Smoking CBG Benefits | What are CBG Health Benefits?

Move along cannabidiol (CBD), there’s a new non-psychoactive cannabinoid in town. While cannabis strains high in CBD have been popular among seed banks and growers for decades, a newly-discovered cannabinoid called cannabigerol, or CBG, is gaining more attention. If you are familiar with growing and smoking your own CBD, you may be curious on how to smoke CBG.

If you are not yet familiar with CBG, you’re not alone. There is limited research on the over 100 lesser-known cannabinoids that come from the cannabis plant. However, what we know so far about the potential medical benefits of CBG is quite impressive. Let’s explore the science behind CBG and how you can grow your own CBG and CBD seeds to reap the benefits.

What Is CBG?

When you think of cannabinoids, you probably think of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD first. But did you know that these cannabinoids all originate from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA)? CBG is known as the “mother cannabinoid” or “stem cell cannabinoid” because it is where all other cannabinoids originate. That’s right – CBGA is the precursor to all other cannabinoids, including:

• Cannabinol (CBN)
• Cannabichromene (CBC)
• Cannabigerivarin (CBGV)
• Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)
• Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

CBG is non-intoxicating and will not get you “high”. In fact, most cannabinoids do not produce psychotropic effects. THC is the only cannabinoid that we know for certain results in an intoxicating experience.

How Is CBG Made?

Remember how CBG is the precursor to all other cannabinoids? Well, the production of CBG will make a lot of sense with this in mind. CBG derives from young cannabis plants. Once cannabis plants develop, they begin to contain higher concentrations of CBD and THC. During the maturing process, the concentration of CBG also decreases. This is because CBG converts into CBD and THC as time passes. Generally, marijuana plants that contain CBG only contain about 1%-2% of the cannabinoid, compared to 20%-30% of THC or CBD. However, CBG hemp flower may contain higher CBG and lower THC.

What Are the Benefits of Smoking CBG?

Although research is sparse, experts believe there are numerous potential CBG health benefits. Despite these limitations in scientific studies, there is existing research that shows promising results for various health conditions. Check out some possible CBG benefits below.

Pain and Inflammation

Pain is a common problem and scientists are curious about the analgesic properties of cannabinoids. Researchers from the University of London’s School of Pharmacy state that small clinical studies show that CBG may have pain-relieving effects, along with CBD and THC.

Additionally, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) announced its plan to research CBG as a tool for pain relief back in 2018. While there are no conclusive results yet, this shows that there is significant scientific interest in the possible medical benefits of CBG.

Irritable Bowel Disease

While you may know about the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, early research shows that CBG may have similar health advantages. Results from a study in mice show that CBG assisted in relieving symptoms of irritable bowel disease (IBD). However, more studies are necessary for medical professionals to determine the efficacy and safety of cannabinoid medications for IBD patients.

Glaucoma

In a study involving cats, researchers found that CBG may have therapeutic benefits for treating glaucoma. When the scientists gave CBG to cats suffering with glaucoma, they noticed an increased in a fluid called aqueous humor outflow, which maintains eye pressure and provides eyes with nutrition. They also observed a decrease in eye pressure.

Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease is a health condition when nerve cells in the brain begin to breakdown. In 2015, scientists studied CBG’s effects on mice who had Huntington’s disease. Researchers observed that CBG has neuroprotective properties, preventing further brain cell damage. They additionally saw that CBG improved motor deficits.

Bacterial Infections

A 2020 study sought to determine the antibacterial potential of cannabis. Researchers discovered that CBG has antibiotic properties. The study showed CBG working against drug-resistant bacterias that cause staph infections.

Cancer Cells

There are multiple studies showing CBG’s effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. In 2014, researchers administered CBG to rats with colon cancer. They saw CBG stopping colorectal cancer cells from growing and blocking receptors that cause cancer growth.

In 2020, researchers studied the potential medical benefits of CBG for glioblastoma brain tumors. These are the most aggressive types of brain tumors. Researchers observed CBG impair the progression of glioblastoma. Additionally, CBG destroyed glioblastoma stem cells that are resistant to other therapies. Researchers believe that CBG is a new and unexplored treatment strategy for these types of cancer.

Mood Regulation

Aside from physical conditions, it is important to consider the possible mental health benefits of CBG. Stress, anxiety, and depression are common ailments and deserve attention. Researchers believe CBG can increase production of anandamide, which is a chemical compound responsible for feelings of happiness and overall well-being.

How Does CBG Work?

To understand how CBG works, it’s important to be aware of the body’s endocannabinoid system. Every animal has an endocannabinoid system. Bodies create endocannabinoids as natural compounds to function properly and maintain homeostasis. Cannabinoids like CBG imitate these natural compounds.

There are also cannabinoid receptors in the body, known as CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are in the brain and nervous syste, while CB2 receptors are in the immune system. CBG specifically binds to both receptors to boost andandamide. As mentioned previously, andandamide is a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation. Andandamide can also regulate sleep, appetite, and pain.

Smoking CBG: Benefits and Other Methods of Consuming CBG

If you’re looking to reap the benefits of smoking CBG, you’re in luck, because there are plenty of consumption methods available to you. While CBG products are not quite as popular as CBD products, they are increasingly available in places where hemp and cannabis are legal.

How Do You Smoke CBG? Seeds, Flower, Pre-Rolls, and Vapes

There is an increasing market of smokable CBG products, including seeds, flower, pre-rolls, and vapes. Seeds give you the ability to grow your own CBG strains from scratch, which is ideal for experienced cannabis consumers who are familiar with growing their own plants. You can also find ready-to-consume products in the form of raw flower, pre-rolled joints, or vape cartridges with CBG extract.

CBG Tinctures and Topicals

If you desire a higher concentration of CBG without the smoke and smell, then you may consider CBG tinctures. Tinctures contain CBG oil that you can take orally. Typically, tinctures are absorbed under the tongue for the best effectiveness.

Due to the possible pain-relieving properties of CBG, you may be curious about applying CBG as a topical treatment. CBG topicals include lotions, balms, creams, and massage oils.

What Are the Differences Between CBG and CBD?

While there are plenty of similarities between CBD and CBG, there are also important ways that they differ. While they are both non-intoxicating cannabinoids, it appears that the two work differently within the body. For example, CBG binds primarily to CB1 and CB2 receptors, while CBD also binds to other receptors throughout the endocannabinoid system. It appears that CBG may operate on a more neurological level while CBD has a more direct response with the physical body. More research needs to be done to understand these cannabinoids fully.

CBG Is Increasing In Popularity

You’re not the only one who has a growing interest in CBG. This cannabinoid is gaining more interest from the public and manufacturers as more research continues to be done on this mother of all cannabinoids.

Interested in learning more about CBG seeds and growing your own cannabis plants? Check out more posts on our blog.