Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) can each provide their own unique benefits. However, when combined, these natural compounds complement one another, producing a phenomenon known as the ‘entourage effect’.
In this piece, we will provide information on both of these cannabinoids, before explaining the advantages of taking them together. CBG is the first cannabinoid that the cannabis plant produces and is often referred to as the ‘parent; of THC and CBD.
CBG
CBG inhibits GABA uptake in the brain more effectively than CBD or THC. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter located in the brain. Due to the strong effects that CBG provides regarding GABA uptake, it could be more beneficial than THC or CBD when it comes to alleviating anxiety, chronic pain, muscular spasms, and sports injuries.
CBD has been said to stimulate ‘alpha-2’ receptors. The stimulation of these receptors can help to relax blood vessels and muscles. This could explain how CBG could help to reduce blood pressure, relieve alcohol withdrawals, and improve ischemia of the heart.
Additionally, as CBG binds to alpha-2 receptors, it may help to improve cognitive function and working memory. Other benefits associated with alpha-2 stimulation include treating colitis and inflammatory bowel disease.
CBG can also block 5HT1A receptors while working to stimulate TRPV1 and TRPV2 receptors. When 5HT1A receptors are blocked in rodent test subjects, their learning and memory are shown to improve. As a result, CBG is being researched as a potential treatment for the cognitive degeneration caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
TRPV1 receptor activation is associated with reducing levels of pain. TRPV 2 receptor activation is associated with glucose level regulation, improving heart cell function, and helping cells to fight and destroy bacteria.
CBG has also been seen to stimulate PPARgamma, which can help to decrease inflammation of the lungs caused by conditions like asthma. Additionally, CBG can stimulate GPR55, which may contribute to reduced levels of neuropathic or inflammatory pain.
CBD
Similarly to CBG, CBD helps to inhibit AEA uptake, which increases the production of our ‘feel good’ hormones throughout the body. CBD also binds to our CB2 receptors, which may stimulate our immune systems and help to fight certain types of infection. This could also provide relief from symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease.
In terms of psychoactive effects, both CBD and CBD have minimal activity on the brain’s CB1 receptor, which means they are non-psychoactive and will not produce a high feeling amongst users.
Similar to CBD, the potential benefits of CBG are considerable thanks to how it interacts with the bodies endocannabinoid system. In 2015, a study found that CBG could be useful in treating bladder dysfunction. Another study published back in 1990 revealed that CBG could help to reduce pressure related to glaucoma.
Some benefits of CBG and CBD overlap one another. For example, they both provide potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits.
Combining CBG and CBD
Although there is little scientific research to document the effects of CBD and CBG when used in synergy, we know that combining two or more cannabinoids results is a phenomenon called the ‘entourage effect’. This phenomenon describes how individual cannabinoids effects become enhanced when they are used together.
Concerning the relationship between THC and CBD, this effect has been well studied. For instance, when THC and CBD are taken together, they become more effective at relieving pain. Therefore, it’s possible that the benefit shared by CBG and CBD could be enhanced when these two compounds are combined. However, much more research is needed to provide definitive evidence on this topic.
We believe that using CBG and CBD together is more beneficial than taking either cannabinoid alone. This is because you can potentially benefit from the combined benefits of both, with no psychoactive effects or severe side effects. When cannabinoids are combined, the ‘entourage effect’ is believed to be much more advantageous than taking either supplement on its own.
For additional information regarding CBD, CBG, and the ‘entourage effect’, click here to contact a member of our customer care team today.