CBG vs. CBD: What’s the Difference?
Like CBD, cannabigerol (CBG) is one of the more than 100+ cannabinoids produced by cannabis and hemp plants. While both share some similarities, these two cannabinoids differ in many ways. This post will compare CBD vs. CBG and help you make more informed choices about incorporating them into your wellness routine.
In this post, we’ll explore
- The similarities between CBD and CBG
- Their differences
- And some unique challenges posed by cannabigerol
What Are CBD And CBG?
What Is Cannabigerol (CBG)
Cannabis academics and hemp industry bloggers often refer to CBG as the “Mother of all cannabinoids.” Cannabigerol and its acidic precursor earned this title because it turns into other cannabinoids, including CBD, THC, and CBC, during cannabis’s flowering phase. We’ll explore this process called “CBGa Synthase” a little later on.
CBG is hard to find in mature cannabis plants. When flowers are ready to harvest, most CBG has already turned into other cannabinoids.
What Is Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidiol is one of the most well-known cannabinoids, right behind THC. Unlike THC, though, CBD is non-psychoactive and doesn’t make users feel “high.” We generally find CBD in cannabis plants categorized as hemp.
Similarities
The similarities between the two cannabinoids worth noting are in their effects profile. Both CBD and CBG are thought to have:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Neuroprotective properties1
- Pain relief properties
Other Potential Benefits of CBG Use
Though research is spotty at the moment, some studies suggest that using cannabigerol may,
- Have antibacterial effects2
- Aid in glaucoma treatment by reducing intraocular pressure
- Treat and prevent excessive bladder contractions
The Differences Between CBG vs. CBD
The differences between the two cannabinoids start at the atomic level. Both come from the same parent cannabinoid: Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGa). CBGa, we recall, is the mother of all cannabinoids. It can do a few different things,
- Decarboxylation – CBGa can turn into CBG via decarboxylation. When we subject acidic cannabinoids to heat, they drop a carboxyl ring group and become activated.
- Synthase – CBGa can also turn into CBDa, THCa, and others via Synthase. During this process the CBGa molecule separates into the other cannabinoid and a hydrogen peroxide molecule. Some believe that this step may boost the cannabis plant’s self-defense system.
Our Endocannabinoid System
The other difference in CBD vs. CBG is how they interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system.
CBG binds directly to both CB1 and CB2 receptors.3 This is similar to how THC interacts with our ECS. We also believe that CBG may be more effective at directly influencing some of our bodily processes.
CBD, on the other hand, indirectly influences our ECS by modulating receptors and changing our levels of endocannabinoids. Think of CBD as a traffic cop, but they let good endocannabinoids do their thing and slow down less desirable signals.
Related: CBD vs. THC: Differences and Similarities
Working With Cannabigerol
Upon reading this post, you might think that CBG and CBD complement each other pretty well, and you’d be right. So why don’t you see more blended products on the market? The answer comes down to price.
CBGa, as mentioned earlier, is the precursor to several different cannabinoids produced by cannabis plants. So many, in fact, that after synthase, CBG only accounts for <1% of hemp as a percentage of dry weight. To harvest a significant amount of CBG, cannabis, and hemp breeders revisited the drawing board. Early efforts to breed plants that produce cannabigerol have been an uphill battle.
Until we have more sophisticated cannabis plants, the price of CBG will likely remain high. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a try.
Conclusion
While both CBG and CBD offer some potential benefits, always be sure to consult a healthcare professional before adding anything to your daily routine. Both cannabinoids have been known to interact with certain medications.
Updated:
June 19th, 2024
Sources:
- Grinspoon, Peter. “Beyond CBD: Here Come the Other Cannabinoids, but Where’s the Evidence?” Harvard Health, Harvard University, 26 Sept. 2022, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/beyond-cbd-here-come-the-other-cannabinoids-but-wheres-the-evidence-2021032322190.
- Navarro, Gemma et al. “Cannabigerol Action at Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 Receptors and at CB1-CB2 Heteroreceptor Complexes.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 9 632. 21 Jun. 2018, doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.00632