CBG, also known as cannabigerol in full, has been seen as a possible health treatment option for depression.
Is there a link between CBG and depression?
CBG, also known as cannabigerol in full, has been seen as a possible health treatment option for depression. And this comes as no big surprise considering that a good number of people in the US and around the world already rely on cannabis or cannabis products to cope with depression. If CBG indeed has the ability to combat depression, this could be a huge breakthrough in dealing with the growing mental disorder.
How prevalent is depression as a disease?
Modern living is continually piling a lot of pressure on humans, as well as subverting them from the traditional lifestyle that their ancestors used to live. As a result, stress and anxiety levels are through the roof. That combined with failure or the fear of not making it in life is contributing to many people falling into depression. Living solitary lifestyles with little or no social interaction is also a cause for depression. After all, humans have always been social creatures that thrived while co-living in close-knit communities.
Figures today show that about 20 million Americans suffer from some sort of depressive episode annually. And only about 50% of those affected seek medical attention. 25% of all those who get admitted for depression suffer from psychotic depression.
How CBG is connected to depression
CBG, when consumed, interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the brain. The ECS system is responsible for regulating various psychological conditions such as sleep, appetite, mood, and even pain. Now, depression has been seen to link to all these psychological conditions. So while CBG may not prevent one from getting depressed (causes of depression include genetics, environmental factors, and psychological factors), it can help to mellow it out by mitigating mood, sleep, appetite, and sleep.
CBG and mood: CBG inhibits the ECS system and increases dopamine levels inducing lighter moods where one is happier, less worried, and more at ease.
CBG and appetite: CBG, especially one that has been purified to remove delta-9 THC inhibits the ECS system to regulate appetite which can be of great benefit to people who are lacking the desire to eat due to a depressive episode.
CBG and sleep: CBG can help to treat sleep disorders through easing anxiety and improving mood and appetite as well as by directly influencing the endocannabinoid receptors in the nervous system.
CBG and pain: CBG has been seen to have the ability to block pain receptors and thereby provide a form of natural analgesic.
CBG and anxiety: CBG has been observed to influence the ECS system, boost anandamide hormone and help with relaxing muscles and body tension. Through these effects, it has been observed as a great counter to feelings of anxiety.
Studies conducted into effects of CBG on depression
- A 1975 study showed that CBG helps to inhibit GABA uptake which in turn helps to ease anxiety.
- A 2017 study on rats showed that purified CBG could help with inducing appetite and unlock a remedy for cachexia in humans and animals.
- In 2018 the NCCIH announced plans to launch deeper research into exploring the link between CBG (and other cannabinoids) and pain.
Drawing on the background of cannabis and its anti-depressant abilities, it is easy to see why CBG (a cannabis compound) can easily help with depression as well.