Comparing CBD vs. CBG is necessary due to the similarities between the two. Studies on cannabinoids have emphasized the benefits of popular compounds like CBD and THC. Many have used these compounds for their health benefits and recreational value. However, we know very little about other beneficial cannabinoid compounds, and one of these under-utilized compounds is CBG.
Fortunately, recent studies have shone a light on the therapeutic benefits of CBG. We now understand why experts regard it as the mother of all cannabinoids. CBG offers so many benefits, including a possible cure for cancer. But it is not as popular as CBD. So, many do not know the difference between the two cannabinoid extracts. Hence, this review highlights the differences between CBG and CBD. We also explained their health benefits and the best brands to buy from.
What is CBG?
Cannabis contains more than 100 compounds. But CBG, cannabigerol, is one of the most psychoactive compounds found in the plant. CBG was synthesized for the first time in 1964. Ever since then, studies have discovered numerous benefits it offers for improved health. CBG also promises excellent therapeutic value, although more research is underway to ascertain the true extent of its power.
Current research already shows that CBG may be more potent than THC. Also, it does not get users high or cause side effects such as anxiety and paranoia. CBG also proves to have antidepressant, antibiotic, and anti-cancer effects. Specifically, CBG possesses partial agonist properties on CB1 and CB2 receptors. In addition, CBG plays a role in suppressing inflammation and regulating the immune system.
The chemical precursor of CBG is cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Cannabis plants produce CBGA as they grow. As the plants mature, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) are formed from CBGA. In turn, CBD and THC come from these compounds. Afterward, any left-over CBGA is then converted into CBG. Moreso, heat transforms CBGA into CBG when decarboxylating cannabis.
CBG is present in cannabis plants but not in a significant amount. However, with selective breeding, farmers can produce strains rich in cannabinoids. Some brands also use industrial hemp to extract CBG. A hemp distillate or large quantities of hemp biomass can help accomplish the process.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of the compounds found in cannabis plants and the best known of these compounds. Researchers first discovered CBD by isolating it from cannabis in the 1930s. However, studies on CBD intensified in the 1970s after studies revealed its health benefits.
Clinical trials show that CBD might be helpful as a medication. In addition, many doctors believe that CBD Products show promise as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps to relieve pain. CBD also proves effective against other health conditions. These include drug-resistant epilepsy, multiple sclerosis-related muscle spasms, and seizures. Further, CBD is a standard alternative drug treatment for anxiety. Studies show that CBD reduces feelings of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. CBD is also said to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound. It is becoming more popular as an alternative therapy because it does not cause high blood pressure, liver damage, or addiction. CBD has to interact with THC synergistically to produce psychoactive effects. But the presence of CBG in the mixture amplifies the overall effect of CBD.
In addition to acting on a range of physiological receptors, CBD also influences the endocannabinoid system. As a CB2 agonist, it partly interacts with the CB1 receptor, a component of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Best Brands and Products for CBD and CBG in 2024:
Knowing where to buy CBD and CBG products is as important as knowing the benefits. There are many brands out there, but few of them offer quality products. Hence, we researched the most reliable brands and products for CBD and CBG.
CBD vs. CBG: A Quick Comparison
Molecular Structure
Cannabinoids bind to receptors differently depending on their molecular structure, affecting their bioavailability. Your body absorbs or takes up molecules based on their bioavailability. CBD and CBG have very different chemical compositions. Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the two molecules have different arrangements. Thus, they interact differently with the body’s cannabinoid receptors.
Pharmacology
CBD and CBG interact differently with the 5-HT1A receptor. Both compounds affect this binding site but have more than one effect. For example, CBD may cause some receptors to release calcium ions, while CBG makes them stay closed. Also, despite binding to the same receptor, CBD’s anti-nausea effects are subdued by CBG.
Effects on Appetite
Studies have proven that CBG helps improve appetite and amount of food intake. On the other hand, CBD reduces the amount of food intake.
CBG vs. CBD: Legality
CBD and CBG both have the same legal status in the US. The 2008 Farm Bill legalized the use of CBD. The bill classified CBD as an agricultural commodity instead of a controlled substance. However, some states in the US may still restrict non-intoxicating cannabis. In addition, hemp-derived products can only be legally sold in the US if they contain 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or lower.
CBG vs CBD: Psychoactivity
Psychoactivity describes something that causes changes in someone’s mental state or personality. Many people find hemp products intoxicating, but others prefer these products without getting high. However, psychoactivity is different from intoxication. Hemp products that relieve pain, stress, and anxiety and induce sleep are psychoactive. It means that they change your mental state to achieve the desired effect. But they are not all intoxicating. Full-spectrum CBD products contain a minor selection of other cannabinoids (including CBG), which offer an easier-to-source solution.
