CBG, or cannabigerol, is the latest cannabinoid (other than CBD and THC) to attract attention. CBG and CBD are thought to have many similarities—they both interact with the endocannabinoid system and are thought to have a multitude of benefits. But CBG is more abundant in young plants, where CBD is prevalent in adult hemp.
Because they are so similar, consumers are wondering what’s the deal… is one better than the other? This post explores CBG in-depth and gives a detailed look at the differences between the two.
The Mother Cannabinoid
What Is CBG?
CBG is referred to as “the mother cannabinoid” because it births all other cannabinoids. All cannabinoids start as CBGa before they break down into THCa, CBDa, CBCa. Eventually, these acidic forms turn into THC, CBD, CBC, etc., when exposed to heat or ultraviolet light.
Because CBGa converts into all these other cannabinoids, fully mature plants only contain low concentrations of CBGa. Adult hemp plants consist of only about 1 percent CBG as opposed to around 20 percent CBD. It’s the main reason CBG isn’t as widely known or as readily abundant as CBD.
The difference between cbd and cbg
CBD vs CBG
CBG and CBD parallel in many ways, but each is thought to possess nuanced characteristics as well. Both cannabinoids are non-psychoactive, unlike THC, and they both interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The ECS is a recently-discovered cell-signaling system located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. It consists of endocannabinoids, receptors the cannabinoids bind to, and enzymes that break the cannabinoids down to elicit a bodily response. Just like how a caffeinated cup of coffee boosts focus or a sugary cupcake can create a happy feeling in the brain, each endocannabinoid creates its own response in the ECS.
Though it is not fully understood, it is believed that the ECS plays a role in regulating sleep, mood, memory, appetite, and reproduction. Both CBD and CBG interact with the receptors CB1 and CB2 and are thought to be anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and have the potential to balance mood and anxiety. However, CBG and CBD have slightly different molecular structures that may result in different behavior. A major difference in CBD vs CBG boils down to the amount of research at our disposal. From the available studies, we know that CBG offers potential uses that slightly differ from CBD, such as treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease and glaucoma.
How does CBG make you feel
Individuals who are considering CBG may wonder: How does CBG make you feel? lthough CBG does not make you feel intoxicated, it may create a feeling of happiness due to its cognitive effects.
Unlike CBD, CBG does not produce a feeling of sedation or drowsiness. Many people report enhanced alertness and focus. That said, it’s important to know that how CBG makes a person feel depends on a variety of factors such as dosage, body weight , health, physiology , and other genetic and environmental influences.
Despite the fact that the CBG effects vary from individual to individual, studies show that CBG tends to produce a mild euphoria similar to the runner’s high, as opposed to a psychoactive or mind-altering high like with exercise, CBG triggers the release of anandamide, aka the bliss molecule, which enhances mood in a natural manner.
Similar to CBD, CBG is an anti-inflammatory that offers relief from pain and soreness. When considering purchasing CBD vs. CBG, we suggest CBG for cognitive support and CBD for general daily support. CBG may also be better for mental sharpness where CBD has more relaxation potential.
What we know so far
CBG Benefits
Here is a list of what we know so far in the research realm of CBG.
In mice experiments, CBG was studied to explore its potential to treat inflammatory bowel disease and showed promising results. - A 2015 study found CBG protects neurons in mice with Huntington’s disease, a nerve cell degeneration brain disorder.
- CBG inhibited growth of colorectal cancer cells in mice as well. According to this study, CBG slowed down tumors and chemically-induced colon carcinogenesis.
- European research showed evidence that CBG is an effective antibacterial agent, particularly against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) microbial strains resistant to several classes of drugs. Since the 1950s, topical formulations of cannabis have been effective in skin infections, but researchers at the time were unaware of the plant’s chemical composition.
- In a recent 2017 study in rats, researchers found a form of CBG as a useful appetite stimulant, without the intoxicating effects of THC. This may lead to a novel non-psychotropic therapeutic option for cachexia, muscle wasting and severe weight loss seen in late stage cancer and other diseases.
- In a study that looked at the effects of five different cannabinoids on bladder contractions, CBG tested best at inhibiting muscle shrinking, so it may be a future tool in preventing bladder dysfunction disorders.
- CBG has also shown to reduce pressure in the eyes caused by glaucoma.
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Cognitive Support
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Cannabinoid price differences
Why is CBG More Expensive?
The most obvious difference consumers may notice is the price tag. CBG is significantly more expensive than CBD. In the hemp industry, raw plant material is used to extract CBD and all other cannabinoids. Large quantities of hemp are dissolved in a liquid, such as carbon dioxide, to retrieve the compounds. And producers need tons of biomass for very little extract. As mentioned, CBD is the most abundant hemp compound, around 20 percent of the plant’s composition compared to less than 1 percent of CBG. That means cultivators need 20 times the biomass to extract the same amount of CBG as a typical CBD yield.
Young plants contain a little bit more CBG than adults, around 5 percent. (Remember that an acidic form of cannabigerol is the starting place for all other plant compounds, so there is more CBGa when the plant is in its early stages.) So utilizing young plants results in a higher CBG yield, but not much more. This puts cultivators in a pickle. Harvesting young hemp plants to justify extracting a moderate amount of CBG sacrifices other potential compounds, and more of them, so most choose not to.
The large amount of plant material needed to extract CBG is handed down to the consumer, yet interest is growing, so basic supply-demand economics is also adding to the price. As a workaround, many companies add CBG extract to other CBD products. Meaning they blend oils from multiple plants. Though rare, a few companies work with farmers who developed high-potency CBG hemp strains (ahem, ahem… Extract Labs). This allows them to provide full spectrum CBG products at a more reasonable price.
CBG Products
CBG Isolate, CBG Oil and CBG Topicals
Like CBD products, CBG comes in a multitude of formats including CBG isolate, softgels, edibles, tinctures, and topicals.
CBG Isolate
Isolates are the only guaranteed THC free cannabinoid products because they are refined down into a single compound. CBG isolate is 99 percent pure cannabigerol. But while it is potent, the entourage effect does not apply. People who must avoid THC often prefer CBG isolate. It’s also desired due to its versatility and ease of use.
CBG Oil
Just like CBD tinctures, CBG oil is blended with a carrier oil and is taken sublingually or mixed with food and drinks. Due to the availability of CBG, most CBG tinctures maintain a high dose of CBD as well.
CBG Softgels
Capsules are made from the same CBG tincture formula in a softgel casing. The only difference is CBG softgels may take longer to take effect since they must be digested. They are useful for travel and for those who do not like the taste of tinctures.
CBG Topicals
Like CBG tinctures, CBG topicals include a generous portion of CBD. They are made for the skin only and should be applied like any other CBD lotion or cream.
CBG Edibles
Effects from edibles tend to take longer and last longer than other methods. CBG edibles maintain a high amount of CBD and can be mixed into everything from chocolates, gummies and more.
Why choose CBG?
Is CBG Better than CBD?
Knowing the similarities between CBD and CBG, you may be wondering if it is worth the extra cost. The jury is still out on the CBD vs CBG debate, but what we do know about CBG is very promising. Many people who have experimented with the mother cannabinoid reported to reap its benefits. Those who have not had success with CBD may have better results with CBG.If you are in a position to experiment with a more expensive extraction, then it is worth trying out CBG to experience its effects for yourself.
