Studying the Rare Cannabinoids: CBN and CBG

Two of the most under-studied cannabinoids are getting more attention. Lab and animal studies on the rare cannabinoids CBN and CBG have produced interesting early results, but they have not been shown to treat any disease in people.

This article explains what these rare cannabinoids are, what the early research found, and why it is too soon to call them beneficial.

What Is CBG?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a chemical component of the Cannabis plant that is usually present only in low concentrations. Breeders have developed CBG-rich cannabis strains to produce more of it.

CBG and cannabidiol (CBD) are both non-intoxicating, but they act on the body in different ways. CBG is being studied in the lab for possible digestive and antibacterial effects.

Benefits in Pain and Inflammation

CBG acts on several targets in lab tests, including TRP channels involved in pain signaling, according to a 2011 study of cannabinoids on these channels. That research was done on cells, not people.

These findings suggest CBG could be worth studying for pain and inflammation. Clinical trials in humans are still limited, so any benefit for pain remains unproven.

Digestive Properties

Cannabigerol's possible digestive effects have been the subject of limited experimental studies, mostly in animals. Its effects on bowel disorders have not yet been tested in well-designed human trials.

What is CBN?

Cannabinol (CBN) forms as THC breaks down, and it is structurally closer to THC than to CBD. It is far less intoxicating than THC, though it does act on the same CB1 receptor.

Antibacterial Advantages

CBN, like CBG, has been studied for antimicrobial properties. A 2008 lab study in the Journal of Natural Products found that CBN, CBG, CBD, CBC and THC were all active against several MRSA strains in the test tube.

These findings have not been confirmed as a treatment in people. Never use cannabis products in place of antibiotics for an infection.

Appetite Benefits

THC has been used to stimulate appetite, but its intoxicating effects limit its use. A 2012 study in rats found that CBN increased food intake through the CB1 receptor, while CBG had no effect on feeding.

Animal results like this do not show that CBN boosts appetite in people. Human studies are needed.

The Entourage Effect

CBN and CBG may also be of interest for their possible contribution to the entourage effect. This is a theory that cannabis compounds work better together than alone.

The idea is popular, but it has not been proven in clinical research. Adding CBN or CBG to CBD products has not been shown to make them more effective.

HP Thoughts: Products containing CBD, CBN or CBG have yet to be proven effective in curing illnesses or relieving their symptoms, outside of one prescription CBD drug for certain seizure disorders. One question to ask is whether cannabis compounds affect the heart. Take a look at our post and find out: Can HHC Lead to Elevated Heart Rate?

In The End

Little research has been done on CBN and CBG in people. The early lab and animal findings are a reason to keep studying them, not a reason to use them as medicine.

The FDA has approved only one CBD drug, Epidiolex, for certain seizure disorders, and it has not approved CBN or CBG products to treat anything. Talk with your doctor before trying any cannabis product, especially if you take other medicines.