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What is CBG?

Topic: Patient Information

CBG (cannabigerol) is a type of cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. CBG, like CBD, is non-intoxicating (it does not get you high) and can be used as an alternative or supplement to CBD and THC-based cannabis products. It is known as the “mother of all cannabinoids” and is a remarkably versatile compound with significant therapeutic promise.

Here are several areas where CBG has shown potential therapeutic effects in preclinical animal studies:

–        Neurological illnesses such as Huntington’s disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple sclerosis (MS)
–        Gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
–        Chemotherapy-induced nausea and cachexia
–        Antibacterial agent

Although this research into CBG has shown promise, there is still much to understand and more research on its efficacy and long-term effects is required.

How is CBG used today?

A team of American scientists recently examined the perceived therapeutic effects of consuming CBG-dominant products in humans (see Figure 1 below).

Anxiety (51.2%), chronic pain (40.9%), depression (33.1%), and insomnia (30.7%) were the most frequent medical conditions reported to show efficacy. In addition, a significant proportion of people reported stopping taking the top three drug classes—antidepressants, non-opioid analgesics, and proton pump inhibitors. The most frequent side effects were dry eyes, dry mouth, sleepiness, and increased appetite.

Why is CBG so exciting?

Anxiety appears to be one of the most common indications for CBG, with patients reporting benefit. And anxiety can be difficult to treat because some anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, are not widely accepted and might have negative health consequences such as addiction, memory loss, etc.

Can CBG be an alternative for anxiety? It is certainly a desirable alternative.

While preclinical and clinical studies indicate its efficacy in various conditions, further research is necessary to fully understand CBGs therapeutic potential and optimize its use as a medicinal agent.

Please contact our client care team at 1-844-756-7333 or speak to your healthcare practitioner if you have any questions about Starseed’s CBG products.

