What is CBG? Unveiling the “Mother of All Cannabinoids”

In the rapidly expanding world of cannabis and hemp, CBD and THC have long held the spotlight. They are the headliners, the household names that everyone recognizes. However, as science digs deeper into the chemical complexity of the cannabis plant, a new player is emerging from the background—or rather, from the very beginning. Enter Cannabigerol, or CBG. Often referred to as the “Mother of All Cannabinoids,” CBG is currently the subject of intense interest among researchers, medical professionals, and wellness enthusiasts. While it shares some similarities with CBD, such as being non-intoxicating, CBG possesses a unique chemical structure and a distinct interaction with the human body that sets it apart. If you have noticed CBG tinctures, gummies, or flower appearing on shelves alongside your favorite CBD products and wondered what it is, you are not alone. This guide will explore the science, the potential benefits, and the future of this fascination compound.

From precursor to potential cure: This chart maps CBG’s journey from the “mother” cannabinoid to its diverse therapeutic
applications and mechanisms of action.

The Origin Story: Why is CBG Called the “Mother”?

To understand what CBG is, you have to understand how the cannabis plant grows. CBG is not just another cannabinoid; it is the stem cell from which almost all other cannabinoids are born. In the early stages of the hemp plant’s growth cycle, it produces a compound called Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGa). This is the acidic precursor to CBG. As the plant matures and is exposed to ultraviolet light and heat, enzymes within the plant break down CBGa and convert it into the acidic precursors of the major cannabinoids we know today: THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), CBDa (cannabidiolic acid), and CBCa (cannabichromenic acid). Because CBGa is effectively “used up” to create these other compounds, by the time a hemp plant is ready for harvest, there is very little CBG left—usually less than 1%. This scarcity is why CBG was historically ignored; it was simply a pit stop on the way to THC or CBD. However, through advanced extraction techniques and genetic breeding, growers are now producing strains that prevent this conversion process, allowing the plant to retain high levels of CBG until harvest.

CBG vs. CBD: What’s the Difference?

Because both are non-psychoactive (meaning they won’t get you “high” in the way THC does), CBG and CBD are often compared. While they overlap in some areas, they are distinct compounds with different effects on the physiology. 1. Molecular Structure Without getting too bogged down in organic chemistry, the arrangement of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms in CBG is different from CBD. In pharmacology, shape dictates function. Because CBG has a different shape, it binds to the body’s receptors differently. 2. Receptor Interaction This is the key difference. CBD is known for its indirect approach; it doesn’t bind well to the primary cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). Instead, CBD influences them from the side, effectively modifying how other chemical signals interact with them. CBG, on the other hand, acts more directly. Studies suggest that CBG binds directly to both CB1 receptors (found primarily in the brain and nervous system) and CB2 receptors (found in the immune system). This direct binding capability suggests that CBG might offer more potent or targeted effects for certain conditions compared to CBD. 3. Appetite Stimulation One of the most notable differences is their effect on appetite. CBD is generally considered an appetite suppressant or neutral. THC is famous for causing the “munchies.” CBG appears to behave more like THC in this regard. Animal studies have shown that CBG can stimulate appetite, which makes it a potential therapeutic option for patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy who need to maintain weight but want to avoid the intoxicating effects of THC.

How CBG Works in the Body

The human body possesses a vast network of chemical signals and cellular receptors known as the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis—keeping our internal environment stable regardless of what is happening outside. It regulates sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction, and pain sensation. When you consume CBG, it interacts with this system. Because CBG can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, it is believed to have a strengthening effect on anandamide. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter often called the “bliss molecule.” It plays a role in regulating pleasure, motivation, and pain. CBG inhibits the enzymes that break down anandamide, leading to higher levels of this natural “feel-good” chemical in the system. Furthermore, CBG acts as a “buffer” for THC. Much like CBD, CBG can mitigate some of the paranoia or anxiety that can come with high doses of THC, providing a more balanced experience for recreational users.

The Potential Benefits: What Does the Research Say?

It is important to note that research on CBG is still in the preclinical stages compared to THC and CBD. Most studies are in vitro (test tube) or in vivo (animal) studies. However, the results have been incredibly promising, pointing to a wide range of therapeutic applications.

1. Neuroprotection and Huntington’s Disease

One of the most exciting areas of CBG research is its potential as a neuroprotectant. A 2015 study published in Neurotherapeutics examined the effects of CBG on mice with an experimental model of Huntington’s disease, a progressive brain disorder. The study found that CBG acted as a neuroprotectant, protecting nerve cells in the brain from damage and improving motor deficits. This has opened the door for further research into CBG’s utility for other neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

The digestive tract is lined with cannabinoid receptors, specifically CB2 receptors. Because CBG interacts directly with these, it has shown promise in reducing inflammation in the gut. A 2013 study conducted on mice found that CBG significantly reduced biological markers of inflammation in the colon and reduced the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. This suggests CBG could be a future treatment for Colitis and Crohn’s disease.

3. Glaucoma and Intraocular Pressure

Cannabis has been used for glaucoma for decades, but the side effects of THC are not always desirable for older patients. CBG might offer a solution. The eyes contain a high density of endocannabinoid receptors. Research indicates that CBG acts as a vasodilator and has neuroprotective effects, helping to reduce intraocular pressure. Because it does this without the psychotropic “high,” it could be a sustainable daily treatment.

4. Antibacterial Properties (MRSA)

Perhaps the most surprising finding is CBG’s ability to fight bacteria. A 2020 study from McMaster University found that CBG was effective against drug-resistant bacteria, specifically methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). CBG was able to target the biofilm of the bacteria—the protective la_]()