CBG vs CBD: Differences, Benefits, and Products

Hemp is indeed a fascinating plant product, given the fact that it contains organic compounds that may help us experience overall health. One of these organic compounds that’s making quite a buzz is cannabigerol, simply called CBG.

Many are confused about CBG because they think it is just another version of CBD. But there’s more to this cannabinoid than meets the eye. Today, we will clarify everything so that you won’t be left behind.

Read on!

How Different Are CBG and CBD?

Although they are both non-psychoactive cannabinoids, CBG and CBD still have key differences.

Concentration in a Mature Cannabis Plant

Being a minor cannabinoid, you’ll find relatively low concentrations of CBG among mature cannabis plants. On the other hand, CBD is a major cannabinoid and is typically present in higher levels when the plant matures.

Molecular Structure

Comparing the molecular structures of CBG and CBD, one will notice a slight difference between the two. Such a quality could explain the unique effects of CBD and CBG, including the manner in which they interact with the cannabinoid receptors of the body’s endocannabinoid system.

Pharmacology (How each cannabinoid interacts in the body)

It is true that CBG and CBD can access the human endocannabinoid system. These cannabinoids could also produce similar effects in supporting normal infl*mmatory function, mood, and stress. However, they may still have distinct molecular pharmacology.

CBG may enhance one’s ability to concentrate and maintain focus. Meanwhile, CBD is often effective in supporting a healthy sleep pattern, easing the sensation of discomfort, and helping with muscle recovery.

What is CBG exactly?

CBG stands for cannabigerol. It is one of the minor cannabinoids that cannabis and hemp plants contain. Studies suggest that CBG could be grouped with some promising compounds that we can obtain from the cannabis sativa plant. Although more research is needed, CBG exhibits potential health benefits.

CBG comes from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). This plant compound is a precursor for the other cannabinoids we know. You may consider CBGA as the starting point (or parent cannabinoid) for biosynthesis (creation) of different cannabinoids such as CBD, THC, and CBC.

CBGA undergoes a series of enzymatic processes in order to be converted into different cannabinoids, one of which is CBG.

CBG has higher concentrations among young cannabis plants. One key characteristic of CBG is it is a non-acidic form of CBGA. The latter has an acidic carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to it. The decarboxylation process, which removes the carboxyl group, transforms CBGA into the neutral CBG compound.

What about CBD?

CBD is more popular than CBG. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major cannabinoid that you can find in high concentrations in both hemp and cannabis plants. To date, we can find extensive research studies dedicated to discovering CBD’s benefits and pharmacology.

Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another prominent cannabinoid, CBD is considered non-intoxicating, lacking the psychoactive effects of THC. What this means is when you consume CBD, you should not feel the kind of “high” that is common in marijuana consumption.

CBD can interact with the human ECS, which is a complex network of receptors and signaling molecules. The ECS is believed to regulate several bodily functions and processes. It also plays an essential role in maintaining the so-called “homeostasis,” or balance, in the human body and mind.

When CBD engages with the ECS, it can affect numerous bodily functions, including mood, sleep, appetite, how discomfort is perceived, and immune response. Thus, from here, we can safely assume that CBD has good effects on one’s mental and physical health.

CBG vs CBD: Their Known Therapeutic Benefits

Below are the several potential benefits of CBG. All of these are based on small-scale research studies, which suggest we need more clinical trials to confirm CBG’s possible medicinal properties.

CBG Can Promote Natural Recovery and Minimize Discomfort

Studies show that both CBG and CBD can aid in managing discomfort, particularly in muscles and joints after intense physical activities.

Intense physical activity can cause micro-tears in muscles, leading to swelling and discomfort. CBG and CBD are believed to support muscle recovery by:

• Diminishing physical discomfort
• Relieving the unease related to micro-tears

Many athletes are seeking ways to decrease recovery time during their workouts. They typically rely on a compound that could function as a muscle relaxant. The anti-swelling properties of these cannabinoids may help them in achieving this goal.

CBG Can Offer Neuroprotective Properties

Both CBG and CBD can offer protection to the nerve cells of the nervous system. However, emerging studies suggest that CBG could have a slight advantage over CBD in this area.

Plan cannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG) is suggested to possess more neuroprotective potential when compared with CBD. What this means is that CBG may offer increased support in safeguarding brain cells from various factors that can contribute to degeneration.

While it’s noted that CBG appears to have a slightly promising edge over CBD in terms of brain health, it’s essential to emphasize the need for more research.

CBG Can Calm Overstimulated Immune System

Again, one therapeutic potential of CBD and CBG is how they can pacify an overstimulated immune response resulting in too much swelling.

Soreness is a natural and necessary part of the immune system’s defense mechanism. It becomes problematic when it becomes excessive, leading to prolonged swelling and potential damage to tissues.

Any compound that fortifies the human ECS can produce a beneficial outcome for the immune response and swelling. Interestingly, one of the benefits of CBG and CBD is that they enhance the endocannabinoid system, and this promotes a balanced and controlled immune response.

