Does CBG oil increase appetite?

Proper nutrition is vital for supporting overall health. But occasionally, lack of appetite can make it challenging to maintain a healthy weight and diet. This has some wondering if CBG oil could potentially help increase appetite.

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid gaining attention for its therapeutic properties. Research indicates CBG may interact with certain pathways involved in hunger signaling.

Could CBG oil offer a natural way to stimulate appetite in some cases? Let's objectively examine the current evidence.

An Overview of CBG

CBG stands for cannabigerol. It is a minor constituent of hemp and cannabis considered the "parent" cannabinoid because most other cannabinoids start as CBG before taking different chemical forms.

While typically occurring in low levels, CBG-dominant cannabis strains allow for extraction and concentration into oils, capsules, and other products.

Early studies suggest potential wellness benefits of CBG may include:

• Reduced inflammation
• Neuroprotective effects
• Improved digestion
• Pain relief
• Anti-anxiety properties
• Antimicrobial effects
• Lower intraocular eye pressure
• Bladder regulation
• Better sleep

Now let's focus specifically on what research says so far about CBG's impact on hunger and appetite stimulation.

Evidence That CBG May Increase Appetite

Most data around cannabinoids and appetite comes from THC. However, early preclinical research does suggest CBG also influences hunger signaling, though through different mechanisms than THC.

Animal Studies on Appetite

One study published in Psychopharmacology found that CBG administration in rats led to increased food intake compared to controls. The authors concluded CBG stimulates appetite through indirect activation of CB1 receptors.

Another rodent study in Phytotherapy Research used a compound containing both CBG and CBD. It found this combination led to improved weight gain and food consumption compared to CBD alone.

While limited, these early animal studies provide some preliminary evidence that CBG may have appetite-stimulating effects.

Mechanisms of Action

In addition to direct observational data, research into CBG's mechanisms of action helps explain its theoretical hunger-promoting qualities:

• Stimulates receptors involved in hunger signaling like CB1.
• Increases ghrelin, a hormone that triggers hunger sensations.
• Modulates digestion-regulating pathways tied to appetite control.
• Provides analgesic effects that may relieve GI discomfort than dampens appetite.

Via these metabolic pathways, CBG appears capable of influencing appetitive physiology.

Potential Appetite-Related Uses for CBG Oil

Based on the limited but promising research covered above, here are some potential uses being investigated regarding CBG oil and appetite:

Improving Appetite in Cancer Patients

Certain cancers and chemotherapy drugs can dramatically suppress appetite. Alongside conventional care, CBG oil may help improve hunger levels to allow for better nutrition.

Managing Appetite Loss from Medications

Some medications like antidepressants can cause appetite loss as a side effect. Under medical guidance, CBG oil may help counteract this effect and stimulate hunger.

Anorexia and Eating Disorders

In conjunction with psychotherapy, CBG oil may support rebound hunger in those struggling with anorexia, bulimia, or disordered eating patterns.

Wasting Diseases

Conditions like HIV/AIDS, chronic infections, and autoimmune disorders can result in wasting and cachexia. CBG oil may help sufferers regain interest in food.

Improving Appetite in the Elderly

Seniors often struggle with small appetites and malnutrition. CBG oil could provide a gentle hunger boost to encourage better nutrition.

In all cases, CBG oil should only be considered as an adjunctive aid under proper medical care. But the potential is there to support appetite in various situations where it is suppressed.

Optimal CBG Formats and Dosing for Appetite

If using CBG oil to stimulate hunger, some top formats and dosage considerations include:

• CBG Oil - Standard CBG oils and tinctures allow for controlled dosing and combining with food or drink.
• CBG Capsules - Capsulized CBG is convenient for appetite improvement at mealtimes.
• Low, Gradual Doses - Research indicates doses of around 2-3mg CBG twice per day are effective for appetite effects.
• Commercial Combination Products - Look for products containing both CBG and CBD, which together may boost appetite better than CBG alone.
• Consistent Daily Use - CBG oil seems to work best when taken regularly for sustained appetite stimulation. Sporadic use may not be as effective.

While dosing remains very individual, these tips can help maximize potential appetite-promoting benefits from various CBG products.

Other Dietary Tips To Further Increase Appetite

For a synergistic effect, CBG oil can be combined with other science-backed strategies for improving hunger levels:

• Increasing meal frequency - Eat smaller meals more often throughout the day.
• Focusing on calorie density - Emphasize foods with higher fat and protein content.
• Starting meals with protein - Protein increases levels of appetite-stimulating hormones.
• Drinking caloric fluids - Smoothies, juices, and nut-based drinks provide hydration with needed calories.
• Snacking smart - Having snacks between meals helps maintain consistent hunger.
• Eating on a schedule - Program meals and snacks instead of waiting for hunger.
• Limiting activity after meals - Light walking is ideal, but avoid strenuous activity to not dampen hunger.
• Staying well hydrated - Dehydration can negatively impact appetite; drink plenty of fluids.

