As interest in the use of cannabinoids grows and more people are choosing natural pain and stress relief products, understanding the characteristics and benefits of CBG (cannabigerol) and CBD (cannabidiol) becomes increasingly more important. Derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant, both compounds are celebrated for their health benefits, yet they serve different roles in holistic wellness. In this article, we will delve into unique aspects of each to help you determine which might be more beneficial for your health needs.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring major cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, particularly in its hemp variety. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce a psychoactive effect, meaning it does not make users feel “high.”
CBD is one of over a hundred cannabinoids found in cannabis. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system but does not bind directly to cannabinoid receptors as THC does. Instead, it influences the body indirectly to utilize its endocannabinoids more effectively.
What is CBG?
CBG, or cannabigerol, is one of the lesser-known minor cannabinoids found in young cannabis plants. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), it is present in much lower concentrations in most cannabis strains, often making it more difficult and expensive to extract in large amounts. However, its potential health benefits have sparked significant interest in the scientific and medical communities.
CBG is often referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids” because other cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, are derived from its acidic form, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). During the growth of the cannabis sativa plant, CBGA, which is the precursor to three main cannabinoid lines, is broken down and converted into different cannabinoids through natural enzymes in the plant, leaving behind smaller quantities of CBG.
What is the difference between CBD and CBG?
CBD is one of the major cannabinoids found in cannabis, meaning it is typically present in high concentrations, making it easier and more cost-effective to extract and study. CBD oil has become widely used and thoroughly researched and it is valued for its calming and soothing effects, which make it effective in treating conditions like anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders.
CBG is considered a minor cannabinoid because cannabis plants generally contain much lower levels of CBG than CBD. During the plant’s growth, CBG is converted to other compounds, leaving only small amounts in the mature plant. This makes CBG more expensive to extract and has historically limited the research into its specific benefits. However, interest in CBG is growing as emerging studies suggest it possesses unique therapeutic properties that differ from those of CBD.
CBD health benefits
Pain Management
Pure CBD is highly regarded for its analgesic properties. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body, which plays a role in regulating chemical, mechanical and neuropathic pain and inflammation. This makes CBD a popular alternative for managing chronic pain, including that related to arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Anxiety and Stress Reduction
Many people use CBD to promote mental wellness and relieve anxiety and stress. It may alter serotonin signals in the brain, a key neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. This makes CBD a potential therapeutic option for various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and PTSD.
Sleep Quality
Poor sleep is often both a symptom and a cause of mental health problems. Scientific research has shown that CBD helps to improve sleep by addressing some of the root causes of insomnia, such as anxiety, pain, and inflammation. By promoting more restful and uninterrupted sleep, CBD can improve overall mental wellness, enhancing mood, cognitive function, and stress resilience.
Potential CBG benefits
Neuroprotective Properties
Early research suggests that CBG might have neuroprotective effects. Studies in mice indicate that it could help protect neurons in neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease. This protection may be linked to CBG’s influence on cell viability—its ability to maintain healthy cells in the brain, which could help prevent the mental decline associated with ageing or neurological disorders. This protective capacity may extend to cognitive health, where CBG may help sustain cognitive function and prevent the mental decline associated with ageing or neurological disorders.
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic
CBG has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially helping with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. It also may act as an analgesic, providing pain relief without the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
Antibacterial and Antifungal
Preliminary studies suggest CBG could be effective against certain bacterial and fungal strains. It has shown promise as a potent antibacterial agent, particularly against MRSA microbial strains resistant to several classes of drugs.
How to choose between CBG and CBD
Choosing between CBG (cannabigerol) and CBD (cannabidiol) depends on your specific health needs, preferences, and the effects you hope to achieve. If you are dealing with anxiety, chronic pain, or sleep issues, CBD might be more beneficial due to its extensive research and proven results in these areas. CBG is less common in the cannabis market and usually more expensive due to its lower natural concentration in cannabis plants and the complexity of its extraction. However, an option to consider is having a CBG and CBD oil blend, and taking advantage of the synergistic effects of both cannabinoids, potentially enhancing their benefits, whilst also providing a broader spectrum of action.
CBG vs CBD: legal status
In the United States, both CBG and CBD derived from hemp (cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight) are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. This legislation removed hemp-derived cannabinoids from the Controlled Substances Act, allowing their cultivation, sale, and possession across the country. However, individual states may ban the use of cannabinoids, so check your local laws before purchasing CBG and CBD products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBG stronger than CBD?
CBG and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system differently. While CBG can directly bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors and is known for its potential antibacterial and neuroprotective properties, CBD is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and pain-relieving effects without directly binding to the cannabinoid receptors. Neither is necessarily stronger, but one may be more effective than the other in different therapeutic areas.
Does CBG help with anxiety?
While CBG (cannabigerol) has shown promise in various health areas, there is currently limited research specifically on its effects on anxiety. Early studies and anecdotal evidence suggest potential benefits. Still, more extensive and focused research is needed to confirm its efficacy for anxiety compared to CBD, which is well-documented for its anti-anxiety effects.
References:
- Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I. and Skrzydlewska, E., 2019. Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), p.21.
- Häuser, W., Petzke, F. and Fitzcharles, M.A., 2018. Efficacy, tolerability and safety of cannabis‐based medicines for chronic pain management–An overview of systematic reviews. European Journal of Pain, 22(3), pp.455-470.
- Valdeolivas, S., Navarrete, C., Cantarero, I., Bellido, M. L., Muñoz, E., & Sagredo, O. (2015). Neuroprotective properties of cannabigerol in Huntington’s disease: studies in R6/2 mice and 3-nitropropionate-lesioned mice. Neurotherapeutics, 12, 185-199.
- Zou, S. and Kumar, U., 2018. Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: signaling and function in the central nervous system. International journal of molecular sciences, 19(3), p.833.
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