In the medical marijuana arena, patients can select marijuana strains based on their unique cannabinoid profiles. The testing of strains indicates the amount of THC, CBD and increasingly, CBG or cannabigerol.
We all know that THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the cannabinoid in cannabis that produces the psychoactive response. And most people are now familiar with the perceived potential benefits of CBD, or cannabidiol. While more research is needed to separate fact from hype… the consumer interest and sales growth of CBD is remarkable.
Now, as many patients using medical marijuana will attest, another relatively unknown cannabinoid is seen more and more on the product labels of medical marijuana products.
And, that cannabinoid is CBG, or cannabigerol.
CBG is the precursor to the three major cannabinoids in cannabis and is usually present in minimal amounts in most marijuana strains. But, breeders are able to manipulate a plant’s cannabinoid profile by crossbreeding and other means. So, now as interest in the medicinal potential of CBG grows, so has the availability of strains featuring high-CBG levels in many medical marijuana dispensaries across the United States.
The scientific research behind CBG and its’ effects are limited and much more is needed.
State and Federal restrictions on marijuana testing are presently an obstacle to more aggressive testing.
Hopefully that will change soon, as the prohibition on marijuana seems to be nearing and end.
Some of the potential benefits from CBG currently are:
• CBG may partially counteract the feeling of paranoia some people experience from marijuana. It may have a positive effect on anxiety and muscle tension (like CBD).
• An Italian study (see May 2013 edition of Biological Psychology) suggests that cannabigerol (CBG) has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
• It may help in the treatment of glaucoma, and more.
• In fact, there is much more…
Remember, none of these potential benefits are proven.
Much more research is needed and many scientists are excited about doing that research.
However, many medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the U.S. are adding high-CBG strains to their product offerings.
Stay tuned…