CBG: the mother of cannabinoids, giving life to both CBD and THC

15. 05. 2025

• CBG, mother of the elephant herd
• CBG from a chemical perspective
• How is CBG created?
• What influences the transformation of CBG?
• From the greenhouse to the shelves
• What are the effects of CBG?
• Tiger in the jungle of bacteria
• CBG: a natural force against inflammation and acne
• A cheetah on the hunt for cancer cells
• Guardian of the brain
• Other effects of CBG
• CBG products
• CBG vs. CBD

CBG, mother of the elephant herd 🐘

What is CBG? CBG, cannabigerol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found naturally in cannabis. It is rare, making up less than 1% of the total cannabinoid content in the mature plant. CBG in its acidic form (CBGA) is the precursor - the starting substance for the formation of other cannabinoids in cannabis. In other words, without CBG there would be no CBD, THC and other important cannabinoids. That's why it is nicknamed the "mother of cannabinoids".

CBG from a chemical perspective🧪

The molecular formula of CBG is C21H32O2, which means it consists of 21 carbon, 32 hydrogen and 2 oxygen atoms. It has a monocyclic structure and a terpene chain that makes it hydrophobic and easily penetrates cell membranes.

CBG, like other cannabinoids, acts mainly on the endocannabinoid system in the human body. This system is responsible for the proper functioning of all important bodily processes. CBG binds strongly to GPR55, TRPV1 and α2-adrenoceptors, thereby influencing cancer cell growth and immune response, pain perception and regulating blood pressure. CBG also interacts with the major receptors of the endocannabinoid system, CB1 and CB2, which it does not activate but modulates their function.

How is CBG created?

CBG is the primary cannabinoid found in young cannabis plants in its acidic form as CBGA - cannabigeroleic acid. As the plant matures, CBGA is gradually converted into CBD, THC and other cannabinoids.  This is why cannabigerol is so rare in mature cannabis -  only a small amount of CBGA is converted into its neutral CBG variant through a natural process called decarboxylation.

During decarboxylation, cannabigerol acid is heated or exposed to UV light, resulting in the loss of the carboxyl group (-COOH). This process takes place either:

• Naturally during plant growth.
• Artificially when drying, heating or vaporising cannabis.

 

What influences the conversion of CBG?

The transformation of CBGA to CBG is influenced by:

• Cannabis genetics and enzymes in the plant: Each cannabis strain has a different genetic profile and contains different enzymes that determine which cannabinoids CBGA is converted into and how much.
• Temperature and UV: CBGA is sensitive to heat and UV. High temperatures and prolonged exposure to UV light cause CBGA to degrade more rapidly into other substances. However, under controlled conditions, growers can alter the cannabis jungle ecosystem and influence how much CBG is produced in the plant 🌱.
• Harvest time: The earlier the plant is harvested, the more untransformed cannabigerol acid (CBG) it contains.

From the greenhouse to the counters

Although CBG is rare, there are methods of obtaining it in larger quantities so that it can then be commercially exploited:

• Selective cannabis breeding: some growers are focusing on breeding special varieties of cannabis that have a genetically higher CBG content.
• Harvesting early in the growth phase: if plants are harvested before CBGA is converted to other cannabinoids, more CBG can be extracted from the plant. However, this method leads to lower yields, which increases the price of the products.
• Advanced extraction methods 🤓:CBG is extracted using modern extraction methods that allow CBG to be isolated with high purity, ensuring maximum efficiency and quality.

What are the effects of CBG?

Research suggests that CBG could help fight infections, promote skin health, protect the brain, and even appears to be a promising candidate for cancer research. Let's take a look at each effect in more detail.

Tiger in the jungle of bacteria 🐯

CBG has promising antibacterial effects. It is highly effective against gram-positive bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, which is behind the development of tooth decay. However, it also shows activity against gram-negative bacteria such as Vibrio harveyi.

