The Ultimate Showdown: CBG vs CBN - Which Cannabinoid is Right for You?
CBD (cannabidiol), has become the go-to choice for many as a natural health booster in the last few years because of its potential benefits for stress and anxiety reduction, pain relief, and improved sleep.
However, CBD is just one of many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. There are over 100 different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, with CBD and THC being the most well-known.
CBG (cannabigerol), and CBN, or cannabinol, are both non-psychoactive cannabinoids that are believed to have potential wellness benefits. While they are not as well-known as CBD or THC, they are starting to gain attention for their potential daily as well as long term health benefits.
So, what's the difference between CBG and CBN? And which one is best for you? This article provides a comprehensive overview of these cannabinoids, their potential effects, and their legal status. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of CBG and CBN and be able to determine which one is right for you on the click of a button.
What are CBG and CBN?
First, let's define what a cannabinoid is. To put it simply, cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the two most well-known cannabinoids.
CBD, because it's non-psychoactive and is believed to have potential wellness benefits, including stress and anxiety reduction, pain relief, and improved sleep. THC, on the other hand, is completely psychoactive, which is responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana.
But there are actually more than 100 different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, each with its own unique properties and potential health benefits.
.CBG and CBN are lesser known cannabinoids, but they have some interesting properties and potential health benefits that are worth exploring.
But before we dive into CBG and CBN specifically, let's quickly talk about the endocannabinoid system.
You see, our bodies actually have receptors for cannabinoids, which are part of the endocannabinoid system. This system is crucial in regulating various functions in the body, such as pain, mood, and appetite.
When we consume cannabinoids, like those found in the cannabis plant, they interact with these receptors and can produce various effects.
CBG and CBN are classified as minor cannabinoids. Which means that they are present in smaller amounts in the hemp plant compared to CBD and THC.
What is CBG?
CBG is a minor cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, and it has a wide range of potential health benefits ranging from reducing inflammation and providing pain relief to easing severe symptoms in chronic ailments..
While CBG is only present in trace amounts in the hemp plant, it is often called the "mother cannabinoid" because it is the precursor to other cannabinoids. You see, it is the starting point for other cannabinoids like CBD and THC. Basically, all other cannabinoids begin as CBG.
What is CBN?
CBN is a unique cannabinoid that is created when THC is exposed to heat, light, or pressure. It's created from THCA, which is the precursor to THC. This process, called decarboxylation, is what gives cannabis its psychoactive effects.
So, while CBD and CBG are present in the plant independently, CBN is actually a byproduct of the activation process. While CBG is more energizing, mood-enhancing, and stimulating. CBN is used more as as a natural sleep aid and has been shown to ease anxiety.
CBG vs CBN - Differences in Effects
Dosing CBN and CBG can also be a bit different. Start with the recommended dosage on your product and gradually increase if you want an enhanced effect. 
As with any cannabinoid product, it's important to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed to find the right amount for you.
It's also worth noting that the optimal dosage can vary based on factors such as your body weight, metabolism, and your desired outcome.
Differences in Potential Applications
In addition to their general effects and benefits on health, CBG and CBN are also being studied for their potential medical uses.Potential applications of CBG include:
- treating neurological disorders (e.g., Huntington disease, Parkinson disease, and multiple sclerosis)
- pain relief without the intoxicating effect THC
- sex hormonal dysregulations
- inflammatory bowel disease
- antibacterial activity
- eating disorders
- skin conditions
- bone healing
This list only scratches the surface of the many benefits and effects of CBG.
Additionally, some research has suggested that CBG may have anticonvulsant properties and may be effective in reducing seizures in animal models. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the potential medical uses of CBG in humans.
Potential applications of CBN include:
- pain relief for chronic muscle pain disorders
- inhibiting keratinocyte proliferation
- anti-inflammatory effects
- neuroprotective effects
- stimulating appetite
- pain relief
- sleep aid
Are CBG and CBN Legal?
In the United States, CBG and CBN are not currently scheduled as controlled substances and are therefore legal to sell and possess in most places. This is in contrast to THC, which is a Schedule I controlled substance and is illegal under federal law.
However, it's important to note that the legal status of cannabinoids can vary by state, so it's always best to check the laws in your specific location before buying or using CBG or CBN products:
- Is CBD Legal in New York?
