“In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends.” – Okakura Kakuzo

Perhaps you have heard that cannabis and its ingredients can influence mood or anxiety? The research has been clear for more than a decade, that compounds like cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) affect the biological signals in our brain related to anxiety. Occasionally, these scientific discoveries transform into something more impactful than a mere “gee-whiz” moment. Sometimes they exceed our expectations and reshape our understanding of cannabinoids. A 2024 clinical study published this summer may be on the brink of doing just that.

While much of the spotlight has been on THC and CBD for their mood-altering effects, CBG has emerged as a potentially more efficient and potent compound for anxiety and stress management. This recent study illuminates CBG’s potential, offering new hope for those seeking alternatives to THC or CBD.

Understanding CBG

Cannabigerol or CBG is often considered a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Yet it is referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids,” as CBG is the precursor or frame that the plant uses to make other cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. This has been exploited by researchers to create varieties that are CBG-dominant. Despite its pivotal role in cannabinoid synthesis, CBG is commonly present in small quantities in most cannabis varieties. CBG does not seem to cause impairment or intoxication which, perhaps makes it less interesting commercially, and therefore less studied compared to its more famously potent counterparts.

Anxiety and Cannabis?

Mood and anxiety in the context of cannabis has been a mixed bag of results. For example, in a previous research, involving 1,429 participants from 18 different countries, surveys indicated that participants were using cannabis for anxiety (58.1%) as one of the top reasons for using cannabis. However, there are anecdotal reports of that cannabis can alleviate anxiety, and there are anecdotal reports that cannabis can worsen anxiety.

How to Study CBG: A Deep Dive Studying CBG’s Effects in Humans

The study titled “Acute effects of cannabigerol on anxiety, stress, and mood: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, field trial,” conducted by Carrie Cuttler, Amanda Stueber, Ziva D. Cooper, and Ethan Russo, aimed to explore the acute effects of CBG on anxiety, stress, and mood. The researchers recruited 34 healthy adults and enrolled them in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover field study. This means that the participants, and the researchers recording the effects, did not know who was receiving placebo-tincture or CBG-tincture.

And what is cool about the crossover design, is that after a specified period (called the washout period) where the effects of the first treatment are allowed to dissipate, participants then “cross over” to receive the opposite treatment. Because each participant receives both treatments, fewer participants are needed to achieve the same statistical power as a traditional study design.

Each participant took 20 mg of hemp-derived CBG or a placebo tincture in two separate sessions with a one-week washout period in between. Participants rated their anxiety, stress, and mood before and after taking the tincture. They also completed the Trier Social Stress Test, a verbal memory test, and the DRUID impairment app (download the app for your smartphone).

Here’s a summary of what the team found:

1. Anxiety and Stress Reduction: CBG significantly reduced overall anxiety and stress levels compared to the placebo. This reduction was particularly notable shortly after ingestion.
2. Mood: CBG did not significantly enhance mood, suggesting its primary benefits may lie in anxiety and stress relief rather than overall mood improvement.
3. Cognitive and Motor Function: The study found no evidence of cognitive or motor impairments due to CBG. In fact, CBG appeared to enhance verbal memory performance!
4. Subjective Effects: Participants did not report significant intoxication or adverse subjective effects from CBG. Common side effects associated with other cannabinoids, such as dry mouth or sleepiness, were not prevalent.

Insights from a Cannabis Research Legend and Co-Author

Ethan Russo, a pioneering figure in cannabis research known for his extensive work on cannabinoids and their therapeutic potential, expressed his excitement about these findings. Dr. Russo stated in an email,

“Here it is, folks, a dream come true after 20 years of trying to investigate the anti-anxiety effects of cannabigerol (CBG)! This remarkable compound has shown an anti-anxiety effect at a dose 5% of that required for pure cannabidiol (CBD). What is more remarkable is this effect was seen with no evidence of sedation and is statistically significant in memory improvement.”

There is plenty of petri dish and animal research on CBG, but not much clinical work had been published to prove that it can actually can work in humans – until Dr. Ethan Russo’s company CReDO Science paid for it. I encourage you to send Ethan and his team a message to thank them for doing this important work, for which the only benefit of their work is to the consumer looking to make an informed decision.

Implications and Future Directions

The results of this study are promising, indicating that CBG could be a viable option for managing anxiety and stress without the intoxicating effects associated with THC. This aligns with growing anecdotal evidence from CBG users who report its effectiveness in managing anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia.

As interest in alternative and non-intoxicating, natural cannabinoids grow, CBG stands out as a particularly promising compound. This new clinical data points to a strong potential to alleviate anxiety and stress without significant side effects or impairment. This makes CBG an exciting area of research. Future studies with larger sample sizes and diverse populations will be crucial to fully understand and validate these findings – which may only happen with industry, government, or pharmaceutical level funding. For now, CBG tinctures offers a new horizon in the quest for natural and effective anxiety and stress management solutions.

Cliff Notes on CBG’s Potential in Other Areas:

• Antibacterial Properties: CBG has demonstrated potent antibacterial properties, including against antibiotic-resistant bacteria​.
• Neuroprotective Effects: Studies suggest CBG has neuroprotective benefits, potentially offering therapeutic value in neurodegenerative diseases​.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: CBG has shown promise in reducing inflammation, which could have broad applications for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease​.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical diagnosis or treatment recommendations.