Did you know that there are over 100 different cannabinoids found within the hemp (cannabis) plant? Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds that are extracted from cannabis plants, then used in a variety of hemp-derived products based on the myriad of properties, benefits, and experiences they can provide. While most of us have heard of CBD and THC, there is less known about the cannabinoid CBG or cannabigerol.
CBG, while a more minor cannabinoid than CBD, is known for its medical benefits. As research grows, more is being discovered about CBG and its associated benefits for different health concerns. CBG is currently being studied for its potential benefits in conjunction with specific health conditions like glaucoma, inflammatory bowel disease, anxiety, and cancer.
Interested in learning more about the health benefits of CBG? Check out the detailed information on how CBG works to treat the different ailments listed below.
CBG and Glaucoma
Glaucoma is one of the main causes of blindness throughout the world. Studies have shown that cannabinoids like CBG can limit IOP (intraocular pressure), potentially benefiting the treatment of glaucoma. While more research needs to be done, many are already using CBG to help patients suffering from glaucoma.
CBG and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Much like its partner cannabinoid CBD, CBG has been found to help relieve pain and inflammation. More specifically, CBG has been linked to reducing feelings of pain and inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
Inflammatory bowel disease can cause chronic, painful inflammation in the bowels and affects millions of people worldwide. In an experimental study performed in 2013, researchers found that CBG helped significantly reduce inflammation and concluded that CBG should be considered for more clinical experimentation for patients who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease.
CBG and Anxiety
CBG may have a positive impact on dopamine production with its ability to maintain or increase levels of anandamide in the brain. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid associated with feelings of well-being and joy. This feeling is often experienced after a workout or physical exercise.
CBG helps prevent anandamide from breaking down, which may impact your mood, providing uplifted feelings of bliss and happiness. It can also help increase dopamine, which is released when we participate in behaviors that feel good, like reaching a goal, intimacy, eating a good meal, or exercising.
Due to its abilities to impact anandamide and dopamine, many researchers and users believe that CBG is a wonderful treatment for stress, depression, and anxiety.
CBG and Cancer
In a recent study from February 2021 published by the National Library of Medicine, CBG was shown to reduce the proliferation of cancer cells in multiple cancer cell lines, including breast, prostate, and colorectal. More studies on the effects of CBG and cancer cells are being conducted to discover if there are other types of cancers that are impacted by CBG oil and other cannabis products.
Additionally, CBG may have a positive impact for those with cancer who are undergoing treatment, like chemotherapy. Patients who undergo such therapies are reporting that a CBG routine improves their quality of life by reducing nausea, improving appetite, and anxiety, depression, and stress, as mentioned above.
