What’s the Difference Between CBG and CBD?

What's the Difference Between CBG and CBD

By now, most of you are probably already familiar with the most popular cannabinoids from cannabis plants, such as cannabidiol (CBD). However, another interesting cannabinoid that can only be found in trace amounts is getting popular: cannabigerol (CBG). What are the differences between CBD and CBG, and why are scientists and consumers highly interested in them?

What Is CBG?

CBG is just one out of more than 120 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Although it was first isolated in 1964, research into its therapeutic effects and potential health benefits is still at a preclinical stage.

Cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, is the precursor to all popular cannabinoids. Both CBD and THC start as CBGA. This is why CBG is often called the mother of all cannabinoids. You will only find approximately 1% CBG in cannabis plants because most of the CBD has already been converted into THC and CBD as the plant develops. Hence, like other lesser-known cannabinoids, it is not as well-studied as THC and CBD.

As the cannabis plant matures, enzymes will convert CBGA into three cannabinoid acids, namely:

  • Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)
  • Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)
  • Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA)

Through the process of decarboxylation, CBGA will turn into CBG. When CBG reacts to your body’s cannabinoid receptors, it may stimulate inflammation, pain, and heat sensitivity.

Although CBG only appears in low concentrations in cannabis plants, breeding and genetic manipulation have resulted in CBG-rich hemp strains. These cannabis cultivars are called Type IV cannabis. Examples of cannabis strains with higher CBD content than others are Jack Frost CBG, White CBG, and Super Glue CBG.

How Does CBG Work?

Once your body’s endocannabinoid system processes CBG, CBG will bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are found in the brain and the nervous system. On the other hand, CB2 receptors are located in the immune system and other areas of your body.

CBG binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors to strengthen the function of anandamide. Anandamide plays a role in enhancing motivation and pleasure, regulating sleep and appetite, as well as reducing pain.

Therapeutic Effects of CBG

Available studies suggest that CBG holds considerable therapeutic benefits. Its analgesic properties are believed to surpass those of THC without the psychoactive effects. There are also pieces of evidence suggesting that CBG isolate has antidepressant, anti-cancer properties, and antibacterial qualities.

Unlike THC, CBG does not create intoxicating effects. Although more clinical trials are needed to explore the effects of CBG, several studies have offered insights into some of the potential benefits of this cannabinoid. Check some of them out below:

  • Appetite: Preclinical studies in rats pointed out that CBG may be a novel treatment for appetite loss. CBG can help drive hunger without the intoxicating and psychoactive effects.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD causes inflammation in the bowel, affecting millions of people worldwide. Animal studies show that CBG reduces inflammation, IBD, and nitric oxide production. In addition, CBD can reduce the formation of reactive oxygen species in the intestines, making CBG ideal for clinical experimentation in IBD patients.
  • MRSA bacterial infections: CBG is a potent antibiotic against MRSA. In a study, out of all 18 cannabinoids tested for their antibacterial potential, CBG has worked well in treating bacterial infections along with the potent antibiotic vancomycin.
  • Glaucoma: Animal studies found that CBG has the potential to treat glaucoma. Cats with glaucoma were administered CBG, resulting in a reduction in eye pressure. Aqueous humour outflow was also increased, providing the eye with nutrition and maintaining eye pressure.
  • Huntington’s disease: The breakdown of nerve cells in the brain causes Huntington’s disease. In a study conducted in 2015, researchers examined CBG’s neuroprotective effects in mice. It was observed that CBG acts as a neuroprotectant and protects the brain’s nerve cells from damage. CBG also improves motor deficits and protects striatal neurons from 3-nitropropionic acid toxicity.
  • Cancer: Research shows that CBG has anti-cancer properties since it can inhibit abnormal cell proliferation. In 2014, a study of rats with colon cancer showed that CBG could block the receptors that promote the growth of cancer cells.

What Is CBD?

CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid among Type II (CBD/THC dominant) and Type III (CBD dominant) hemp plants. The cannabinoid was first isolated from cannabis in the 1930s and later piqued scientists’ interest due to its anticonvulsant properties. After many research and clinical trials, CBD was confirmed to be a valuable treatment for severe forms of epilepsy among children.

The cannabinoid also proves to help THC’s adverse effects, such as paranoia, anxiety, and impaired cognitive function. Combining CBD and THC provides more significant therapeutic properties than using the cannabinoid alone. This phenomenon is called the entourage effect.

Check out some popular CBD products you can buy online.

How Does CBD Work?

CBD’s mechanisms of action within the body are not yet fully understood. What is clear is that it binds to other receptors in the endocannabinoid system apart from CB1 and CB2.

Full-spectrum CBD affects your body similarly to other substances. It binds to proteins or receptors that are present on the surface of the cells, which then causes specific physiological responses to be triggered.

