Cannabinoids Explained: CBG

CBG is a minor cannabinoid, but it is known as the “mother molecule” of cannabis. Written by Anna Barberena.

What is CBG?

CBG is known as the “mother molecule” of cannabis. It’s acidic form, CBGa, is the molecule which creates all other cannabinoids that can be found in cannabis (1). CBG is considered one of the minor cannabinoids because you usually find low levels (1% or less) in mature flower. However, certain techniques have allowed breeders to produce plants which yield higher levels of CBG. It is also possible to extract CBG from a growing plant by discerning the ideal extraction time. CBG was discovered back in 1964 by Dr. Raphael Mecholum and Yahiel Gaoni. This cannabinoid is non-intoxicating and has been shown to have powerful therapeutic properties such as inhibiting cancer cell growth, reducing muscle spasms, promoting bone growth and an ability to act as an antidepressant (2). CBG helps many with gut issues such as inflammatory bowel disease by reducing inflammation in the gut which allows bodily processes to continue as normal (3). CBG concentrations in flower are generally very low, rarely ever exceeding 1%, in plants that have been optimally grown and matured.

In the article, The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol, the Therapeutic Effects of CBG are described as:

Non-intoxicating
Analgesic (pain relief)
Muscle relaxant
Antifungal
Anti-depressant
Inhibits cancer cell growth (anti-proliferative)
Antibacterial
Anti-inflammatory
Neuroprotective
Promotes bone growth
Promotes bone growth
Vasodilator

Entourage Effect

There is evidence to suggest that CBG works synergistically with CBD to reduce the intoxicating effects of THC.
There are other potential synergistic properties we do not yet know of

Conditions CBG may be beneficial for

Glaucoma
Huntington’s Disease
Cancer
Antibacterial properties have be shown to fight off methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Gut issues such as IBS or Crohn's Disease
Depression
Insomnia
Chronic Pain
Neurodegenerative diseases
Anxiety

Potential Adverse Side Effects

Dry mouth
Sleepiness
Increase in appetite
Dry eyes
More research is needed to better understand potential side effects of CBG
Learn more about potential adverse side effects of CBG

Citations: 1. de Meijer, Etienne P M et al. “The inheritance of chemical phenotype in Cannabis sativa L.” Genetics vol. 163,1 (2003): 335-46. doi:10.1093/genetics/163.1.335 2. Rahul Nachnani, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage and Kent E. Vrana. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics February 1, 2021, 376 (2) 204-212; DOI (https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.120.000340): 3. Russo, Ethan B., et al. “Survey of Patients Employing Cannabigerol-Predominant Cannabis Preparations: Perceived Medical Effects, Adverse Events, and Withdrawal Symptoms.” Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0058.

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