Cannabigerol (CBG) is well-known for its potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
But what does the research say? Does it actually have these benefits, and is it a viable solution to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other stomach problems?
In this article, we’ll investigate how CBG may help with IBS, how it works, and how it compares to Cannabidiol (CBD), another cannabinoid, for this purpose.
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What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of more than 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis/hemp plant (hemp is simply cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight).
Unlike CBD, CBG is only found in hemp in small amounts. This means that sometimes, CBG products are more expensive than other cannabinoid products.
Research and anecdotal evidence suggest CBG has therapeutic potential for pain, inflammation, anxiety, and depression.
Can CBG Help With Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Preliminary research suggests CBG may reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, and that it may have therapeutic potential for reducing IBS symptoms. However, more clinical research is required before CBG can be considered an IBS treatment.
One preliminary study concluded that CBG has therapeutic potential for IBS, and that it should be considered for clinical experimentation for this purpose.
There is also research showing that CBG may generally help with inflammation. One study showed that CBG may reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, and concluded that specific derivatives of CBG have the potential to be developed as drugs for inflammatory conditions (such as IBS).
Another research review found that CBG’s anti-inflammatory properties are such that it may be a viable replacement for NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which, per their name, are used to treat inflammatory conditions like IBS.
CBG users are espousing its benefits, too. In a survey of 127 people who used CBG-predominant cannabis or products made from it, 73.9% of respondents claimed that it was superior to prescription medications for chronic pain.
From all of this evidence, it’s clear that although CBG hasn’t been extensively researched for IBS, it has anti-inflammatory potential, and many researchers believe it can help.
Anecdotally, many of our customers have found success with CBG products for IBS, and people also frequently use it for Crohn’s disease and digestive pain.
How CBG Works In Your Body
CBG works via your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a transmitter system responsible for regulating your vital functions, including your inflammatory and pain responses and your immune system.
The ECS works to keep your body in a state of homeostasis, or balance – it works to combat both physical and mental discomfort and restore order to the chaos.
There are two main types of receptors in your ECS: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are responsible for regulating the mental effects of cannabinoids, while CB2 receptors are focused on the physical effects.
CBG binds to both types of receptors, rendering mental and physical effects. In addition to addressing physical discomfort, such as inflammation, CBG also renders uplifting, energizing effects without compromising your cognitive functions.
Can CBG Replace IBS Medications?
The reason many people turn to natural alternatives such as CBG and other cannabinoids is because their current IBS medications have significant downsides.
There are many IBS medications (as there are many types of IBS), and some of them have very unpleasant side effects.
Viberzi (Eluxadoline), for example, is a medication designed to ease diarrhea. Side effects of Viberzi include nausea, abdominal pain, and mild constipation.
Other medications, such as Amitiza (Lubiprostone), a medication designed for women who have IBS and constipation, cause diarrhea, headache, and nausea.
CBG may help. While it may not be able to fully replace whatever medication you’re taking, you might find that taking CBG allows you to reduce the amount of the prescription that you have to take.
However, it’s important to speak to your doctor before supplementing IBS medications, and especially before attempting to replace them altogether.
CBG vs. CBD for IBS: Which is More Effective?
Unfortunately, we don’t have any scientific research comparing the efficacy of CBG and CBD for IBS. Research suggests both cannabinoids may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
However, anecdotal evidence suggests CBG may be a bit more effective than CBD for addressing physical discomfort.
This may be due to an actual difference in their efficacy for pain and inflammation, or it may be due to CBG’s mentally uplifting effects, which improve your mood and energy as you work through IBS.
Benefits Using CBG and CBD Together for IBS
The difference between CBG and CBD may not matter because these cannabinoids work best when used together.
Research suggests that CBG and CBD may have many of the same benefits for IBS. However, in many cases, CBD has a slight edge over CBG for pain, and vice versa for inflammation.
By using these two cannabinoids together, you’ll get comprehensive support if you’re dealing with pain and inflammation as a result of IBS.
Additionally, CBG is energizing and uplifting, while CBD is calming and relaxing. By using CBG and CBD together, you’ll get a more balanced effect.
How to Use CBG for IBS: Dosage & Products
If you’re ready to get started with CBG for IBS, here’s what you need to know about dosage and product selection.
Dosage
We recommend starting with a medium-strength dosage of CBG for IBS, which you can calculate using this formula:
(0.3) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily CBG dosage in mg.
Once you’ve taken your dose a few times, slowly adjust it up or down depending on how it’s working for you. Some people report success with just 10-20mg of CBG, although many people find that higher doses are more effective.
How to Take CBG
- CBG Oil – CBG oil combines hemp extract with carrier oil to create a product that you can dose precisely. Oils are taken under the tongue and absorbed into the blood vessels in the mouth, rather than swallowed. This allows for a quick onset; CBG oil begins working in just 10-15 minutes.
- CBG Edibles – CBG edibles, such as gummies, offer a fixed-dose consumption method. They’re ideal if you’re taking the same amount of CBG each time. However, since they have to be digested, edibles won’t begin rendering effects for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- CBG Capsules – CBG capsules allow CBG to be taken in a gel capsule (similar to over-the-counter ibuprofen). They’re quick, tasteless, and begin working in 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- CBG Inhalables – There are a variety of CBG flower and vape products available online and at CBD stores and dispensaries. Although inhaling CBG comes with the obvious health downside, flower and vapes begin working in just 5-10 minutes, as they deliver CBG directly to your lungs.
Conclusion: A Natural Supplement for IBS
CBG offers a natural way to supplement, or in some cases, replace IBS medications. Many people have found that it works better than these medications, and with fewer side effects – especially when combined with CBD.
Just be sure to talk to your doctor before switching off of your prescription and onto hemp-derived CBG products.
CBG for IBS: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about using CBG for IBS.
Does CBG help IBS?
Although more clinical research is needed, preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence suggest CBG may have anti-inflammatory properties, and therapeutic potential to address irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Is CBG good for digestive problems?
There is some scientific research that suggests CBG may promote gut health and aid digestion, however, more investigation is needed.
Does CBG help with stomach inflammation?
Preliminary research suggests CBG may alleviate inflammation in the stomach and intestines, but more clinical evidence is needed before we know if CBG is a reliable anti-inflammatory.
Does CBG help with IBD?
Preliminary research suggests CBG may offer therapeutic benefits for people suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). However, more clinical research is needed.
