Comparing CBD and CBG: Which One Is Right for You?

Introduction

In the past two years, CBD has developed a reputation as an effective health supplement due to its minimal side effects, lack of addictive potential, and substantial list of benefits. Not surprisingly then, this natural cannabis extract is rising in popularity - almost rivaling that of THC!

You'll be astounded to learn that CBD and THC are not the only cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. With growing awareness of CBD's therapeutic advantages, interest has been sparked around other cannabis compounds, encouraging researchers to explore their untapped potential further.

If you're wondering about the potential health benefits of CBG (cannabigerol) and how it measures up against CBD, then this article is for you! Here we will provide a detailed comparison between both cannabinoids to help inform your choices.

Get ready to equip yourself with all the essential knowledge on these two powerhouses of wellness.

Table of Contents

• What is CBG?
• What is CBD?
• Does CBG get you high?
• Differences Between CBG & CBD
• Benefits of CBD and CBG
• Conclusion

What is CBG?

Have you heard of CBG? If not, no worries! It stands for cannabigerol and is one of the many cannabinoids located in hemp and cannabis plants. The powerful compound starts as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) before it transforms into two forms – tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), which eventually becomes THC, and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), which later creates CBD. What's left behind from this incredible transformation process? You guessed it - CBG!

CBG was first discovered in 1964, but has largely gone unnoticed by researchers until now. Yet with modern studies uncovering various potential therapeutic benefits of the cannabinoid, CBG is being thrust back into the spotlight and preclinical evidence shows promising results. 

Even though it's still early days for research on this compound, there are plenty of reasons to believe that its effects could be beneficial.

Recent research has shown that CBG could be a more efficient pain reliever than THC, as it is believed to interact with the two cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) of our endocannabinoid system. 

These receptors manage swelling levels and heat sensitivity, making it an ideal pain relief option for many patients in need. Additionally, promising studies have also indicated that this compound may possess mood balancing and antibacterial properties too!

What is CBD?

Discovered in the 1930s, Cannabidiol (CBD) was largely overlooked until scientists uncovered its anticonvulsant characteristics during the 1970s. This restorative compound is found naturally in high concentrations within hemp and cannabis plants.

In recent years, CBD has rapidly become the natural remedy of choice for many people in search of relief from an array of ailments without any sort of psychoactive properties commonly linked to THC.

Not only does it provide users with relief and improved mental health, but its lack of paranoia, stress, or cognitive impairment makes it uniquely attractive compared to other cannabinoids. Moreover, its effects can be experienced without any apprehension.

Does CBG get you high?

For the majority of people, CBG provides a rush of energy; however, some find it to be calming and relaxing like CBD or CBN. Scientists are still unsure why certain individuals experience such contrasting effects from everyone else.

People often feel more energized and possess greater cognitive sharpness when using CBG. Many people who rely on it to perform tasks report that the substance grants them a concentrated state of mind, enabling them to remain fully absorbed in their activities.

CBG is known to both energize and calm its users. Unlike caffeine, an invigorating stimulant, CBD helps clear away unwanted interruptions and instills a feeling of presence at the moment. This experience is much more delicate than with other energy-boosting substances that rely solely on stimulation for their effect.

Those who endorse CBG report feeling energized and alert after consuming, as opposed to the effects of THC or CBD. While more scientific evidence is required to validate these claims, it makes sense considering that CBG has no psychoactive properties.

Without a doubt, the consumption of CBD will not lead to any cerebral intoxication.

Differences Between CBG & CBD

Although they each boast their own therapeutic benefits, CBG and CBD differ from one another in various ways. Specifically, the arrangement of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms found within these two cannabinoids' molecular structures directly affects how well the compounds bind to receptors as well as their overall bioavailability.

Analyzing the interaction between CBG and CBD with the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, researchers discovered that while CBG interacted as an antagonist at the said receptor, CBD exhibited strong anti-nausea properties by acting as an agonist.

Despite their many similarities, when interacting with the same receptor, cannabinoids show opposing effects - a paradoxical phenomenon.

Unlike CBG, CBD has been proven to have a major effect on appetite. Research conducted with rats revealed that the animals' food intake skyrocketed by two times their normal eating habits when given CBG. However, in comparison, studies involving CBD showed entirely different results - drastically reducing overall meal consumption levels.

Benefits of CBD and CBG

Unlike THC, CBD and CBG are non-psychoactive, so you won't experience any side effects or mental alterations. Plus, these two natural compounds offer a variety of health benefits with little to no downside!

Cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabidiol (CBD) have the remarkable potential to ease the symptoms of glaucoma, inhibit tumor growth, as well as possess neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may open up new doors for healthcare professionals looking for effective treatments with minimal side effects.

Believe it or not, CBD has been proven to be an effective spot treatment for acne! Furthermore, more studies are revealing the anxiolytic effects of CBD--showing positive outcomes when treating stress. This makes it a vital part in managing mental health - making its addition into your own wellness journey essential.

While it has yet to be studied, combining CBD and CBG is thought to create an entourage effect wherein each cannabinoid enhances the effects of the others. This suggests that when multiple cannabinoids are combined, their therapeutic benefits can become even more powerful than if taken alone.

Intensive research has been conducted to examine the relationship between CBD and THC; specifically, studies indicate that when these two compounds are combined, they provide a heightened level of pain relief compared to taking either one individually.

Conclusion

CBG provides a gentle energizing sensation to its users, allowing them to access heightened concentration and focus on their current task. Most people who have tried it will agree that clarity of thought and enhanced productivity are two of its biggest benefits! 

Its cost is unfortunately one major downside; since only small quantities can be found in nature, extracting this compound requires expensive chemicals as well as modern equipment - both costly factors that make obtaining pure CBG difficult.

We hope this piece has given you a better insight into the differences between CBD and CBG, as well as what benefits they may have when taken together. Let us know in the comments section if either of them have worked for you!