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

It is no secret many people have heard about CBD and its miraculous therapeutic benefits. Recent research slowly validates some of these claims while revealing a slew of new cannabis compounds.

CBG is one of the latest hemp compounds on almost every cannabis user’s lips. Also known as the mother of all cannabinoids, it is one of the most promising phytocannabinoids poised to revolutionize the medical cannabis industry soon. 

Without further ado, let us drive straight into the difference between CBD and CBG and whether you should use them together.

 

What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with receptors in the body (and brain). As a result, the body’s cannabinoid receptors produce a string of health benefits such as pain relief and euphoria. In short, the cannabinoid receptors interact with the human body via the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and aid in regulating several body functions.

There are two types: endocannabinoids, which our bodies produce naturally, and phytocannabinoids, derived from plants such as cannabis. Experts use 

CO 2 or dry distillation to extract these chemicals from cannabis Sativa or hemp plants and turn them into CBD oils and CBD creams. You can also use them as raw materials to make other products such as food flavoring or prescription medications. 

The most studied cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for cannabis’s psychoactive effects, whereas CBD has anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic properties. The amount of cannabinoids in a cannabis plant varies depending on the strain, and some strains contain higher levels of THC or CBD and more than 100 other cannabinoids. 

Cannabinoids recently receiving much attention include CBC (cannabichromenic acid), CBG (cannabidiolic), CBNA (cannabinolic acid), CBGV (cannabigerovarin), and THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin).

Although all cannabinoids have different molecular structures, they are nearly identical in addressing various health conditions thanks to their neuroprotective properties and ability to reduce pain.

 

What is CBG?

Cannabigerol, also known as CBG compound, is another minor cannabinoid that belongs to the terpene family. It can also be found in trace amounts in various strains of cannabis plants. 

It is worth noting that younger cannabis plants produce CBGA (cannabigerolic acid). This distinctive element in a cannabis plant creates the building block for other cannabinoids like CBC, CBD, and THC. 

Later on, as the plant matures, they emit THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) and CBDA (cannabidiolic acid). Most experts convert these compounds into THC and CBD and the remaining CBGA residue into purified CBG. 

Although CBG extracts first appeared on the scene in the 1960s, the cannabinoid still fails to attract the attention it deserves. Clinical trials unveil CBG as non-psychoactive with rich antispasmodic and analgesic properties. Furthermore, it can help improve bone health and alleviate inflammatory bowel disease, glaucoma, and neurological disorders. Some experts claim that pure CBG oil has anticonvulsant properties and helps reduce inflammation, bladder dysfunctions, and MRSA bacterial infections. 

The full extent of CBG benefits on cancer and mouse skin melanoma cells remains scanty, but research is ongoing. In addition, there is minimal analysis on CBG vs. CBD. All in all, CBG in all cannabis strains is in lower concentrations than CBD. However, farmers can cultivate more CBG by cross-breeding various cannabis strains through genetic engineering or selective breeding. 

 

What is CBD? 

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of over 100 compounds derived from marijuana and hemp plants. It appeals to people who want to balance their well-being without getting high because it is non-euphoric. CBD is also famous for its sedative and pain-relieving properties. 

Others claim it helps reduce anxiety, promotes relaxation, and is a key ingredient in anti-cancer and blood pressure medications.  Still, many regular users swear by CBD’s effectiveness in reducing insomnia. Most encouraging, various human trials evaluate the effect of CBD on experimental inflammatory bowel disease. While there is no conclusive report yet, the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) legally approved Epidiolex CBD oral solution for its anticonvulsant properties on June 25th, 2018.

You can achieve maximum health benefits from CBD products through topicals, soft gels, oils, and tinctures. Keep in mind that CBD products vary depending on the method of preparation and cannabinoid carrier used. In the case of tinctures, for example, the primary carrier is alcohol. On the other hand, manufacturers use Jojoba, coconut, and other oils to produce CBD oil.

CBD comes in four varieties, each with specific concentrations and compounds.

