Efficacy and Safety of Hemp-derived, Full Spectrum Cannabigerol (CBG) in Adults

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Cannabis plant has gained significant, and increasing, interest in the medical community due to the therapeutic potential of substances such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). However, there are hundreds of different phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids present in Cannabis plants, generating complex interactions in the human body. Cannabigerol (CBG) is one phytocannabinoid that has recently garnered a groundswell of media and commercial interest, although scientific literature on CBG is severely lacking compared with published research on Δ9-THC and CBD. 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, inflammatory bowel disease, bacterial infections (such as MRSA), prostate cancer, and dental plaque. Many of these studies, however, indicate a vital need for additional research on the pharmacological effects of human CBG consumption, especially given the increase in its unregulated commercial use. This study will focus on the clinical application of CBG for healthy adults, current knowledge of its possible therapeutic utility, and its potential toxicological hazards.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

Cannabigerol is currently available for purchase in a variety of products and, as with cannabidiol (CBD) before it, many claims are being made about its benefits. Unlike CBD, however, little in-depth research has been performed on this intriguing phytocannabinoid, and much of what is known warrants further investigation to identify potential areas of therapeutic uses and hazards.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

What effect, if any, does daily oral consumption of 50mg of full spectrum CBG have on the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of healthy individuals, as measured by self-report Medical Symptom Questionnaire and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores? Is CBG effective at reducing inflammation in the body, as measured by HSCRP, ESR, and PSA inflammatory markers? Do age, gender, weight, or state of body inflammation have an effect on the perceived efficacy of CBG? What adverse effects, if any, are associated with CBG use?

OBJECTIVES

The long-term goal is to provide exploratory research into the in vivo physiological and psychological effects, if any, of cannabigerol in humans. The objective of the current study is to determine whether clinically applied CBG in 100 healthy adults 21 or over in the United States has an effect on inflammatory markers in the body and/or self-reported physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The study has the following sub-objectives:

1. To provide initial data on the physiological and self-reported psychological effects CBG;

2. To work towards development of a CBG administration method for easier physician dosage control and oversight;

3. To review and document current industry practices and research in regard to CBG use;

4. To outline a conceptual framework for the clinical application of CBG.

The result of this study will be valuable to industry practitioners as well as patient populations in developing a clear pharmacological picture of the efficacy and risks of full spectrum CBG consumption.