By now we’ve all heard of the two most popular cannabinoids, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), but did you know that research has found that the Cannabis plant produces between 80-100 cannabinoids? While more research is being done on the various effects and benefits of the two most well know of these cannabinoids, researchers are also starting to investigate the lesser-known ones as well. Recently, Cannabis brand Wyld has released two products that feature the cannabinoids CBG and CBN, respectively. Let’s take a deeper look into the effects and benefits of both CBG and CBN – but remember, these studies are all relatively new and are lab conducted, so the effects listed are just case studies showing the potential benefits of these cannabinoids for future medical use.
CBN
CBN (cannabinol) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that is best known as the cannabinoid created when THC ages, meaning it’s found in high amounts in older Cannabis. Various studies have been done to research the benefits of CBN, including its use as an anti-bacterial, neuroprotectant and appetite stimulant.
Anti-Bacterial: A study found that all five major cannabinoids, including CBN, showed potent activity against a variety of MRSA (staphylococcus) bacteria. Researchers found CBN to be a potent antibacterial agent against the resistant strains of MRSA.
Neuroprotectant: A study was conducted where CBN specifically was delivered to the “SOD1 mouse model of ALS” over a period of up to 12 weeks and found the treatment significantly delayed the disease onset by more than 2 weeks. This implies that CBN might aid in helping the symptoms of ALS as well as potentially helping with other neurodegenerative conditions.
Appetite Stimulant: Researchers found that the introduction of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBN to rodents increased their food consumption. While THC has been more widely known for its appetite-stimulating properties, CBN is a great alternative for those not seeking a psychoactive effect.
While CBN is often lauded for its sedative properties, there haven’t been many studies to directly link CBN alone to help with sleep. Often a mix of THC and CBN provides the right combination for sedative effects. Keep in mind, while CBN alone is non-psychoactive, the combination of CBN and THC can produce a more euphoric effect from the THC.
CBG
CBG (cannabigerol) is non-intoxicating and is often referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids” because CBG-A, the acid form of CBG, breaks down to form CBG, CBD, THC, and CBC when heated. Similar to CBN, CBG also has been studied to further research its various benefits.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A study conducted on mice introduced to colitis (a chronic digestive disease characterized by inflammation of the inner lining of the colon) found that CBG was shown to help reduce the symptoms and could be considered for clinical experimentation in IBD patients.
Bladder Dysfunctions: A study on mouse bladder contractility showed that the use of non-psychoactive cannabinoids, mainly CBG, reduced acetylcholine-induced contractions in the bladder, leading researchers to believe the use of CBG can help with bladder dysfunctions.
Huntington’s Disease/Neurodegenerative Diseases: A study investigated the effects of CBG in 2 different in vivo models of Huntington’s Disease (A genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain.) CBG was “extremely active” as a neuroprotectant, improving motor deficits and preserving striatal neurons. The results allow for more research of the effects of CBG on Huntington’s Disease as well as other neurodegenerative diseases.
Anti-Bacterial: Similar to CBN, CBG has shown to kill bacteria including MRSA, which causes drug-resistant staph infections.
Cancer: Studies have shown that CBG interacts with specific targets in the formation of certain types of cancer. CBG was studied specifically to see if it protects against the formation of colon tumors. CBG promoted the death of cells, reduced cell growth of colorectal cancer cells, and appears to hamper colon cancer progression, as well as selectively inhibit the growth of colorectal cancer cells.
Appetite Stimulation: Like CBN, CBG has also been shown to help assist in appetite stimulation.
TESTIMONIALS
Members of Oregon’s Finest staff were more than excited to try Wyld’s new Pear and Elderberry gummies to see the effects. Kaitlin Cook, a Floor Supervisor at the MLK location, said
“I tried the Elderberry gummies with CBN because I heard it could really help with sleep. As someone who has a hard time staying asleep throughout the night and can never sleep in past 7:00 AM (no matter what time I go to bed), I was excited to see if they could help. I took one of the gummies about 30 minutes before laying down for bed and I was pleasantly surprised to find that I only woke up once or twice in the night, and only for a couple of minutes each time. I also slept in till about 9:00 AM, which never happens! I think, for me, these are great to help me stay asleep, but don’t necessarily push me into sleepiness which is what I was looking for – but if you’re needing more help falling asleep, I’d suggest trying a little more THC in combo with the gummy. I personally have a very low edibles tolerance, so when I take the gummy a little earlier than usual, and I’m not quite tired yet, I do feel the “high” from the THC so make sure you time it out to fit your desired outcome.”
Alberto Abreu, a host at the MLK location, has been incorporating the Wyld CBG gummies into his daily routine and says
“I just started using it and can say it helps with meditation in the morning. It’s just one short experience. The effects were soothing with a little mind buzz.” He’s been using two pieces in the morning and calls them “functional”.
We hope with more interest shown in the various effects that Cannabis and cannabinoids offer, researchers will spend more time exploring the many possible benefits and continue to provide help and hope for consumers looking for alternative means of medication and treatment. Remember to always speak to your doctor or healthcare provider before making any changes to your current healthcare regimen.
