As cannabinoid research matures, the concentration has also moved from the most important cannabinoids, such as THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), to lesser important, such as CBG (cannabigerol) and CBC (cannabichromene). Such cannabinoids are gaining popularity due to the specific advantages they possess, especially when used in conjunction. The future of cannabinoid-containing medication also looks bright, with CBG and CBC combination leading the way.
This article describes a few health benefits of CBG and CBC and explores what the scientists know about the overall potential of their combination.
What Exactly Are CBC and CBG?
Another group of minor cannabinoid compounds found in cannabis plants that have practical use is CBC and CBG. CBC and CBG, like all cannabinoids, were found to have no effect on brain function and activity. These compounds are also known to connect with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the human body, which maintains the cells, organs, and bodily systems throughout the body in a state of balance or homeostasis.
Regarding most strains of cannabis, while understanding the medical use of these cannabinoids, it is important to note that they are present only in small amounts.
- CBG (Cannabigerol): Some refer to CBG as the “stem cell” of all cannabinoids since it is the first cannabinoid that is the early molecular progenitor of further cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. This cannabinoid is predominantly being recognized for its interactions with the CB1 and CB2 receptors that are present in the endocannabinoid system and these are involved in many physiological processes that occur in the body, such as mood, appetite, pain and others.
- CBC (Cannabichromene): Also a non-psychoactive, CBG’s activity in the body is quite similar as it interacts with another cannabinoid receptor, TPRV1 and TRPA1 receptor, that play the opposite role to pain. In addition, CBG also promotes the activity of another endocannabinoid called Anandamide which is responsible for improving mood and is a known anxiety suppressant.
What Are the Benefits of CBG?
CBG has earned some fame, especially among practitioners who specialize in a few medicinal ailments, because of the mode of action that is related to this compound:
- Anti-inflammatory: Due to the effects CBG has on the inflammatory response, it has been examined for clinical use in IBD patients. The inflammatory effects are mediated through interactions with CB2.
- Antibacterial: CBG boasts efficient antibacterial activity, especially for resistant strains like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
- Neuroprotective: CBG is believed to be neuroprotective, with prospective use in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Huntington’s disease or Alzheimer’s.
- Appetite stimulation: Although CBG might be stated to cause appetite stimulation, it is not as psychotropic as THC and thus might be beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy or even patients with eating disorders.
What Are the Benefits of CBC?
What sets CBC apart from different cannabinoids is its distinct characteristics, even though certain cannabinoids have gotten more research attention than others:
- Pain relief: It is reasonable to assume that one of the most suitable pathways for CBC, in terms of potentially pain-relieving properties, is via its interaction with the TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors. In chronic pain settings, it might be useful in instances where there is a strong aversion or dependency on opiates.
- Anti-inflammatory: CBG works well with CBC, which is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Therefore it may be valuable for diseases that involve chronic inflammation including arthritis.
- Mood enhancement: Anxiety and depression can be some discomforts that can be silenced through the increase in the production of anandamide, which is helpful for the state of one’s mood. This can be possible through the use of CBC.
- Antifungal and antibacterial: There are studies that have shown CBC exhibiting antimicrobial properties and thus may be of use for the treatment of skin conditions such as acne and fungal infection.
What Are the Synergistic Effects of CBC and CBG?
Relationships between CBG and CBC pharmacologically enable an entourage effect. It knows only strength in numbers. It is more or less the paradigm of the collective, wherein one alone proceeds to accomplish individual tasks, and multiple units go together to increase efficiency.
- More Effective Anti-inflammatory Effects: CBG-CBC combinations can provide more effective and broader anti-inflammatory responses. This works largely because CBG also has an anti-inflammatory effect from the CB2 receptor, and CBC has anti-inflammation TRPV1 and TRPA1. It has opportunities for patients with autoimmune or chronic inflammatory diseases.
- Increased Sensitivity to Pain Relief Medications: The combination of CBG and CBC could provide the potent analgesic relief from peripheral and central receptors and may be a viable alternative to other pain relief pharmacologic agents due to the lower chances of adverse effects. The two cannabinoids may ignite other receptors allowing for more efficient pain management without the negative side effects and physical dependency on opioids.
