A 2026 animal study investigated whether cannabigerol (CBG), a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, could influence early metabolic changes in the kidneys caused by a high-fat, high-sucrose diet. Researchers studied male rats fed this diet for six weeks and administered CBG during the final two weeks, focusing on fatty acid composition, lipid accumulation, and proteins involved in fat metabolism.

The high-fat, high-sucrose diet disrupted normal kidney lipid metabolism, while CBG treatment reduced the accumulation of triglycerides and helped restore levels of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids. CBG also altered the activity of proteins involved in fatty acid breakdown and synthesis, suggesting a shift toward greater fat oxidation and reduced production of new fatty acids.

The researchers concluded that CBG may help improve lipid balance in the kidneys and potentially reduce early lipid-related damage associated with metabolic kidney disorders. Because the study was conducted in rats, these findings do not establish that CBG will have the same effects in humans, and clinical research is needed to determine its safety and potential benefits for people with metabolic kidney disease.

Source: Sztolsztener K, Tomczyk TM, Kasacka I, Harasim-Symbor E, Chabowski A, Konstantynowicz-Nowicka K. Renal Effects of Cannabigerol-Regulation of Lipid Metabolism in the Early Stage of Metabolic Kidney Disorders Induced by High-Fat High-Sucrose Diet. Nutrients. 2026;18(13):2063. DOI: 10.3390/nu18132063. PMID: 42451067. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42451067/