 

• Whole Plant

It encompasses the entire spectrum of CBD, including oils, waxes, flavonoids, and terpenes. While the whole plant produces premium products, they are usually too unrefined and thick for everyday use.

• Full Spectrum

Full spectrum CBD oil contains all parts of the hemp or cannabis plant but lacks the waxes present in the entire plant. Nonetheless, cannabinoid-bound products have less than the 0.3 percent THC required by law. Full-spectrum CBD contains a high concentration of compounds such as flavonoids and terpenes.

 

• Broad Spectrum 

Broad spectrum CBD oils contain all the same ingredients as full spectrum except for the THC. You can find the same types of products no matter the spectrum ratios. 

• CBD Isolates/Pure CBD

CBD isolate contains only CBD and nothing else. This makes CBD isolate the purest form of CBD. 

 

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

Even though most cannabinoids have similar properties, there is a slight difference between CBG and CBD. For example, their molecular structures differ, which affects how they bind to receptors. A study on CBD interaction with 5-HT1A serotonin receptors reveals a different picture. In other words, they have antagonistic effects on the receptor.

Furthermore, they have a distinct appetite response. A rat study discovered that CBD impacts regular food intake leading to reduced appetite. On the contrary, CBG encouraged significant appetite stimulation in rodents.

CBG is not as abundant in the cannabis plant, unlike THC and CBD. Furthermore, the CBG extraction process is more expensive compared to CBD, and this is because it requires more time and effort to extract purified CBG from the hemp plant.

 

CBD and CBG Together 

There is nothing wrong with combining CBG and CBD, and most people who use CBD and CBG together find this combination intense and powerful. The best way to incorporate CBD and CBG is to take them separately. Start by consuming products containing one or the other compound or simply taking a CBD capsule before smoking high-THC cannabis. 

It is worth noting that approximately 40% of CBD CBG users experience no adverse reactions. Around 8% report dry eyes, 16% report dry mouth, and 15% report some sleeping difficulties. Furthermore, roughly 11% complain of appetite stimulation.

Bear in mind that CBD and CBG may interact negatively with other medications. For instance, avoid mixing CBD prescriptions with blood thinners or cholesterol medications corticosteroids. Analysis indicates that hemp products inhibit liver enzymes in breaking down statins. In the long run, the result is a high concentration of statins in the blood, sometimes reaching toxic levels.

 

Is CBD & CBG Legal?

CBD and CBG, together with other main cannabinoids, are legal, and the only stipulation is that each product contains no more than 0.3 percent THC. In a nutshell, THC, which has potent psychoactive properties, is one defining factor in legality. 

 

Conclusion

Most people find shopping for CBG or CBD taxing and confusing. There is a minimal difference when shopping or using CBD or CBG together. The key is understanding the various product types, especially the cannabinoid’s molecular structure. This helps in confirming the THC content and cannabis strains in a product. 

Remember that the extraction process, packaging, labeling, and certificate of analysis can indicate whether a product is of high quality or not. Other considerations include skin absorption and third-party testing.

Shop Blush Wellness and find premium-grade CBD products today.

 

References

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Astorino, D. M. (2022, July 7). What Is CBG and How Is It Different from CBD? Shape.com. Available at: https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/what-is-cbg-vs-cbd

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Russo, E. B, et al. (2021, September 27). Survey of Patients Employing Cannabigerol-Predominant Cannabis Preparations: Perceived Medical Effects, Adverse Events, and Withdrawal Symptoms. National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34569849/

Fletcher, J. (2022, August 28). Types of CBD: What to know. Medical News Today. Available at:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-cbd

Epilepsy Foundation. (2022). Medical Marijuana. Available at: https://www.epilepsy.com/treatment/alternative-therapies/medical-marijuana

Bloom Medicinals. (2021, June 16). CBD Vs Statins To Control Cholesterol. Available at: https://bloommedicinals.com/cannabis-education/cbd-vs-statins-to-control-cholesterol/