Despite sharing some similarities with CBD, researchers think CBG can treat other conditions and produce more powerful results than the super famous cannabinoid.
We’re only starting to learn about the dozens of cannabinoids that exist within cannabis, with each one displaying a different set of effects. While these elements haven’t been as researched and monetized as CBD or THC, they’re still worth mentioning, especially since we’re learning more about them and noticing that their effects can be just as strong and impressive.
When it comes to wellness and health, many cannabis experts believe CBG is the next element that you should be on the lookout for.
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Like CBD, cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive compound. Despite not having yet been used in clinical trials, research suggests that CBG can decrease anxiety and depression without producing highs. In addition to treating these conditions, studies where CBG was used on rats show that the compound can treat illnesses like IBS, Chron’s disease, cancer and glaucoma, setting it apart from the effects that are normally associated with CBD.
Dr. Perry Salomon, medical cannabis expert and anesthesiologist, explained to Shape magazine that despite the fact that CBG is relatively unknown, it’s referred to by experts as the stem cell of cannabis. “CBGA (the acidic, inactive form of CBG) changes, is broken down, and becomes the base molecule that other cannabinoids form from,” he said.
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Since CBG shares some DNA with CBD, it’s likely that there is some overlap between their effects, including counteracting some of the powerful side effects of THC. “Studies of CBG seem to show that it activates the CB1 receptor just as CBD does, which essentially decreases psycho-activation,” says Salomon.
While more research is needed to understand CBG in its entirety, it’s great news that other cannabinoids are stepping in and showing off a different set of abilities that the ones that are known by most researchers and users. Instead of canonizing CBD, we should all try to focus on different elements of the cannabis plant that could provide relief for dozens of symptoms and diseases.
