The human body’s endocannabinoid system relies on chemical compounds to achieve a healthy equilibrium. These are called cannabinoids, and they bind to specific receptors in the brain to deliver therapeutic effects.
CBD is well-known for its purportedly miraculous healing powers, and anecdotal accounts of it easing pain and anxiety are plentiful. But there’s another cannabinoid with powerful potential: CBG.
Boost Your Energy
While CBD has undoubtedly garnered a lot of buzz with its purported borderline-miraculous healing properties, it’s time to start paying attention to CBG. This non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid offers many benefits, including boosting your energy levels and aiding in memory retention.
It’s also known to stimulate the appetite, making it an ideal alternative to THC for those looking to curb their loss of appetite due to cancer treatments or other medical conditions. CBG can help increase serotonin levels, resulting in an overall boost to energy.
In addition, a growing body of research suggests that CBG may offer neuroprotective properties and support the regeneration of brain cells. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities also make it an excellent choice for those seeking relief from chronic pain.
To try CBG, you must do your homework and find a quality third-party-tested product. Look for a manufacturer who makes it easy to access those test results by listing them on their website.
Chatting with a naturopathic doctor before adding anything new to your wellness regimen is good, especially if you have any existing health concerns. They can provide a roadmap for integrating CBG and other natural supplements into your routine while ensuring you’re not negatively impacting any underlying health issues or medications you might be taking.
Help You Sleep
The body needs a good night’s sleep to maintain mental and physical health. A lack of sleep can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and anxiety. CBD can help calm the nervous system, allowing you to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Its sedative effects are also helpful for people who have insomnia and other sleep disorders.
CBG is believed to help with insomnia and other sleep disorders like CBD. It’s thought to make you tired and promote a good night’s sleep by directly interacting with your CB1 receptors. Anecdotal reports also suggest that CBG can ease muscle tightness and pain, which could also improve your sleep. Many cannabis strains are powerful for sleep, so you can find a strain specifically to help promote a good nights sleep.
CBD and CBG have some mild psychoactive properties, but unlike THC, they don’t cause intoxication. Instead, CBG’s psychoactive effects are linked to euphoria and relaxation.
CBD and CBG are generally considered safe for most people when taken orally. However, it’s essential to purchase products vetted for safety and quality. You should also consult your naturopathic doctor if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. Look for CBD and CBG products sourced from premium hemp plants with U.S. Hemp Authority certification. These products may include tinctures, capsules, and gummies. They also typically use a sublingual delivery method that requires placing the product under your tongue for optimal absorption.
Reduce Inflammation
The ECS is a network of transmitters, receptors, and enzymes that relay messages throughout your body to keep your systems in the Goldilock’s zone of homeostasis (balance). CBD supports this system by interacting with CB receptors in the brain to boost mood, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
CBD is the poster child for wellness benefits in the cannabis plant, and its calming effects can help you relax before sleep or soothe discomforts and tensions. The molecule also reduces inflammation, and CBG can further boost this effect by interacting at unique pain-receptor sites to inhibit pain signals from reaching the brain and help loosen tight or spastic muscles.
While CBD has many health benefits, it can sometimes cause drowsiness and interact with some medications. CBD can also increase serotonin levels in the brain, which may lead to an altered state of consciousness. CBG can mitigate these effects, and research has found that it can improve your ability to stay awake while boosting mood.
As a precursor to other cannabinoids, CBG is often found in combination with CBD products because it enhances the energizing effects of the latter and amplifies their soothing properties. This synergy, called the entourage effect, opens doors to new, more efficient therapeutic solutions. For example, CBD has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, while CBG enhances the calming effects of CBD for improved energy and focus.
Reduce Stress
The sedative effects of CBD and CBG’s synergy may help reduce stress levels, improving your ability to concentrate and focus on tasks. Unlike THC, these compounds don’t have psychoactive effects and won’t give you a “high” feeling. Instead, they will produce a calm and relaxing effect that can ease the symptoms of stress like headaches, anxiety, and digestive problems.
CBG has been shown to bind to the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in your endocannabinoid system (ECS) to provide therapeutic effects without producing the intoxication associated with THC. It can also enhance the absorption of CBD, increasing its effectiveness in your body.
A 2014 study showed that CBG can suppress cancer and tumor growth, while a 2021 study found that it may prevent the progression of glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. Additionally, CBG has been linked to a reduction in the frequency of seizures in epilepsy patients.
Although this synergy can be a wellness game-changer for many, it’s important to remember that every person is unique and will respond differently to these compounds. It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional to create a customized plan for your wellness goals. If you’re juggling other medications, supplements, or health concerns, they can help provide a roadmap to ensure you consume the right CBD and CBG.
*This is a collaboration post
