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CBG is a cannabinoid that has garnered substantial interest in recent years. After hearing about the benefits of CBG, many people have started consuming this cannabinoid to manage symptoms and boost their health. While anecdotal reports have continued to showcase the beneficial properties of CBG, there has historically been limited clinical research on humans to substantiate its efficacy. That is, until recently!
Conducted by renowned Dr. Ethan Russo and colleagues, a groundbreaking clinical trial has shed new light on the effects of CBG on anxiety, stress, mood, and memory. This study, entitled “Acute effects of cannabigerol on anxiety, stress, and mood: a double‑blind, placebo‑controlled, crossover, field trial”, is the first of its kind to investigate CBG's impact on humans. The study involved 34 adult participants who were administered either 20mg of CBG or a placebo. Participants provided ratings on how they felt before and after dosing and also participated in guided activities, such as social stress, verbal memory, and impairment tests, offering the researchers valuable findings.
While CBG is anecdotally reported to be helpful for a whole host of issues, this clinical study focused specifically on select focus areas. The topics explored are not exhaustive of CBG's advantages, but they do provide a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of this increasingly popular cannabinoid. We will continue to monitor future research and share our takeaways with you.
While CBG is often considered to have broad benefits, the study by Dr. Russoet al was able to drill down into specific symptoms that CBG may relieve. It also offers insights that cannabis clinicians and consumers can analyze to better understand the therapeutic potential of CBG. Continue reading for a summary of key findings.
Notable Reduction in Anxiety and Stress.
Study results showed that CBG can potentially support anxiolytic, or anxiety reducing, effects. In the trial, participants who took CBG and underwent an acute stressor experienced a mean decrease of 26% in perceived anxiety and stress. While assessing the results, the researchers theorized that CBG may help individuals "compartmentalize" their anxiety, enabling them to acknowledge stressors without being as overwhelmed. This mental shift could allow for greater focus on the present moment as well as a sense of calm, even amid ongoing challenges. Researchers also emphasized the importance of CBG's non-sedating effects, which differentiates it from its sister cannabinoid, THC, and makes it a more appealing option for those living with chronic stress or anxiety.
This research positions CBG as a novel, non-intoxicating alternative for managing anxiety-related disorders — a growing concern in today's world. The CDC reported that in 2022, over 40% of adults in the U.S. experienced symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders, reflecting an upward trend in mental health challenges. This highlights the urgent need for effective and accessible treatments, like CBG, for anxiety and stress. While this initial study is encouraging, more research is needed to fully understand CBG's anxiety-relieving benefits and optimal applications for mental health support.
Enhanced Memory and Performance.
Over the course of this study, participants were asked to listen to and recall lists of words (researchers followed guidelines from the standardized California Verbal Learning Test II). Overall, participants who took CBG experienced improvements in verbal memory and performance, a finding that suggests potential cognitive enhancements with CBG.
The researchers were impressed by the observed improvement in verbal memory associated with CBG. In their discussion, researchers compared this positive effect with CBG to the observed negative impacts to verbal memory associated with THC. Study findings suggest that CBG could be a beneficial support to someone studying for a test or learning a new language. However, researchers have noted that further research is needed to corroborate these findings.
No Impairment or Negative Effects.
The study found that CBG did not produce intoxicating effects, making it a safe option for those seeking relief from anxiety and/or stress without the risk of impairment or sedation associated with THC. Additionally, the participants did not report any significant side effects from CBG. Provided the measured improvements in anxiety, stress, and memory in the participants who took CBG, the researchers concluded that CBG may offer a viable option for relief. They also stated that CBG’s ability to provide benefit without side effects is perhaps unmatched and uniquely suited for the growing demand for effective solutions.
While CBD and CBG are both non-intoxicating, each compound interacts with our endocannabinoid system through different mechanisms and it is suspected that CBG may be up to 20 times more potent than CBD.
This recent trial adds to a growing body of research on CBG and how it complements other cannabinoids. Here are some key insights to know about CBG:
While we’re still in the early days of CBG research, it’s wonderful to see scientific studies that validate what others have been experiencing — and that is how CBG can be incredibly supportive for overall health and mental wellness. With its low toxicity and minimal side effects, CBG stands out as a promising remedy for anxiety, stress management, and memory support.
Polite Hemp is proud to feature CBG as one of our hero ingredients across our formulations. With Polite products, you can incorporate regular doses of this powerful cannabinoid, CBG, into your regimen for healthier and happier living.
Citations
American Hospital Association. (2022).TrendWatch: The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on behavioral health. Retrieved from
https://www.aha.org/system/files/media/file/2022/05/trendwatch-the-impacts-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-on-behavioral-health.pdf
Cuttler, C., Stueber, A., Cooper, Z. D., & Russo, E. (2024). Acute effects of cannabigerol on anxiety, stress, and mood: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover field trial. Scientific Reports. https://ethanrusso.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Cuttler_et_al-Acute-effects-of-cannabigerol-on-anxiety-stressm-and-mood-A-double-blind-placebo-controled-crossover-field-trial-Scientific-Reports-2024.pdf
Dellazizzo, L., Potvin, S., Giguère, S. & Dumais, A. Evidence on the acute and residual neurocognitive effects of cannabis use in adolescents and adults: A systematic meta-review of meta-analyses. Addiction 117, 1857–1870. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.15764 (2022).
Russo, Ethan. Cannabigerol (CBG) on anxiety, stress, and mood by Dr Ethan Russo. Webinar. August 7, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78yvwc4eh04
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