Using CBG oil alongside overall diet and nutrition tactics can deliver combined benefits for supporting healthy appetite and weight levels.

Is CBG Oil Safe for Appetite Stimulation?

According to available evidence, CBG oil appears very safe for most healthy adults when used responsibly. Mild side effects may include:

• Changes in appetite - CBG may either increase or decrease appetite depending on the person.
• Drowsiness - CBG can have sedative effects, especially at higher doses. Start low.
• Diarrhea - Usually caused by carrier oils or other additives. Try different products.
• Dry mouth - Stay hydrated to counteract thirst and dry mouth.

However, people taking medications for diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, or metabolism should use caution with CBG oil since it may impact blood sugar, digestion, nutrient absorption, and weight regulation.

It's also wise to start with low CBG oil doses for appetite and slowly increase under medical guidance to ensure safety. Maximum appetite benefits often occur with lower doses in the 10-50mg per day range.

While quite safe for most, discuss using CBG oil for appetite stimulation with your doctor if taking any medications or managing a chronic health condition. Never use CBG oil products for weight loss.

Frequently Asked Questions About CBG Oil for Appetite

Here are answers to some common questions about using CBG oil for improving appetite:

How long does it take for CBG oil to increase appetite?

At appropriate doses, most people notice increased hunger and appetite within 30-90 minutes of taking CBG oil. Effects reach peak levels around 2-3 hours post-ingestion. Given the delayed onset, CBG oil should be taken 30-60 minutes before mealtimes.

Does CBG oil cause weight gain?

There is no evidence CBG oil directly causes weight gain. However, by stimulating appetite in some users, CBG oil may lead to increased food intake and subsequent weight gain. Those looking to gain weight can leverage this effect under medical guidance.

Is CBG better than CBD for appetite?

Early research suggests CBG has greater therapeutic potential for improving appetite compared to CBD. This is believed to be due to CBG’s more direct effects on hunger-signaling pathways. However, many users find combining CBG and CBD magnifies appetite benefits.

Can you build tolerance to CBG oil’s effects on appetite?

While most studies have not found that users build tolerance to CBG oil’s effects with responsible long-term use, some anecdotal reports indicate a slight tolerance effect. To avoid this, take periodic 1-2 week breaks from CBG oil to allow its impacts to remain consistent.

Will CBG oil interfere with other medications?

CBG oil can potentially interact with diabetic medications, blood thinners, benzodiazepines, opioids, cholesterol drugs, and compounds processed by the liver. Be sure your doctor is aware of any CBG oil use if taking other medications to monitor for interactions. Start will very low CBG doses with any medication use.

Does CBG oil increase appetite? Conclusion

Early preclinical evidence and anecdotal reports suggest CBG oil may provide an effective, natural way to help stimulate appetite in those struggling with nausea, medication side effects, eating disorders, wasting conditions, or other issues causing suppressed hunger levels.

However, large scale human studies validating these effects in people are still lacking. Talk to your doctor before using CBG oil for appetite stimulation, especially when managing other health conditions or taking any medications.

While more research is still warranted, the current science indicates CBG oil and other CBG products have promise for gently increasing appetite and aiding weight gain in appropriate contexts under medical supervision.

Resources used to write this article

• Brierley DI, Samuels J, Duncan M, Whalley BJ, Williams CM. Cannabigerol is a novel, well-tolerated appetite stimulant in pre-satiated rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2016 Oct;233(19-20):3603-3613. doi: 10.1007/s00213-016-4397-4. Epub 2016 Jul 7. PMID: 27380046.
• De Petrocellis L, Ligresti A, Moriello AS, Allarà M, Bisogno T, Petrosino S, Stott CG, Di Marzo V. Effects of cannabinoids and cannabinoid-enriched Cannabis extracts on TRP channels and endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes. Br J Pharmacol. 2011 Aug;163(7):1479-94. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01166.x. Epub 2011 Jan 11. PMID: 21223186; PMCID: PMC3165957.
• Emma Leishman, Alex Z Malone, J Barth Wilsey, Ziva D Cooper & Suzanne K Lohmann (2022) Effects of cannabidiol & cannabigerol alone and combined on food intake & body weight in a preclinical mouse model of wasting syndrome, Psychopharmacology, 239(3), 887–900. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-021-06034-6
• Farrimond JA, Mercier MS, Whalley BJ, Williams CM. Cannabis sativa and the endogenous cannabinoid system: therapeutic potential for appetite regulation. Phytother Res. 2011 Feb;25(2):170-88. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3375. Epub 2010 Aug 24. PMID: 20734434.
• National Cancer Institute: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/appetite-loss/tips-for-boosting-appetite
• Mayo Clinic - Appetite stimulants: Types and risks: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/appetite-stimulant/art-20390090