The Medical Benefits Of CBG

Often referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids”, cannabigerol (CBG) is the precursor molecule that gives rise to many of the most famous cannabis compounds, including THC and CBD. Yet its value far exceeds its role as the progenitor of other cannabinoids, and research has shown that CBG is a highly potent medicine in its own right. 

What Does CBG Do?

Like THC and CBD, CBG binds to cannabinoid receptors such as the CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, most of its medicinal properties arise from its interaction with other binding sites, such as serotonin receptors and adrenoreceptors[i].

For instance, a study on brain cells in a petri dish revealed that CBD protects neurons from oxidative damage, primarily through its interaction with the serotonin 1A receptor[ii]. Other studies have indicated that the cannabinoid has a high affinity for the α-2 adrenoceptor. This is an exciting finding as compounds that bind to this receptor have been shown to improve functioning within the brain’s prefrontal cortex and are used to treat a range of neurological disorders.

CBG also interacts with an important receptor called PPARγ, regulating fatty acid storage and glucose metabolism. Pharmaceutical compounds that bind to this receptor are often prescribed to treat metabolic disorders, and studies have shown that CBG may be more potent than many of these drugs.

For example, one study revealed that the cannabinoid improves insulin sensitivity and stimulates adipogenesis just as effectively as a common medication for metabolic disorders[iii]. Further research has shown that CBG’s interaction withPPARγ reduces the severity of neurologic illnesses such as Huntington’s disease (HD), Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis[iv].

Unfortunately, these neuroprotective effects have not been investigated in human trials, but animal studies have yielded exciting results. In one study, CBG reduced inflammation and prevented hippocampal cell death in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis[v], with similar outcomes seen in rodents with Huntington’s disease[vi].

What Else Can The CBG Compound Do?

Additional studies have revealed that CBG helps to alleviate gastrointestinal issues, including colorectal cancer and colitis[vii]. Treatment with the compound protected against intestinal tissue damage and inhibited tumour formation in mice that had been bred to suffer from these conditions[viii].

Furthermore, CBG’s antibacterial activity appears to exceed that of most other cannabinoids, raising the possibility of using the compound to treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Impressively, CBG outperforms conventional approaches to treating the so-called MRSA superbug, which is highly resistant to antibiotics[ix].

On a completely unrelated note, a study conducted last month revealed that CBG may even trigger the regeneration of nerve cells following spinal cord injuries. Though this has only been demonstrated on isolated neurons in a petri dish, results indicated that the compound can activate regeneration genes and cytoskeletal remodelling genes[x].

Scientists have identified such a broad range of potential medical applications and are now starting to test CBG on human patients.

Frustratingly, major clinical trials are still several years away. Yet, as evidence for the cannabinoid’s medical benefits continues to stack up, it’s little wonder that people are getting so excited about this versatile compound. 

Strains High in CBG

You can buy the following CBG rich cannabis strains as seeds right here on Seedsman, check out:

CBG #1 Feminised

Seedsman CBG #1 is a photo-period strain which has been specially bred to produce very high levels of CBG.

Seedsman CBG#1 grows in all environments, indoors, outdoors and in a greenhouse. Its indoor flowering time is between 10 – 12 weeks with yields expected to be between 400 – 500 gr/m². Outdoors, northern hemisphere harvests will be ready towards the end of September – early October with each plant capable of producing up to 350 gr. Colourful displays of purple will affect some plants towards the end of flowering, especially in the presence of cool nighttime temperatures. Flavours are tangy, from the terpene limonene, with berry notes.

N.B. It is very important to germinate CBG #1 seeds at a constant temperature of 80° Fahrenheit (26-27° Celsius) for optimum viability. Avoid temperature swings and fluctuations.

CBG levels are 16.9% while THC is very low at 0.25%.

