CBG vs. CBD – What's the Difference?

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the main compounds found in hemp. It constitutes approximately 10% (or more) of the chemical composition of high-quality hemp. It is a non-psychoactive phytonutrient, which means it is produced by plants and does not produce the "high" or euphoric feeling that is commonly associated with another compound called THC, or tetrahydrocan ナビnol (Tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is sometimes found in CBD products, but only in small amounts, up to the legal limit of 0.3%. CBD product labels will always indicate whether they contain THC.

CBD molecules interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), binding mainly to CB2 cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system, but are also found in muscles, immune cells, skin and other organs. This built-in biological system is responsible for CBD's beneficial effects on health and well-being, and is also creating demand for the variety of CBD products that are currently available.

What is CBG?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is another non-psychoactive phytonutrient found in hemp. This unique compound plays a central role in the development of CBD and other known cannabinoids.

CBG is often called the "mother of cannabinoids" because it is the first phytonutrient synthesized from hemp to convert into other plant-derived cannabinoids.

This compound begins as a 2-carboxylic acid called cannabigeroolic acid (CBGA). As cannabis matures, this ingredient begins to transform into three others: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA).

After conversion, only a small amount of CBGA remains - less than one percent. And when hemp begins the decarboxylation process, all of these compounds lose their carboxyl group and become the cannabinoids we commonly know, including THC, CBD, CBC, and CBG.

Because a mature hemp plant contains small amounts of CBG, it requires much more effort to extract compared to CBD. Growers would have to either harvest the hemp before it is fully ripe or grow enough plants to obtain a significant amount of CBG during the extraction process.

Due to the lower availability of CBG, research on this particular cannabinoid is limited. However, like CBD, CBG also works by binding to the receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Unlike CBD, CBG can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, not just one of them.

CBG vs CBD: Comparison

Both CBG and CBD are non-psychoactive cannabinoids found in the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), but they also have unique properties and differ in their chemical properties:

CBG vs CBD: Which Offers Better Benefits?

Previously, we mentioned that CBD molecules typically communicate with CB2 cannabinoid receptors, and these receptors connect to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS reaches various muscles, limbs, skin, and other biological systems, including the immune system.

In addition to CB2 receptors, CBG also attaches to CB1 receptors, which connect to our central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. Instead of wondering which benefits are more important, it is better to determine which cannabinoid suits your needs by targeting the areas that interest you most.

CBD and CBG individually offer beneficial properties. They also work synergistically to enhance each other's effects, which is why most CBD oils marked as broad-spectrum or full-spectrum contain both cannabinoids - enabling the so-called entourage effect.

Remember that isolating CBD from hemp is much more common than isolating CBG - this means that CBD is easier to research due to its greater availability than CBG. This does not mean that CBG is less useful, but research confirming its beneficial effects is less common.

CBG vs CBD in the fight against stress: Which works better?

According to recent research, fighting stress with CBD is the main reason why people reach for CBD oils or are at least interested in this option. The properties of CBD are very appealing, especially when combined with an overall stress management strategy that includes meditation, exercise, healthy sleep, and other relaxation techniques.

However, many do not know that CBG can also play an important role.

When it comes to using CBG and CBD to combat stress, the combination of both cannabinoids can enhance the effects of CBD in relieving everyday stress thanks to its synergistic effect.

However, there is no clear evidence that one cannabinoid works better than the other in relieving stress and promoting a calmer sense of well-being.

CBG vs CBD in the fight against insomnia: Which works better?

Nearly 70% of Americans admit they don't get enough sleep, which is crucial for our health. Using CBD for sleep, especially as part of an evening relaxation ritual, is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to conventional methods.

But does CBD make you drowsy? Technically no, when taken in normal doses. CBD works indirectly and works best in combination with other substances such as melatonin. CBD combined with THC may cause slight drowsiness due to the presence of THC, but only some CBD products contain a small amount of THC, namely those marked as "full spectrum". When used as directed, CBD products do not usually cause drowsiness.

So why do people associate CBD use with better sleep? Because CBD can help you achieve a state of relaxation and calm, and with promising reviews, people feel more confident using CBD products to maintain a healthy and regular sleep cycle. These reviews provide us with anecdotal evidence and help us understand consumer reactions to certain products, such as CBD sleep products.

CBG vs CBD for pain: Which works better?

In the study, almost 40% of people surveyed admitted that CBD was effective in relieving minor ailments caused by intense physical exercise.

The muscle groups and joints that we exercise regularly during training are part of our peripheral nervous system. Since CBD molecules mainly communicate with CB2 receptors connected to this system, CBD may be helpful.

One of the biggest advantages of using CBD to combat muscle pain is the ability to use both internal and external methods. In particular, CBD topicals that also contain proven painkillers such as menthol can be applied topically for targeted relief.

You can also take CBD orally using CBD tinctures, soft capsules, or gummies. Regularly using these internal methods in the morning or evening, or even at both times, can help reduce the delayed onset of muscle soreness that is common after physical activity.

With the combination of CBG and CBD found in many broad- and full-spectrum CBD products, you get two beneficial ingredients. It's hard to say that CBD or CBG is better, but in combination they may be more effective.

Which one is better for you?

The effects of CBD, CBG and other cannabinoids may vary depending on our body type, lifestyle and other physical characteristics. Since these two particular cannabinoids work better together than alone, when comparing CBG vs. CBD, it's better to determine which one better suits your needs. Fortunately, the decision may be pointless as combining them may be the best solution. Many CBD products include both of these ingredients in their formulas.

Both occur naturally in hemp and share some common characteristics. However, they still vary in composition and offer unique benefits based on limited research. If you want to learn more about the potential benefits of CBG, CBC and other cannabinoids, check out our educational blogs for more information about cannabinoids other than CBD.

The more you know about the differences between CBG and CBD, the more confident you will feel when purchasing CBD or hemp-based products. You can then choose the CBD products that best suit your needs and help you achieve your personal health goals.