CBG is a cannabinoid that is found only in small quantities in cannabis plants, of late, it has attracted much interest due to its potential in therapy particularly when it comes to mood, anxiety and mental wellbeing.
As more research is done on the application of cannabinoids, CBG as a cannabinoid will effectively make people happier. A good number of users have cited better feelings and less anxious state than before, still these remained elusive from mention by the lay people. Current studies are expected to clarify the interaction of CBG with the cannabinoid receptors in the Central Nervous System, what are its effects on the production of neurotransmitters, how CBG differs and relates to other cannabinoids (CBD and THC) with regard to mood.
This article discusses CBG’s effects on mood and stress and examines some recent studies. In this review, we aim to explore these issues in the context of CBG use and how this substance may work to enhance mood and the mental health of individuals.
What is CBG and How Does it Work?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a unique cannabinoid that most people are not familiar with. This is due to all the notoriety that THC and CBD have acquired over the years, yet still it serves some very important functions in the cannabis plant and is often referred to as the ‘mother of cannabinoids’ being the basic component of other cannabinoids like THC and CBD. As the world of science and people interested in treatments containing cannabinoids changes, CBG has entered the list of research focuses for its effect on mood and the central nervous system.
Influence of Cannabinoids on Your Mood
Cannabinoids, including CBG and CBD, interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signaling system in the body that regulates several physiological and cognitive processes, including mood.
Cannabinoid receptors are of two types located in the brain and mostly throughout the immune system (CB1 and CB2). CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system, influencing mood, memory, and pain perception. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are mostly located in the immune system and peripheral tissues, playing a role in managing inflammation and immune responses. Many indications suggest that CBG interacts with these receptors which will in turn influence mood, anxiety and stress control.
The Effect of CBG on Mood
Can CBG Improve Mood?
The effect of CBG on mood is not as detailed and documented as that of CBD or THC. In the initial studies undertaken, CBG might also have a major role in the control of mood. CBG is said to influence both CB1 and CB2 receptors that have a role in controlling mood, appetite and pain perception. Some articles that underline that CBG may assist those experiencing anxiety and stress fatigue, without feeling the intoxication effects of THC.
CBG’s Impact on Stress and Anxiety
CBG represents a potential therapeutic agent to address feelings of anxiety and stress, conditions which affected individuals face on a daily basis. When examined acutely, studies evaluating CBG for anxiety have been able to show deterrent effects of cannabigerol on anxiety, particularly when provoked in an anxiety-inducing situation.
In a survey of patients employing cannabigerol-predominant cannabis preparations, it showed that a huge number of subjects noted improvement in mood and decreased stress and anxiety levels due to the acute effects of CBG.
Studies and Research on How CBG Influences Mood
Research on CBG with regard to its effects on mood is still in the budding phase; however there are some initial findings that look very encouraging. Some preliminary findings suggest that CBG can have a positive effect on mood in several ways mainly through the endocannabinoid and serotonin systems.
In one study which aimed to determine the influence of CBG on mood, the researchers found that CBG also appears to have perceived medical effects such as binding to receptors for serotonin in the brain. This may account for its potential benefits as an anti-anxiety and mood-modulating agent.
However, in animal models, it has been shown that CBG is mood lifting and exhibits calming effects, which is somewhat in between CBD and CBG. These studies suggested that CBG could be used in the treatment of anxiety disorders even in patients who were treated poorly with standard and common medical therapies.
Moreover, results show that CBG can help in the management of chronic stress as well. Some studies show that CBG has a neuroprotective effect which could help protect neurons from chronic stress and anxiety. In such cases, the therapeutic properties of CBG may help in the treatment of psychological disorders in patients who do not respond to traditional treatment methods.
One study that was especially intriguing considered the acute self reported effects of CBG on the mood states of subjects. In this study, the subjects who consumed CBG normalized their anxiety and stress levels to a great extent. These findings highlight the advantages of CBG for patients who want relief from anxiety.
A number of both human clinical trials, animal studies and case reports suggest that CBG could be useful in treating mood disorders. As we progressively perform these studies, we hope to have a better perspective of the entire range of CBG’s influence on mood.
Potential Side Effects of CBG
Like all cannabinoids, CBG does have some potential side effects. CBG unlike THC is non-psychotropic and does not exhibit intoxicating effects. Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBG users may have experienced some adverse effects like blurry vision, dry mouth and dizziness which are very minimal. So far, findings indicate that CBG does not lead to impairment in short term memory functions like THC, but yet still the information related to long term use of CBG is rather poorly explored. One of them is medication issues with some other chronic diseases.
As any other cannabinoid, due to possible consequences, it is necessary to contact a healthcare professional if one intends to use CBG for the regulation of mood or anxiety.
Future of CBG Research
CBG is evidently still being researched for any more beneficial and potential therapeutic effects. Additionally, preliminary evidence suggests that CBG could be effective in regulating mood and treating anxiety.
Although there are still some significant unexplored areas in research about CBG, there are winding progressive possibilities that CBG may enhance one’s mood without the psychoactive effects that come along with THC use.