A lesser-known compound found in cannabis plants called cannabigerol (CBG) has been gaining attention for its potential health benefits. The first human clinical trial testing CBG’s impact on anxiety and stress has shown promising results among 34 healthy participants.
Participants who took a tincture of CBG reported reduced feelings of anxiety and stress one hour after ingestion, compared to when they took a placebo. They also scored slightly better on verbal memory tests. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBG does not have intoxicating effects.
Researchers are cautious about the hype surrounding CBG, as was seen with cannabidiol (CBD). They emphasize that more research is needed to fully understand CBG’s potential benefits and limitations. Previous studies have found that THC reduces verbal memory scores, but it remains unclear if CBG can offset this effect.
CBG has been historically overshadowed by THC and CBD, which are present in cannabis plants in larger amounts. However, CBG shows promise in preclinical studies, with potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, as well as reducing seizures in animal models of child epilepsy.
The recent trial was conducted remotely over Zoom and had some limitations. Despite these limitations, the findings align with a prior survey that found most CBG users took it to manage their anxiety and found it more effective than conventional medications.
More research is needed to fully understand CBG’s potential benefits and limitations.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/mother-of-all-cannabinoids-tested-in-first-human-clinical-trial