Can Cannabinoid CBG Conquer Anxiety? First Human Trial Results In

Cannabis, or marijuana, has long been a focus of the medical industry, with researchers consistently exploring new applications for this herb. Cannabigerol (CBG), one of the lesser-known compounds in cannabis, is now taking centre stage in medicine and could potentially replace CBD in the future.

In a historic breakthrough human trial, researchers tested the effects of the CBG compound found in cannabis on anxiety and stress levels. The study involved 34 healthy participants, all of whom reported feeling significantly less anxious and stressed after taking a tincture containing CBG compared to a placebo within an hour.

CBG is now being referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids” due to its ability to metabolise quickly into CBD and THC. Unlike THC, however, CBG does not produce a high in those who consume it.

Psychologist Carrie Cuttler from Washington State University, who contributed to the study, expressed cautious optimism about these findings. She and her colleagues are mindful that the rapid rise in interest for CBG could mirror the early days of CBD, where enthusiasm sometimes outpaced scientific evidence.

The study's primary aim was to explore CBG's acute effects on anxiety, stress, and mood. Additionally, researchers sought to determine if CBG induces any subjective drug effects or cognitive impairments. The authors noted, “Cannabigerol (CBG) is a phytocannabinoid increasing in popularity, with preclinical research indicating it has anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. However, there are no published clinical trials to corroborate these findings in humans. The primary objective of this study was to examine the acute effects of CBG on anxiety, stress, and mood. Secondary objectives were to examine whether CBG produces subjective drug effects or motor and cognitive impairments.”

They also suggested, “It would be interesting to examine whether CBG might offset the detrimental effects of THC on verbal memory, as CBD was initially purported to do, until multiple attempts to replicate those findings failed.”

As research into CBG continues, it opens up new possibilities for cannabis-based treatments. With its potential therapeutic benefits and distinct properties, CBG could become a significant player in the evolving landscape of cannabinoid medicine.