Cannabigerol (CBG) is a phytocannabinoid that has recently garnered a groundswell of media and commercial interest, although scientific literature on CBG is comparatively lacking. Current studies suggest that CBG appears to have characteristics for affinity and activity somewhere between CBD and Δ9-THC, with additional unique interactions with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT1A) receptors and α-2 adrenoceptors. Based on published research, there may be therapeutic potential for CBG in the treatment of neuroinflammatory disorders, IBS, bacterial infections (such as MRSA), prostate cancer, and dental plaque. Unlike CBD, however, little in-depth research has been performed and much of what is known warrants further investigation to identify potential areas of therapeutic uses and hazards.

The first study discussed aimed to evaluate the effects of daily oral consumption of 50mg of full spectrum CBG on healthy human adults over the course of 8 weeks of treatment followed by a 4-week washout period. Researches examined changes in the Medical Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) and the RAND 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores, as well as inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Results indicated no significant improvements or decreases in MSQ scores, and SF-36 results similarly indicated no significant changes in quality-of-life metrics across all domains. Blood work analysis remained stable, with no significant changes detected across the study period. The results corroborate previous preclinical and clinical findings indicating CBG has a strong safety profile and should be investigated in human trials for its therapeutic potential for patients with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), irritable bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. The second study examined CBG supplementation in 8 patients with GI disorders over a 2-month treatment period. Because gut immunity and digestion are closely linked to the microbiome, we measured stool microbiome diversity, secretory IgA, and fecal pancreatic elastase as exploratory indicators of mucosal immune and pancreatic function. All participants underwent baseline comprehensive stool testing (Total GI™). Six patients repeated stool testing twice at 1-month intervals post-treatment; three patients repeated stool testing once at 1 month. CBG supplementation (single 50mg capsule) was given twice daily for the treatment period. Increased bacterial diversity and improved relative abundance of beneficial commensal bacteria were observed in all six patients at one month, with further diversification at two months in those who had a second follow-up. Two patients demonstrated increases in total stool IgA, and secretory IgA normalized in two additional patients. Among the four patients with baseline pancreatic elastase deficiency, three normalized, while one showed no change. The results suggest that CBG supplementation may improve gut microbiome diversity, enhance mucosal immune function, and support pancreatic exocrine activity in patients with chronic GI conditions. Given the identified connections between ASD, the gut-brain axis, and gut microbiome diversity, the third study seeks to identify what impact CBG supplementation may have on pediatric patients with autism and overall gut health. This study is currently underway, with finalized study methodology and results projected to be completed by April 2026. The study will use similar methods to the GI study, utilizing stool analysis and standard clinical data, as well as commonly used clinical reporting tools for ASD symptom assessment.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the pharmacological profile of CBG and its differences from other cannabinoids like CBD/THC
  
  
• Evaluate the safety of CBG consumption in healthy adults based on physiological and self-reported data
  
  
• Evaluate the potential therapeutic benefits of CBG related to its impact on gut health