In the relentless battle with bacteria CBG like a fearless lion 🦁:

• Reduces bacterial motility and disrupts communication
• Eliminates bacterial biofilms: CBG can remove mature bacterial biofilms even at low concentrations. Biofilms are bacterial colonies that are resistant to disinfection and common antibiotics.

CBG is gentle on the human body and does not harm the natural microflora of the skin. In addition, it meets the standards for preservatives in cosmetics.

CBG: natural power against inflammation and acne

CBG could also excel in skin care. This is according to a 2022 study, which showed that CBG is more effective on the skin than CBD and more effective at reducing inflammatory skin conditions caused by UV rays and the bacteria Cutibacterium acnes, the main cause of acne. It has strong antioxidant and moisturizing effects - it reduces reactive oxygen radicals better than vitamin C and significantly reduces transepidermal water loss.

 

Cheetah on the hunt for cancer cells 🐆

Studies show that CBG could be a valuable ally in the fight against cancer. Just as the cheetah🐆  relentlessly pursues its prey, CBG hits cancer cells:

• reduces the invasiveness and resistance of cancer cells
• affects key processes in the body that cause cancer cell death
• prevents the formation of new cancer cells

Brain Guardian 🦉

CBG has significant neuroprotective effects and improves motor function. Studies show that it can reduce inflammation in the brain and increase levels of antioxidants, which, as the guardian of the forest🦉  , protect brain cells from harmful oxidative stress. The neuroprotective properties of CBG could be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.

A 2015 study showed that CBG could be effective in treating Huntington's disease. It has been shown to prevent the damage to striatal neurons in the brain that occurs in the disease and to be able to partially restore the activity of key genes. In testing, there was also a small but significant reduction in the aggregation of mutant huntingtin, which is essential for slowing the progression of the disease.

Other effects of CBG

CBG has analgesic effects and represents a promising option for the future development of natural painkillers.

In testing on mice, cannabigerol has been shown to significantly reduce blood pressure and, if its potential is confirmed, could also have a place in promoting cardiovascular health.

Studies to date suggest that CBG should reduce intraocular pressure, which could provide new options for glaucoma treatment.

Other research has shown that CBG is effective in the digestive tract, where it exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and regenerative effects.This could be of interest for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease.

Research on CBG is still ongoing, and although more data is needed to support the findings to date, the potential of the cannabinoid is promising.

CBG products

When it comes to products, CBG is like a chameleon🦎 , adapting to your needs - whether you're looking for a quick fix or something you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. CBG can be purchased in the following forms:

• Oils and drops: you can take oils and drops in two ways - you can drip them under your tongue for quick onset of effects, or mix them into your favourite drinks and foods.
• Vapes: the liquids in vapes also contain CBG. They are available in a number of interesting flavours. When CBG is inhaled, it enters the bloodstream through the lungs quickly, ensuring virtually immediate effects .🐆
• Capsules: The capsules contain a precise dose of CBG, are discreet and easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
• Crystals: The purest form of CBG that can be used in a variety of ways - added to oils, cosmetics or dissolved in suitable blends for vaporization.
• Teas: there's nothing like a sip of hot, invigorating tea in the morning or a cup in the evening to get you ready for some uninterrupted rest. Experience the effects of CBG at your own pace.
• Flowers: if you are looking for an authentic product, CBG flowers are the right choice.

 

CBG vs. CBD

CBG and CBD have much in common, yet there are differences between them and they may therefore be suitable for different needs.

The benefits of CBG include significant antibacterial effects, a more significant effect on skin health and its possible anti-cancer properties.

CBD, on the other hand, excels in mood regulation, relaxation and sleep and has significant neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.

However, the substances together are particularly effective, as indicated, for example, by research on cancer treatment.

Cannabigerol and other cannabinoids work in a harmonious symbiosis and, when taken together, can mutually reinforce each other's effects, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.

 

Author: Natálie Kubíčková

 

 

Photo: AI

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