While CBG (cannabigerol) might be a lesser-known cannabinoid, in recent years, it’s started to catch the attention of researchers and consumers alike. Recent studies suggest that CBG might ease emotional discomfort, particularly anxiety and stress, and enhance memory. These are extremely promising findings that open the door to new ways of naturally managing mental health with cannabis. Keep reading to discover how CBG works to support mood and memory and what the latest research reveals about these potential benefits.
What is CBG?
You’ll often find CBG referred to as the “mother cannabinoid,” as its acidic form (CBGA) is the precursor from which other cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, are formed during plant growth. Without it, these well-known cannabinoids wouldn’t exist. As the plant matures, CBGA converts to other cannabinoids, which is why younger plants tend to have the highest concentrations of CBG. Research shows the highest concentrations of CBG are present in cannabis leaves and flowers in weeks 6-7 of the flowering stage. Interestingly, cannabis isn’t the only plant that produces CBG. The most abundant source of CBG is found in Helichrysum umbraculigerum, more commonly known as the wooly umbrella plant, a plant with velvety yellow flowers native to South Africa. Like other cannabinoids, CBG interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), but unlike THC, it doesn’t produce psychoactive effects. It does potentially influence serotonin levels, however, which is why it's believed to promote a sense of calm. Early research suggests that CBG could enhance memory, reduce stress, and support overall emotional well-being, with recent research revealing the cannabinoid contains serious potential to ease emotional discomfort and support memory.
CBG’s Impact on Memory and Emotional Discomfort
In a July 2024 study, researchers discovered some promising potential benefits of CBG for reducing emotional discomfort and increasing verbal memory. If you or a loved one are subject to stress, anxiety, or memory issues, CBG could be a cannabinoid worth considering. This recent study shed light on some exciting findings for anyone interested in using cannabis to naturally support memory and mental and emotional well-being.
New Study Highlights CBG’s Potential to Support Emotional Discomfort and Verbal Memory
Emotional discomfort refers to the unease, distress, or anxiety that can reduce mental and emotional balance. Stress, worry, frustration, and sadness are all feelings associated with emotional discomfort, which can significantly disrupt daily life and general overall wellness. It typically manifests when someone faces personal challenges, stress at work or home, or ongoing mental health problems. Verbal memory is the ability to remember and recall words, language, and other verbal information. It plays a huge role in everyday things like holding a conversation, learning, and following instructions. When verbal memory is strong, you’re able to easily store and retrieve information. A decline in verbal memory, on the other hand, can make it difficult to concentrate, communicate, and understand incoming information, which can lead to increased confusion and frustration. Things like stress, anxiety, and aging, as well as neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s can all lead to a decline in verbal memory. In the recent double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover field trial that examined the effects of CBG on mood, stress, and anxiety, researchers discovered some remarkable potential the cannabinoid contains for easing emotional discomfort and improving verbal memory. The study was conducted at Washington State University with 34 participants via Zoom, which researchers say “helped enhance feasibility and generalizability by allowing us to recruit a more diverse sample of participants residing at various locations across the state. rather than limiting recruitment to our small university town.” The following are the highlights of this groundbreaking study:
1. CBG Shows to Significantly Reduce Stress and Anxiety
The study found CBG significantly reduced both anxiety and stress levels, something study authors maintain supports previous findings of a survey where 78% of CBG consumers who used the cannabinoid to manage anxiety said it was more effective than traditional anxiolytic medications. It’s suggested CBG’s potential to reduce anxiety is caused by its effects on 5-HT1A serotonin receptors and/or GABA. Research has shown CBG is a moderate 5-HT1A antagonist, meaning it blocks other substances that may block or reduce serotonin levels. In this recent study, authors noted that may have a tendency to reduce the impression of feelings of anxiety rather than common symptoms like feeling jittery, indecisive, and confused. In a previous study, the same researchers found that 80% of CBG consumers who self-medicated with the cannabinoid to alleviate feelings of depression said it provided more relief than conventional antidepressants.
