Does CBG Really Work for Pain Relief?

CBD has remained increasingly popular over the last several years, especially since it became federally legal with the 2018 Farm Bill. However, CBD is not the only hemp-derived cannabinoid that can be used as a medicinal supplement. Cannabigerol (CBG) is another hemp cannabinoid thought to relieve pain and provide several other medicinal benefits. Let's take a look at what CBG is, common CBG benefits and where you can find CBG for sale. 

What is CBG?

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Cannabigerol is a minor cannabinoid, which is an active chemical compound found in cannabis was first discovered in 1964 by Israeli scientists Yehiel Gaoni and Ralph Mechoulam. There are over 100 cannabinoids that are naturally occurring in cannabis, with the most prevalent and well-known being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) and others including CBC (cannabichromene) and CBN (cannabinol). Like all cannabinoids, CBG binds to receptors in our endocannabinoid system that affects the body in several ways. However, CBG differs from these other cannabinoids in that it is considered the foundational cannabinoid. This means that it helps form THC and CBD compounds and is referred also to as the "stem cell" cannabinoid. Found in less than 1% of marijuana strains and less than 2% of hemp strains, CBG is less common than other cannabinoids.

Unlike THC, CBG is not psychoactive, meaning that it does not result in the "high" associated with marijuana - it will not cause euphoric or perception-altering effects. On the contrary, some studies suggest that CBG, like CBD, may reduce the intoxicating effects of THC.  

What are Potential CBG Benefits?

Like most aspects of cannabis, CBG lacks a lot of research required to confirm or deny medicinal efficacy. However, based on the studies that have been conducted (along with user testimonies), CBG shows real medical promise. Here are a few potential CBG effects:

• Reduces inflammation, cramping, diarrhea, abdominal pain and intraocular pressure
• Alters bladder contractions and other related conditions
• Antibacterial properties
• Stimulates the appetite
• May reduce the growth rate of certain cancer cells and slow down neurodegenerative diseases

To date, there have not been any negative side effects attributed to CBG when used on its own. However, please note that both the negative and beneficial effects of CBG still need to be thoroughly tested before we can make a legitimate claim about its medicinal effectiveness.

How CBG Helps Inflammation & Pain

As a cannabinoid, CBG directly interacts with our body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates many critical regulatory and balancing processes, including immune responses, appetite, metabolism, memory and intercellular communications, among others. The endocannabinoid system has at least two types of receptors: CB1 and CB2. One of the biggest differences in CBG vs. CBD is how it binds to these receptors. CBD binds partially to both, but CBG partially binds to CB1 and directly to CB2. This is also part of why CBG is thought to be so beneficial in alleviating inflammation and chronic pain. When CBG binds to CB2 receptors, it causes the body to experience fluctuations in certain capacities the endocannabinoid system affects, which includes appetite, immune system, inflammation and pain management. Whether you use a CBG concentrate or consume cannabis that contains CBG, this binding and subsequent benefits should occur. If you use cannabis or a full-spectrum concentrate that contains CBG, you will also benefit from the entourage effect, which is thought to be the most beneficial way of consuming cannabis and its many cannabinoids. Of course, since there have not been many studies, we cannot conclusively CBG helps inflammation and pain. However, we can say that tons of people swear by it and the few studies that do exist point toward CBG as being an effective medical alternative. 

Is CBG Legal?

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Yes, so long as it is derived from hemp and not marijuana. CBG collected from hemp was made federally illegal in 2018, when the Agriculture Improvement Act (The Farm Bill) was signed into law. Hemp and its byproducts (including CBG), so long as none of it contains more than 0.3% THC, are now federally legal. While it is legal, it is not currently regulated by the FDA. Because of this, make sure to research the legitimacy and efficacy of a brand before you purchase any CBG products.

Products Made with CBG for Sale

CBG has only been readily available on the market for a handful of years, but many brands are making various concentrates, oils and edibles. Brands like CBD Infusionz have made a name for themselves in quality CBG products ranging from CBG flower to CBG oil, capsules and gummies. You will likely find these products with a certain CBD-to-CBG ratio. If you want to consume more traditional cannabis that contains CBG (as opposed to extracts and isolates), look for low-THC cannabis strains. Of course, we are hopeful that the number of products available will increase as the CBG cannabinoid becomes even more popular. 

Whether you're looking for CBG for anxiety or CBG oil for pain control, there are a lot of places you can find CBG products. You can try your local CBD store, head shop or dispensary, although we cannot guarantee that any given place will supply CBG products since it's a relatively uncommon, minor cannabinoid. You should be able to find any CBG product you want online. Since CBG is federally legal, so long as it doesn't contain more than 0.3% THC, you can purchase it online and have it shipped to your residence, no matter what state you live in!

Do you take CBG for pain relief? If so, please let us know if you benefit from it, what your favorite brands are and your preferred dosage. Comment below!