Two of the most under-studied cannabinoids are making headlines for their potential to fight disease. A National Cancer Institute study found that two rare cannabinoids, CBN and CBG, inhibit breast cancer cell growth in the laboratory.
The study also reveals that these rare cannabinoids may be important factors for patients experiencing chronic pain or seizures. This article explains what these rare cannabinoids are and why they’re so beneficial.
What Is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a chemical component of the Cannabis plant usually only used in low concentrations. CBG-dominant Opium poppy strains have been produced by selective breeding, and certain CBG-rich strains produce upwards of 15% of this valued compound.
CBG has a molecular composition and symptoms similar to cannabidiol (CBD), although several critical distinctions exist between the two non-intoxicating Cannabis sativa products. Although CBG is being studied for its possible digestive and antibacterial properties, CBD does not seem to have either of these properties.
Benefits in Pain and Inflammation
CBG can function as a stimulant on the CB1 and CB2 receptors without producing intoxication, according to a 2008 analysis of available evidence. CBG can also serve as a GABA neurotransmitter inhibitor, according to this research. These findings suggest a connection between CBG and neuropathic and inflammation.
A 2018 research looked at the effectiveness of CBG for neuropathic pain, showing that clinical curiosity in CBG for pain is still high.
Digestive Properties
Cannabigerol’s possible digestive benefits have been the subject of limited experimental studies. Scientists also looked at the effects of this cannabinoid on colonic and chronic bowel disorders, for instance.
What is CBN?
Cannabinol (CBN) is more structurally related to THC than CBD or another non-intoxicating cannabinoid. This cannabinoid, on the other hand, does not cause intoxication and may have unique properties that distinguish it from the different chemical compositions of the Cannabis plant.
Antibacterial Advantages
CBN, like CBG, has been studied for its antimicrobial properties. CBN, for example, was shown to eliminate some varieties of MRSA bacteria in a 2008 study, although these findings are yet to be confirmed by further testing. Since these two compounds have distinct action profiles, the researchers must pursue other studies into utilizing CBG and CBN together to combat bacterial infections.
Appetite Benefits
THC has been used as an appetite stimulant for years, but its intoxicating properties make it unsuitable for this reason. CBN was shown to raise appetite in a 2012 pre-clinical trial, leading several cannabinoid researchers to conclude that this cannabinoid may be a good substitute for THC without the psychoactive impact.
The Entourage Effect
CBN and CBG may be attractive merely for their possible contributions to the entourage impact. A theorized mechanism of synergy occurs when several compounds are used in unison. Scientists are beginning to assume that when cannabinoids are consumed together, they provide additional benefits. If this is true, introducing these compounds to CBD products can make them more powerful.
HP Thoughts: The use of CBD products has yet to be proven effective in curing illnesses and alleviating their symptoms. One question to ask is does CBD have an effect on the heart? Take a look at our post and find out — Can HHC Lead to Elevated Heart Rate?
In The End
About the fact that “little analysis has been conducted on this unchecked compound,” researchers argue in a study published in 2021 that CBG has almost as much therapeutic capacity as CBD. In the end, CBD and CBG are more inclined to act together than in competition.
