Frontiers in Neural Circuits. 2017;11. doi:10.3389/fncir.2017.00108
  7. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Farm Bill. www.usda.gov. Published 2018. https://www.usda.gov/farmbill
  8. Kaufmann R. Nano-processed CBG/CBD effect on pain, adult attention deficit hyperactive disorder, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome. MedCrave. 2021;4(6). https://medcraveonline.com/IJCAM/IJCAM-14-00567.pdf
  9. Pizzino G, Irrera N, Cucinotta M, et al. Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2017;2017(8416763):1-13. doi:10.1155/2017/8416763
  10. Russo EB, Cuttler C, Cooper ZD, Stueber A, Whiteley VL, Sexton M. Survey of Patients Employing Cannabigerol-Predominant Cannabis Preparations: Perceived Medical Effects, Adverse Events, and Withdrawal Symptoms. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. Published online September 27, 2021. doi:10.1089/can.2021.0058
  11. Tomida I, Pertwee RG, Azuara-Blanco A. Cannabinoids and glaucoma. The British Journal of Ophthalmology. 2004;88(5):708-713. doi:10.1136/bjo.2003.032250
  12. Borrelli F, Fasolino I, Romano B, et al. Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease. Biochemical Pharmacology. 2013;85(9):1306-1316. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2013.01.017
  13. Valdeolivas S, Navarrete C, Cantarero I, Bellido ML, Muñoz E, Sagredo O. Neuroprotective Properties of Cannabigerol in Huntington’s Disease: Studies in R6/2 Mice and 3-Nitropropionate-lesioned Mice. Neurotherapeutics. 2014;12(1):185-199. doi:10.1007/s13311-014-0304-z
  14. Appendino G, Gibbons S, Giana A, et al. Antibacterial Cannabinoids fromCannabis sativa: A Structure−Activity Study. Journal of Natural Products. 2008;71(8):1427-1430. doi:10.1021/np8002673
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