Study Suggests CBG May Improve Learning and Assist in Treating Anxiety and Stress

"Cannabigerol (CBG) is a phytocannabinoid that is gaining popularity, with preclinical research suggesting anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. However, there are still no published clinical trials corroborating these findings in humans." This is stated by researchers from Washington State University (WSU) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), who conducted the first clinical trial with CBG. The results, published in Scientific Reports, show a significant improvement in reducing anxiety and stress, as well as an improvement in verbal memory. "CBG may represent a new option for reducing stress and anxiety in healthy adults," according to a passage from the study.

What is CBG?

CBG is a phytocannabinoid that has attracted increasing attention for its therapeutic potential. Initially, research on CBG was limited due to the predominant focus on the effects of THC and CBD. However, preclinical studies in animals have revealed that CBG has a wide range of potential therapeutic properties.

Among these effects, its potent antibacterial and antifungal activity stands out, suggesting that CBG could be a promising option in combating infections. Additionally, CBG has shown potential antihypertensive effects, helping to reduce blood pressure and intraocular pressure, which may be beneficial for treating conditions such as glaucoma. In psoriasis models, CBG reduced the proliferation of keratinocytes, indicating a possible use in treating this skin condition.

CBG has also shown potential efficacy in treating inflammatory bowel diseases and analgesic effects that may be useful in pain relief. Another interesting aspect of CBG is its antidepressant-like effect, without producing the typical cannabimimetic effects of THC, suggesting that CBG may offer therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects associated with THC.

Returning to the Study

The clinical trial, which began in March 2022 and concluded in November 2023, involved 34 participants aged between 21 and 60 years. The participants were divided into two equal groups, one receiving 20 mg of CBG and the other a placebo tincture.

The study was conducted in two phases. After ingesting the substance corresponding to their group, participants completed an online questionnaire, where the first assessment (T1) was recorded. They then participated in the Trier Social Stress Test, a task known to induce stress in a controlled manner. After this, they provided the second assessment (T2) regarding their subjective state and the effects of the substance, approximately 45 minutes after the start of the study.

Finally, participants completed the California Verbal Learning Test-II and the DRUID app, which measures coordination and cognition. About 60 minutes after the start, participants provided the third assessment (T3) of their subjective state and the effects of the substance.

One week later, participants repeated the same tasks, but this time, the substance ingested was reversed (those who took CBG in the first phase now received the placebo).

These tests allowed for significant results, such as a reduction of nearly 27% in baseline anxiety levels and an improvement in verbal memory. "The effect was more pronounced in tests 2 and 3, with participants in the CBG condition recalling, on average, 0.5 more words in test 2 and 1 more word in test 3 compared to the placebo condition. Tests 2 and 3 represent learning tests, indicating that CBG may enhance learning," the study emphasizes. 

Researchers point out that further studies are needed to obtain more information about the efficacy of CBG. The team is already planning a subsequent clinical trial to replicate their findings and add physiological measures, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels.