The CBG Experience: Debunking Myths and Unveiling the Truth About Its Psychoactive Effects
You have likely recently heard a lot about cannabinoids such as CBD and the potential health benefits they can provide. However, while you may be familiar with CBD and have possibly even used it before, Cannabigerol (CBG) is another cannabinoid that has recently begun to make headlines that you may not be familiar with. Yet, CBG is growing in popularity, as early reports suggest it may be able to help treat various conditions, including inflammation, anxiety, and certain bacterial infections.
Of course, since CBG is a cannabis-derived compound, people often wonder if “Will CBG make me feel High?” Fortunately, the short answer is that, unlike THC (the main psychotropic component in marijuana), most people do not experience intoxicating effects from CBG. This makes CBG products an excellent option for people wanting to experience the benefits of cannabis without the intoxicating effects associated with THC.
To help you better understand CBG and why it won’t get you high, keep reading for an overview of what CBG is, how it reacts in the body, and the potential benefits it can provide.
What is Cannabigerol (CBG)?
CBG, or Cannabigerol, is one of more than 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Other cannabinoids that you may be more familiar with include CBD and THC. However, CBG is often referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids because other cannabinoids are derived from the acidic form of CBG cannabigerol acid (CBGA).
Unlike CBD and THC, CBG is considered a lesser cannabinoid as it is found in lower quantities in the cannabis plant than other cannabinoids. In most strains, CBG makes up only 1% of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, compared to roughly 25% for THC and CBD. This makes CBG rarer and harder to find than CBD. However, CBG is growing in popularity due to the benefits it can offer, which has led researchers to look into ways to make this cannabinoid easier to produce.
How Does it Work?
As with other cannabinoids, CBG is processed by our body’s endocannabinoid system. This is the system in our body made up of receptors responsible for keeping our bodies in an optimal state by regulating things like sleep, pain, mood, appetite, and brain function. In the body, CBG imitates natural endocannabinoids produced by our bodies and interacts with our cannabinoid receptors.
The human body contains two types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. While CB1 receptors are found in the brain and nervous system, CB2 receptors are located in the immune system and other parts of the body. CBG is exciting compared to other cannabinoids because it communicates directly with our CB1 and CB2 receptors. In contrast, many other cannabinoids (including CBD) work through indirect interactions with these receptors.
CBG works by binding to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, where it is believed to strengthen anandamide then. This neurotransmitter plays a role in enhancing motivation, regulating appetite and sleep, and alleviating pain. CBG then has the potential to provide people with a variety of health benefits due to its unique interactions with the body’s endocannabinoid system compared to other cannabinoids.
What Are The Potential Benefits of CBG?
As more research is conducted into the effects of CBG, scientists are discovering potential health benefits associated with its use. A few promising studies indicate that CBG may help treat some medical conditions, including:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): While there is evidence to suggest CBG can help lower inflammation in the body, one study observed a noticeable reduction in inflammation in the colon associated with IBD.
- Glaucoma: In an animal study, researchers administered CBG to cats with glaucoma and noticed reduced eye pressure.
- Bacterial Infections: In a 2020 study on the antibiotic potential of cannabis, researchers found that CBG has antibacterial properties. In particular, CBG was shown to be particularly effective against MRSA, which is the drug-resistant bacteria that causes staph infections.
- Colorectal Cancer: CBG may even have the potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. In a 2014 study of rats with colon cancer, CBG showed promise in blocking receptors that cause cancer cell growth and inhibiting the growth of colorectal cancer cells.
- Huntington’s Disease: Huntington’s disease is a degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system, causing nerve cells in the brain to break down. In a 2015 study, CBG was observed to act as a neuroprotectant, meaning it could potentially protect the brain’s nerve cells from damage.
These are just a few examples of the many reported benefits of CBG use. While more research needs to be done on the health conditions CBG may be able to treat, in one survey of patients using CBG to treat conditions such as insomnia, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety, respondents reported CBG to be more effective than traditional medications while carrying fewer side effects.
Are There Any Side-Effects?
While scientists continually study CBG to learn more about how it interacts with the human body, few adverse reactions have been observed. When taken in regular, therapeutic doses, most people tolerate CBG very well. The most common side effects people speak of when using CBG include the following:
- Dry Mouth
- Appetite Changes
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Sleepiness
- And Dry Eyes
In many cases, side effects result from individuals taking high doses of CBG, which is why you must start low to see what your tolerance is. As always, you must talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements or medications to ensure that CBG use won’t interact with any of your current medications or health conditions.
Will CBG Make Me Feel High?
So the big question most people have is will CBG make me feel high? or will it create the “high” sensation often associated with cannabis use? Fortunately, similarly to CBD, CBG use does not have the intoxicating effects associated with cannabinoids like THC. Most CBG products come from hemp plants that must contain THC concentrations of 0.3% or less to be Farm Bill compliant. As long as you purchase hemp-derived CBG (rather than CBG from marijuana), it would help if you did not have to worry about getting high.
Not only is CBG non-intoxicating, but researchers believe there may be evidence to suggest that CBG can combat the “high” produced by THC. Additionally, anecdotal evidence suggests that CBG use could help improve cognition and focus.
While researchers are just looking into the exciting benefits of CBG, early evidence suggests CBG may provide various health benefits without the intoxicating “high” associated with marijuana use. Feel free to contact us to learn more about the effects of CBG and the benefits it can provide, or visit our website to purchase CBG products.
