A first study observes the effect of CBG on its users

It is both the «father» of all cannabinoids, and a virtual unknown. Visit cannabigerol (CBG) has the right to its very first impact study, with consumers who use it regularly. The research is being conducted by prestigious scientist Ethan Russo, one of the world's leading experts on the endocannabinoid system. He founded Credo Science and, in the past, has advised GW Pharmaceuticals on its drugs. Epidiolex or Sativex.

For study the effect of this minor cannabinoid, Russo and his peers conducted an online survey of 127 Americans suffering from a pathology. All had consumed CBG-dominant products within the last six months. This incomplete methodology (there was no control group, receiving a placebo, as in most scientific studies) provides the beginnings of an answer.

In any case, it seems to be effective. For 74 % of those surveyed, CBG is better than traditional drugs for treating chronic pain. This is also the case for 80 % of people suffering from depression, 73 % of insomniacs and 78 % of anxiety sufferers.

Dry mouth, strong appetite and drowsiness

Some mild side effects are also present. 17 % of those questioned noted a problem of dry mouth, well known among cannabis smokers. 15 % of them noted a problem of drowsiness, 12 % an increase in appetite (which can also be a positive effect in certain illnesses), and 9 % noticed dry eyes.

However, the study's good figures must be put into perspective, given the absence of a control group. For scientists, it is impossible to prove the efficacy of a treatment without observing the difference between two groups.

But Ethan Russo is aware that his search is only the first step. «To date, this is the first survey of patients using CBG-dominant products, and the first to show the efficacy of these products, particularly for anxiety, chronic pain, depression or insomnia.» Now the scientific community must go further and take up the subject: «CBG-dominant drugs should be studied in randomized controlled trials [with control group and placebo].»