A clear overview of the therapeutic potential of CBG, CBC and CBN: what scientific studies really show, which benefits are supported by evidence and which claims remain premature. A practical guide for clinicians, pharmacists and patients to navigate current findings, safety issues and marketing hype around emerging cannabinoids
What emerging cannabinoids are
Beyond THC and CBD, cannabis contains dozens of lesser-known phytocannabinoids. Among them, CBG, CBC and CBN are receiving growing attention for their possible therapeutic uses. They are mostly non-psychoactive and interact differently with the endocannabinoid system and other molecular targets.
CBG: potential and current research
Cannabigerol (CBG) is considered the “mother molecule” of many cannabinoids. A 2024 review in Molecules highlights anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antibacterial properties, though evidence is still mainly preclinical.
Another study in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (Nachnani et al., 2021) reports possible uses for neuroinflammatory and metabolic disorders:
Current evidence suggests:
1) possible role in chronic pain
2) antibacterial activity
3) preliminary neuroprotection
CBC: emerging but understudied
Cannabichromene (CBC) has been investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. A 2024 review in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research describes promising preclinical data but very limited human studies.
Potential fields of interest include:
1) inflammation modulation
2) pain management
3) neurogenesis
Standardisation and clinical trials remain the main gaps.
CBN and sleep: separating facts from claims
Cannabinol (CBN) is increasingly marketed as a natural sleep aid. Scientific evidence, however, is still preliminary. A clinical protocol published in BMJ Open evaluates its safety and efficacy for insomnia (Lavender et al., 2023)
What we know so far:
1) mild sedative effects when combined with other cannabinoids
2) limited data on isolated CBN
3) unclear optimal dose and long-term safety.
This gap can mislead consumers and inflate therapeutic expectations.
Future prospects and professional guidance
The cannabinoid market is growing rapidly, but the clinical usefulness of minor cannabinoids will depend on the quality of the research. Future prospects include an integrative role in pain and inflammatory disorders, possible indications in sleep regulation, and potential applications in neurology (CBG, CBC). Physicians and pharmacists can make a difference by checking for potential interactions, choosing safe and traceable products, and educating patients on responsible use.
Only with robust clinical studies and the guidance of healthcare professionals can emerging cannabinoids truly find their place in evidence-based medicine and ultimately enter routine clinical practice.
A clear overview of the therapeutic potential of CBG, CBC and CBN: what scientific studies really show, which benefits are supported by evidence and which claims remain premature. A practical guide for clinicians, pharmacists and patients to navigate current findings, safety issues and marketing hype around emerging cannabinoids
What emerging cannabinoids are
Beyond THC and CBD, cannabis contains dozens of lesser-known phytocannabinoids. Among them, CBG, CBC and CBN are receiving growing attention for their possible therapeutic uses. They are mostly non-psychoactive and interact differently with the endocannabinoid system and other molecular targets.
CBG: potential and current research
Cannabigerol (CBG) is considered the “mother molecule” of many cannabinoids.
A 2024 review in Molecules highlights anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antibacterial properties, though evidence is still mainly preclinical.
Another study in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (Nachnani et al., 2021) reports possible uses for neuroinflammatory and metabolic disorders:
Current evidence suggests:
1) possible role in chronic pain
2) antibacterial activity
3) preliminary neuroprotection
CBC: emerging but understudied
Cannabichromene (CBC) has been investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. A 2024 review in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research describes promising preclinical data but very limited human studies.
Potential fields of interest include:
1) inflammation modulation
2) pain management
3) neurogenesis
Standardisation and clinical trials remain the main gaps.
CBN and sleep: separating facts from claims
Cannabinol (CBN) is increasingly marketed as a natural sleep aid. Scientific evidence, however, is still preliminary. A clinical protocol published in BMJ Open evaluates its safety and efficacy for insomnia (Lavender et al., 2023)
What we know so far:
1) mild sedative effects when combined with other cannabinoids
2) limited data on isolated CBN
3) unclear optimal dose and long-term safety.
This gap can mislead consumers and inflate therapeutic expectations.
Future prospects and professional guidance
The cannabinoid market is growing rapidly, but the clinical usefulness of minor cannabinoids will depend on the quality of the research. Future prospects include an integrative role in pain and inflammatory disorders, possible indications in sleep regulation, and potential applications in neurology (CBG, CBC). Physicians and pharmacists can make a difference by checking for potential interactions, choosing safe and traceable products, and educating patients on responsible use.
Only with robust clinical studies and the guidance of healthcare professionals can emerging cannabinoids truly find their place in evidence-based medicine and ultimately enter routine clinical practice.
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