As our understanding of cannabis deepens, so too does our knowledge of cannabinoids. While both THC and CBD have had their moment in the spotlight, other lesser-known cannabinoids, such as CBG and CBN, are now starting to capture the interest of scientists and consumers.
Preclinical studies suggest that CBG and CBN may share many beneficial characteristics with CBD. CBG, CBN and CBD are non-intoxicating cannabinoids that potentially boast antioxidative, neuroprotective, and analgesic properties. When either are paired together with CBD they may offer powerful anti-inflammatory benefits to treat neuroinflammation.
But where do the similarities between the cannabinoids end? A deeper dive reveals that CBGand CBN are unique to CBD in many ways. Let’s explore how.
What is CBG?
CBG stands for cannabigerol. Cannabigerol is one of more than 120 cannabinoids found in cannabis, and was first isolated in 1964. Research into CBG is still at a preclinical stage, but the studies that are available suggest that it holds considerable therapeutic promise. CBG’s analgesic properties may surpass those of THC without the intoxicating hit. There’s also evidence to suggest CBG may offer anticancer, antidepressant, and antibacterial qualities. Another critical way in which CBG differs from CBD is in appetite stimulation. Research in rats showed that doses of CBG encouraged the animals to eat more than double their normal food intake.
CBG Benefits
- MRSA bacterial infections. CBG has also demonstrated its clout as a potent antibiotic. Researchers tested the antibacterial potential of 18 different cannabinoids, including cannabigerol, against MRSA. CBG outperformed all of the cannabinoids tested and worked as well as vancomycin, a powerful antibiotic.
- Cancer. CBG boasts anticancer properties due to its ability to inhibit abnormal cell proliferation. Research has provided evidence of its anti-tumorigenic properties by inhibiting the formation of mouse skin melanoma cells.
Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is the chemical precursor to all of the well-known cannabinoids. As the cannabis plant matures and grows, enzymes convert CBGA into the three primary cannabinoid acids: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA).
Through decarboxylation, CBGA becomes CBG, enabling the cannabinoid to interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors. Research suggests that CBG has a partial affinity for both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBG may also stimulate receptors that influence pain, inflammation, appetite, and heat sensitivity.
Research suggests that CBG has a partial affinity for both the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CBG generally appears in low concentrations in most cannabis plants; however, breeding efforts have resulted in CBG-rich cannabis cultivars. CBG-dominant plants are known as “Type IV” cannabis. Although these cannabigerol-dominant plants aren’t yet commonplace in the consumer hemp and cannabis markets, they are actively being cultivated on a relatively large scale. Higher concentrations of CBG will render it easier to extract the cannabinoid for therapeutic use.
What is CBN?
Cannabinol (CBN) was the first naturally occurring cannabinoid to be isolated in its pure form. Scientists first isolated CBN as far back as 1896. People originally thought CBN was the compound that creates the distinctive cannabis high, but later research found that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is actually the cannabinoid that produces marijuana’s intoxicating effects.
At that point, our understanding of cannabinoids in general — and CBN in particular — began to morph. It was soon discovered that CBN is actually a by-product of THC content, produced when THC oxidizes. Basically, as THC is exposed to heat and light, it breaks down into CBN.
This means that the level of CBN found in a cannabis flower or concentrate is not determined by genetic factors, but rather by environmental factors. Old buds, flower that has not been stored away from light or in airtight containers, and cannabis extracts that are left unrefrigerated or in direct light will begin to oxidize. As a result, they will tend to have higher levels of CBN when compared to fresher products or products that have been stored properly.
For example, a 2011 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that THC in combination with CBN may produce a more sedated, “couch-locked” body high. This may be why older cannabis products or those exposed to a lot of heat and sunlight, such as Moroccan hashish, are said to produce more pronounced relaxing effects than other forms of marijuana.
Scientists have also discovered that CBN demonstrates anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsant properties, even when consumed all on its own. Similarly, CBN may also act as an appetite stimulant in rats and could act as a pain reliever when combined with CBD.
Old cannabis or cannabis extracts left unrefrigerated or in the light will have higher levels of CBN.
What is CBD
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid found in high concentrations in type II (THC/CBD dominant) and Type III (CBD-dominant) cannabis and hemp plants. CBD was first isolated from cannabis in the late 1930s and then neglected until the seventies when scientists ignited an interest in its anticonvulsant properties.
Since then, research has confirmed that purified CBD offers a useful treatment for severe forms of childhood epilepsy. CBD may also boast anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-anxiety, anti-nausea, and sedative qualities.
In recent years, CBD has seized the spotlight due to the range of therapeutic benefits it offers. CBD may help mitigate some of THC’s less desirable characteristics such as anxiety, paranoia, and impaired cognitive function. Research suggests CBD teamed with THC generally provides more significant therapeutic benefits than either cannabinoid alone, a phenomenon that is called the entourage effect.
CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system through diverse physiological pathways. It has a partial affinity for both the CB1 and CB2 receptors but also binds to several other receptors that form part of the endocannabinoid system. Its mechanisms of action on the body are still not fully understood.
- MRSA bacterial infections. CBG has also demonstrated its clout as a potent antibiotic. Researchers tested the antibacterial potential of 18 different cannabinoids, including cannabigerol, against MRSA. CBG outperformed all of the cannabinoids tested and worked as well as vancomycin, a powerful antibiotic.
- Cancer. CBG boasts anticancer properties due to its ability to inhibit abnormal cell proliferation. Research has provided evidence of its anti-tumorigenic properties by inhibiting the formation of mouse skin melanoma cells.
With interest in CBG and CBN on the rise, Tonik Cannabis offers a variety of cannabis products containing CBG and CBN. To learn more, speak with a Tonik Cannabis representative.