- Is CBD Oil legal in Ohio?
- Is CBD legal in Virginia?
- Is CBD Legal in Florida?
- Is CBD Legal in Texas?
Availability of CBG and CBN Products
CBG and CBN are both present in small amounts in the cannabis plant, so they are typically not found as standalone products. Instead, they are often found in full spectrum CBD products, such as oils, tinctures, and topicals. High quality CBD products contain trace amounts of CBG and CBN in addition to CBD and many other cannabinoids.
It's important to note that the availability of CBG and CBN products can vary, and it may be more difficult to find products that contain these cannabinoids compared to CBD which can make them more expensive compared to other cannabinoids that are more commonly found in higher concentrations.
How are CBG and CBN Made?
CBG and CBN are both present in trace amounts in the cannabis plant, so special extraction methods are needed to isolate these cannabinoids. There are several methods which are used to extract CBG and CBN from the cannabis plant, including supercritical CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction, and steam distillation.
At Cannovia, we only use supercritical CO2 extraction. Here’s why:
CO2 extraction is widely considered to be the best method for extracting CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids.
First of all, CO2 extraction is the safest and most efficient way to extract the cannabinoids from the plant. It uses carbon dioxide as a solvent, which means there are no toxic chemicals or residues left behind. This makes CO2-extracted products much safer and purer than those extracted with other methods.
In contrast, ethanol extraction and steam distillation both use potentially harmful solvents that can leave behind impurities in the final product. Ethanol, in particular, has been known to leave behind contaminants such as chlorophyll and other plant matter, which can affect the taste and purity of the product.
What’s more? CO2 extraction is much more efficient than other methods, as it can extract a wider range of cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant.
This means that CO2-extracted products are more potent and offer a wider range of potential health benefits.
If you're looking for the highest quality CBD, CBG, CBN or other cannabinoid products, you should look for those that are extracted using CO2 extraction.
This method ensures that you're getting a safe, pure, and potent product that offers the maximum benefits for you and your loved ones..
Do CBG and CBN Show Up on a Drug Test?
Drug tests are designed to detect the presence of certain substances in the body.
CBG and CBN are not typically tested for in drug tests, as they are not currently scheduled as controlled substances and are not believed to produce psychoactive effects.
We've covered it in detail here: Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
Can You Get High off of CBN or CBG?
THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, and it is responsible for the psychoactive effects or "high" associated with marijuana use.
In contrast, CBD, CBG, and CBN are all non-psychoactive cannabinoids, meaning they are not believed to produce psychoactive effects or alter mental state. As a result, it is unlikely that you will experience a high from using CBG or CBN products.
But keep in mind that individual responses to cannabinoids can vary, so it is always advisable to pay attention to any changes you may experience when using cannabis products.
Which One is Better: CBG or CBN?
It's difficult to say which cannabinoid is "better" as different cannabinoids may work better for different individuals depending on their specific goals and needs.
CBG could be more effective for energy boost and gut health, and inflammation reduction.
CBN could be effective for promoting sleep and reducing anxiety, and pain management.
Can CBG and CBN be used together?
CBG and CBN can definitely be taken together for a complete wellness program. You can start your day with CBG for a boost in energy, or when you’re lagging, and end your day with CBN for a deep, refreshing sleep.
Taking them at the same time, however, can be counterproductive because of their different effects.
Wrap Up
CBG and CBN are two minor cannabinoids that are starting to gain attention for their potential wellness benefits.
It's worth noting that while research on the long-term effects of these minor cannabinoids is limited, they may have unique benefits and effects that make them worth considering for certain individuals.
If you're interested in trying CBG or CBN products, it's important to do your own research. It's also important to choose a reputable brand and start with a low dose, gradually increasing as needed.
Additional Resources
If you're interested in learning more about CBG and CBN, there are a number of resources available to you.- The "Mother" Cannabinoid - What is CBG? A Beginner’s Guide to Its Uses and Benefits
- What is CBN? All About The “Sleepy Cannabinoid” And Its Benefits!
- Cannovia's Blog has everything you need to keep yourself updated in the hemp world. Our blog contains wealth of information about cannabinoids, health, lifestyle, beauty, and latest research.
- The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) is a government agency that conducts research on complementary and integrative health approaches, including cannabinoids.
- Project CBD is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing education and resources on cannabinoids.
