Instant Data - Fast, Real World Insights into Individual Effects of CBG and Anxiety

In a previous blog post, we explored the available scientific information on cannabigerol (CBG) and anxiety from three different peer-reviewed sources. The findings suggested that CBG is effective for anxiety, but there was a need for more information, because the effect was only slightly above placebo and at specific time points. In partnership with MoreBetter, NAP presents a rapid report into the first individual-specific onset data for CBG taken in real-time and a proof of concept for future studies.

This is the first rapid data field report, but there will be many more to come! While we cannot share any parts of our project that we are working to publish in the peer review, we can share all the proof-of-concept experiments along the way that contribute to the finished product. This is just one other way we are hoping to change paradigms in accessibility and transparency of research.

In under 2 weeks from the conception of the research idea to the completion, NAP and our data software partners MoreBetter were able to find some intriguing new insights into how cannabigerol (CBG) effects individuals. This is an example of how fast and directly applicable research can be and a case study for the more detailed studies we have in the works for the future! A small preliminary cohort (n=11) of participants reported their experience with 500-540mg of White CBG flower (12.55% CBGA, 0.05% CBG, 0.10% CBDA, and 0.26% THCA by weight) hand-rolled in rice paper by answering survey questions after 20 minute and 110 minutes post dosing. The data shows preliminary evidence of individual time-dependent responses to CBG that could potentially explain some of the contradictory findings from the previously published literature on CBG and anxiety.

Results and Discussion

Figure 1 - Background and Enrollment Information

A) Radar plot depiction of the terpene profile of White CBG flower as represented by the percentage of mass (w/w). B) Distribution of preferred method of consumption of participants. C) Distribution of participant prior experience with CBG products. D) Distribution of the CBG product types that participants had experience with.

The total terpene fraction of White CBG (Arrowleaf Hemp) was 0.97% mass - further investigation into the terpene, flavorant, and other aromatic chemical variations in CBG-dominant flower is needed to gauge its reproducibility and strain specificity as compared to CBDA or THCA flower. Unsurprisingly, inhalables (dabbing and smoking) dominated the preferred method of consumption with a combined 81.8% of participants favoring them over edibles, highlighting the need for continued research into inhalables and the complexity of its real-world applications. A majority of the participants had prior experience with CBG products, the most common being flower. This is a more knowledgable population than previously studied in clinical trials. Surprisingly, a large number of participants had experienced CBG hash, which has unique physical properties as compared to THC and CBD hash.

Figure 2 - Do you feel it? Yes, but it’s different.

A) Distribution of participants who felt a “drug effect” from the CBG at 20 minutes. B) Individual responses to a Likert rating scale for feeling anxiety, higher values equate to higher feelings of anxiety, the three timepoints are enrollment, 20 minutes, and 110 minutes after dosing for all participants who completed all time points.

CBG has interesting pharmacology between CBD and THC and is typically referred to in the peer-reviewed literature as having no intoxicating or altering effects. Interestingly, a majority of participants reported feeling some effect from the CBG at the 20 minute time period. This aligns with qualitative feedback from the community as a key difference between CBD and CBG experiences.

Participants were asked to respond to their level of agreement with the statement “I feel anxious right now,” with Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree nor Disagree, Disagree, or Strongly Disagree as options. For the participants who completed all timepoints for the study, they were almost equally split between CBG increasing anxiety or decreasing/maintaining levels of anxiety. Then at the second 110 minute time period, there were additional individual changes that varied from person to person. One participant had elevated anxiety during the CBG experience (T=20), but returned to baseline after the effects wore off (T=110). Other participants had a decrease in anxiety during the CBG experience, but slightly elevated anxiety from the main effect at the second time point. In general, it appears the anxiety-related effects of CBG may be specific to individuals with a contrasting effect in other neurotypes. It should be considered that this data was collected at an large outdoor event with many potential sources of overstimulation and other variables in experience that may have contributed to this variability.

Future Directions

“My experience after consuming CBG was a pleasant experience. I was clear, focused, and pain-free for the duration of the effects, about 45 minutes.” - Study Participant

With more and more products becoming available with CBG, it is important for us to continue to investigate how and why CBG can be beneficial to cannabis patients. Early studies show efficacy for anxiety, but it appears to be complicated by differing responses. This initial study points to potential variation in individual responses to not only CBG, but other molecules in Cannabis. Our next step is to expand this research with a larger study on CBG, focusing on individual differences in response and potential contributing factors. By increasing our participant pool and refining our data collection methods, we aim to gain deeper insights into how CBG interacts with different neurotypes and what might influence these varied effects. This ongoing work is crucial for understanding the full therapeutic potential of CBG and for guiding its use in personalized cannabis medicine that addresses the diverse needs of the community.

If you are in support of more research like this, please sign up for our email list below to join our network, sign up to volunteer with us in person, or donate to our research and education.

If you are interested in partnering with our research team, email research@appliedpharmacognosy.org

This study was conducted with the assistance of NAP real-world citizen science volunteers Ella Kiersey, Emily Steiger, and Samm Hilston.

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