2. CBG Shows to Improve Verbal Memory
Because of THC’s negative effects on verbal memory, researchers of the study included a test on how CBG might affect verbal memory. They hypothesized that the cannabinoid wouldn’t affect verbal memory, then unexpectedly discovered it actually enhanced it. Study authors found participants recalled 0.5 more words on trial two and 1 more word on trial three compared to the placebo. This led to the conclusion that CBG may enhance learning, although they maintain more research is necessary to say for sure. Ultimately, this means that CBG may help support cognitive functions like word recall, working memory, attention, and executive function, which could make the cannabinoid especially beneficial for individuals who struggle with memory issues, whether caused by stress, aging, or other factors.
3. CBG Doesn’t Cause Psychoactive Effects
Unlike THC, CBG demonstrated zero psychoactivity (or “high”) associated with its use. Participants did not experience any psychoactive effects. There also weren’t any significant adverse effects of CBG reported, such as dry eyes, dry mouth, sleepiness, appetite, or heart palpitations that are common with THC. The results of this study are particularly important for individuals who struggle with anxiety, stress, and cognitive function seeking natural, non-psychoactive solutions. The fact that CBG may enhance verbal memory is especially beneficial for anyone who wants to improve focus and mental clarity during times of stress.
Other Potential Benefits of CBG
CBG’s popularity has expanded in recent years because of the other potential benefits the cannabinoid is suggested to contain. Following are some of the highlights of CBG’s therapeutic potential that extend beyond its promise to ease emotional discomfort and improve memory:
1. Autism
While research is still in its early stages, CBG may support autism by helping manage behavioral symptoms and emotional regulation in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It’s suggested the cannabinoid’s interaction with the ECS may help balance mood, reduce anxiety, and support overall emotional well-being, potentially improving the quality of life for individuals on the spectrum, especially in areas like social interaction and communication.
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
There’s also research to support that CBG’s anti-inflammatory properties could benefit individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by reducing inflammation in the gut, which may ease symptoms like stomach discomfort, pain, and irregular bowel movements.
3. Glaucoma
Other studies suggest CBG could support patients with glaucoma because of its potential to reduce intraocular eye pressure. Potentially, this could protect the optic nerve and preserve vision.
4. Antibacterial Properties
With research suggesting CBG contains powerful antibacterial effects, including effectiveness against drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA, it could hold promise for fighting against antibiotic-resistant infections. The cannabinoid may be particularly helpful in medical settings as a natural alternative to traditional antibiotics.
5. Bone Growth Stimulation
Some research has suggested CBG could stimulate bone growth by promoting the formation of new bone cells, which may ultimately help improve bone density and strength. This could be particularly beneficial for aging adults or individuals with degenerative bone diseases.
RSO CBG: Concentrated Extracts for Enhanced Therapeutic Potential
RSO is a highly concentrated cannabis extract rich in cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Recently, some RSO products have been crafted specifically to contain high concentrations of CBG. This creates a potent blend of cannabinoids, providing users with enhanced potential therapeutic benefits of CBG, which may provide stronger relief for individuals interested in managing anxiety, stress, or memory issues with cannabis. In the study that found CBG may support emotional discomfort and enhance memory, authors noted that larger doses of CBG could be more effective than smaller doses. CBG is typically sold in 10mg units, which is a common dose used in other clinical trials examining the cannabinoid’s effectiveness. With more recent studies using higher doses of 25mg or 50mg CBG, researchers did suggest the dose they used could’ve been somewhat conservative. This is why RSO, which contains concentrated cannabinoid levels, may benefit those interested in using CBG to support stress and/or memory. Our White CBG RSO Tablets, for example, each contain 25mg of CBG. Considering research suggests higher doses of CBG may offer increased benefits, RSO products with naturally high concentrations of CBG could offer an intensified, holistic approach to managing emotional discomfort and issues with memory.
Last Thoughts
CBG shows great potential for supporting emotional well-being by reducing anxiety and stress and enhancing memory and cognitive function. With recent research that highlights its ability to alleviate emotional discomfort and improve verbal memory, it could offer an alternative for those seeking anxiety relief and mental clarity without prescription meds or the intoxicating effects of THC. As cannabis research continues to move steadily forward, CBG will likely become a significant player in cannabinoid therapy, providing natural support for stress, anxiety, mood, memory, and much, much more.