CBG vs. CBD: What is the Difference Between CBD and CBG?

CBG vs. CBD: What is the Difference Between CBD and CBG

CBD is increasingly becoming popular due to its many therapeutic benefits.  It’s used to relieve joint pain and as a health supplement for long-term benefits. Many CBD industry players are focusing on the impact of using CBD and other cannabis compounds. They’re incorporating the lesser-known cannabinoid compounds into their health and skincare routine. One of these minor cannabinoids is CBG.

The article compares CBG vs. CBD and discusses the most recent development in the industry — combining CBD and CBG to amplify their health benefits. But first, a quick overview of these two cannabinoids is needed to lay the groundwork for a helpful discussion.

 

What are Cannabinoids?

A cannabinoid is a chemical compound that combines with cannabinoid receptors throughout our bodies and brain to produce similar effects to those of the cannabis plant. The two main cannabinoids are cannabidiol, or CBD, and tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known in the abbreviated form — of THC. 

You likely have already heard about THC, a cannabinoid with psychoactive effects or a high impact once it enters your bloodstream. Yet there are many other lesser-known cannabinoids, and Cannabigerol (CBG) is one such little-known cannabinoid.

 

What is CBG?

CBG is a minor cannabinoid extracted from young hemp and younger cannabis plants. It is found in much smaller quantities in mature cannabis Sativa plants as cannabigerol acid breaks down into CBD and THC. Early research suggests CBG has more powerful agents than THC without the psychoactive effects.

What is CBG?

What is CBD?

CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid extracted from hemp or cannabis Sativa plants. It’s a significant cannabinoid used for its health benefit, and it influences the human endocannabinoid system to provide a wide range of benefits. CBD may help enhance focus, manage joint pain, and promote healthy sleep.

 

CBD comes in four varieties:

Whole plant: It includes the entire spectrum, including oils, terpenes, and waxes.

Broad-Spectrum CBD: These products contain a high concentration of cannabis compounds such as flavonoids and terpenes. Broad-spectrum CBD oils also have waxes, oil, and THC.

Full-Spectrum CBD: Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all parts of the hemp or cannabis plant but lacks the waxes present in the entire plant.

CBD isolate: The purest form of CBD. It works best when combined with other curative ingredients such as neem.

 

What is the Difference Between CBG and CBD? CBG vs. CBD

While CBD and CBG share some analgesic properties and provide similar therapeutic effects, they differ in several ways. 

Here are the main differences between CBD vs. CBG:

1. Molecular structure

A cannabinoid’s molecular structure influences its bioavailability and water solubility. The two compounds have different molecular structures. The chemical makeup means CBG and CBD interact differently with the body’s brain receptors. The way the molecules of CBG, for instance, combine with the receptors is different from CBD’s interaction with them.

 

2. Pharmacology

When both CBD and CBG bind to the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, a recent study determined that each has a different effect. According to this study’s findings, the resultant effect of CBD opposes that of CBG at this receptor. CBD stimulates this receptor, whereas CBG acts as a natural blocker, reducing CBD’s anti-nausea effects.

 

3. Appetite stimulation

A study found that treating rats with CBG oils increased their food intake. Feeding patterns with CBD considerably changed by total food intake reduction. Still, another study observed that CBG did not affect regular food intake.

 

4. Pricing

CBD and CBG products are widely available in drug and food stores across America, but their products retail at significantly different prices. CBD oil is more cost-friendly compared to CBG oil. Many factors affect the pricing of CBG and CBD products, including the availability and cost of CBG extraction.

What is CBD?

Using CBD and CBG Together 

Products obtained by combining cannabinoids like THC and CBG, CBD are more beneficial than either acting alone. Many studies support the theory that CBD and THC have more significant therapeutic potential when used together than separately. Recently, scientists discovered these effects are enhanced by combining so-called minor cannabinoids like CBG.

Preclinical research suggests that CBG and CBD may share many beneficial properties. Although CBD alone has many potential health benefits, it’s even better when coupled with other active compounds, such as CBG. Combining the two cannabinoids can enhance their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

The enhancement of benefits from blending such compounds is referred to as “the entourage effect.” The entourage effect theory suggests that CBD is potentially more effective when combined with other cannabinoids.

 

Is CBD & CBG Derived from Hemp Plants Legal?

Quick answer: Yes. Products of hemp and hemp derivatives were beneficiaries of the Farm Bill of 2018, exempting them from the controlled substances list. However, any hemp-derived CBD containing more than 0.3% THC is considered illegal by federal law. Unlike THC, CBD and CBG isolate have no intoxicating effects and are therefore federally legal.

 

Key Takeaway: CBD vs. CBG

Both CBG and CBD are naturally occurring non-intoxicating cannabinoids, and they’re derived from industrial hemp and behave similarly in most aspects. However, CBG extracts and CBD interact differently with the body’s cannabinoid receptors to provide distinct benefits. Combined in one extract, these compounds may provide more pronounced benefits than if consumed separately. Before using cannabinoids, always consult your doctor, especially if you are under any medication.

If you want to find out more about CBD and try some premium-grade CBD products, visit our shop at Keoni CBD. You will find a selection of products, including our CBD gummies, CBD capsules, CBD oil, and CBD topicals

 

References

  1. Mammana S; Cavalli E; Gugliandolo A; Silvestro S; Pollastro F; Bramanti P; Mazzon E; “Could the Combination of Two Non-Psychotropic Cannabinoids Counteract Neuroinflammation? Effectiveness of Cannabidiol Associated with Cannabigerol.” Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31752240/
  2. “Cannabigerol.” Cannabigerol – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/cannabigerol
  3. Russo, Ethan B. “TAMING THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid-Terpenoid Entourage Effects.” British Journal of Pharmacology, Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Aug. 2011, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/
  4. Gill, Lisa L. “Can CBD Help You Sleep?” Consumer Reports, 6 Feb. 2019, https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/can-cbd-help-you-sleep/
  5. Blush Wellness, “Best CBD Products Online.” BlushWellness.com, 6 November. 2022, https://blushwellness.com/
  6. Gill, Lisa L. “Farm Bill Sets the Stage for Legal CBD across the Country.” Consumer Reports, 13 Dec. 2018, https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/will-new-farm-bill-make-cbd-legal-everywhere/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.