CBG: The “Mother Cannabinoid” with Powerful Wellness Potential

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Often called the “mother of all cannabinoids,” CBG is the precursor molecule from which other cannabinoids like CBD and THC are synthesized. While typically present in small amounts in mature hemp plants, concentrated CBG extracts are gaining attention for their unique therapeutic potential.

How CBG Works in the Body

CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) — specifically CB₁ and CB₂ receptors — as well as α₂-adrenergic receptors, TRP channels, and PPARγ. These diverse binding sites allow CBG to influence inflammation, mood, pain perception, and neuroprotection.

Evidence-Based Benefits of CBG

1. Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Properties

CBG has been shown to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β and TNF-α, inhibit iNOS and COX-2 enzymes, and protect tissues from oxidative stress in models of gut, skin, and liver inflammation (Capasso et al., 2022; He et al., 2025).

2. Neuroprotective Effects

In preclinical studies, CBG has preserved neuronal function in models of Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (Hughes et al., 2020).

3. Anxiety & Mood Support

A 2024 randomized human trial found that a single 20 mg dose of hemp-derived CBG reduced anxiety and stress while improving short-term memory without impairing cognition (Scopetti et al., 2024).

4. Potential in Blood Pressure Regulation

Animal studies indicate CBG may lower blood pressure via α₂-adrenergic receptor activation, suggesting possible cardiovascular benefits (Bennett et al., 2022).

CBG vs CBD

While both are non-psychoactive, CBD primarily modulates serotonin and vanilloid receptors, while CBG has a broader receptor profile and may offer stronger anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Many users take them together to harness the entourage effect — the synergistic action of multiple cannabinoids.

References

1. Bennett, M. L., et al. "Acute Cannabigerol Administration Lowers Blood Pressure in Mice." Frontiers in Physiology, 2022. PMCID PMC9124753.
2. Capasso, R., et al. "Pharmacological Aspects and Biological Effects of Cannabigerol and Its Synthetic Derivatives." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2022. PMCID PMC9666035.
3. He, D., et al. "Comprehensive Mini-Review: Therapeutic Potential of Cannabigerol." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Apr. 2025. PubMed, PMID 40206058.
4. Hughes, B., et al. "Protective Effects of Cannabidivarin and Cannabigerol on Cells of the Blood–Brain Barrier." Journal of Neuroinflammation, 2020. PubMed, PMID 33998890.
5. Scopetti, F., et al. "Acute Effects of Cannabigerol on Anxiety, Stress, and Mood." Scientific Reports, July 2024. PubMed, PMID 39003387.