CBG and CBD are some of the most common chemical compounds found in the cannabis sativa hemp plant. They have been shown high potential to have a myriad of medical applications when used individually or combined with other cannabinoids or when consumed in full-spectrum formulations.
Continue reading as we will explore the topic of CBD vs. CBG in detail to find out what they can do for your health and wellness.
Table of Contents
What is CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a component of the cannabis Sativa plant. It is present in both THC-rich strains of marijuana as well as in hemp. While hemp produces only trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%), marijuana contains a high level of THC. In addition to this, it has high amounts of CBD. In comparison, marijuana is capable of providing both THC and CBD. On its own, CBD will not make you high because of the low traces of THC.
Over the years, research studies show CBD’s therapeutic benefits, including anti-anxiety, soothing, pain-relieving, and improved sleep qualities. CBD treats severe forms of childhood epilepsy, and Epidiolex is an FDA-approved drug.
How CBD is Made?
Extraction of CBD involves isolating the chemical compound from the Hemp plant material and distilling it in high concentrations.
How CBD Works?
Our body has an Endocannabinoid System that helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. Within the ECS, there are two cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, inside the nervous system, and CBD attaches to it and triggers it to control the body functions. In addition to this, CBD serves as an anti-inflammatory and may produce pain-relieving effects.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of over 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Well-known cannabinoids like CBD and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) come from Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), an acidic form of CBG. However, CBG in cannabis plants is in smaller quantities in comparison to other cannabinoids. Most plant strains contain 1% CBG compared to 20% to 25% of CBD and 25% to 30% THC. As a result, consumer products made of CBG are rare and often expensive.
How CBG is Made?
CBG comes from young cannabis plants because they contain higher amounts of CBG than mature plants. THC and CBD concentrations in fully developed plants are high because most CBG converts to CBD and THC as the plant matures.
As a result, CBG is converting to CBD and THC as the plant matures. Due to the challenge of getting CBG, cannabis farmers have been experimenting with cross-breeding and genetic manipulation to help cannabis plants produce more CBG.
How CBG Works?
CBG binds and interacts with Endocannabinoid system receptors in the body known as CB1 and CB2. These two receptors are responsible for keeping our bodies in a state of balance. It stimulates these receptors to trigger feelings of pleasure, motivation, satiety, and pain minimization.
Differences Between CBD And CBG
Both CBG and CBD offer similar therapeutic properties. However, both cannabinoids have different molecular structures. This means that the order of Carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen is different. Molecular structure determines how the cannabinoid attaches to receptors, including bioavailability.
While CBD and CBG are similar in other ways, they have opposite effects on a specific receptor. One study revealed how CBG and CBD interact with the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor. In comparison, CBG acts as an opponent on this receptor, CBD on the other acts as a supporter. Therefore, it means CBD has anti-nausea effects.
CBG and CBD stimulate appetite differently. An experimental study on rats found that CBG encouraged the animals to consume twice their regular food intake. But a survey conducted on CBD found that the cannabinoid significantly reduces food intake.
Many think that CBD is psychoactive; therefore, taking CBD oil makes you high, but the truth is CBD doesn’t produce the “high” effect. And CBG has no psychoactive properties. Therefore it will not get you high. So both of these components won’t get you high.
CBD vs. CBG: Legal Factors
CBG oil, like CBD oil, is legal to buy or sell under US Federal law. After the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products such as CBD or CBG are legal to buy or sell as long as they contain 0.3% THC or less. However, to be on the safe side, check what your state law is before going to purchase CBG products from online. It is essential to know not all states follow federal law as they impose their conditions.
How to Take CBD and CBG
The most common way to take CBD and CBG is to take it as sublingual oil. CBG oil, like CBD, does not have a standardized or a recommended dosage guide. The general rule applies to all of them, which is to start very low and work your way up. In other words, if you’re a beginner user, you are better off getting a low dosage of oil.
Can CBD And CBG Be Taken Together?
Yes. According to various COAs, many high-quality CBD oils in the market come with trace amounts of CBG and various other cannabinoids. which can benefit or affect the user in many ways. When combining both CBD and CBG, each person’s effects may differ regardless of weight and different immune systems. It would be wise and very helpful if you got a consultant or doctor’s advice before you take them together.
Which one gets you high: CBD or CBG?
By definition, a substance is psychoactive if it affects a person’s mind and behavior. Some cannabinoids can have psychoactive effects but are not intoxicating. When we consider CBD and CBG, both do not have any psychoactive effects; therefore, they will not get you high.
Potential Benefits of CBD And CBG
Like CBD, CBG has been used to reduce pain without experiencing the intoxicating effect of cannabinoids like THC. CBG is shown to offer therapeutic effects. However, studies on this area are small; therefore, more research is needed in this area.
Scientific studies show that CBG is helpful for the therapeutic benefits in the treatment of the following ailments:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Antibacterial Properties
- Glaucoma
- Huntington’s Disease
Side Effects of CBD and CBG
Since CBG oil acts similarly to CBD oil, the experience is identical for users. Mild side effects may occur when CBG or CBD is taken in high doses. Some of these effects include nausea, drowsiness, and changes in appetite. It’s best to stick with a lower amount if you notice any of these effects and changes. Also, if you are on any medication prescribed by your doctor, speak to him. There may be a possibility of drug interactions, and you don’t really want that.
The Bottom Line
Both CBD and CBG are similar yet unique cannabinoids that offer soothing benefits for pain without getting you high. Though research studies are still on a small scale, the potentiality of CBD & CBG is promising. Like any other medication, it is advisable to consult with a doctor before using CBD or CBG.
Also read: 5 Different Ways to Take CBD and the Must-Know Benefits of Each
