CBG for Glaucoma: Can Cannabigerol Help Manage Eye Pressure?
Glaucoma is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a leading cause of blindness, and although there are several treatment options available, they are not always effective. Cannabigerol (CBG), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, has been gaining popularity as a potential treatment for glaucoma. In this article, we will explore the science behind CBG and its potential benefits for managing eye pressure in people with glaucoma.
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a broad term for a group of eye conditions that hurt your visual nerve. It is the most common way to hurt the optic nerve and lose your sight.
Most of the time, fluid gets stuck in the front of your eye. This extra fluid puts pressure on your eye, which hurts your optic nerve slowly over time. This pressure is called eye pressure or intraocular pressure (IOP). Even if the pressure in the eyes is normal, some people can still get glaucoma. Glaucoma can cause permanent and irreversible vision loss and blindness if it is not treated or is not controlled well.
People get glaucoma in both eyes, even though it may start out being worse in one eye. In open-angle glaucoma, one eye may be damaged moderately or severely, while the other eye may only be affected slightly.
Current Treatment Options for Glaucoma
The current treatment options for glaucoma include eye drops, laser therapy, and surgery. While these treatments can be effective in managing eye pressure, they also have several drawbacks, such as side effects, high cost, and the need for frequent administration.
Glaucoma is a silent thief of sight
Glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages. In fact, half the people with glaucoma do not know they have it! Having regular eye exams can help your ophthalmologist find this disease before you lose vision. Your ophthalmologist can tell you how often you should be examined.
Medication for Glaucoma
Glaucoma is usually kept under control with eye drops. When used every day, these drops lower the pressure in your eyes. Some do this by making the eye make less watery fluid. Others lower pressure by making it easier for fluid to run through the drainage angle.
Medications for glaucoma can help you keep your sight, but they may also have side effects. Some eye drops may cause:
- Stinging or itching feeling
- Red skin around the eyes or red eyes
- Changes in your pulse and heartbeat, your energy level, and you're breathing (especially if you have asthma or other breathing problems).
- Dry mouth.
- Changes in the colour of your eyes, the skin around your eyes, or the way your eyelids look.
Side effects can happen with any medicine. When taken with other drugs, some can make things worse. It is important to tell your doctor what medicines you usually take.
Never stop taking your glaucoma medicine or change how you take it without first talking to your eye doctor.
What is CBG?
CBG, or cannabigerol, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBG is non-psychoactive, which means it does not produce the “high” associated with cannabis use.
How Does CBG Work?
CBG works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters found throughout the body. The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including pain sensation, appetite, mood, and immune function. CBG interacts with the ECS by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are primarily found in the brain and immune system, respectively.
The Science Behind CBG for Glaucoma
Several studies have investigated the potential of CBG as a treatment for glaucoma. One study published in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science found that CBG reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) in mice by 30% to 35%. This is comparable to the effect of the current gold standard treatment for glaucoma, Timolol.
Another study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology found that CBG had a neuroprotective effect on retinal cells in rats, which suggests that it may have potential as a treatment for retinal degenerative diseases such as glaucoma.
CBG vs. THC for Glaucoma
While THC has also been investigated as a potential treatment for glaucoma, its psychoactive effects make it unsuitable for long-term use. CBG, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and has been shown to have a similar effect on IOP as THC. This makes CBG a potentially safer and more effective treatment option for glaucoma.
How to Use CBG for Glaucoma
CBG can be consumed in several forms, including:
- Tinctures,
- Capsules
- Topical creams.
However, since CBG is not yet widely available, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using CBG for glaucoma. They can help determine the appropriate dosage and form of CBG for your specific needs. Read more about CBG/CBD dosage here
More blogs about CBG
DO NOT DROP CBG OIL DIRECTLY INTO YOUR EYES!
The Science Behind CBG's Effectiveness
CBG works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors that play a key role in regulating IOP. Studies suggest that CBG can increase the aqueous humor outflow, the fluid in the eye, thereby reducing IOP and mitigating one of the primary risk factors for glaucoma. Additionally, its neuroprotective properties may safeguard the optic nerve from damage, offering a dual approach to glaucoma treatment.
Comparative Advantages of CBG over Traditional Treatments
Traditional glaucoma treatments, such as prescription eye drops and surgery, while effective, come with a slew of potential side effects and limitations. CBG, on the other hand, presents a natural alternative with fewer side effects. Its ability to reduce IOP without the psychoactive effects associated with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) makes it an appealing option for patients seeking relief without the high.
The Real CBD – CBG products for Glaucoma
-
40% Pain Relief oil€179.00 -
Product on sale
CBD Vape – Broad Spectrum€30.00 – €45.00
Potential Side Effects of CBG
While CBG is generally considered safe, it may cause some side effects, including dry mouth, dizziness, and nausea. These side effects are typically mild and short-lived, but it is still important to monitor for them when using CBG.
Read more about CBD side effects here
Legal Status of CBG
CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and is legal in most countries. However, it is important to note that the legal status of CBG may vary depending on the source of the compound (hemp-derived vs. marijuana-derived).
Conclusion – CBG for Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. While current treatment options can be effective, they also have several drawbacks. Furthermore, CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It has shown promising results as a potential treatment for glaucoma. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and form of CBG for glaucoma treatment.
Read about more benefits of CBG here
FAQs
Yes, CBG is legal for glaucoma treatment in most countries.
CBG works by reducing intraocular pressure, which is the primary cause of vision loss in people with glaucoma.
The potential side effects of CBG include dry mouth, dizziness, and nausea. However, these side effects are typically mild and short-lived.
Yes, CBG can be used in conjunction with other glaucoma treatments. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before combining CBG with other medications.
No, CBG is non-psychoactive and does not produce the “high” associated with c
I am a certified expert in Medicinal Cannabis. We are all about giving correct and trustworthy information. We know how important it is to learn about CBD and cannabis, which is why we want to be your go-to source for trustworthy information. We help you improve your health by using our knowledge and experience as a starting point.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!