CBD or CBG – what’s the difference?
CBG is still relatively unknown in cannabis research. However, it is a chemical compound in the hemp plant. We’re talking about a precursor because as the cannabis plant continues to grow and mature, CBG evolves into THC or CBD! Among the cannabinoids, CBD and THC are the two best known, while cannabigerol is rarely mentioned. Pure CBG oil is scarcely available on the market. Instead, classic cannabidiol is even available in pharmacies.
So the biggest difference is that CBG is only found in the young hemp plant. As cannabis plants continue to mature, the level of CBG decreases and converts to THC and CBD. There is already talk of cannabigerol having some health benefits that cannabinoids like CBD do not.
The effect on the endocannabinoid system
Cannabidiol also affects the human endocannabinoid system. The influences of cannabinoids are diverse. Above all, a positive effect on the psyche and on the immune system is described. CBG, on the other hand, primarily interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the human body. CBD can also do this, but the difference is the strength of the effect. It is currently believed that cannabigerol can interact much more intensely with the CB1 receptor, an ability that other cannabinoids lack. CBD, for example, unfolds its potential primarily in the entire endocannabinoid system with a focus on the CB2 receptor!
What is the effect of cannabigerol on health?
Even the cannabinoid CBD has so far been little researched. For a long time, hemp was almost exclusively associated with THC, and there is a lot of research here. Studies on cannabigerol are even worse. Nevertheless, it is already becoming apparent that CBG oil is increasing in popularity. The suspected properties indicate an intense health benefit.
In 2014, Italian scientists researched whether cannabinoids, in general and CBG, in particular, could have an impact on cancer cells. In the mouse model, signs could be recognized that CBG is able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Research has not yet progressed far enough to draw validated results from this.
This wasn’t the first interesting study on this cannabinoid. As early as 1996, a mouse study found that CBG has a positive effect on the growth of melanoma (black skin cancer). On the animals’ skin, the tumour cells grew significantly more slowly through the use of CBG. However, it is not clear whether these properties can also be transferred to humans.
Is CBG the New Painkiller?
Also interesting is the hope that cannabigerol could help against pain. This property is also attributed to other cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC. With THC, it has even been proven that the cannabinoid can relieve chronic pain. One of the reasons why it is even legally available in Germany and many European countries with a doctor’s prescription.
Here, too, there are most studies on the effect of experience with mice. Cannabigerol acid was administered to the animals to treat neuropathic pain. There was a reduction in pain symptoms. This suggests that CBG could play a relevant role in the management of chronic pain in the future.
Is CBG psychoactive?
Unlike THC, CBG is not psychoactive. This is something in common with CBD because this cannabinoid does not have a narcotic effect either. One of the reasons why the research interest is so great is based on this. THC is the best researched in terms of its effects, but even legal substances (medical cannabis) trigger a state of intoxication in patients. If it is now possible to bypass this “high” and still produce a positive effect on inflammation, pain and other ailments, that is of course, of interest.
The lack of psychoactivity is why CBG is legally available on the market!
Is CBG legal?
We have already indicated it above. CBG is legally available and is not considered a drug. However, it is questionable whether the pharmacist will sell it. While CBD is already available in some supermarkets today, CBG oil seems to be preparing for a breakthrough. Online trading is clearly more advanced here. Since cannabigerol/CBG is permitted in the EU, reputable shops are already selling it online.
It is also crucial here that the maximum proportion of THC is 0.2%. The same EU regulation also applies to CBD. However, the concentration of CBG itself is not prescribed.
Application of CBG – where is it used?
There is still no conclusive research on what CBG can do. The spectrum of effects is primarily decoded by reports from satisfied users. CBG/cannabigerol is used particularly frequently for the following complaints:
- Insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, nightmares
- Impure skin, pimples, acne, rosacea
- Bad mood, depression, anxiety
- Reduced appetite, underweight
What other cannabinoids are there besides CBG and CBD?
There are over 100 different cannabinoids in the hemp plant, and only very few have been decoded so far. CBD and THC are the two best-known cannabinoids, although THC is (still) banned in most European countries.
CBC is another interesting component of the hemp plant. Cannabichromene, as it is spelled out, does not dock with the endocannabinoid system. Instead, it acts on the TRPV receptors. Among other things, these are responsible for the fact that people can perceive temperatures and changes.
Cannabinol (CBN) is a cannabinoid that forms a breakdown product of THC. It only occurs through oxidation in heated cannabis. CBN is similar to CBD in that it predominantly interacts with the CB1 receptor.
Can CBG and CBD be used together?
Many cannabinoids occur together in the hemp plant. Cannabigerol, cannabidiol, cannabinol, and cannabichromene – are all natural substances and can be combined. Classic cannabis also contains other cannabinoids in addition to THC but is not legal in the EU.
The CBG/CBD combination has a major benefit for users as it triggers the entourage effect in the body. Each cannabinoid has its own properties and effects. If cannabidiolic acid and cannabichromene or CBD and CBG are mixed together, the effectiveness is increased. This mutual reinforcement is known in technical terms as the entourage effect.
What concentration and dosage is best for CBG oil?
In general, CBG oil has few side effects. A high starting dose can cause nausea and dizziness. The CBG content also plays a role. Beginners should choose low CBG content; experienced users can fall back on a higher concentration.
As a rule of thumb, starting treatment with CBG should always be done drop by drop. If you use CBG for stress, start with one drop. If you notice after a few days that the effect is not optimal, increase it to two drops. Do not stress when looking for the right dosage because it is individual! If you dose too high, you can suffer from nausea, abdominal pain and other (mild) side effects.
What advantages does CBG have over CBD?
Hemp plants have played an important role in naturopathy for many centuries. First and foremost, hemp is a crop, and its properties come from cannabinoids such as CBG and CBD contained in flowers. The advantages of CBG over CBD are not that easy to pinpoint. There are significant differences, but both cannabinoids have merit. It depends a lot on what you want to use CBG/cannabigerol or CBD/cannabidiol against.
Do you suffer from a chronic lack of appetite and are looking for something to stimulate your hunger? Then CBG brings many advantages for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for support with your diet and want to influence your metabolism, CBD may be the better solution.
If you combine the best of the hemp plant, you end up with highly effective compounds that are considered positive. Crucially, CBG oil and other cannabinoids like CBD, CBN and CBC are non-psychoactive and, therefore, completely legal!
Conclusion: Cannabigerol is not a substitute for CBD – but a supplement
The properties of CBG differ from the properties of CBD. The cannabis plant is home to more than 100 cannabinoids, each with its strengths (and weaknesses). There is no telling that CBG oil will replace the popular CBD oil. Instead, cannabigerol could be an important complement to cannabidiol in the long term. The two cannabinoids can be wonderfully combined with each other, and CBG and CBD oil, as a combination, can cover a broader spectrum of effects. The already existing popularity of cannabigerol clearly indicates that a new trend is in the starting blocks, and the first research results on humans are eagerly awaited.