Exploring the Potential Health Benefits of CBG: A Promising Avenue for Anxiety and Memory Enhancement

The American Healthy Alternatives Association (AHAA) is eager to highlight the groundbreaking findings of a recent study on cannabigerol (CBG), a lesser-known cannabinoid that has shown promise in improving memory and significantly reducing anxiety and stress. 

This pioneering research, conducted by Washington State University (WSU) and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), marks the first-ever human clinical trial investigating the therapeutic potential of CBG.

CBG, though not as widely recognized as THC or CBD, has been gaining popularity for its potential health benefits. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, revealed that CBG caused "significant overall reductions in anxiety as well as reductions in stress" among participants compared to a placebo. Additionally, the research found that "CBG also enhanced verbal memory relative to placebo," with "no evidence of subjective drug effects or impairment." These findings have taken the scientific community by surprise, as the enhancement of memory was an unexpected outcome.

To evaluate the efficacy of CBG, researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled field trial with 34 healthy adults. Participants were administered 20mg of hemp-derived CBG or a placebo tincture over two sessions. They completed assessments rating their anxiety, stress, and mood both before and after taking the cannabinoid. The results indicated that CBG led to an average 26.5 percent reduction in feelings of anxiety and a significant effect on subjective stress ratings.

 "Relative to placebo, there was a significant main effect of CBG on overall reductions in anxiety as well as reductions in stress… CBG also enhanced verbal memory relative to placebo."

Lead author and WSU associate professor of psychology Carrie Cuttler expressed astonishment at the findings, stating that the team "triple-checked to ensure accuracy, and the enhancement was statistically significant." 

“Relative to placebo, there was a significant main effect of CBG on overall reductions in anxiety as well as reductions in stress… CBG also enhanced verbal memory relative to placebo.”

Despite these promising results, Cuttler cautioned against viewing CBG as a "miracle drug." She emphasized the necessity for replication and further research to build a comprehensive understanding of CBG's benefits and safety. 

"It's new and exciting, but replication and further research are crucial,"

Ongoing and future studies are set to explore CBG's impacts on physiological effects such as blood pressure, heart rate, cortisol levels, and body temperature. Additionally, Cuttler is in preliminary discussions about a separate study on how CBG might affect menopause symptoms.

The AHAA is optimistic about the potential of CBG to offer new avenues for reducing anxiety and stress without the intoxicating effects of THC. However, the association also underscores the importance of further research to substantiate these findings and ensure the safety and efficacy of CBG as a therapeutic option.

Sources:

• Scientific Reports
• Washington State University (WSU)
• University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)
• Marijuana Moment
• Weedmaps