Cannabinoids are the nutrients of the cannabis plant. Some of the most common cannabinoids found on our earth today are Cannabigerol (CBG) and Cannabidiol (CBD). Both have promising health benefits, but each functions differently within the body. In this blog, we discuss CBG and CBD and how they compare to one another.
What Are CBG and CBD
CBG and CBD are two of the chemicals found in the marijuana plant. Neither is psychoactive, so neither would get you high.
- CBG (Cannabigerol): Also referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids,” CBG is the chemical from which other cannabinoids such as CBD and THC are made. It is found in lesser quantities in the plant, so it is less common and perhaps more costly.
- CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD is more prevalent in the cannabis plant and has attracted a lot of research interest towards its benefits to an individual’s health. It is used in abundance across most wellness products.
How They Work in the Body
Both CBG and CBD affect the body’s endocannabinoid system, which controls functions such as mood, pain, and appetite.
- CBG: CBG binds straight to the ECS’s CB1 and CB2 receptors, potentially having more direct effects on the body. CBG can cure nervous system illnesses, like depression and anxiety.
- CBD: CBD indirectly acts upon the ECS. CBD does not bind with receptors but indirectly acts upon them via some other procedure, benefiting from stress, pain, and inflammation.
How Is CBG Different From CBD?
Although CBG and CBD are so similar, they are quite different in many respects.
Availability
- CBD is everywhere! It is in oil, gummies, creams, and even dog treats.
- CBG is not as well recognized. Because it only occurs in such a tiny amount in the plant, it is not nearly as easily found in stores, and it is more expensive.
Cost
- CBD is inexpensive because it is plentiful.
- CBG is so much more expensive because isolating CBG takes time and money.
Body Reactions
Few have indicated that, in practical terms, CBG may indeed be better than CBD on many fronts:
- CBG is stronger in antibacterial levels.
- CBG may be better for certain types of inflammation, e.g., the digestive tract (for colitis and other diseases).
- CBD is stronger for generalized anxiety, sleep disorders, and seizures (like those of epilepsy).
Allergies
Other research indicates that few individuals are allergic to CBD. There are fewer allergy reports so far with CBG, but more research is needed.
Potential Health Benefits
CBG Benefits
CBG research is ongoing, but early research indicates some potential benefits:
- Anti-Inflammatory: CBG could potentially prevent inflammation, which in certain conditions would be beneficial in inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis.
- Neuroprotective Effects: CBG can possibly preserve nerve cells and can be used to treat neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s.
- Stimulating Appetite: In contrast to CBD, CBG induces appetite and can possibly help people with eating disorders or those on chemotherapy.
- Antibacterial Effects: CBG can possibly kill certain bacteria, even the resistant ones.
CBD Benefits
CBD is more researched, and its applications are:
- Relief from Anxiety and Stress: CBD is taken massively as it has sedative effects and relief from stress and anxiety.
- Relief from Pain: CBD is taken massively to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Cure for Epilepsy: CBD is taken massively to cure seizure disorders.
- Improve Sleep Quality: CBD is likely to cure sleep disorders such as insomnia and improve the quality of sleep.
Origins and Rarity
- CBG (Cannabigerol): Also known as the “mother of all cannabinoids,” CBG is a cannabinoid precursor to CBD and THC. It is usually found in cannabis plants in very minute quantities, making it rarer and more costly to produce.
- CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD is more prevalent in cannabis plants, particularly in hemp strains. Its greater degree of concentration renders it more accessible and less costly to produce.
Interaction with the Endocannabinoid System
- CBG: CBG directly interacts with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, possibly making more direct connections with the body.
- CBD: CBD does not directly interact with these receptors but indirectly influences them, thus influencing many other bodily functions such as mood, pain, and hunger.
Research and Evidence
- CBG: Although promising, CBG research is in its early stages. More research has been done on animals, and more human clinical trials must be performed before it can be determined if it is safe and effective.
- CBD: CBD has been widely studied and clinically evaluated, and has resulted in FDA-approved treatments such as Epidiolex for specific forms of epilepsy. Its benefits are well understood.
Price and Availability
CBG is not as common and tends to be more costly since it is available in lower amounts. It may be based on the enhancements that have been made in the growth technology and extraction method.
Side Effects and Safety
CBG and CBD are not poisonous, but there are side effects associated with each.
- CBG Side Effects: May also include drowsiness, dry mouth, and hunger. More research has to be conducted so as to have a complete understanding of its safety profile.
- CBD Side Effects May include drowsiness, stomach discomfort, and dry mouth in certain users. CBD is also likely to interact with certain drugs.
It would be best to consult your doctor prior to starting any new supplement in case you have chronic medical conditions or whenever you are ill with a disease.
Which One to Take?
Depending on your own healthcare needs
- Use CBG if: You desire appetite stimulation potential, antibacterial activity, or neuronal protection.
- Use CBD if: You desire relief from anxiety, pain, or insomnia.
Other people take a combination of CBG and CBD to capture the potential benefit of each item.
Conclusion
Both CBD and CBG demonstrate positive health outcomes, but they operate in various ways within the body and are perhaps more definitively therapeutic for the illness. The more we learn about them scientifically, the more we will learn about their complete potential. Always consult a physician before you supplement with anything.