The hype on the benefits of CBD oil is rife. However, little is said about the benefits of CBG. Partly, this is due to its low content in the cannabis plants. However, it is worth noting that CBG is useful just like CBD. Before indulging deep into its health benefits, it is equally to differentiate CBD from CBG.
The Difference between CBD and CBG
The research on the difference between CBD and CBG is on its infant stages. Except for the abbreviations, scientists believe that CBG possesses same non-psychoactive effects like CBD. CBG is an abbreviation for cannabigerol while CBD stands for cannabidiol. The only known way to understand the difference between these two chemical compounds is taking them together at first, then later in isolation. Mixing the two gives the user the entourage effect which cannot be felt when the two are taken in isolation. CBG oil is only extracted using the extraction method while CBD oil can be extracted using solvent method or the extraction method.
Health Benefits of CBG Oil
CBG health benefits are similar to the ones given by CBD oil. Unsurprisingly, the two are extracted from cannabis (the hemp plant or marijuana). Here is a summary of the health benefits of CBG.
CBG may reduce the magnitude of chronic pain
One of the main health benefits of CBG is its ability to relieve chronic pain. A research conducted in 2010 found that CBG had the ability to ease the pain in people undergoing treatment. Due to these properties, CBG is mixed with CBD in prescription drugs for the treatment of chronic ailments such as arthritis. When the CBG is ingested, it interacts with the cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to lower the impact of pain in the body.
It strengthens the bones
Taking CBG hastens the healing process of fractured bones. Some medics argue that CBG helps in the formation of bone marrows which strengthen the bone tissues. Although there are no medical records to support or deny the claims, a study carried out in 2007 pointed out the possible treatment against osteoporosis, one of the major problems that affect bones.
Helps muscles to relax
Taking CBG helps the muscles to relax, which is important to athletes. In case an athlete sustains injuries during training, they can take a few drops of the oil.
It has antidepressant properties
Taking CBG oil calms the brain, making it a good antidepressant. The CBG interacts indirectly with the CBRs, which lowers the impact of adrenaline hormone and cortisol, the stress hormone. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which causes a head-high effect, CBG does not bring much effect. However, mixing CBG with CBD gives an “entourage effect” which mitigates the stress levels. People undergoing therapy to treat stress and depression are put under the CBG medication to regulate the anxiety-disorder hormones. The treatment also increases the anandamide levels in the brain, which consequently calms the brain.
CBG has neuroprotective effects
Some studies argue that taking CBG lowers the rate of cognitive decline which is prominent in people suffering from Huntington’s disease. In yet another research, it was confirmed that consuming CBG and CBD together lowered the impact of Alzheimer’s disease in the body. The patients are put under prescription drugs and the CBG due to its medication. The research was carried out in 2015.
Helpful in giving deep sleep
People suffering from anxiety disorder are advised to take CBG in order to handle insomnia. Studies show that taking the oil increases the dopamine levels which calms the brain and increases the sleep levels in the body. Research shows that, people who take CBG get enough sleep. Since enough sleep gives people more energy and consequently higher productivity, it is advisable to take the oil.
Can treat glaucoma
Studies are underway to find out if CBG can help in the treatment of glaucoma. Doctors believe that taking CBG improves eyesight and removes substances which can cause a person to develop glaucoma. The study further shows that, taking a mixture of CBG and CBD reduces the impact of glaucoma. However, more research is underway to prove the chemical components of CBG and their impact on the body.
The CBG Flower
One of the largest sources of CBG oil is the cannabis flower. After plucking the flower of the cannabis plant, it undergoes the extraction process to come up with the CBG oil which is used for various purposes. The extraction process might involve the MCT oil, making the oil edible. The CBG flower contains a high CBG-A content compared to oil, hence the high preference.
Bottom line
The “entourage effects”, coupled with other health benefits, makes CBG one of the most crucial products of cannabis. It is advisable to buy CBG from renown and licensed outlets to get the best products.