Meet CBG

If you’re interested in cannabis, you’ve probably already caught the name CBG, cannabigerol. If not, we’ll give you a brief introduction right away. CBG (cannabigerol) is one of the many substances belonging to the group of cannabinoids, more specifically phytocannabinoids, found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids, both plant-derived and endocannabinoids, i.e. those that our body produces itself, are biologically active components and react with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, which are found throughout our body. The endocannabinoid system is made up of CB1 receptors, which are found in the central nervous system – the brain, and CB2 receptors, which are part of the immune system and are found throughout the body.

“The father of cannabinoids”

CBG is also called the “father of cannabinoids” because the first of the cannabigeric acid (CBGA) is produced in the plant when the cannabis plant is still young. It is only subsequently from this acid that the cannabidiol CBDA and the tetrahydrocannabinolic acid THCA are formed. These, when heated, give rise to CBD or THC, depending on the type of plant (1). While CBG is produced directly from CBGA, CBD and THC are produced in the plant’s trichomes (the microscopic hairs that the plant has on the surface of its leaves or stem). But let’s get back to the main character of this article, CBG – cannabigerol. Like CBD, CBG is gaining prominence for its potential health benefits. It also has no psychoactive effects similar to the THC component, and thus can be safely taken without side effects.

Uninteresting cannabigerol

CBG was first isolated in 1964 by Israeli scientist Raphael Mechoulam (2). However, it was only after 2010 that science really started to take an interest in CBG. This late start in research was probably due to the fact that CBG is a minor cannabinoid, which means that it was indeed present in very small quantities in native plants. Today, scientists have developed varieties that are grown specifically for CBG extracts, and so research has also moved on a little bit.

CBG as a helper for better health

CBG products are often mixed with CBD as they complement each other’s effects. These include, for example, strong anti-inflammatory effects or pain relief. CBG is a powerful antioxidant and also has antibacterial effects. It is popular with people who want to increase their productivity, in school, work or everyday life. While some patients have reported that they feel more focused after taking CBG, others find CBG helps them relax and feel more relaxed.

So, have you met CBG cannabigerol yet? To learn more about CBG, read our other articles where we explain the difference between CBG and CBD here or go into more detail about its effects here.

• Baum, T. (2024). What is CBG? A Beginner’s Guide to Its Uses and Benefits.. Cannovia. Online: Published: 17.11.2022. Updated: 3.1.2024 Online Available at: https://cannovia.com/what-is-cbg-uses-benefits/

• Maccarrone M. Tribute to Professor Raphael Mechoulam, The Founder of Cannabinoid and Endocannabinoid Research. Molecules. 2022 Jan 5;27(1):323. doi: 10.3390/molecules27010323. PMID: 35011553; PMCID: PMC8746417. ︎

• Nachnani R, Raup-Konsavage WM, Crow KE (2021). “The pharmacological case for cannabigerol”.. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 376 (2): 204-212. doi:10.1124/jpet.120.000340. ISSN 0022-3565. PMID 33168643. S2CID 226296897.

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