Cannabinoids in Chronic Pain: Research Says CBG Deserves More Attention

Summary

The study “The Pharmacology of Cannabinoids in Chronic Pain” highlights the need to explore CBG (cannabigerol) as a powerful, non-addictive alternative for pain management, given its unique interactions with CB2 receptors, TRP channels, and adrenergic pathways. As the opioid epidemic continues in 2025, CBG’s potential to reduce inflammation, neuropathic pain, and muscle tension makes it a promising potential solution for chronic pain sufferers seeking safer, plant-based relief.

The study “The Pharmacology of Cannabinoids in Chronic Pain” (Cortez-Resendiz et al., 2025) takes a deep dive into how cannabinoids interact with the body’s pain pathways, offering a scientific foundation for cannabis-based pain management. While most research and medical cannabis treatments focus on THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), this study highlights the need to explore lesser-known cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG).

CBGa is often called the “mother cannabinoid” because it’s the precursor to THCa, CBCa, and CBDa. But, recent findings suggest it may have unique pain-relieving properties that go beyond what its more famous counterparts offer – and shed light on the powers of CBGa and it’s offspring CBG.

CBG vs. CBD: A New Era in Pain Management

CBD and CBG have been widely recognized in research for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. CBG interacts with pain pathways in a much more potent way that could make it even more effective for certain types of chronic pain. Unlike THC, which primarily binds to CB1 receptors (causing psychoactive effects), CBG acts on CB2 receptors, TRP channels, and adrenergic receptors.

This action plays key roles in reducing nerve pain, inflammation, and muscle tension. This means CBG could be particularly beneficial for conditions like neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and inflammatory disorders, where both the nervous system and immune system are involved.

CBG and TRPV3: A Game-Changer for Nerve and Skin Pain

A major highlight of this study is the potential for CBG to modulate TRPV3 channels, which are crucial for sensory perception and skin health. Dysfunction in TRPV3 is linked to neuropathic pain, inflammatory skin disorders, and even neurodegenerative diseases. The study suggests that cannabinoids like CBG and CBD may help stabilize TRPV3 activity, preventing overactive pain signaling and excessive inflammation.

This could make CBG a powerful option for chronic pain sufferers who haven’t found relief with standard treatments, which has private and public researchers scurrying to provide more information on this cannabinoid with so much potential.

A Call to Action: The Opioid Epidemic and Pain

In 2025, the opioid epidemic remains a public health crisis, with overdose deaths still alarmingly high with estimates for this year to hit over 150,000 overdose deaths despite efforts to curb prescription abuse and expand treatment options. The rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl has only made the crisis worse, as these substances are 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, leading to increased fatalities even at low doses.

While traditional painkillers have failed to provide safe, long-term solutions for chronic pain, cannabinoids like CBG (cannabigerol) offer a promising alternative by targeting pain and inflammation without the risk of addiction, respiratory depression, or overdose.

CBG’s interaction with CB2 receptors, adrenergic receptors, and TRP channels suggests it could be an effective non-opioid option for managing chronic pain, helping patients reduce reliance on opioids while maintaining pain relief and quality of life. With the opioid crisis still raging, it’s time to prioritize research into cannabinoids like CBG as part of a safer, science-backed approach to pain management.

Beyond THC: The Entourage Effect with CBG

One of the biggest takeaways from this research is that cannabinoids work better together than alone. The entourage effect—the idea that multiple cannabinoids enhance each other’s effects—suggests that CBG combined with CBD may provide superior pain relief compared to either compound alone.

This could explain why full-spectrum cannabis extracts (which contain a mix of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids) are often reported to work better for pain relief, inflammation, and nerve function than isolated compounds like pure THC or CBD.

The Future of CBG in Medicine

The next wave of cannabis research is shifting toward CBG, CBC, and other minor cannabinoids, and this study reinforces why that’s so important. While CBD and THC have paved the way for cannabis-based medicine, CBG’s interactions with CB2 receptors, TRPV channels, and adrenergic pathways suggest it could be a leading player in future pain treatments.

As more clinical trials explore CBG’s effects on chronic pain, inflammation, and neuroprotection, it may soon join—or even surpass—CBD as one of the most valuable cannabinoids for pain management.

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Reference: The Pharmacology of Cannabinoids in Chronic Pain, Med Cannabis Cannabinoids (2025) 8 (1): 31–46. https://doi.org/10.1159/000543813