Is CBG for Cancer the next Big thing in Cancer Treatment ?
The American Cancer Society say over 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. That’s about 5,480 people every single day.
Although there is no ‘cure’ for cancer yet, researchers are researching hard to find new ways to treat the disease and improve lives of cancer survivors.
CBG for cancer looks highly promising
Research and stories of how cancer patients are winning with CBG-infused therapies are making headlines lately.
One of such inspiring stories is of 23-year-old Cheyann, who shared her exciting journey with Healthline. Thirty-six days before her wedding, the fitness social media influencer was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer.
She went on about how she beat the cancer using Rick Simpson’s Oil, a renowned full-spectrum cannabis product, made with several cannabinoids, including Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Cannabinol (CBD), and CBG.
There are many more stories like Cheyann’s, and they are mostly in line with findings from early CBG studies.
Several lab experiments confirm CBG may slow cancer cell growth and suppress symptoms that make life tough for cancer patients, including:
What really is CBG, and why all the hype?
CBG means Cannabigerol, one of over 120 compounds (called cannabinoids) researchers have so far discovered in cannabis.
The CBG compound is nicknamed “Mother of All Cannabinoids” because all other cannabinoids were formed from it, including the most popular THC and CBD.
CBG and CBD have similar properties.
Like CBD, CBG can slightly stimulate your mind, but so mildly that it never causes a ‘high’—even at high doses.
Researchers also found that both CBG and CBD work similarly in managing:
But during extraction, extractors find way more CBD than CBG in mature cannabis plants. This CBG scarcity makes it more difficult to extract CBG for research and commercial production—compared to the more-talked-about CBD.
How does CBG for cancer work?
Researchers believe CBG interacts with certain receptors and pathways in the body involved in the growth and death of cancer cells.
They explain how CBG binds to CB1 and CB2receptors, both channels responsible for regulating cell death (apoptosis) and spread of cancer cells.
There’s also evidence that CBG interacts with TRPM8, a pathway that could slow the growth of cancer cells—particularly in the prostate.
Several studies also suggest CBG’s anti-inflammatory potentials might reduce swelling and ease the pain cancer patients often deal with.
By such research and firsthand user reviews, CBG may eventually become a pharmaceutical prescription for treatment of certain forms of cancer, including:
Testimonials and research on CBG for different types of cancer
CBG for Breast Cancer
In breast cancer studies, CBG has shown good results in slowing the growth of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells. Since many breast cancer cells feed on estrogen, CBG’s ability to block estrogen production is a big plus to cancer treatment research.
In a Meta-analysis of cannabigerol’s effect on breast cancer tissue cells, CBG was found to slow breast cancer cell growth in mice.
CBG for Colon Cancer
Colon cancer cases are expected to reach 2.2 million by 2030, and a projected 1.1 million deaths worldwide.
Researchers suggest CBG might reduce colonic inflammation and tumor formulation which are major issues in colorectal cancer.
CBG may help reduce tumor growth in animal models, by encouraging apoptosis (cell death) and boosting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are enemies of colon cancer cells.
CBG for Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer can be tough to treat, and comes with severe pain. Here’s where CBG comes handy.
CBG’s pain-relieving properties have been celebrated in several research reviews, and researchers are recommending the extract as a highly effective pain reliever for pancreatic cancer patients.
While research on CBG for pancreatic cancer is still in its early stage, CBG’s ability to ease pain and slow cancer growth is a big step in the search for an effective and more natural cancer treatment.
CBG for Prostate Cancer
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Prostate cancer is one of the most dreaded health concerns for men—1 in 8 men will face it in their lifetime, and it kills 1 in 44.
The most common treatments for prostate cancer are internal and external radiation, and radiopharmaceutical therapies.
Sadly, these treatments often leave some nasty side effects. For instance, radiopharmaceuticals may increase risk of developing gastrointestinal and bladder cancers.
In recent findings, CBG has been shown to slow prostate cancer cell growth, when combined with CBD and other cannabinoids.
In a clinical trial, the research author reported reduced number of prostate tumor cells after administering 10mg of cannabinoid extract twice daily; three days on, three days off.
CBG for Glioblastoma
Glioblastoma, a type of brain and spinal cord cancer, has been treated in past research with a THC-CBD formula. But the psychoactive effects of THC have raised concerns, especially for patients worried about cognitive decline.
A review in the MDPI journal recommends CBG as a better alternative to THC for these forms of cancer. Like THC, they inhibit tumor progression, but do not leave users ‘stoned’ as THC does.
Even more, CBG may be effective against glioblastoma stem cells, which are resistant to traditional treatments.
The review authors recommend swapping out THC for CBG in future glioblastoma clinical trials.
Caution when using CBG for cancer patients
Results from early research suggest CBG is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. But, some users report mild effects, such as:
The severity of these side effects largely depends on the amount consumed and the patient’s unique body makeup.
If your doctor gives greenlight to use CBG, feel free to ask for further advice and recommended dosage.
Because CBG is found in small amounts, shopping for pure CBG-only products can seem like a treasure hunt.
Most CBG-labeled products are full-spectrum cannabis extract—with CBG, alongside THC, CBD and other less-known cannabinoids.
CBG can be infused in many product forms—oils, lotions, capsules, and edibles (like CBG-infused foods and drinks). This gives users flexible ways to apply CBG, based on each person’s health condition and individual lifestyle.
But before you add CBG to your cancer treatment plan, consult a healthcare professional, preferably one with experience in medical cannabis.
Do well to share your cancer diagnosis, treatment history, and any other health conditions you might have.
Is CBG Legal?
In the U.S., CBG is legal at the federal level, but only if it comes from the hemp variant of cannabis and contains not more than 0.3% THC.
The regulations and restrictions vary from state to state.
So, before using CBG for cancer treatment, check your local cannabis laws. As more countries and regions decriminalize cannabis, CBG will likely become more accessible over time.
Can CBG Alone Be Used to Treat Cancer?
Note that CBG is not recognized as a cancer treatment yet. Research into CBG is still too early to certify the compound as a prescribed treatment to cancer patients.
But early research all points at CBG’s potential to inhibit cancer cell growth, shrink tumors, and manage common cancer symptoms like pain and loss of appetite.
Your healthcare provider can help you figure out if CBG could complement your current treatment plan.
CBG may turnout the next big thing in cancer treatment
While research on CBG and its effects on cancer is still in the early stages, the findings so far are promising.
Behind all the exciting testimonials and emerging studies, scientists are digging deeper into the cannabis plant to uncover more about how CBG works for cancer patients—and what other solutions it might offer health seekers and healthcare providers.
It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before adding CBG to your cancer care routine.
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4moIntrigued by the potential of CBG for cancer. More studies, please! 👨🔬 🙏