CBG vs CBD: Which Is The Best Choice For You
Did you know that there are more than 113 cannabinoids in hemp? The research on hemp and its potential benefits for well-being has been going on for a long time.
While CBD and THC have been the most popular, some minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBN are gaining a lot of popularity because of their potential benefits.
Now, you can’t wait to learn more about these two compounds and how they can improve your health and wellness.
The only problem?
The information about CBG and CBD is confusing and contradictory. There are so many claims, myths, and facts that you don’t know what to believe.
The good news? It doesn’t take much time, effort, or money to understand the difference between CBG and CBD.
Today, we’re sharing a few of the most important studies and findings to help you understand the science behind these two cannabinoids and how they work in your body.
In this article we’ll focus on comparing CBD and CBG. How are they similar? How are they different? Which one is the best choice for your personal well-being goals?
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
You might already be familiar with CBG (cannabigerol). If you want to know more about CBG in detail, read What is CBG?.
Cannabis, often referred to as marijuana or hemp, is a well-known plant famous for its psychoactive properties attributed to THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol).
However, cannabis contains a plethora of other compounds, known as cannabinoids, that can have varied effects on our body and mind.
Two such cannabinoids, CBG (Cannabigerol) and CBN (Cannabinol), while less common than THC or CBD (Cannabidiol), offer unique properties and potential benefits.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into what CBG and CBD are, how they are made, their effects on the body, potential benefits, side effects, and how they can be used.
In the world of holistic wellness, the terms CBG and CBD have been making waves, offering a glimpse into the therapeutic potential of cannabis and hemp. In this article, we'll delve into the realm of CBG and CBD, two intriguing substances derived from the cannabis and hemp plants.
While they may not be as widely recognized as THC, the more famous cannabis compound, they are garnering attention for their unique effects and benefits.
What Are CBG and CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is the most well known and the most studied cannabinoid found in hemp.
CBG is made from CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) by the enzyme CBG synthase. CBG synthase converts CBGA into CBG by removing a carboxyl group. This process is called decarboxylation.
Decarboxylation can occur naturally, when cannabis is exposed to heat or light. It can also be done artificially, using chemicals or enzymes.
When CBGA is decarboxylated, it loses a molecule of carbon dioxide and becomes CBG. CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it does not cause a high. It has a number of potential benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties.
CBG can then be further converted into other cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, by other enzymes. Which explains why CBG is called “the mother cannabinoid”, while CBGA is a precursor to CBG, CBG is a precursor to all the other cannabinoids.
However, CBG can also be found in its own right in cannabis plants, especially in young plants.
How CBG and CBD Interact with the Body
Both CBG and CBD interact with our body's endocannabinoid system. This intricate system plays a pivotal role in regulating various bodily functions, including pain, inflammation, mood, appetite, sleep, and memory.
CBD and CBG both interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our bodies, but they do so in different ways.
CBD interacts with the ECS by modifying the activity of its transport proteins and enzymes, which in turn modify the concentration of anandamide, the body’s “default” endocannabinoid.
CBD molecules have a high affinity for the CB2 receptors of the ECS, which are linked to the peripheral nervous system. However, CBD doesn’t directly impact the receptors in your ECS; rather, it impacts the ECS in other ways. For example, it may prevent your naturally-produced endocannabinoids from breaking down.
CBG can attach itself to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. It interacts with the ECS through its agonist effect on the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Studies have shown that it binds directly to both of these receptors, which helps regulate a variety of physiological processes such as memory, appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and even digestion.
CBG appears to inhibit the activity of FAAH enzymes, resulting in higher concentrations of naturally occurring endocannabinoids such as anandamide in the body.
How Are They Different?
The main difference between CBD and CBG is that CBD is a major cannabinoid while CBG is a minor cannabinoid. This means that cannabis usually contains higher levels of CBD than CBG.
The two also behave differently when they interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body. CBD doesn’t interact heavily with the CB1 or CB2 receptors (the main receptors in the ECS), but it helps modulate the production and efficacy of our body’s naturally produced endocannabinoids.
On the other hand, CBG binds directly to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, similar to THC. It doesn’t activate the receptors in the same way as THC.
CBD and CBG both have beneficial effects on your body by acting on the endocannabinoid system. Neither is psychoactive, meaning they don’t produce a "high".
What’s even more interesting is that each one can counteract THC’s psychotropic effects.
What Are The Benefits of CBG and CBD?
Scientific research has unveiled promising potential benefits of CBG and CBD, although further studies are needed for definitive conclusions.
CBD has been found to have several health benefits:
- Discomfort Relief: CBD may help reduce the discomfort of chronic pain by targeting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters which control pain perception.
- Neuroprotection: CBD oil has been shown to have neuroprotective properties. It may help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even brain fog.
- Sleep Disorders: There is extensive anecdotal evidence that CBD can improve sleep disorders backed by a moderate amount of studies.
- Fibromyalgia Pain: CBD may be effective for reducing certain types of pain associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia.
CBG Health Benefits: CBG also offers a range of potential benefits:
- Antibacterial: CBG has antifungal and antimicrobial properties which may aid in combating bad bacteria..
- Anti-Inflammatory: CBG shows potential to treat inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Anxiousness and Stress: CBG may also help with anxiety by inhibiting the uptake of serotonin and GABA, which regulate our mood. This suggests CBG may have anti-stress qualities.
- Bladder Dysfunction: CBG has been found to be more effective than other cannabinoids at inhibiting muscle contractions in the human bladder, which may help treat symptoms of many bladder disorders.
- Gut Health: Gut is called the second brain for a reason. Your digestion and digestive health impacts every other aspect of your health and well-being. CBG might be able to ease inflammation and even fight against the bad bacteria in your gut.
CBG is being studied for its potential to enhance eye health, manage inflammatory conditions, combat bacterial infections, address skin problems, provide nerve protection, and promote bone formation.
On the other hand, CBD is being researched for its potential in alleviating anxiety, epilepsy, neurodegeneration, addiction, enhancing skin health, and relieving pain.
Side Effects of CBG and CBD
Generally, CBG and CBD are well-tolerated by most individuals. However, they may produce side effects or interact with other medications or supplements. CBG might cause dry mouth and dry eyes in some cases, while CBD may result in drowsiness, dry mouth, changes in appetite or weight.
How To Use CBG and CBD?
CBG and CBD come in a variety of products, including oils, gummies, capsules, creams, and even flower forms.
Depending on your needs and preferences, they can be consumed separately or together.
Oils tend to work the quickest as sublingual ingestion allows the cannabinoids to get into your bloodstream faster. With edible products like gummies and softgels, your liver needs to break them down first before absorption.
CBD and CBG Oils take around 15-30 minutes to show their effects while edibles can take 60-90 minutes to kick in properly.
Some studies suggest that they may be more effective when used in conjunction. This is because of the “entourage effect” of hemp and cannabinoids.
The entourage effect suggests that cannabinoids, terpenes and others all work together to deliver greater results compared to isolates.
In Conclusion
CBG and CBD are emerging as big players of the cannabis and hemp plant families, each offering unique potential benefits.
While more research is required to fully comprehend their scope, these compounds are garnering a lot of attention from those seeking natural remedies. It's crucial to be aware of both their potential advantages and possible side effects, as well as to approach their use with care.
As with any health-related decision, consulting a medical professional is recommended to ensure a safe and tailored experience. In the ever-evolving landscape of holistic wellness, CBG and CBD are paving the way for a brighter, more natural future.
