Cannabigerol (CBG) Reduces Anxiety and Stress While Improving Memory in Clinical Trials

As the United States debates rescheduling cannabis and whether it should regulate specific cannabinoids or not, researchers are doing the necessary legwork to make sure we understand how these cannabinoids interact with our bodies. A recent study published in Scientific Reports¹ found that CBG could reduce anxiety and stress while improving memory.

These days, you walk into almost any gas station, and you can find CBD products and hemp products touting THCA, CBD, CBG, and more – but there’s still little research to back up the claims that some of these products make.

Clinical Trials on CBG for Anxiety Find Positive Results

A recent Washington State University study is one of few that involves clinical trials – and a rather unique cannabinoid we don’t see as much talk about as maybe we should. According to their research, CBG could have benefits in reducing stress and anxiety like CBD and THC have shown to do – but unlike the others, this cannabinoid may also aid in improved memory.

This is most interesting because cannabis, especially strains high in THC, is notoriously bad for your short-term working memory. If CBG has the opposite effect, it may also have therapeutic potential in conditions like Alzheimer’s, where declining memory is one of the most debilitating effects.

What the WSU Study Tells Us About Using CBG in Medicine

Specifically, the WSU study used 20mg of hemp-derived CBG as a tincture or a placebo. Participants were asked to rate their mood, stress, anxiety, and variables that would help researchers rate cognitive abilities and potential intoxication.

They were asked to re-rate those feelings after taking the tincture or placebo, as well as to report any potential side effects such as dry eyes and mouth, increased appetite, heart palpitations, or drowsiness.

The same process was repeated a week later, with participants given the alternate (placebo or CBG tincture) prior to completing the assessments. Which the participants received first was chosen randomly so that participants and research assistants were unaware of which product was administered each time.

Cuttler and the WSU Team Aim for Accuracy Above Everything

“We triple-checked to ensure accuracy, and the enhancement was statistically significant,” lead researcher and Associate Professor of Psychology at Washington State University said.

Most interestingly, the study determined that, unlike THC, the use of CBG did not produce cognitive or motor impairments – while having the potential to boost memory, giving it another benefit over the psychoactive cannabinoid and even the ever-popular CBD.

“We need to avoid claims that CBG is a miracle drug. It’s new and exciting, but replication and further research are crucial,” Cuttler said. “Ongoing and future studies will help build a comprehensive understanding of CBG’s benefits and safety, potentially offering a new avenue for reducing feelings of anxiety and stress without the intoxicating effects of THC.”

Understanding CBG and Its Uses and Benefits

“CBG is becoming increasingly popular, with more producers making bold, unsubstantiated claims about its effects,” Cuttler said. “Our study is one of the first to provide evidence supporting some of these claims, helping to inform both consumers and the scientific community.”

There are tons of studies on THC and CBD; we even have an FDA-approved CBD-based medication (Epidiolex), but our understanding of CBG is far less extensive. However, this study found that 78% found that CBG was more effective at managing their symptoms of anxiety when compared to conventional anxiety medications.

The Future of CBGA Research at WSU

There is a long way to go before we see a CBG based medicine being approved by the FDA, but these clinical trials are certainly a step in that direction. From here, Cuttler’s research team are working on the next phase of their clinical trials, intending to replicate their findings while including additional measurements such as heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels.

The next phase of this study will also investigate how the cannabinoid affects those who are not currently cannabis users – as the participants now do consume other cannabis products and may react differently than those who have never used cannabis. Cuttler also hopes to find out if and how CBG could be used to help manage the symptoms of menopause in aging women.

This could be the beginning to a research landslide as CBG and CBGA are both being researched for various therapeutic benefits – and the discovery of a potential for improving memory is something that medical science could utilize to benefit dozens of conditions. Of course, only time and more studying will tell – until then, be weary of any claims made on any hemp or cannabis products, do your own research, and always consult with your doctor before adding or switching any medications in your routine!

Study Reference:

^{1. Cuttler, C., Spradlin, A., Cleveland, M. J., & Craft, R. M. (2024). Acute effects of cannabigerol on anxiety, stress, and mood: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Scientific Reports, 14, Article 66879. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66879-0}