- Neural Protection: CBG and CBC, together or each alone, have been shown to possess some neuroprotective attributes. The neuroprotective attributes may work better when two mechanisms are combined, as the combination will protect from more neurodegenerative diseases. This may be of importance when it comes to stopping the progression of Parkinsons or MS disease.
- Mood and Mental Health Benefits: Since CBG has the ability to bind with the CB1 receptors while CBC enhances anandamide production, it makes them potentially a safe and useful option against anxiety, depression, or other mood disturbances. The two cannabinoids may probably contribute towards mental well-being without the intoxicating effect of THC or the side effects of antidepressants.
- Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Properties: CBG demonstrates high antibacterial activities, while CBC shows antifungal and antibacterial activities, making this a good combination for topical use against bacterial infections, acne, or fungal skin diseases.
What Are the Possible Uses of CBC and CBG Synergy?
The combined benefits offered by CBG and CBC may have roles in treating a range of health disorders:
- Chronic Pain: CBG and CBC may also be beneficial for patients affected by fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuropathic pain, and other diseases through a safer route (e.g., nonaddictive, nonopioid) as an option.
- Ulcerative Colitis: Among the CB tactile abrasions, CBG and CBC may assist in lessening the IBD inflammation and irritation processes in patients due to their anti-inflammatory action.
- Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s Diseases: There is a possibility that disability increments or progression towards these diseases could be slowed down by the two cannabinoids’ neuroprotective functionalities in synergy, which would likely improve the quality of life of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease.
- Mood Disorders: Relatively mild mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, and other related disorders may be effectively managed by the mood benefits associated with CBG and the anxiety management associated with CBC, therefore providing an alternative to mainstream psychiatric medications.
CBD and CBG: What’s the Difference?
Cannabidiol (CBD) mostly has an effect on the CB2 receptors, which are crucial in controlling the immune response and inflammation.
However, cannabigerol (CBG) might activate both CB1 and CB2 receptors, possibly giving a wider range of effects.
These two substances used together may serve to improve the advantages of each, thus providing a more complete therapeutic profile to cope with various health conditions.
Which is Better: CBN or CBC?
Cannabichromene (CBC) seems to lock in the anti-inflammatory potential and assists in the process of making new neurons or neurogenesis. Not only this, but the effect of CBC may work well in enhancing the effect of THC, which can be relatively preferable for individuals looking for combined benefits in cannabis products.
On the other hand, cannabinol (CBN) is usually studied for its sleeper agents and therefore is considered to be useful in sleeping disorders. Since CBN can never inspire the same anti-inflammatory margins in the way of CBC can, CBN based products can still hold the value for people who want to relax and be able to sleep.
What is the Difference Between CBD and THC?
Generally, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is revered as a particle with psychoactive propensities that enhance appetite, while co-occurring CBD doesn't induce intoxication. It could moderate some of the effects so that the individual does not feel too out of control.
CBD combined with THC can give you the ‘entourage effect,’ which states that cannabinoids interact with one another to enhance the effects of each one.
While there may still be undesirable side effects, such as anxiety or paranoia, which are associated with THC, the addition of CBD to this combination may reduce the likelihood of such unwanted effects.
What Are the Potential Benefits of CBG and CBN?
There is a growing interest in the use of CBG and CBN as minor cannabinoids in pain and inflammation management. Like CBD, CBG products may be useful for arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease because it has anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that a considerable amount of CBG may reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus providing ease in pain and reducing inflammation.
Likewise, CBN may also have anti-inflammatory effects but is thought to be more of a sedative effect. The study of these cannabinoids allows a widening of choices for patients looking for alternative ways other than pain management therapies.
CBN and THC: How Do They Work in Pain Management?
Ease of pain is often associated with the psychoactive substance THC, but it comes with a powerful high and is bound to impair.
CBN, on the other hand, is much less psychoactive, making it a good option for those who want to alleviate their pain without the high that comes with THC.
In addition, CBN has some sedative properties that make it possible to help patients with pain-induced sleep problems, providing another perspective on pain management.
Conclusion
As research in relation to cannabinoids specifically continues to grow and extend in new dimensions, the possible remedial attributes of CBG and CBC suggests that it is a worthwhile pursuit in dealing with a range of ailments. CBG and CBC work together to relieve pain while strengthening mental health. Together, CBG and CBC can cure chronic pain, depression, and neurodegenerative disease.