CBD Education

CBG Side Effects You Should Be Aware Of

You may be familiar with CBD and THC — but what about CBG? While CBG is perhaps less well-known, it’s emerging as a fascinating player in the world of cannabinoids. But how exactly does this cannabinoid work within the body, and are there any side effects you need to be aware of?

Understanding both the possible benefits and the common side effects of CBG is key. As the wellness community widens its embrace of the varied offerings from the cannabis plant, getting to know about less publicized cannabinoids like CBG is increasingly important.

In this article, we're diving into the world of CBG. We'll explore what it is, its role in the cannabis plant, and unpack how it interacts with our bodies.

What Is CBG?

Cannabigerol, or CBG, is often referred to as the "mother of all cannabinoids.” This is because of its connection to CBGa, which is a precursor from which other cannabinoids, including THC, CBD, and CBG, are synthesized.

Found in both Cannabis sativa and the hemp plant, CBG is present in lower concentrations compared to CBD and THC, making its extraction and study more challenging.

Despite these challenges, CBG is beginning to emerge as a cannabinoid of interest due to its unique properties. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBG does not produce psychoactive effects, meaning it does not cause the "high" commonly associated with cannabis. This makes CBG particularly appealing to those seeking the potential benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive experience.

As research into CBG expands, so does the understanding of its role in the cannabis plant. Early studies suggest that CBG may offer its own set of potential benefits, distinct from those of CBD and THC. Its lower concentration in the plant doesn’t diminish its importance but rather highlights the complexity and diversity of cannabinoids available for wellness purposes.

CBG Vs. CBGa: What’s the Difference?

While their names are similar, CBGa and CBG differ in their chemical structures and developmental stages within the cannabis plant. CBGa, or cannabigerolic acid, is the acidic form of CBG.

CBGa is abundant in young cannabis plants, but as the plant matures, this cannabinoid transforms into CBG, as well as other cannabinoids (hence the nickname, “mother of all cannabinoids”).

This change signifies a shift from a foundational state to a more active one. CBG emerges with unique benefits, ready to interact uniquely with the body's systems.

How Does CBG Work in the Body?

CBG interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that play a key role in maintaining homeostasis. The ECS regulates various functions, including mood, appetite, and pain sensation.

As a phytocannabinoid molecularly similar to the body’s own internally produced endocannabinoids, CBG can engage with this complex system.

Within the ECS, CBG primarily interacts with two types of cannabinoid receptors found scattered throughout the central and peripheral nervous system: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are more prevalent in the immune system.

Unlike THC, which binds directly to these receptors and produces psychoactive effects, CBG does not bind as directly or as intensely. Instead, CBG is thought to influence the ECS indirectly, potentially influencing the body's release of natural endocannabinoids — not unlike how CBD (cannabidiol) engages with the ECS.

Since CBG is found in lower concentrations than CBD or THC, the way it impacts the ECS might differ, potentially leading to unique effects on overall wellness. As research into CBG and its interactions with the ECS continues to evolve, understanding the specific ways in which it influences the body will become clearer, offering insights into its potential role in supporting health and well-being.

Are There Any Side Effects of CBG?

As you dive deeper into the world of cannabinoids, it's important to stay informed about the potential side effects of CBG. Generally, CBG is considered to be quite safe, but being aware of any adverse effects is always wise.

When it comes to CBG products, it's important to note that they can potentially lead to mild side effects. These may include dizziness, an upset stomach, or dry mouth, depending on what ingredients are added to the formula. However, these effects are typically not severe and are manageable for most users.

If you take CBG and experience unpleasant or concerning side effects, it’s always worth checking with a healthcare provider. They can check to make sure the CBG oil or gummy isn’t interacting with any pre-existing health conditions or prescription medications.

One key aspect to remember about CBG is that it is not psychoactive. This means that, unlike THC, CBG does not cause the "high" commonly associated with cannabis use. This characteristic makes CBG a more appealing option for those who are interested in the potential benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive experience.

In our journey to understand and embrace the health benefits of CBG, it’s important to consider these potential side effects, as being aware of them can help you navigate your wellness journey more effectively.

