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ToggleCBG’s Pain Relief Revolution: 4 Game-Changing Benefits for Chronic Sufferers
Pain is a common symptom of most illnesses, and we are constantly looking for ways to manage it effectively. There has been significant success in developing effective pain medications in the pharmaceutical field.
However, for those that prefer holistic and alternative relief, research is ongoing on what options work best. This is one of the reasons that has propelled the popularity of cannabinoids. And while you may already be familiar with the most common cannabinoid CBD, other strains continue to be discovered, like cannabigerol (CBG), which is gaining lots of attention in the world of cannabis.
What is CBD?
Cannabigerol is a rare cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants. It is considered the mother of cannabinoids since it creates tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). CBG usually starts in abundance but later converts to the two famous and most prevalent cannabinoids: CBD and THC.
Recently, it was discovered that it offers several health benefits that are potentially greater than the two known cannabinoids. This article explores its use and benefits in managing chronic pain.
How Can CBG Help With Chronic Pain?
Similar to other cannabinoids, CBG is processed in the endocannabinoid system(ECS) within our bodies. The endocannabinoid system consists of a complex network of receptors; chemicals called endocannabinoids, and enzymes that keep everything in the body in an optimal state irrespective of what is happening externally.
There are two main types of receptors in the ECS, CB1 receptors that function as gatekeepers to regulate the levels and activity of neurotransmitters, and CB2 receptors that control immune functioning. They both bind with the chemicals endocannabinoids to maintain the internal state of balance.
Once inside the body, CBG imitates the endocannabinoids naturally produced by the body. The cannabinoids in CBG can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, improving their performance. One notable effect is improving the strength of the anandamide neurotransmitter that is responsible for cognitive function and mood and alleviating pain.
CBG is associated with pain relief because of its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier with ease. When it binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, it causes a torrent of different processes, reducing pain signals traveling to the brain. Several studies indicate the ability of CBG to reduce signals of pain and inflammation signals from the body to the brain. It achieves this effect by reducing the concentration of hormones such as lipids that play a vital role in inflammatory and pain responses.
Scientists are only beginning to understand the complex interaction between plant cannabinoids and the body’s endocannabinoid system. For instance, there are ongoing studies to determine if high doses of CBG can actually block other compounds from binding to CB1 receptors and what this effect would mean for our bodies.
The Benefits of CBG for Pain Management
- Supports Comfort
It is a natural alternative to alleviate discomfort, which is suitable for people who do not want to use pharmaceuticals for various reasons. CBG exhibits analgesic properties and is an excellent inhibitor of GABA reuptake. GABA is gamma-aminobutyric acid, an endogenous neurotransmitter that, when in short supply, the body experiences pain.
This means the more GABA present in the brain, the less pain we experience. CBG helps maintain enough levels of the GABA chemical by limiting its reuptake and consequently reduces pain levels.
- Offers Anti-Inflammatory Properties
CBG indicates anti-inflammatory properties that could help ease symptoms of chronic illnesses and reduce pain. A test on mice showed significant anti-inflammatory actions that help support the body’s inflammatory response.
Other studies also show that CBG can help improve skin inflammation and diseases like psoriasis and eczema. It also has beneficial effects on inflammatory bowel disease and prolonged inflammation in the bowel that has no cure.
Since pain is often associated with chronic inflammation, reducing or preventing inflammation from happening saves you from pain discomfort. Additionally, controlling inflammation also improves conditions like arthritis that have no known cure.
- Has Neuroprotective Effects
Pain is a common symptom of neurodegenerative diseases. As we age and the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are denatured, we start to experience a problem with movement that can sometimes lead to disability. While there is no cure for neurodegeneration, the cannabinoids in CBG offer protective effects against inflammation and oxidative stress, which are the causes of neurodegeneration and associated illnesses.
- Pain Relief without Intoxication
CBG gives you the benefits of cannabinoids but without the intoxication effect associated with THC and CBD. You will not get high from using CBG products which makes it appropriate for frequent or continuous use to get the maximum benefits.
How to Use CBG
CBG oil is the most popular form of CBG in the market. Other forms such as gummies, soft gels, isolates, dry flowers, and sublingual can also be found. The manufacturer will usually indicate the potency level of the CBG product, which can go up to 2000mg per dose. If you are starting to use CBG, it is usually best, to begin with a low-strength variant and gradually work your way, depending on how your body responds.
It is possible that you are yet to come across a CBG product in your local dispensary. This is because CBG is much harder to produce than other cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Most cannabis strains will hardly contain even 1% of cannabigerol, meaning making a minuscule amount of CBG requires several tons of biomass.
For this reason, most producers would instead focus on making CBD and THC, which are more abundant in cannabis plants. The extraction process also demands special equipment and technology for maximum efficiency, making the process costly.
Risks and Side Effects of CBG as a Pain Reliever
So far, animal studies indicate that rats tolerate cannabinoids well. There is, however, no indication of the adverse effects it can have on humans. Nonetheless, going by reports of those that have used or are using CBG, there are minimal and tolerable side effects you may experience when you consume excessive amounts. These include:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
Moreover, if you are on any medication, it is best to take precautions and consult your doctor first. Being that CBG has similar properties to CBD, it is possible it may interact with medications that have a grapefruit warning. So if you are taking drugs such as blood thinners, painkillers, corticosteroids, blood pressure medications, immunosuppressants, antihistamines, and erectile dysfunction medications, remain cautious of any sudden or unexplained symptoms.
CBG products fall under similar regulations to CBD products. This means that there aren’t a lot of scrutinies that are involved when making a purchase. Therefore, it is your responsibility to do due diligence to avoid any complications related to using a specific CBG product.
Make sure to only deal with reputable brands that are properly certified and allow third-party testing. Learning the source of their hemp and extraction method is also vital if you make an informed choice.
Final Thoughts
Research on the full potential of CBG in improving and maintaining good health is still ongoing. However, there is a promising sign that the cannabinoid has earned its place alongside the popular strains we are already familiar with, THC and CBD. If you are curious to experience the benefits of CBG products and other cannabinoids, visit our website today and learn about some of the therapeutic benefits you can gain from hemp and cannabis plants.