Although CBD is the most popular hemp-derived product in the US, it is not the only one. There are also other active compounds found in hemp plants that are quickly rising in popularity. One of these products is CBG oil.
Like CBD, CBG oil is also rapidly penetrating the health and wellness industry because of its numerous benefits. People from all phases of life are attracted to using these products. However, it gets tricky when women -particularly, pregnant women want to start using these CBD/CBG products. These herbal or chemical products must be used cautiously regarding their side effects on mothers and fetal health.
In this article, we will be discussing whether pregnant women should use CBG oil or not, in light of scientific research.
Let’s begin!
CBG Oil- Mother Of All Cannabinoid
CBG (cannabigerol) oil, also known as the “mother of all cannabinoids”, is a cannabinoid derived from the cannabis sativa plant. It is named so because all of the other cannabinoids are derived from its acidic form called CBGA (cannabigerolic acid).
The best thing about CBG oil is that it doesn’t have any psychoactive effects, unlike THC. However, it is found in very little amount in the plant as compared to CBD and THC, which makes it quite rare and often costly.
Furthermore, CBG is present in more quantity in young plants rather than in mature ones. To yield the maximum amount of this cannabinoid, only young plants can be used for the extraction process.
Can You Take CBG Oil While Pregnant?
No. FDA (Federal Drug Agency) strictly advises against the use of all types of cannabis-derived products that include CBG oil during pregnancy.
Although CBG oil is a completely natural and plant-based product that comes with countless physiological and psychological benefits, using CBG oil is still discouraged during these most important months in a woman’s life.
CBG oil is completely non-psychoactive, as all mind-altering components are removed from the hemp plant during the extraction process to ensure a safe product.
However, 0.03% of THC, which is the real culprit behind the psychoactive properties, is legal to be sold and used in the US. This is the reason that some vendors get away with selling CBD and CBG products with trace amounts of THC. Moreover, CBD and CBG can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana plants, making it difficult to recognize whether it is safe and free of THC or not.
These trace amounts of THC can negatively impact your pregnancy journey, as it can readily cross the placenta. This outweighs the positive health benefits of CBG oil on the mother and fetus.
How Can CBG Oil Affect Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a beautiful life-changing experience that creates a new life. A healthy lifestyle and keeping a check on what comes in contact with the female body during these crucial nine months of pregnancy are extremely important.
Despite not impacting the pregnancy journey directly, CBG oil even if present with the smallest quantity of THC can be harmful to the baby. This is because THC is known to cross the placental membrane and adversely affect the pregnancy outcome.
According to a study, pregnant mothers using cannabis have an increased likelihood of developing anemia, and neonatal effects like low birth weight, preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion, placental eruption, low APGAR score, and neonatal admissions to NICU.
The U.S. Surgeon General also published an advisory on the official site of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, clearly prohibiting the use of marijuana and other cannabis products during pregnancy.
“No amount of marijuana use during pregnancy or adolescence is known to be safe. Until and unless more is known about the long-term impact, the safest choice for pregnant women and adolescents is not to use marijuana.” He further added regarding CBD, the non-psychoactive component in the hemp plant.
“While CBD is not intoxicating and does not lead to addiction, its long-term effects are largely unknown, and most CBD products are untested and of uncertain purity.”
What Do The Research Studies Say?
Although there is a lack of any proper data or scientific research- that discusses the use of CBG oil in pregnancy, there are many studies that discourage the use of cannabis products during pregnancy, in general -mainly because of the presence of THC.
In 2021, a study was conducted on the effect of continuous CBD exposure on mice 2 weeks before mating. The offspring born showed mixed behavioral outcomes and mental disturbance.
Also, a study published in the Journal Of Pediatrics concluded that cannabis use during pregnancy came with increased chances of low birth weight by 50%, independent of any other risk factors present.
Another study conducted in 2017 encouraged pregnant women to stop using cannabis products whether it’s for recreational purposes or medicinal. They further advised the mothers to look for alternate treatment plans.
The American Academy of Pediatrics published a study in their journal about how cannabinoids can enter the placenta and negatively impact fetal life.
These studies show the negative consequences of pregnant mothers using hemp products on both their own and fetal health. However, it is important to notice that these studies mostly show only hypotheses, as non-randomized clinical trials have not been conducted on the use of CBG or CBD on pregnant women yet, to deduce anything for certain.
Conclusion
CBG oil is a natural remedy that has quickly garnered immense attention in the US. Just like CBD, it also has many health benefits, like managing discomfort, inducing calmness, and even for the treatment of various medical conditions.
However, despite its many pros, using CBG oil during pregnancy is not recommended. If you want to explore this or any other option further, it will be best to consult a professional doctor who can suggest you alternate management keeping in mind your gestational month and health condition.
Frequently Asked Question
Is CBG Oil Safe While Trying To Get Pregnant?
As CBG is relatively a newer product, not much is known about its effect on ovum and sperm health. However, CBD is known to affect sperm count and shape. Considering CBD and CBG both are cannabinoids derived from hemp plants, we advise stopping their usage if the couple is trying to get pregnant.
What Are The Benefits Of CBG Oil During Pregnancy?
According to anecdotal experiences, pregnant women are usually attracted to CBG oil as it might resolve pregnancy symptoms of nausea, insomnia, and mood swings. However, its adverse effects might outweigh the benefits if taken during pregnancy.
Can You Use CBG Oil For Labor Pain?
No, the FDA strongly advises against using CBG oil to manage labor pain or any associated symptoms.
Can You Take CBG Oil For Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a medical condition known to induce severe nausea and vomiting that can cause significant dehydration and weight loss in the mother. Although CBG oil might provide some relief from nausea and vomiting, the FDA strongly advises against its usage during pregnancy for any symptom management.
Can You Take CBG Oil While Breastfeeding?
No, it is best to avoid using CBG oil during breastfeeding. A research study has detected cannabinoids in the breastmilk of the mother using cannabis products. Moreover, trace amounts of THC that might be present with it, can be detrimental to your child’s health.
