Cannabigerol

CBG is a non-psychoactive plant constituent of the cannabinoid family (phytocannabinoid) with the molecular formula C21H32O2, which occurs in various cannabis species. Cannabigerol serves as a precursor molecule for the most abundant phytocannabinoids (Nachnani R et al. 2021). During the growth phase of the plant, different enzymes convert CBG into other molecules: for example, cannabinol develops from cannabigerol only after 6-8- weeks of flowering cycle. This is the explanation for the fact that cannabigerol is only present in small quantities in the harvested hemp plants, as it has already been largely converted at the time of maturity.

CBG binds with millimolar affinity to the cannabinoid receptor CB1. This means that it can inhibit the effects of CB1 agonists, which mainly includes THC, and therefore suppresses the effects of other cannabinoids. CBG is also thought to interact with CB2 receptors, although it is not entirely clear whether it exerts agonistic or antagonistic effects on this class of receptors (Deguchi M et al. 2020).

Cannabigerol, like cannabidiol (CBD) before it, is currently marketed as a dietary supplement. Studies suggest that CBG has therapeutic potential in the treatment of neurological disorders (e.g. Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis) and inflammatory bowel disease. Furthermore, an antibacterial effect is suspected (Nachnani R et al. 2021).

Cannabigerol is not subject to the BtMGin Germany.

1. Deguchi M et al. (2020) Metabolic Engineering Strategies of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): A Brief Review of the Advances and Challenges. Front Plant Sci 11:580621
2. Kis B et al. (2019) Cannabidiol-from Plant to Human Body: A Promising Bioactive Molecule with Multi-Target Effects in Cancer Int J Mol Sci 20: 5905.
3. Nachnani R et al (2021) The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics February 376: 204-212.