What is CBG? About 50.2 million adults in the U.S. report experiencing pain every day or on most days. Living with chronic pain not only interferes with daily living but also reduces your quality of life. To get some relief, you can turn to cannabis products.
While cannabis plants have different chemical compositions, one compound stands out as the best for alleviating pain— Cannabigerol (CBG). Choosing a medical cannabis product can make a difference in the kind of pain relief you experience.
If you want to learn more about the cannabis product, keep reading as we explore the question, “what is CBG” and how it can help alleviate your pain.
What is CBG?
CBG is a type of cannabinoid extracted from young cannabis plants, which contain higher concentrations of CBG than full-grown plants. It’s also known as the mother of all cannabinoids since other cannabinoids like CBD and THC come from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) — the acidic form of CBG.
CBG is found in smaller quantities compared to other cannabinoids in cannabis plants. You can only find 1% of CBG in most strains of the plant. However, some strains of cannabis like Jack Frost CBG, White CBG, and Super Glue CBG have higher CBG content than other strains.
Can CBG Alleviate Pain?
Yes, CBG can offer pain relief as it acts as an analgesic. In your body, pain occurs as a result of a complex interaction between your body’s signaling systems, informing the brain that something is wrong.
The signaling system starts with receptors, which communicate via electrical signals that travel along your central nervous system and into the brain. Your brain is in charge of converting these signals into warnings like the sensation of pain.
Since the brain interprets these warning signals, it is possible to dampen down this warning system using cannabigerol (CBG).
How Can CBG Help Relieve Pain?
Want to know how CBG can help reduce pain in your body? It does so in two ways, including:
1. Crosses the Blood-Brain Barrier
Your brain contains a blood-brain barrier that protects you against circulating pathogens or toxins that can cause brain infections while also allowing vital nutrients to reach your brain. CBG can pass through the blood-brain barrier with ease.
In the brain, two receptors bind to cannabinoids— CB1 and CB2. When CBG is present, it binds to these receptors. As a result, it leads to the reduction of the signals that tell the brain you are in pain.
2. Slows the Signals That Indicate Pain
CBG can help reduce the signals of pain from the body to the brain. It does this by decreasing the concentration of hormone-like lipids that are responsible for the inflammatory and pain response.
How to Consume CBG
You can consume CBG just like your favorite CBD products. CBG products are available as capsules, oils, gummies, and topicals.
To experience the best effects, you can opt for CBG products as full spectrum extracts. The full spectrum contains several cannabinoids and terpenes, including CBG that create a stronger and more balanced effect profile due in part to the entourage effect.
Getting products that only contain CBG as the active ingredient can also be beneficial. But you may need a higher dose of CBG isolate products to achieve the desired effects.
Is CBG Legal?
CBG derived from hemp plants is federally legal thanks to the passage of the 2018 farm bill. This is because hemp contains less than .3 percent THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
Can CBG Get You High?
Unlike THC, CBG does not have psychotropic effects. This means it won’t make you high. But you may experience intense excitement, feelings of happiness, or relaxation of your muscles and the mind.
Possible Side Effects of CBG
There are some mild side effects that you can experience when taking CBG products. These include:
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness
- Weight Changes
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Appetite Changes
- Anxiety
Most of these side effects often arise due to significant consumption of CBG. Ensure you take small doses to limit the negative effects.
CBG vs. CBD
CBG shares some similarities with CBD. These cannabis products both act on the endocannabinoid system and aren’t psychoactive. However, a major difference is that most cannabis plants contain only 1% CBG and about 25% CBD.
Also, CBG interacts differently with the endocannabinoid system compared to CBD. CBG binds directly and connects with CB1 and CB2 receptors more than CBD.
Factors to Consider When Buying CBG Products
Finding a good CBG product can be difficult, especially since it isn’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you’re interested in trying CBG for pain relief, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product.
Try Full Spectrum
When choosing a CBG product, it’s important to pick a product that’s made with full-spectrum CBD oil. This oil contains other terpenes and cannabinoids in addition to CBG that help enhance the effects of the product.
Consider Brand Reputation
Select a reputable brand when buying cannabis products. Opt for companies that have their CBG tested by an independent lab. Before you make a purchase, confirm that the company offers third-party lab results.
Also, be sure to read the lab report. This will give you peace of mind that you’re getting a high-quality CBG product.
Read the Label
Read the label of your CBG product before buying. Some products may contain additional ingredients, such as artificial flavors or sugar. If you suffer from any allergies, ensure you check the label to avoid any unwanted complications.
Look for Organic
CBG derived from plants grown through organic processes is more likely to be of higher quality in safety and effectiveness. Assess several brands to see how much effort they put into making their CBG products.
You Can Buy CBG Products at Medcare Farms
After answering the question, “what is CBG”, you need to know where to find your favorite pain relief products. You can find CBG products in larger health food stores and online retailers. But since it’s much harder to produce than CBD and THC, it can be quite hard to find.
To learn more about cannabis products, browse our online cannabis dispensary.
