By Jamie Eversweet Belmarez
As awareness of the potential health benefits of cannabis expands while regulatory issues dissolve, now is the perfect time to be curious about CBD and CBG oils – especially if you or someone you know deals with pain, inflammation, anxiety/depression, mood issues, irregular monthly cycles, interrupted sleep patterns or digestive issues–to name a few!
Hemp oil, derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, generally contains less than .3% psychoactive THC and a whopping 120 cannabinoids. These cannabinoids are naturally occurring in the body as part of the human endocannabinoid system (eCS), discovered by scientists two decades ago. This means our body is wired to create and utilize cannabinoids, which help to keep the body in homeostasis.
By now, it’s likely we’ve all heard of the most popular cannabinoid, CBD (cannabidiol.) Thus far, CBD has been the star of the hemp oil show not only because of its role within the human eCS and the cascade of beneficial effects, but also because of its relatively simple extraction process and deregulation by the FDA. But now there’s s new cannabinoid on the stage: CBG.
So what is CBG and how is it different from CBD?
CBG (cannabigerol) is actually the parent molecule that produces both THC and CBD. It has been found that high concentrations of CBG provide a myriad of healing effects similar to CBD. Each of these cannabinoids has separate pathways for which it delivers benefits.
With CBD consumption, the fatty acid FAAH is blocked and naturally occurring anandamide remains in the system longer and in higher amounts, creating a feeling of increased happiness and decreased pain. An increase in the eCS anandamide – known as the “bliss molecule”, named after ananda, the Sanskrit word for “joy, bliss, or happiness” – will positively modulate our nervous system. But some people have an anandamide deficiency or need extra anandamide in their system to relieve stress symptoms.
CBG seems to act as a partial agonist (helper) of the CB1 and CB2 receptors. This means it activates these receptors. While CB1 receptors affect the brain, nerves and spinal cord, CB2 receptors influence the immune system. Since CBG binds to both types of receptors, it benefits all of these parts of the body.
It is important to note that neither CBD nor CBG will get you “high.” Both are non-psychoactive, non-impairing and non-intoxicating.
Due to the fact that CBD has been researched and developed longer than CBG there are more studies available that demonstrate the effectiveness of managing symptoms – we’ve all heard of the benefits to those who suffer from seizures, for example. But emerging science shows there may be significant benefits to using CBG or in combining CBD with CBG. Here are some of the ways CBG alone may support homeostasis:
- Anti-inflammatory effects (think arthritis, colitis and other inflammation driven diseases
- Antimicrobial effects (proven efficacy in battling MRSA)
- Neuroprotective effects (protects neurons and specifically helps fight Huntington’s Disease)
- Appetite stimulant (for chemotherapy patients and others)
- For bladder problems
- For glaucoma
- Other uses including potential to combat symptoms of depression
Even though the discovery of the eCS has been around for two decades, research of CBG is in its infancy. One thing is clear: as findings become available, all the news is positive. It’s exciting to look ahead and imagine a world with more treatment options that are non-invasive and more alternatives to potentially toxic or unaffordable pharmaceuticals.
If you’ve been wondering about CBD or CBG and would like to try some of the highest-grade product available in the world, drop by Kohala Village Bodywork in Hawi on the Big Island of Hawaii or email kohalabodywork@gmail.com for a complimentary sample and consultation.
I am happy to share my personal story with you and answer any questions you may have about how nano-enhanced hemp oil with CBD or broad-spectrum hemp extract with CBG may assist you in obtaining your health goals.
Sources:
TheFreshToast.com, “What You Need to Know About The Healing Benefits Of Marijuana’s CBG”
MarijuanaBreak.com, “CBG: What is CBG, How it Works and What is it Used For?”
MarijuanaDoctors.com, “Cannabidiol (CBD) vs. Cannabigerol (CBG)”
Jamie Eversweet Belmarez is a licensed massage therapist, certified yoga teacher and mother who resides on the beautiful island of Hawaii. Her passion is to help people feel more comfortable in their body so the soul can experience more love and joy.