By Dr. Andrea Holmes, PhD and Dr. Amanda McKinney, MD
While not as well known as CBD, cannabigerol (CBG), has been around since it was isolated, characterized, and synthesized in 1964 by Dr. Ralph Mechoulan, the famed cannabis researcher who also identified the chemical structure of the main psychotropic agent of Cannabis, Δ9-THC.(1) The precursor of CBG is CBGa or cannabigerolic acid which is a naturally occurring compound found in the trichomes of cannabis plants. It's sometimes called the "mother cannabinoid" because this molecule eventually transforms into CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids. CBG interacts with G-protein-coupled receptors and exhibits a wide range of biological activities, and works hand in hand with THC in an entourage effect, meaning that these cannabinoids actually improve when combined with one another. (2,3)
CBG is a unique cannabinoid in that it modulates both CB1 and CB2 receptors while Δ9-THC binds as an agonist and CBD as an antagonist at the CB1 receptor. (4) CB1 receptors are mostly located in the brain while CB2 receptors are located throughout the entire body. This makes CBG so effective as it helps affect the mind and the body at the same time and allows to restore both. This synergistic co-activation of both receptors, particularly the CB2 receptor, likely explains the findings that CBG can counteract oxidative stress, in addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, CBG also possesses anti-tumor activity. (5,6) CBG has also been found to have anti-anxiety, neuroprotective effects with the additional promise of potential dermatological applications. (7)
Kanha’s new fast-acting CBG gummy, Restore, was formulated by doctors, utilizing nanomolecular technology to increase bioavailability and speed of onset. Because of the synergy between CBG and THC Kanha’s Restore gummy was specifically formulated to contain 30 mg of CBG and 15 mg of Δ9-THC. This 2:1 ratio was specifically selected to harness the power of the entourage effect because the combination of CBG with THC, has the capacity to promote greater physical relaxation, while simultaneously creating a more energetic, euphoric high than THC alone.
- Gaoni, Y., and R. Mechoulam. "The structure and synthesis of cannabigerol, a new hashish constituent." Proc. Chem. Soc. Vol. 82. 1964.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9322760/
- Mechoulam, Raphael, et al. "Chemical basis of hashish activity." Science 169.3945 (1970): 611-612.
- Navarro, Gemma et al. “Cannabigerol Action at Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 Receptors and at CB1-CB2 Heteroreceptor Complexes.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 9 632. 21 Jun. 2018, doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.00632
- Giacoppo, Sabrina, et al. "Cannabinoid CB2 receptors are involved in the protection of RAW264. 7 macrophages against the oxidative stress: an in vitro study." European journal of histochemistry: EJH 61.1 (2017).
- Borrelli, Francesca, et al. "Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease." Biochemical pharmacology 85.9 (2013): 1306-1316.
- Calapai, Fabrizio et al. “Pharmacological Aspects and Biological Effects of Cannabigerol and Its Synthetic Derivatives.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2022 3336516. 8 Nov. 2022, doi:10.1155/2022/3336516
