The Ultimate CBG Effects Guide: Benefits, Risks and Dosage

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, meaning it won't give you the "high" associated with THC. Think of CBG as the precursor to other cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC. As the cannabis plant grows, enzymes convert CBG into these other cannabinoids.

Our bodies have a system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating a bunch of bodily functions. These functions include things like: 

• mood
• sleep
• appetite
• pain
• immune response

CBG, like other cannabinoids, interacts with the ECS by binding to its receptors, primarily CB1 and CB2.

While the precise workings of the CBG effect are still being investigated, it is thought to act as a partial agonist at CB1 and CB2 receptors. In simpler terms, it interacts with these receptors, influencing their activity but to a lesser degree than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which fully activates CB1 receptors.

Chronic pain impacts a large segment of the population and remains a challenge to treat effectively. People are actively seeking alternative solutions, and this is where CBG comes into the picture. With a significant percentage of individuals who use CBG for chronic pain (73.9% as per one survey) expressing better results than with traditional medicines, its potential as a pain management tool is being investigated further. Research dating back to the 1960s hinted at this possibility, and the CBG effect continues to be explored as a potential pain-relieving strategy.

Studies, though limited in high-quality evidence, indicate that CBG might be beneficial for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Research conducted in the past explored this possibility, finding that cannabigerol decreases intestinal inflammation. Some individuals with IBD have reported finding relief with cannabis products, attributing the positive impact to CBG's potential anti-inflammatory effects.

It is also considered helpful in managing IBD-related symptoms. However, more robust research is necessary to validate these findings and give clearer guidelines on dosage and consumption methods.

While both cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabidiol (CBD) work with the body's endocannabinoid system and are non-psychoactive, a few key differences exist:

It’s worth noting that both compounds show potential and their interaction with the endocannabinoid system makes them subjects of ongoing research for a wide range of health conditions. Many people also find success using both CBG and CBD together.

Research on CBG is still in its early phases and information on side effects remains limited. This means comprehensive long-term data isn't readily available yet. But, some studies show potential for interactions with medications for high blood pressure. It has also been observed to reduce blood pressure in certain animal studies. In such situations, caution should be practiced.

Users sometimes report mild side effects, but they're generally not as strong as those sometimes associated with THC. These mild side effects are generally:

• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness
• Increased appetite
• Dry eyes

With the limited research on the CBG effect, there's no established standard dosage. Factors influencing dosage include individual body chemistry and the condition you're seeking relief from. This can vary from person to person.

You'll find CBG products in different forms. The most common one is CBG oil, taken orally. But since CBG-dominant cannabis strains are not very prevalent, finding pure CBG products might be difficult and more expensive.

As a work around, many users prefer using broad-spectrum CBD oils. These oils usually contain CBG and other cannabinoids too. When using these oils, remember that the terpene profile can influence effects so pay close attention to what each product offers.