Cannabinoid content:

• THC – 0.25%
• CBD – 0.02%
• CBG – 16.9%
• CBC – 0.55%
• CBN – ND
• CBDA – 0.02%

CBG Relief Auto Feminised

Seedsman CBG Relief Auto Feminised is a new auto-flowering strain that is rich in CBG while producing virtually zero THC. Production of CBD is similarly extremely low at less than 0.09%.

Seedsman CBG Relief Auto is 60% sativa and grows into medium-size plants with commensurate yields. It is a fast-maturing strain that is ready to be harvested in 8 – 9 weeks from seed. Compact flower formations are adorned by a profusion of bright, sparkling trichomes and have a light floral scent and taste.

CBG levels are high at just over 7% which compares very favourably with the more usual 1% from other types of cannabis. Its effect is completely non-psychoactive but acts as a body relaxant. The quantity of resin produced makes it an attractive choice from which to make CBG-rich extracts.

[i] Nachnani R, Raup-Konsavage WM, Vrana KE. The pharmacological case for cannabigerol. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 2021 Feb 1;376(2):204-12. – https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/376/2/204

[ii] Echeverry C, Prunell G, Narbondo C, de Medina VS, Nadal X, Reyes-Parada M, Scorza C. A comparative in vitro study of the neuroprotective effect induced by cannabidiol, cannabigerol, and their respective acid forms: relevance of the 5-HT1A receptors. Neurotoxicity Research. 2021 Apr;39(2):335-48. – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12640-020-00277-y

[iii] Fellous T, De Maio F, Kalkan H, Carannante B, Boccella S, Petrosino S, Maione S, Di Marzo V, Iannotti FA. Phytocannabinoids promote viability and functional adipogenesis of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells through different molecular targets. Biochemical Pharmacology. 2020 May 1;175:113859. – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006295220300873

[iv] Mammana S, Cavalli E, Gugliandolo A, Silvestro S, Pollastro F, Bramanti P, Mazzon E. Could the combination of two non-psychotropic cannabinoids counteract neuroinflammation? Effectiveness of cannabidiol associated with cannabigerol. Medicina. 2019 Nov;55(11):747. – https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/55/11/747

[v] Granja AG, Carrillo-Salinas F, Pagani A, Gómez-Cañas M, Negri R, Navarrete C, Mecha M, Mestre L, Fiebich BL, Cantarero I, Calzado MA. A cannabigerol quinone alleviates neuroinflammation in a chronic model of multiple sclerosis. Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology. 2012 Dec;7(4):1002-16. – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11481-012-9399-3

[vi] Valdeolivas S, Navarrete C, Cantarero I, Bellido ML, Muñoz E, Sagredo O. Neuroprotective properties of cannabigerol in Huntington’s disease: studies in R6/2 mice and 3-nitropropionate-lesioned mice. Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(1):185-199. doi:10.1007/s13311-014-0304-z

[vii] Borrelli F, Fasolino I, Romano B, et al. Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease. Biochem Pharmacol. 2013;85(9):1306-1316. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2013.01.017

[viii] Borrelli F, Pagano E, Romano B, et al. Colon carcinogenesis is inhibited by the TRPM8 antagonist cannabigerol, a Cannabis-derived non-psychotropic cannabinoid. Carcinogenesis. 2014;35(12):2787-2797. doi:10.1093/carcin/bgu205

[ix] Maya A. Farha, Omar M. El-Halfawy, Robert T. Gale, Craig R. MacNair, Lindsey A. Carfrae, Xiong Zhang, Nicholas G. Jentsch, Jakob Magolan, Eric D. Brown. Uncovering the Hidden Antibiotic Potential of Cannabis. ACS Infectious Diseases, 2020; DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00419

[x] Valeri A, Chiricosta L, Gugliandolo A, Pollastro F, Mazzon E. Will Cannabigerol Trigger Neuroregeneration after a Spinal Cord Injury? An In Vitro Answer from NSC-34 Scratch-Injured Cells Transcriptome. Pharmaceuticals. 2022 Feb;15(2):117. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35215230/