[1] Russo, E. (2019). The case for the entourage effect and conventional breeding of clinical cannabis: no “strain,” no gain. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9 (1969), 1-8.
[2] Russo, E. (2021, November 4). CBG: The Up & Coming Cannabinoid [Webinar]. CReDO Science. https://credo-science.com/cbg-the-up-coming-cannabinoid/
[3] (Gaoni & Mechoulam, 1964)
[4] Russo, E.B., Cuttler C., Cooper, Z.D., Stueber, A., Whiteley, V.L., & Sexton, M. (2022). Survey of patients employing cannabigerol-predominant cannabis preparations: perceived medical effects, adverse events, and withdrawal symptoms. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 7 (5), 706-716.
Nachnani, R., Raup-Konsavage, W.M., & Vrana, K.E. (2021). The pharmacological case for cannabigerol (CBG). The journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics., 376(2), 204-212. Retrieved from https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/jpet/376/2/204.full.pdf
Previous Article
Medical Cannabis and Sleep
Sleep plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, impacting our physical health, mental clarity and emotional balance. Unfortunately, 1 in 4 adults in Canada experience sleep troubles. Sleep disturbances are associated with increased risk of depression and cardiovascular disease. Current available pharmacological treatments for sleep disorders (i.e., benzodiazepines, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics) have many unwanted adverse effects, including dizziness, cognitive impairment, daytime sedation, weight gain, and possible dependency. As a result, alternative therapies have gained attention, and medicinal cannabis has emerged as a potential solution for sleep-related issues. First, it is important to understand that there are many co-occurring conditions associated with sleep disorders that should be assessed and treated before considering cannabis as a treatment option, such as: Medical conditions including pain, sleep apnea, GERD, metabolic issues, Parkinson’s/Alzheimer’s, restless legs, and gender-specific such as menopause/prostate. Mental illness including mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and stress. Contributing medications/substances such as steroids, bronchodilators, decongestions, cardiovascular meds, opioids, and stimulants. Sleep-related issues are one of the most prevalent reasons people report taking medicinal cannabis. THC and CBD are the most well-known cannabinoids, and they both play a role in the regulation of different physiological processes, including sleep. According to research, THC may have a dose-dependent effect on sleep: low doses show to reduce sleep onset latency and increase slow-wave sleep and total sleep time, whereas high doses appear to cause sleep disturbances. CBD, on the other hand, has been suggested to be stimulating at low doses, but when used to treat associated symptoms of evening anxiety or pain, CBD is thought to help in sleep. A new randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study finds medicinal cannabis improves sleep in adults. The cannabis oil with 10mg/mL THC and 15 mg/mL CBD was well tolerated and was effective in improving both time and quality of sleep. Shop for Observatory Balanced CBN is also gaining more recognition for its ‘sedative effect’ as a sleep aid. While the research on CBN and sleep remains inconclusive, CBN is believed to have significant fewer intoxication effects that THC. Shop for Pure CBN Medicinal cannabis holds promise as a potential therapeutic tool for individuals struggling with sleep disorders and associated conditions. Its ability to induce sleep, improve sleep quality, and alleviate pain makes it an attractive alternative for those seeking natural sleep aids. However, the effects of cannabis and sleep can vary depending on the route of administration (i.e., oral vs. inhaled), dose, and individual differences in tolerance and sensitivity. • Always remember that good sleep hygiene could lead to better sleep: • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine before bed • Maintain a regular bedtime/waketime • Practice relaxation and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques • Reduce noise in the sleeping environment • Restrict naps to 30 minutes • Exercise regularly • Review medications with your provider/pharmacist regularly Need help getting a Medicinal Cannabis Treatment Plan for Sleep? Book an appointment here. References • Health Canada. For health care professionals: cannabis and cannabinoids. 2018. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugsmedication/cannabis/information-medical-practitioners/information-healthcare-professionals-cannabis-cannabinoids.html. • Hirshkowitz M, Whiton K, Albert SM, et al. National Sleep Foundation’s updated sleep duration recommendations: Final report. Sleep Health 2015; 1:233–43. • Irish LA, Kline CE, Gunn HE, Buysse DJ, Hall MH. The role of sleep hygiene in promoting public health: A review of empirical evidence. Sleep Medicine Reviews 2015; 22:23–36. • Ried, K., Tamanna, T., Matthews, S., & Sali, A. (2023). Medicinal cannabis improves sleep in adults with insomnia: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. Journal of Sleep Research, 32 (3), 1-12. • Suzuki K, Miyamoto M, Hirata K. Sleep Disorders in the elderly: Diagnosis and management. Journal of General and Family Medicine 2017 Apr; 18(2):61–71. • Vaillancourt, R., Gallagher, S., Cameron, J.D., & Dhalla, R. (2022). Cannabis use in patients with insomnia and sleep disorders: retrospective chart review. Retrieved from https://hybridpharm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Cannabis-use-in-insomnia-patients.pdf.  
Next Article
Medical Cannabis and Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS). MS occurs when the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, which is a protective covering around nerve fibers. This leads to nerve damage, which can cause a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, spasticity, fatigue, and chronic pain. While there is no cure for MS, there are various treatments available that can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. One such treatment that has gained attention in recent years is medicinal cannabis. Medicinal cannabis has been shown to be effective in treating a range of symptoms associated with MS. One of the most significant symptoms of MS is spasticity, which refers to involuntary muscle contractions that can cause stiffness, spasms, and pain. Medicinal cannabis has been found to be effective in reducing spasticity, which can improve mobility and quality of life for MS patients. In addition to spasticity, medicinal cannabis has also been found to be effective in reducing chronic pain associated with MS. Chronic pain can be debilitating and can impact a person's ability to carry out daily activities. Medicinal cannabis can help reduce pain and improve overall quality of life for MS patients. Medicinal cannabis may also be beneficial in reducing fatigue, which is a common symptom of MS. Cannabis can have a stimulating effect that can help increase energy levels and improve mental clarity. This can help MS patients manage fatigue and carry out daily activities. Sativex is an oral spray formulation of THC and CBD that has been approved by Health Canada and is used to treat conditions like MS and cancer-related pain. It has been approved as an adjuvant therapy for adult MS patients with spasticity who have not responded well to previous treatments. When used together, THC and CBD have been found to have a synergistic effect, meaning that they work better together than they do separately. Did you know that many Canadian insurance providers offer coverage for medicinal cannabis? Visit our Guide to Medical Cannabis Reimbursement. While medicinal cannabis may be effective in treating symptoms associated with MS, it is important to note that it is not a cure for the disease. MS is a complex condition, and there is no single treatment that can address all its symptoms. Medicinal cannabis should be use in conjunction with other treatments, such as disease-modifying therapies and physical therapies, to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Medicinal cannabis is not without risks and side effects, and it is important to speak with a health care provider before using it as a treatment for MS. Cannabis can have psychoactive effects, and it may interact with other medications. Need help getting a medicinal cannabis treatment pan for multiple sclerosis? Book an appointment here. References Baker D, Pryce G, Croxford JL, Brown P, Pertwee RG, Huffman JW, Layward L. Cannabinoids control spasticity and tremor in a multiple sclerosis model. Nature 2000 03/02;404(0028-0836; 0028-0836; 6773):84-7.   Centonze D, Rossi S, Finazzi-Agro A, Bernardi G, Maccarrone M. The (endo)cannabinoid system in multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Int Rev Neurobiol 2007;82(0074-7742; 0074-7742):171-86.   Di Filippo M, Pini LA, Pelliccioli GP, Calabresi P, Sarchielli P. Abnormalities in the cerebrospinal fluid levels of endocannabinoids in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatr 2008 11;79(1468-330; 0022-3050; 11):1224-9.   Jean-Gilles L, Feng S, Tench CR, Chapman V, Kendall DA, Barrett DA, Constantinescu CS. Plasma endocannabinoid levels in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2009 12/15;287(1878-5883; 0022-510; 1-2):212-5. Sativex (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol (CBD)) [product monograph]. Cambridge (United Kingdom): GW Pharma Ltd; 2019.  

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