Can CBG Cause Hair Loss?

*Despite what you might read elsewhere on the internet, CBG has not been medically proven to prevent, treat, or cure hair loss. This article discusses ongoing research into the endocannabinoid system and should not be the foundation of any medical or health recommendations or diagnosis. If you have or suspect you may have hair loss, talk to your doctor.*

Are you thinking about using cannabigerol (CBG) but concerned it might cause hair loss? CBG interacts with receptors that transmit signals on your skin. Some researchers suggest that this could impact your hair follicles located beneath your skin, which hold your hair in place. So far, available scientific evidence does not suggest that CBG triggers hair loss. In fact, it might have the opposite effect.

An interruption in your body’s normal cycle of hair production and loss causes several types of hair loss. Hair growth happens in three phases. The growth phase can last for several years. After the hair stops growing, it separates from the follicle. This phase can last for about ten days. 

The hair follicle will then rest for two to three months before the hair falls out, triggering the next growth phase when new hair grows in the follicle. When a health condition or medication interrupts this cycle, hair can fall out faster than the body can regenerate it. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, it’s normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs every day. 

There are many reasons your body could begin to lose more hair. These include heredity, problems with the immune system, harsh hair products, certain medication, and some medical treatments. Persistent hair loss could also indicate an underlying health condition. Before trying to treat your hair loss at home, discuss your symptoms with your primary care physician. In some cases, simply changing your diet or changing medications can help.

CBG and the Endocannabinoid System

In 1990, a team from the National Institute of Mental Health announced they had discovered cannabinoid receptors in the brain. This led to the discovery that the body produces endogenous neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters interact with cannabinoid receptors. The term endogenous means that your body produces the chemicals. Scientists called them endocannabinoids and the system of receptors the endocannabinoid system.

Today, researchers have found that the endocannabinoid system consists of at least two types of cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are called CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are concentrated in your central nervous system, while the majority of CB2 receptors are found in your immune system. Scientists have proven this system is important to maintaining homeostasis (stability) in your body. It influences a variety of physiological processes, including your immune system, central nervous system, and your skin.

Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system to help regulate essential functions like sleep, appetite, and pain. Bodies should produce enough endogenous cannabinoids. However, low levels of endogenous cannabinoids could affect your bodily systems. People with a lack of cannabinoids could experience symptoms like uncomfortable joints, skin flair-ups, and anxious feelings.

CBG is called “the mother of all cannabinoids” because it is a precursor to many other cannabinoid chemicals. This means CBG is used by the plant to produce several other cannabinoid chemicals, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

CBG and Your Skin

In the past 20 years, researchers have found that cannabinoids are significant to skin health. There is evidence that a poorly functioning endocannabinoid system contributes to skin conditions. These include atopic dermatitis, acne, various tumors, psoriasis, and poor hair growth.

Although CBG is an active ingredient in a cannabis plant, it’s only found in small amounts. In order to identify health benefits, scientists must isolate the compound. Researchers are just beginning to study CBG, so little is known about long-term side effects. 

So far, animal studies suggest it is well tolerated. In one study, CBG was used to stimulate the appetite in animals who were well-fed. This increased the amount of food they ate but did not produce side effects observed by the researchers.

Scientists are just beginning to explore the health benefits associated with CBG. Currently, the cannabinoid has been well-tolerated by animal subjects, and there are no reported hair loss side effects.