CBG Can Stimulate Appetite

When you compare CBD and CBG, the latter is highlighted as a potential alternative to THC. This is in the context of enhancing one’s desire to consume foods.

Plant cannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG) is the precursor to THC, and both compounds share appetite-stimulating effects. Studies have shown that CBG encouraged appetite stimulation in some experiment models, bringing their food intake to normal levels without causing negative side effects.

How does CBG produce such an effect? This is because CBG can interact with the endocannabinoid system, otherwise called ECS. The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including appetite.

By influencing cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, CBG may modulate appetite regulation, resulting in to increase in food intake.

CBG Can Help Manage Stress

Stress is a natural part of the human response system. This is often associated with the body’s fight-or-flight response. when there is an emergency, stress helps boost energy and reaction time to deal with immediate threats. However, in our day-to-day living, stressors such as work deadlines, financial issues, health concerns, or relationship issues can trigger the stress response more frequently.

GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a “brake pedal” to the stress response. It has a calming effect on the central nervous system and is crucial for inducing a state of relaxation and calmness.

Both CBD and CBG are mentioned to interact with serotonin receptors as well as with GABA activity. In preclinical studies, these cannabinoids are suggested to slow down the breakdown of GABA in the brain. By doing so, CBD and CBG may help produce a sense of calmness and counteract the hyperactivity of the stress response system.

Further Research Areas for CBG

In one study, CBG was studied to explore how it can help people with infl*mmatory bowel disease (IBS). The study ended on a promising note because it suggested that CBG should be considered for more clinical experimentations based on its potential ability to address experimental infl*mmatory bowel disease.

One study focused on examining the effects of different cannabinoids on bladder contractions. CBG was specifically studied for its potential to inhibit muscle contractions in the bladder. The information suggests that CBG may be considered a potential future tool in preventing bladder function issues.

Is CBG More Expensive than CBD?

When you shop for CBG products, you might discover that CBG has a higher price tag. Here are some reasons for this:

Abundance in hemp plants

CBD has higher concentration levels compared with CBG. In fact, CBD constitutes around 20% of the hemp plant’s composition. In contrast, CBG is present in hemp plants in less than 1 percent. The significant difference in abundance means that cultivators need to process 20 times the biomass to extract the same amount of CBG as a typical CBD yield.

Plant maturation

Young hemp and cannabis plants contain around 5% of CBG as compared with their adult counterparts. However, if cultivators harvest young plants for the sake of extracting a higher percentage of CBG there are some tradeoffs to consider.

Because you only want to obtain CBG from these younger plants, you are eventually sacrificing the possibility of extracting other cannabinoids. Now, you should choose if it is worth it to obtain CBG while discarding other valuable plant components.

Extraction process

The process of extracting cannabinoids involves dissolving large quantities of hemp biomass. Because CBG is present in lower concentrations, the larger amount of plant material necessary to produce it increases its production costs.

Supply-Demand Dynamics

The increasing interest in CBG is also mentioned as a factor in why it commands a higher price. As consumer demand for CBG grows, basic supply-demand economics further influence the pricing of CBG products.

CBG Products For Your Needs

CBG Oils

CBG oil contains the minor cannabinoid CBG. It is produced by extracting the CBG extract from cannabis sativa plants. This process is quite similar to the process used to produce CBD oil.

Like CBD, CBG is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the “high” associated with THC. Users can experience the potential therapeutic benefits of CBG without the psychoactive properties.

CBG Topicals

These are skincare or wellness products infused with CBG (cannabigerol). These CBG topicals are particularly formulated for direct application on the human skin. You’ll find several CBG topicals, such as creams, balms, salves, and lotions. All of these CBG products offer targeted applications leading to localized effects. One standout product in this category is our CBD Magnesium Cream, expertly designed to provide localized relief and skincare benefits, fortified with the soothing power of CBD and magnesium.

CBG Gummies

Gummies are a convenient and delightful way to include the potential advantages of CBG (Cannabigerol) into your everyday routine. These gummies contain CBG extract, a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid extracted from the cannabis plant, providing a natural and pleasurable method to promote general well-being. CBG is frequently referred to as the “mother” cannabinoid, and these candies offer a tasty and unobtrusive way to experience its potential relaxing and balancing benefits.

CBG gummies are ideal for individuals who want a sweet and chewy choice since they are meticulously manufactured to ensure precise dosing and a pleasing experience with each mouthful.

CBG Capsules

CBG capsules are oral supplements containing CBG (cannabigerol), a cannabinoid produced from the cannabis plant. These capsules offer a simple and unobtrusive method to take CBG into your regular wellness routine. CBG capsules are a handy and controlled approach to including CBG in your regular routine, with potential health advantages connected with this cannabinoid.

CBG Isolates

CBG isolates are pure versions of CBG (cannabigerol), a cannabinoid present in cannabis plants. These isolates are processed to contain only CBG, with no additional cannabinoids, terpenes, or plant components present. CBG isolates are commonly employed in various goods, offering users a controlled and concentrated source of CBG.