By now, you’ve probably heard about CBD, or cannabidiol. Extracted from the cannabis plant, CBD is available for dogs in treats topical creams, oils, tinctures, you name it. It can help relieve everything from arthritis pain, anxiety and seizures.
But there’s a new product on the market derived from the cannabis plant called CBG or cannabigerol, and it could improve your dog’s health in ways CBD can’t.
What is CBG?
CBG is the chemical precursor, or “stem cell,” to other cannabinoids and is found in young cannabis or hemp plants. (The conversion to other cannabinoids like THC and CBD occurs at around six to eight weeks in the flowering cycle.)
Because of this, CBG has unique properties. Keep in mind, there are around 100 compounds, or phytocannabinoids, found in the cannabis plant that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system regulates body functions including temperature, sleep, skin health, gut health, immune function, mood, metabolism and other vital life functions.
When to Use CBG
You might try CBG if your dog isn’t responding to CBD. It may also be a better choice for daytime use as CBG has an energizing effect rather than the calming effect of CBD. It also depends on your particular dog and the circumstances. For example, if you have an aging dog that spends most of his time sleeping or a dog that lies around all day because of aches and pains due to arthritis or other joint issues, CBG might be a better choice. (It can also be used in conjunction with CBD.)
How CBG Can Help Your Dog
Help with pain: CBG may protect against nerve damage because it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties make CBG beneficial to inflammatory conditions in dogs like arthritis and hip dysplasia.
Boosts mood: CBG may increase anandamide, an endocannbinoid (one of the body’s own cannabinoids) that naturally increases dopamine levels and is responsible for regulating various critical health functions such as mood, sleep and appetite. It may be helpful for dogs who are depressed, anxious or fearful.
Helps with focus: It can be beneficial to dogs during training sessions as CBG is more energizing and uplifting than CBD oil. It may also aid the learning process as CBG has been shown to promote , neurogenesis is the growth of new brain cells.
Aid in recovery: If your dog has cancer, administering CBG may slow the production of cancer cells and boost the body’s immune system. It can help a dog recover during cancer therapies as it helps with nausea and vomiting and boosts the appetite
May relieve eye pressure: Because of its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, CBG may be part of the treatment for dogs that are in danger of developing glaucoma or other eye conditions, as it could reduce pressure.
Offer relief from bladder issues. For dogs that have frequent accidents, CBG has shown some potential for helping with bladder control (as long as it isn’t a side effect of a urinary tract infection). CBG can also help alleviate IBS and colitis.
Making CBG Part of Your Dog’s Routine
CBG is generally more expensive as it is present in minute amounts in most cannabis strains. James Rowland, CEO of Steve’s Goods, a brand that produces CBG products, told forbes “It takes thousands of pounds of biomass to create small amounts of CBG isolate.” That’s why CBG has been called “the Rolls Royce of cannabinoids.”
If you’ve been seeing positive effects from giving your dog CBD products, it might be more effective to try CBG for daytime use, especially in dogs that you are training as it helps with learning. CBG may also be a better choice for senior pups with mild dementia as it can increase mental focus and memory.
Both CBG and CBD are considered non-psychotropic, meaning they won’t cause intoxication or affect the state of mind in a manner that would inhibit any day-to-day function and men
