CBD and CBG: What’s The Difference? Choosing The Right Option For You
Whether you’re new to the world of cannabis and hemp or you’ve been using cannabinoids for awhile, it can be tough to keep up with all of the latest research in the world of plant medicine. You likely have heard of CBD, but CBG is a relative newcomer to most plant medicine enthusiasts.
A quick cannabis lesson: both CBD and CBG are cannabinoids. These are naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant, and their use in medicine is as old as time (historians believe that cannabis was used in the middle of the first millenium). Science is beginning to dig into these little wonders, working to help both cannabis enthusiasts and those new to the game understand CBD and CBG’s medicinal properties.
While there are nearly 500 compounds in the cannabis plant, less than 70 of these have earned the title of cannabinoid. These substances interact with cannabinoid receptors on the surface of cells, working their magic one receptor at a time. Cannabinoids can have both positive and negative effects on the body and can be responsible for everything from impaired cognition to lowered ocular pressure in people who suffer from glaucoma. Isolating cannabinoids can create an entirely different experience than smoking cannabis or ingesting an edible.
The two cannabinoids that we’re discussing here – cannabidiol, or CBD, and cannabigerol, or CBG – both share myriad positive effects. That being said, there are some important differences between these two compounds. In order to figure out which option is a better fit for your needs, you’ll need a solid grasp of what makes these two substances unique from one another.
What’s CBD?
CBD has made headlines in recent years, praised for its medicinal and calming properties. This cannabinoid is found in high levels in Type II and Type III hemp and cannabis plants.
Scientists first isolated CBD in the 1930s, but it was put on the back burner until researchers in the 1970s began to take an interest in the compound’s ability to fight epilepsy.
Research has now confirmed that purified CBD is an effective treatment for pediatric epilepsy. Research has also shown that CBD may be effective as an anti-anxiety medication, a sedative, an analgesic medication, and an anti-nausea treatment.
CBD and THC (one of the psychoactive cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis plants) are often paired together. THC can have some negative effects, including impaired cognition, anxiety, and paranoia. CBD seems to lessen these effects. Research has also shown that when THC and CBD are used together, the combination is more effective than either cannabinoid taken alone.
What’s CBG?
Scientists first isolated CBG even earlier than CBD (in 1964), but it’s still not quite as well-known as other cannabinoids. The jury is still out on some of the therapeutic effects of CBG, but it’s power as an analgesic is promising. Early research suggests that CBG is better at relieving pain than THC – and it does so without an intoxicating effect.
In most cannabis and hemp plants, CBG is found in low concentrations. Biologists are working to change this by cross-breeding certain hemp and cannabis plants, resulting in Type IV plants that are CBG dominant.
In addition to affecting the receptors that allow the body to feel pain, CBG may also affect the parts of the body that create inflammation. It’s also possible that CBG may affect the way the body processes heat sensitivity.
The demand for CBG isn’t as high as the demand for CBD yet, and it isn’t always quite as easy to come by. That being said, farmers are working around the clock to produce CBG, and, likely, the compound will soon be well-known for its therapeutic properties, just like CBD.
The Similarities
CBD and CBG have a lot in common. Both of these compounds are non-psychoactive. While CBD is often paired with the psychoactive compound THC, it can also be effective when taken on its own.
Both compounds are all-natural and have few or no side effects. Most people report that they’re able to use both CBD and CBG without any issues that would make them not want to use the compound again.
Both compounds are heralded for their anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, both of which can go a long way in fighting both acute disease and chronic illness. These effects are often maximized when CBD and/or CBG are used in conjunction with lifestyle changes.
Protecting the brain over the lifespan is important, and both CBD and CBG work as neuroprotectors, helping the brain to function as highly as possible. In addition to protecting the brain, these compounds also both function protect against colon cancer. Both CBD and CBG may also reduce the growth of tumors.
People who suffer from glaucoma may find some relief from their symptoms by using CBD and/or CBG, as these compounds have the ability to lower glaucoma-related ocular pressure.
How CBD and CBG are Different
While CBD and CBG have a lot in common, there are also several factors that set the two apart. While the two compounds come from the same plant, they’re structurally different. This means that they’re able to bind to the body’s cannabinoid receptors in different ways. The molecular structure of a cannabinoid can also determine how bioavailable the compound is, affecting how easily the body can use the compound.
Another way that CBD and CBG differ is in how they affect the appetite. CBG has been shown to increase appetite, which can be a valuable tool for people who are going through chemotherapy or other treatments that may reduce appetite. CBD has been shown to reduce appetite and could work as a valuable aid for people who struggle with emotional eating, binge eating, and other conditions that can make it tough to maintain a healthy weight.
Both CBD and CBG are effective in treating certain ailments but it’s key to know which option is best for treating your specific condition(s). If you’re not sure which option is the best fit for you, talking with your doctor may be a good place to start. Know that some doctors are not well-versed in plant medicine, and it may be useful to come prepared with your own research.
While both compounds have anti-bacterial properties, CBG has been shown to work as an incredibly powerful antibiotic. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is a bacterial infection that can be incredibly tough to beat. CBG was tested against 17 other cannabinoids and was found to be most effective against MRSA. CBG was also shown to be as powerful as vancomycin, a strong antibiotic effective in treating MRSA.
CBD is useful in relieving anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It’s also useful for reducing seizures related to epilepsy. CBD can also help with pain associated with arthritis, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and more. CBG oil can also be used topically to spot-treat acne, and also shows promise as a medication to treat bladder dysfunction. CBG also can relieve general pain and has shown promise as a medication to treat irritable bowel disease.
Which Option Is Right For You?
If you’re trying to decide between CBD and CBG, it can be tough to figure out which one is the best fit for you, especially if the conditions you’re trying to mitigate don’t fit neatly into a box. Don’t be afraid to play around with the two, until you figure out which one makes you feel the best. If you still can’t decide whether CBD or CBG is a better fit for you, good news: you can use them together.
This may be especially useful if you suffer from pain due to a chronic condition. Don’t forget to consider the appetite-changing effects of these two substances if you’re not sure which one is the best fit for you. If you’re considering CBD, you may want to think about whether you feel comfortable using THC as well, since it can amplify the effects of CBD.
Still Have Questions? We’ve Got You Covered
If you’re still not sure which option is a good fit for you, we get it – and we’re here to help. Deciding between CBD and CBG can be tough since both compounds offer so many benefits. At Natural Blum, we’re passionate about CBD and CBG, and we want to work with you to help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Feel free to give us a call or shoot us an email and we’ll work with you to help you find the perfect cannabis and/or hemp product for your needs.
