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In a study recently published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature, a team of researchers has highlighted the potential benefits of CBG on anxiety and verbal memory. Carried out on human subjects, this research complements the results obtained by a previous study, also conducted on humans, which explored the therapeutic effects of CBG on mental health.
The Nobilis-Product team looks back on these discoveries and provides objective answers for those considering the use of CBG oil for anxiety.
Table of contents
What is CBG (cannabigerol)?
A minor cannabinoid
CBG (cannabigerol) is a cannabinoid. A cannabinoid is a molecule found in cannabis flowers, capable of interacting with our body by binding to certain receptors (endocannabinoid system).
The cannabinoid (or rather, phytocannabinoid) family is a large one, with over a hundred members. You're probably familiar with the two main ones: CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of cannabis).
Other cannabinoids are synthesized in very small quantities, as in the case of CBG, which is found in quantities of less than 1%. Even so, minor cannabinoids play a full part in the beneficial effects of therapeutic cannabis.
The mother of all cannabinoids
CBG is often referred to as "the mother of all cannabinoids", as it is the source ofthe synthesis of other cannabinoids from its acid form, CBGa (cannabigerolic acid).
It's mainly because it's the precursor of CBD (and the other hundred cannabinoids) that CBG is present in such low quantities in hemp flowers. There are, however, varieties specially bred to have a high CBG content, between 10 and 20%. And, of course, there are all kinds of CBG-rich products (including oils).
CBG: its main properties
As we said, although less abundant than CBD or THC, CBG has some interesting properties:
- Anti-inflammatory properties 🔥: CBG has shown significant effects in reducing inflammation, which may be beneficial for inflammatory bowel disease and other chronic inflammatory conditions.
- Analgesic properties 💊 studies indicate that CBG can act as an analgesic, relieving different types of pain, including neuropathic pain and pain associated with chemotherapy.
- Neuroprotective properties 🧠 CBG has shown neuroprotective potential, which could help prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.
- Antibacterial properties 🦠 CBG has demonstrated antibacterial properties, particularly against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Appetite stimulation 😋: CBG has shown promising effects in stimulating appetite, which could be useful for people suffering from loss of appetite due to chronic illnesses or medical treatments.
- Antitumor properties 🧬 preliminary research suggests that CBG may have antitumor effects, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in certain types of cancer.
To this list, it would seem that we can add anxiolytic properties as well as a beneficial effect on memory. Let's see what the famous studies on CBG and its action on mental health have to say.
CBG, stress, anxiety and mental health: human studies
CBG, like all the other minor cannabinoids, has long been shunned by the scientific community in favor of studies on CBD. However, given its non-psychoactive nature, it has gradually earned its place among the most studied hemp molecules.
We'd like to take a look at two human studies designed to assess the effects of CBG on psychological health (stress, mood, sleep quality, etc.).
CBG and mental health: self-reported effects of regular users
As part of a report - conducted for marketing purposes - a team of researchers asked 127 users to list the perceived beneficial effects of CBG-enriched products they consume on a regular basis.
According to the figures collected, over half of them (51%) perceive an anxiolytic action, with all the overall benefits this suggests, such as improved sleep quality and reduced depression.
The vast majority (around 80%) are convinced that CBG is more effective than traditional treatments. Moreover, all users emphasize the absence of troublesome side effects. In fact, the following side effects were reported: dry eyes (9% of cases), drowsiness (15%), increased appetite (12%) and dry mouth (16.5%).
Although these data seem to indicate several beneficial effects of CBG on mental health, it's important to bear in mind that this sample is too small to draw any conclusions. Furthermore, the study does not specify which types of CBG products are involved (dosage form and concentration).
Above all, these are only self-reported user opinions. There are no measurements to confirm or quantify these testimonials.
Let's take a look at the next study, which collects measured and quantified data.
The measurable effects of CBG on stress, anxiety and verbal memory
This study was carried out on a sample of 34 participants. Although this number is relatively small, it is crucial to emphasize that the data were collected under optimal experimental conditions, thanks to a double-blind protocol and placebo control.
The research team - headed byEthan Russo, a leading authority on cannabinoids - administered a tincture of CBG that consisted of 10 mg/ml CBG, 0.89 mg/ml CBGa (the acid form of CBG) and 0.35 mg/ml β-caryophyllene (a hemp terpene, which acts in a cannabinoid-like way).
Levels of anxiety, stress, depression and cognitive function were assessed using various tests(STAI, DASS-21) and questionnaires (subjective) before and after consumption of the tincture.
The data collected is as follows:
- Taking CBG significantly reduces anxiety. The tincture induced a 14% reduction in stress compared to placebo;
- Verbal memory was improved by 8% (again compared with placebo).
No serious side effects have been reported.
Once again, it's important to emphasize the study's limitations. In this case, the small number of participants, as well as the duration of the experiment (2 weeks).
Conclusion: can CBG reduce stress and anxiety?
On the basis of current scientific data, it cannot be said that CBG helps reduce stress and anxiety. Indeed, as we have seen, human studies are still too incomplete to constitute irrefutable proof.
Nevertheless, these clinical trials tell us that some people do indeed experience beneficial effects on their mental health. And without adverse effects.
So, if your GP agrees, why not test CBG's anxiolytic effects for yourself?