CBD and CBG do not interact with the CB1 receptors. Hence, they are not intoxicating. But the two substances are psychoactive. THC, on the other hand, is intoxicating. So when a hemp product is intoxicating, the presence of THC is the catalyst.
CBG vs. CBD: Medical Benefits
The true extent of the benefits CBD and CBG offer is still unknown. However, studies have revealed more medical benefits of CBD than CBG. There are some similarities in what the two compounds offer, and there are also some differences.
Benefits of CBD
Firstly, CBD is the compound responsible for maintaining the optimal functioning of the endocannabinoids. CBD can be used to treat many ailments. It helps people with chronic pain and inflammation and manages metabolic disorders, neuropathy, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. Studies have also proven that CBD helps treat dementia, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, sleep deprivation, nausea, and vomiting. CBD has shown promise in treating other diseases, and there are currently several clinical trials underway.
Benefits of CBG
Firstly, CBG stimulates appetite without making you feel high, unlike THC. Research shows it may be an ideal treatment for cachexia, anorexia, appetite loss, and wasting syndrome. Cachexia causes patients to lose weight because their bodies do not properly use or burn up nutrients. Anorexia is when people do not eat due to emotional stress. The wasting syndrome occurs when a person loses muscle mass, fat, and bone tissue.
Further, CBG acts as an anti-inflammatory agent which may help treat irritable bowel syndrome. Studies suggest it could effectively treat inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other digestive issues associated with these conditions.
CBG also shows promise for treating some forms of cancer. CBD might also help treat Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), a common cause of skin and soft tissue infections. CBG kills cell lines that contain cancerous cells through programmed cell death. Also, CBD is an excellent antibacterial compound. Further, CBD can help prevent neural degeneration and damage to the brain.
Benefits of CBD Plus CBG
Experts believe that cannabinoids work together to increase the body’s healing ability. The best example of this is when THC and CBD combine to relieve potential side effects while improving overall wellness. It is shown in the cannabis industry by using CBD-derived products that include both CBD and THC. The synergy of CBD and CBG also enhances the benefits they each offer. CBG has a host of promising potential benefits and more research is being done into easing the production and availability of the cannabinoid.
CBD and CBG can treat certain medical conditions like chronic pain or inflammation. However, they work together to create an even better effect than either could alone. CBD and CBG can individually treat nausea and vomiting, but they are more effective at easing these symptoms when combined.
CBG vs. CBD: Side Effects
CBD and CBG have similar side effects. But it would help if you did not have to worry about anxiety and paranoia. Moreover, they are not lethal when taken in excess. CBD and CBG may cause some minor side effects, including diarrhea, dry mouth, changes in appetite, and tiredness.
Little is known about how CBD and CBG interact with daily medication. But we know that they may interact with antibiotics, anti-microbial, anti-cancer medications, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, cholesterol medications, corticosteroids, erectile dysfunction medications, gastrointestinal medications, heart rhythm medications, and pain medications. Further, the substances may react differently with other drugs or supplements because every person’s body is different. You should always consult with your doctor before using CBD or CBG, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, are taking prescription medications, or plan on having surgery.
Check with a medical expert if you consider taking medications alongside CBD and CBG. For example, some people experience side effects when taking certain medications after taking CBD. Also, CBD and CBG may interfere with sleep cycles. Be sure you understand the potential risks and how they affect your body before taking them. A rat study discovered that CBG encouraged the animals to eat twice as much as they normally would. However, a CBD study discovered that the cannabinoid significantly reduces total food intake.
CBG vs. CBD: Drug Testing
Full-spectrum CBD and CBG do not contain any traces of THC. Drug tests look for cannabis compounds such as THC. So, they do not show positive results for those who use CBD products. So if you take CBD or CBG, you will not get positive results when taking drug tests. Also, if the CBD product contains less than 0.3% THC, you will not fail the drug test. To find out how much THC a CBD product has, check its Certificate of Analysis on the brand’s website.
Key Takeaways on the Difference Between CBG vs. CBD
Studies on CBG continue to progress, albeit limited in comparison to CBD. For now, researchers believe CBG may help reduce some adverse symptoms of illnesses such as cancer. There is not much research on CBG’s ability to protect against other health issues. Also, CBG interacts negatively with certain medications, so users must take caution when using both together. When it comes to CBD and CBG, they, too, can enhance their painkilling, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
Unfortunately, CBG is not in excess like CBD. But before CBG becomes more accessible, it is possible to find CBD products that contain some amount of CBG. Just remember to check third-party lab reports before buying CBD products. The Certificates of Analysis can tell you everything you need to know about the product.
