CBG, CBD, and CBN for Pain Relief: Yale Study Finds Cannabinoids Could Be Safer Than Opioids

Chronic pain is one of the most common and most frustrating health challenges worldwide. Millions of people live with conditions like arthritis, neuropathy and inflammatory disorders, often relying on treatments that cause side effects, carry a risk of addiction, or lose effectiveness over time.

According to a recent Yale University study, cannabinoids including cannabigerol (CBG), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN) may significantly reduce pain signals without the risks associated with opioids or the mind-altering effects of THC.

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, focused on a protein called Nav1.8 that lives in sensory neurons in the spine. This protein plays a major role in how the body sends pain messages to the brain. When overactive, it can lead to chronic pain.

Yale’s researchers tested how CBD, CBG, and CBN affected Nav1.8 activity and the results were promising:

• CBG emerged as the standout as it was the most effective at inhibiting Nav1.8, reducing the firing of pain signals at the source
• CBD and CBN also showed strong effects, offering multiple potential pathways for therapeutic use
• No “high” - these cannabinoids are non intoxicating, making them viable options for daytime use without impairment

The implications are big. Opioid addiction continues to claim over 80,000 American lives each year. It's abundantly clear that safe & effective alternatives are desperately needed. Cannabinoids like CBG, CBD, and CBN could help fill that gap by offering a plant based, low risk option for people managing chronic pain.

This research adds to the growing evidence that cannabinoids are not just about relaxation or sleep. They can also play a crucial role in functional, everyday wellness. While more studies are needed before these findings translate directly into prescriptions, it is a major step forward in legitimizing cannabis based pain management.

Bottom line: If you have been curious about cannabinoids for pain relief, CBG may be the one to watch... and it is already available today in functional, low dose products from trusted brands that value transparency, quality and consistency (like Carolina Dream).

For readers who want to explore the research in full, we have included the original Yale University coverage of the study below.

Bangalore, Lakshmi. “Cannabinoids Offer New Hope for Safe and Effective Pain Relief.” Yale News, 21 Jan. 2025. Read the full article here.