What Is CBG? Meet the "Mother Cannabinoid" Behind THC and CBD

CBG (cannabigerol) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid known as the "mother cannabinoid," because its acid form, CBGA, is the compound the cannabis plant converts into THC, CBD and others. It won't get you high, and early research, mostly in animals, suggests it may calm the nervous system and gut inflammation. It's far less studied than THC or CBD, but scientists and doctors are paying more and more attention to it.

CBG is the precursor of better-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and it shows up early in the cannabis plant's development. As the plant matures, most of it gets converted into other cannabinoids through biochemical processes. Recent research, though, suggests CBG has therapeutic properties of its own that set it apart from its offspring.

CBG (cannabigerol): everything you need to know

Cannabigerol, or CBG, is a standout member of the cannabinoid family, with a fascinating role both inside the cannabis plant and in the human body.

First isolated in 1964 by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, the legendary cannabis researcher, CBG came onto the scene alongside THC in the early days of cannabis science. Unlike THC, however, CBG doesn't cause psychoactive effects.

CBG vs. THC and CBD: how it works in the body

The key difference is how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors spread throughout the body. THC mainly binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, which produces the high. CBG, on the other hand, shows more affinity for receptors in the "expanded endocannabinoid system." These include vanilloid receptors, which play a crucial role in nervous system signaling.

Inside the cannabis plant, CBG plays a central role as the chemical precursor to other valuable cannabinoids. In its acid form, called CBGA, it's the starting point for compounds like THC and CBD, which is why it's earned the nickname "mother cannabinoid."

That's just the start of understanding CBG's therapeutic potential. Below we dig into its possible medical uses and its unique health benefits, and why it's becoming a key piece of cannabis medicine.

What are the benefits of CBG?

CBG stands out among cannabinoids for its unique properties and potential benefits. THC is known for its psychoactive effects and CBD for its therapeutic properties without the high; CBG brings its own distinct set of possible benefits thanks to the particular way it interacts with the body.

CBG and the nervous system

CBG interacts with vanilloid receptors, which are involved in transmitting pain signals in the central nervous system. Capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers, activates the TRPV1 receptor and causes a burning sensation followed by desensitization; CBG binds to that same receptor without causing irritation. That suggests CBG could have soothing effects without the irritating side effects.

A study published in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology found that molecular relatives of CBG were able to calm nervous system irritation in mice, pointing to potential as a treatment for neurological conditions. CBG may also help relax muscles by inhibiting the reuptake of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter, which could ease muscle tension and stiffness.

CBG and the brain

CBG may also have benefits for brain health. Preliminary research in mice has looked at its ability to lift mood and its interaction with serotonin receptors in the brain. A study in the journal Neurotherapeutics explored CBG's neuroprotective effects in an animal model of Huntington's disease, a condition that affects mood, movement and thinking. The findings suggest CBG could have a positive impact on neurodegenerative diseases and lay the groundwork for deeper research.

CBG and the digestive system

Gut health is central to overall health, and CBG may have something to offer here. Roughly 10 to 15% of people in Europe and North America live with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that causes stomach pain, cramping and bloating, and inflammatory bowel conditions like colitis are common too.

Research published in Biochemical Pharmacology tested CBG in mice with induced colitis (a model of inflammatory bowel disease) and found it reduced markers of the disease and cut the production of free radicals in intestinal cells. Those findings suggest CBG could become a useful tool for gut health and for easing bowel inflammation.

CBG and the musculoskeletal system

CBG may also play a role in bone health. Osteoporosis, a condition marked by loss of bone density, happens when the cells that break down bone outpace the ones that build new bone tissue. Genetics, hormonal changes and lack of exercise are among the causes.

Research on CBG and bone health is still at a very early stage, but there are hints it could help with bone healing. Much more research is needed to confirm those effects before CBG could be considered a viable osteoporosis treatment.

CBG benefits in a nutshell

CBG is a promising cannabinoid with a range of possible therapeutic benefits. From calming nervous system irritation to its potential for gut and bone health, it opens a new angle in cannabis medicine. The research is still early, but current studies suggest CBG could become a valuable tool for a range of conditions.

CBG vs. CBD: which one is better?

There's no simple answer to whether CBG (cannabigerol) beats CBD (cannabidiol). The two share some similarities, but each works in its own way in the body.

CBD is more popular and has far more science behind it. But as CBG gets studied more and interest grows, expect to see more formulas that include CBG alongside THC and CBD.

CBG at a glance

• Receptor affinity: CBG has low affinity for the classic cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2).
• Interaction: It works mainly through the expanded endocannabinoid system.
• Psychoactivity: It doesn't get you high.
• Precursor: It's the precursor of the other major cannabinoids.
• Research: Its therapeutic potential has barely been studied.
• Availability: There aren't many products on the market (yet).

CBD at a glance

• Receptor affinity: CBD also has low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors.
• Psychoactivity: It doesn't get you high.
• Endocannabinoid levels: It may help raise the body's own endocannabinoid levels.
• Research: It's been studied extensively compared with other cannabinoids.
• Availability: It comes in a wide range of products, including cannabis and hemp flower, extracts and edibles.

Can you take CBG and CBD together?

CBG and CBD differ in several important ways, but they could make a great combo. Taken together, they may boost each other's effects and deliver more therapeutic benefit. That idea is known as the "entourage effect," the theory that cannabinoids work better as a team than on their own.

The therapeutic potential of CBG and CBD

CBG:

• Nervous system: CBG binds to vanilloid receptors, which are involved in pain signaling, and may have soothing effects.
• Digestive system: Preliminary studies suggest CBG could reduce markers of bowel inflammation and the production of free radicals in intestinal cells.
• Musculoskeletal system: It may play a role in bone health, though research is still in its infancy.

CBD:

• Anxiety and stress: CBD is often used for its anti-anxiety properties and to take the edge off stress.
• Pain and inflammation: It's widely used to ease pain and reduce inflammation.
• Epilepsy: A CBD-based medication has been approved to treat certain severe forms of epilepsy.

The bottom line

Neither CBG nor CBD is better or worse; they just offer different benefits. CBG has unique therapeutic potential that's still being mapped out, while CBD already has more evidence behind it in several areas of health. Together, these cannabinoids may offer a broad range of benefits for overall well-being, tapping the entourage effect to amplify what each does on its own.