CBD has become quite popular in recent years due to its healing properties. With that said, there are also other cannabinoids contained in hemp that many people still don’t know. One of these is CBG, which is popularly referred to as the mother cannabinoid.
While both of these two cannabinoids are hemp extracts, they do exhibit different properties. If you’re curious to understand the differences between these two and want to know which one is best for you, look no further. Here’s a guide that highlights the main differences between CBD and CBG.
What’s CBG?
CBG (cannabigerol) is a phytocannabinoid and is among the many chemicals extracted from the cannabis plant. Despite being not as popular as the other cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, it plays a vital role in developing CBD and other cannabinoids.
Its extraction as the first phytocannabinoid that’s synthesized from hemp is the reason why it’s viewed as the “mother cannabinoid.” Because research into this compound is still in its infancy, there’s still a lot of mystery about CBG. It’s also a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, like CBD, so you shouldn’t be worried about getting high after using it.
The chemical precursor of every cannabinoid is CBGA (cannabigerol acid). While the cannabis plant grows and matures, the enzymes start to convert CBGA into three primary cannabinoid acid:
- Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA)
- Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)
- Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)
Once the conversion starts, only small traces of CBGA remain, which is usually lower than one percent. When the decarboxylation process starts, each of these compounds loses is carboxyl acid to become the cannabinoids we know–CBC, CBD, THC, and CBG.
When CBG enters the human body, it interacts with the two cannabinoid receptors, the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CBG compound is suspected of having plenty of healing properties and could be used as a:
- Antibacterial
- Appetite stimulant
- Neuroprotectant
- Appetite stimulant
- Antifungal
- Anti-inflammatory
Due to these many healing properties, CBG has the potential of being effective in treating several conditions, including:
- Colon cancer
- Epilepsy
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Bacterial infection
- Eczema and Psoriasis
- Depression
- Osteoporosis
However, these benefits are still yet to be confirmed. Thus, further research on CBG needs to be done for greater insight on how this cannabinoid interacts with the body.
What’s CBD?
This cannabinoid is extracted from hemp and cannabis plants, where it’s available in great quantities in Type III (CBD-dominant) and Type II (CBD/THC dominant). This is also one of the most prevalent ingredients of cannabis. Although it’s a component of marijuana, cannabidiol doesn’t cause psychoactive effects or doesn’t make the user ‘high.’ Also, unlike CBG, extensive studies have been done on CBD due to its effective qualities such as:
- Anti-nausea
- Anti-anxiety
- Anti-inflammatory
- Sedative
As a result, CBD is considered to be ideal for managing various conditions such as:
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Epilepsy
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
As you can see, using cannabidiol may come with a variety of health benefits, making it in-demand in the market. However, you should take note that not all cannabidiol products are made equally. Therefore, just like finding the right CBG product, which is a rare cannabinoid, it’s also best to look for quality/premium CBD oil from reliable makers to ensure your safe use.
What’s The Difference Between CBD And CBG?
CBD and CBG are non-intoxicating cannabinoids. They interact differently with your body since they interact differently with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Some of the ways these two compounds differ are:
- Appetite stimulation: A study conducted on rats showed that CBG resulted in increased appetite. This led the animal to eat twice its normal food intake, which isn’t an effect observed with CBD.
- Pharmacology: These two compounds work differently on how they activate receptors. This is because CBG blocks the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, while the usage of CBD causes anti-nausea effects due to its attraction to the 5-HT1A receptor.
The proof that these two compounds are bound to the same location is proved by CBG blocking CBD’s anti-emetic effects.
- Molecular structure: This refers to the arrangement and number of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms that comprise the cannabinoid. The molecular structure of CBD and CBG differ. This means these two have different three-dimensional shapes, hence their attachment to the cannabinoid receptor cells in the body differs as well as their reaction. Knowing the molecular structure of a cannabinoid is essential since this helps determine how soluble it’s in water and its bioavailability.
- Amount of research available – Another interesting difference between CBD and CBG is the level of research available in the market. Typically, there have been many pieces of research focusing on CBD but not with CBG. But since cannabigerol is also becoming popular in the health and wellness industry, there’ll be likely more studies about it in the coming years.
Does CBG React With Other Medications?
Since there’s still a lot to be known regarding CBG, you might have some reservations on whether to use it. Your concerns aren’t unfounded since this compound might adversely interact with prescription medication, supplements, or vitamins. Therefore, you should always consult your physician if you’re using certain medications, including:
- Prostate mediations
- Erectile dysfunction medications
- Antihistamines
- Hearth rhythm medications
- Pain medications
- Anticancer medications
- Immunosuppressants
- Corticosteroids
- Blood pressure medications
- Cholesterol medications
- Mood medications to correct mood disorders, depression, and anxiety
- Antiepileptic drugs
- Blood thinners
Should You Use CBD or CBG?
These two cannabinoids are found naturally in cannabis and hemp plant. Despite their differences in their composition and benefits, they still share some similar attributes. With that said, it can be easy to pinpoint which of these two is a better pick since their effects differ, depending on your lifestyle, body type, and other physical attributes.
Because these two compounds produce the best effects when used together instead of individually, you should consider using them together. Doing this is excellent since you enjoy these two compounds’ superb synergy since each of them plays different roles in the body.
Takeaway
Even if CBD and CBG are great for your body, they have some differences when they interact with your body. With the popularity of CBG on the rise, it’s essential to understand how it exactly differs from CBD. Once you do this, you’ll be in a better position to know whether it’s the right choice for you.
