They’ve taken the market by storm and are responsible for numerous health benefits; following CBD, which has won over many people with its many benefits, CBG is also beginning to carve out a niche in the wellness market. Both are cannabinoids with different effects. But why are they so popular, and which one should you choose? Let’s take a closer look!
CBD and CBG: What's the Difference?
To choose between CBD and CBG, you first need to understand what sets them apart (origin, mechanism of action, and potential benefits).
Where do CBD and CBG come from?
Cannabis sativa, or hemp, is an adaptogenic plant native to Central and Western Asia. According to an article published in 2022, Cannabis sativa contains more than 400 chemical compounds, about 80 of which are biologically active. The most important substances found in hemp are cannabinoids. The primary cannabinoid in hemp is CBD, and others that have been identified include CBG, THC, CBN, and so on. Although they share the same origin, the levels of CBD and CBG in hemp differ significantly. When the plant is mature, it contains much less cannabigerol than cannabidiol (less than 1%).
Notes: CBD and CBG are neither toxic nor psychoactive.
But what exactly is CBG?
CBG, also known as "cannabigerol," is one of the many cannabinoid compounds found in the hemp plant. It is, in fact, the first cannabinoid that the hemp plant produces during the growth phase. The enzymes and plant acids it contains react with each other to form CBG.
Only then is CBGa (cannabigerolic acid) converted into CBG through chemical decarboxylation. In this way, virtually all of the CBG contained in the plant is converted into THC and CBD. In other words, CBG is considered the starting point for all of them. Its acid form, CBGa, is broken down into three other major cannabinoid acids during growth and maturation: CBDa (cannabidiol), CBCa (cannabocarminic acid), and THCa (tetrahydrocannabinol).
What is their molecular structure like?
CBGa is a precursor to one of the more than 100 cannabinoids found in plants. Although CBG and CBD are produced through similar chemical pathways, they have different molecular structures. Furthermore, they both bind to receptors differently, which affects the body in different ways. Thus, their chemical structure determines the bioavailability and water solubility of cannabinoids.
How do they interact with the SEC?
As cannabinoids, CBD and CBG interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) through the CB1 and CB2 receptors: by binding to these receptors, these molecules can influence the body’s physiological functions. However, CBD and CBG do not act in exactly the same way, which explains their different effects on the body.
A 2011 study published in *Psychopharmacology* compared the effects of CBG and CBD on the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor. It also revealed that CBG’s affinity for this receptor allows it to exert its anti-nausea properties as an activator, whereas CBD acts as a blocker or antagonist.
CBG is believed to interact directly with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, while CBD is thought to affect the entire endocrine system. Unlike CBD, which has an affinity only for CB2, CBG has a strong affinity for both CB1 (abundant in the brain) and CB2 (primarily found in the immune system) and binds to specific receptors.
The two compounds therefore bind to the same site, but their interactions with the 5-HT1A receptor are opposite. Furthermore, the results of the same study showed that CBG blocks the antiemetic effect of cannabidiol.
What about their molecular concentration?
For one thing, CBG is much harder to isolate than CBD. This is because it makes up only a small fraction of hemp’s dry weight. Mature hemp plants contain about 1% CBG, while they can contain about 10% CBD. On the other hand, extracting CBG from hemp is not only difficult but also costly, as it requires sophisticated equipment, in addition to expertise in the field.
What are the benefits of CBD and CBG?
The Effects of Cannabidiol
In recent years, CBD has surpassed THC as the most popular cannabinoid. And this time, for a very good reason! This natural molecule has reportedly proven effective in many areas:
- Anti-inflammatory effect
- Antimicrobial
- Anticonvulsant
- Antioxidant
- Anxiolytic
- Sedative
- Appetite Stimulation
- Effective for skin problems
- Neuroprotective
Scientists are now studying CBD in greater detail to understand its effects on our bodies through its interaction with endocrine functions. The potential effects of cannabidiol in the treatment of chronic and serious diseases appear to be extremely promising.
The Effects of Cannabigerol
Unlike CBD, CBG has not been extensively studied. However, we know that it may have several effects on our bodies that influence endocrine function, namely:
- Anti-glaucomatous effect: reduces intraocular pressure.
- Analgesic effect
- Anti-carcinogenic
- Anti-inflammatory effect
- Anxiolytic
- Sedative: improves sleep
- Appetite Stimulation
Notes: Studies in rodents have shown that CBG may stimulate appetite in some subjects, causing them to eat twice as much as usual, while in others it causes no change. In contrast, CBD appears to significantly reduce total food intake.
Which Should You Choose—CBD or CBG—to Improve Your Well-Being?
As you can see, CBD and CBG offer many benefits, some of which they share. The scientific community is taking an increasing interest in this topic to compare and clarify the various pieces of information available on these two powerful cannabinoids.
In terms of availability, CBD and CBG are not equally accessible. This is because the concentration of cannabigerol in hemp plants is very low at the time of harvest. CBD, on the other hand, is now available in a variety of forms, depending on your preferences (oil, herbal teas, cosmetics, edibles, etc.).
Can they work together synergistically?
Are you wondering if combining CBG and CBD is a good idea? The answer is yes! If you take them together, you can benefit from the “entourage effect.” This is an amazing synergy of all the components of hemp, each playing its part to maximize the benefits. Using one cannabinoid at a time would have a positive effect on the body, but using more than one cannabinoid would enhance the desired effects. Together, they’re even more powerful and effective than when used separately.Moonrock CBDharnesses this synergy by combining multiple types of extracts to ensure a diverse range of cannabinoids.
Together, they create a balance that affects physical and neurological harmony. While CBG is thought to act directly on receptors, CBD is believed to stimulate the enzymes responsible for the body’s own production of cannabinoids. The relaxing and calming effects of CBG are perfectly balanced by the stimulating effects of CBD—and vice versa. So, instead of choosing between CBD and CBG, why not use both ingredients together!
With that in mind, a great way to fully enjoy the combination of CBD and CBG is to try our CBG oil (which contains 5% CBG and 5% CBD).
In conclusion, why choose between CBD and CBG? Their combined effects can alleviate inflammation, physical and mental pain, insomnia, and many other ailments. It’s therefore best not to choose between them, but to use both together to reap their benefits. The most important thing is to choose a high-quality product, such as the ones we offer in our stores.
However, it’s important to remember that everyone is different. That’s why some people respond better to CBD, while others respond better to THC. Therefore, one of the best ways to use both compounds at the same time is to find the one that works best for you.