How To Reduce the Risk of Side Effects

To minimize the risk of side effects when using CBG, there are two key factors to consider: concentration and quality. At Muscle MX, we understand that the naturally low concentration of CBG in hemp plants plays a significant role.

In our full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD products, the CBG content is modest. It’s enough to contribute to the much-desired entourage effect but is unlikely to lead to side effects associated with larger doses of CBG.

The importance of quality cannot be overstated. We pride ourselves on our commitment to offering high-quality products. Our rigorous third-party testing ensures that you know exactly what cannabinoids are in our products and in what quantities.

By focusing on quality and proper concentration, we aim to provide products that support wellness without unnecessary risk. Our dedication to these principles reflects our commitment to your well-being, ensuring that you can experience the benefits of CBG with confidence.

What Are the Potential Benefits of CBG?

Research into CBG, though still in its early stages, hints at a range of potential benefits for overall wellness. Below, we explore specific aspects of CBG's potential health impacts.

Neuroprotective Benefits

One of the most intriguing aspects of CBG is its potential neuroprotective properties. Early studies suggest that CBG might play a role in supporting the health of nerve cells, which are important to the nervous system's overall function.

This potential for neuroprotection is particularly exciting in the realm of neurological wellness. However, it's important to remember that more research is necessary to fully grasp these therapeutic benefits.

Supporting Healthy Levels of Perceived Stress

CBG’s interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system may aid in maintaining a natural balance in various bodily functions, including feelings of stress.

This synergistic interaction might potentially offer more pronounced support in maintaining healthy levels of perceived stress. It's an area that highlights the interconnectedness of cannabinoids and their harmonious impact on wellness.

Eye Health

Another fascinating area of potential benefit is in eye health. The presence of cannabinoid receptors throughout the eyes suggests that CBG might support the body in maintaining normal eye pressure levels.

While this area of research is still developing, the potential for CBG to contribute to eye health is an exciting prospect. However, as with all aspects of CBG's effects, more research is needed to fully understand and confirm these potential benefits.

At Muscle MX, we are committed to staying at the forefront of cannabinoid research, always providing our customers with the latest information. As research evolves, we look forward to sharing more insights and developments in the fascinating world of CBG.

Is CBG in CBD Products?

While CBG may not be quite as popular as CBD, you can still enjoy this cannabinoid’s benefits when using CBD products — notably full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD.

Full-spectrum CBD products contain a wide range of cannabinoids, including trace amounts of THC, along with other compounds like terpenes and flavonoids found in the cannabis plant. Broad-spectrum products, on the other hand, have a similar composition but are typically free of THC. Both these types harness the potential of the entourage effect — a theory suggesting that cannabinoids and terpenes work better together than in isolation.

At Muscle MX, we understand the value of this synergistic relationship. That's why our products, such as our CBD drops and tinctures, edibles like our Ultra-Broad-Spectrum Bliss CBD Gummies, and our soothing CBD topicals, include multiple cannabinoids and terpenes — including small yet significant quantities of CBG.

This inclusion of CBG enhances the overall benefits of our products, contributing to their effectiveness. By utilizing the natural benefits of these diverse compounds, we aim to maximize the wellness potential of our offerings, ensuring that you receive a holistic and enriching experience with every use.

The Bottom Line

CBG stands as a remarkable and intriguing component within the diverse world of cannabinoids. Its potential benefits, from neuroprotective properties to its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system, open up a realm of possibilities for wellness and health. While the side effects are generally mild and manageable, it's essential to approach CBG with an informed and responsible mindset.

The evolving research around CBG in the cannabis and wellness industries points to a future where more nuanced and targeted applications of this cannabinoid might be possible. As we continue to learn and understand more about CBG, its role in wellness becomes increasingly significant.

We invite you to explore our collection of high-quality CBD products designed with your wellness journey in mind. Our commitment to quality and transparency ensures that you have access to products designed to support your path to wellness, from our CBD oils to our gummy CBD supplements.

Sources:

The Origin and Biomedical Relevance of Cannabigerol | PMC

Cannabigerolic acid | PubChem

The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious | Harvard Health

The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol | ASPET

Cannabinoids and glaucoma | PMC

The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain | Frontiers