This article is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment of any condition, symptom, or disease. Please consult with your veterinarian if your dog is suffering from any troubling symptoms.
Are you interested in learning more about CBG oil for dogs?
The good news is that scientists are learning more about this compound found in full-spectrum hemp oils for dogs such as Lolahemp. This article will review what we know about this phytocannabinoid as well as the gaps in our current knowledge.
First Things First: The Endocannabinoid System
In the last 20 years, scientific researchers have identified a new biological system known as the endocannabinoid system. It uses specialized enzymes, neural receptors, and transmitters to regulate a variety of vital life functions. In fact, the system promotes homeostasis (in other words balance). It regulates several functions including mood, metabolism, sleep, gut function, skin health, immune function, cell growth, and more.
In case you were wondering…yes, your dog has an endocannabinoid system! In fact, all mammals do. This system works both through enzymes produced in the body known as endocannabinoids, as well as through the introduction of compounds found in cannabis plants, known as phytocannabinoids.
The Entourage Effect in Organic Hemp Products
Researchers discovered early on that there are health benefits of the two most common compounds found in cannabis—THC and CBD. They also learned that the various phytocannabinoids (over 80 identified to date) worked better when used in combination. They dubbed this phenomenon “The Entourage Effect.”
Today, we will look at one such phytocannabinoid, Cannabigerol, otherwise known as "CBG."
Potential Health Benefit of Cannabigerol for Dogs
Lab testing on the potential health benefits of endocannabinoids has happened since these compounds were first isolated about 20 years ago. The two most common compounds, THC and CBD, have been the focus of the most medical research efforts.
However, CBG, the second most common compound found in hemp (a special low-THC strain of cannabis) has become a recent focus in scientific research on murine models and laboratory animals. Although it is certainly behind the research on CBD and THC, the results of a few dozen research studies have shown encouraging results.
Because it is one of the non-psychoactive cannabinoids (meaning it does not cause a “high” as THC does), CBG has been the subject of dozens of laboratory studies into its various potential health benefits.
Here are a few of the more robust studies:
Neuroprotection and Autoimmune Disease
Researchers have studied the neuroprotective properties of CBG and found that it may help protect against nerve damage by providing an anti-inflammatory effect and boosting antioxidant defense systems.
CBG is currently being researched as a potential treatment for the nervous system inflammatory diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis, and Huntington’s Disease.
Bladder Control
Research is ongoing, but CBG appears to play a role in regulating bladder control. It turns out that the bladder has a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors, suggesting that the Endocannabinoid System plays an important role in promoting homeostasis in this system.
CBG specifically has been identified as providing improved bladder control in lab studies on Overactive Bladder Syndrome (OAB) and Detrusor Overactivity (DO).
Anti-Tumor Activity
Researchers have known for at least a decade that the endocannabinoid system plays a critical role in cancer.
CBG is known to be a TRPM8 antagonist, a specific channel that is implicated in various forms of cancer. Although the study of the less prevalent cannabinoid, cannabigerol, is not as well developed, early results are promising.
We are prohibited by FDA compliance from discussing in too much detail the relationship between CBG and cancer, however, below you can find some links to publicly available medical research studies on the subject to learn more about the current state of research:
Anti-Bacterial Action
CBG, like other phytocannabinoids, has been shown to have antibacterial properties. When it comes to CBG for dogs, it is possible that the CBG in full-spectrum hemp oil may help improve the antibacterial action of this natural remedy.
This may offer an advantage for full-spectrum hemp oil when used topically to prevent infection on areas of damaged skin from itching and scratching, although more research needs to be done to investigate the benefits for this health issue.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The gut is another place in the body of mammals where high concentrations of cannabinoid receptors can be found. In fact, CBD, another cannabinoid found in hemp, is known to regulate gut motility, protect the intestinal barrier, and play an important role in the brain-gut axis.
More specifically, CBG has been shown in laboratory studies on rats to offer a significant improvement in disorders of the gut such as Colitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Many holistic veterinarians and dog owners have found that hemp oil has improved their canine companion’s digestion. Although much of this activity may be from the common cannabinoid CBD, even trace amounts of CBG found in full-spectrum hemp oil, such as Lolahemp oils, may boost this benefit.
Veterinary Research
Veterinary research, which is usually at least a decade behind medicine developed for humans, has yet to do dog-specific studies on the potential health benefits of CBG. However, many veterinarians, encouraged by cannabis-based medical research for people and the well-known safety profile of CBD for dogs, have advocated to protect vets who want to prescribe cannabis-based medicines to their furry patients.
It is likely that we will see continued research on the potential health benefits of CBG oil for both people and dogs in the years to come. Cannabis-based medical research is currently in a rapid state of expansion, with a recent trend to study the pharmacology of novel phytocannabinoids such as CBG.
Full Spectrum Hemp Oil
The best way to make sure that your dog’s hemp oil contains CBG is to make sure you purchase an organic full-spectrum hemp oil such as those offered here at Lolahemp.
Plus, we now also offer an extra-strength oil that contains added CBG extract to boost the concentration of this new and exciting cannabinoid. You can learn more and purchase this unique CBG oil for dogs formula by clicking the image below.
References:
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https://lolahemp.com/collections/tinctures/products/lolahemp-extra-strength-full-spectrum-hemp-oil-for-pets-1800mg-60ml-tincture