However, CBD does not appear to bind firmly to cannabinoid receptors. This contrasts with THC, which interacts with cannabinoid receptors more comprehensively. CBD appears to achieve its effects through binding to other types of receptors, such as serotonin receptors, which are known to regulate things like pain, mood, and sleep.

Epilepsy has been studied to the point that the FDA decided to authorize a CBD drug to treat the condition. The study surrounding epilepsy probably gives the most knowledge when it comes to the intricacies of how CBD accomplishes its benefits.

CBD’s influence on the sodium channels of nerve cells is a significant finding in the case of epilepsy. In epilepsy, sodium transport in and out of cells is abnormal. This can cause the brain cells to activate inappropriately, which in turn can result in seizures.

Researchers from Indiana University have demonstrated that CBD can limit this problematic flow of sodium, which reduces and minimizes the severity of seizures.

CBD Tincture

What Are the Therapeutic Effects of CBD?

The results of the clinical tests and scientific investigations into the effects of CBD and CBG on humans are not yet conclusive. On the other hand, a significant number of preclinical papers and research can assist us in gaining a better understanding of some of the possible advantages of CBD.

CBD won’t make you feel high, but it might provide you with a number of other specific therapeutic advantages, including the following:

  • Reduce pain and discomfort

The majority of the commonly used cannabinoids have properties that alleviate feelings of tension and discomfort. It has been known for a long time that THC has the power to reduce pain, but recent research suggests that CBD may also be able to do this successfully.

By interacting with CB2 receptors, primarily found in immune cells, CBD can aid in managing pain. CB2 receptors control several cellular processes, one of which is the suppression of the inflammatory response produced by immune cells.

In areas of inflammation, CBD reduces the number of inflammatory molecules, such as chemokines and cytokines, that are present. Because CBD can reduce inflammation on a peripheral level, it can help prevent pain signals from reaching the brain.

One easy, fun, and convenient way of using CBD to reduce pain and discomfort is by consuming CBD edibles.

  • Protect the brain

Antioxidants fight the destructive oxidative stress that your cells often endure. This oxidative stress may be caused by a number of things, including the fact that your environment contains free radicals.

Research conducted on CBD has revealed that it can function as an antioxidant. The protective effects of its antioxidant characteristics appear to be exerted on the brain. In addition, researchers have noted that CBD’s antioxidant and neuroprotective effects are significantly more potent than those of other substances, such as ascorbate, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

  • Contribute to a healthy mental state

The various cannabinoids each have a role in supporting emotional states. CBD, in particular, has shown great promise regarding its ability to reduce stress and tension. The capacity of CBD and other cannabinoids to reduce feelings of anxiety is common knowledge among cannabis users.

While THC can make you feel more relaxed and calm, it may affect others by raising their anxiety instead. Because of this, researchers have turned their attention to CBD as a potential therapy for anxiety and depression.

Scientists and researchers looked at the effects of CBD on the brain and the degrees of anxiety people experience.

In one study, the researchers discovered that CBD lowers the amount of blood flow to regions of the brain associated with anxiety, such as the hypothalamus. These brain regions are often hyperactive in patients suffering from anxiety disorders. In addition, it was discovered that CBD lowered participants’ general anxiety levels after having been given the cannabinoid.

Additionally, CBD shows promise as a potential treatment for depression. CBD seems to operate by restoring a healthy balance to the endocannabinoid system, which is dysfunctional in those who suffer from depression. Also, it has been shown that CBD acts on a serotonin receptor, which is known to affect symptoms of depression.

CBD also works almost instantly and has few adverse side effects, in contrast to antidepressants which might take weeks to function.

  • Reduce inflammation

CBD can promote the migration of immune cells, which is a necessary step in the inflammatory process. When an immune response is triggered, immune cells begin congregating at a specific place, causing inflammation. CBD has been shown to be effective and beneficial in treating various illnesses due to its anti-inflammatory effects.

For example, research has indicated that CBD can protect against inflammation-induced vascular damage and the effects of oxidative stress. Researchers have also observed that CBD is a useful therapeutic option for skin issues like acne.

  • May treat psychosis and seizure

CBD has also shown promise as an ideal treatment for epilepsy. It appears that CBD can regulate seizures by reducing the level of excitation of cells in the brain that are involved in the seizure process. CBD can shut down the brain systems responsible for epileptic seizures by encouraging the production of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.

CBD also exhibits effects similar to those of antipsychotics. It also raises the levels of anandamide in the brain. Decreases in psychotic symptoms have been linked to increased levels of the neurotransmitter anandamide in the brain.

  • Improve sleep

Many have trouble getting the amount or quality of sleep that they require. A well-rested feeling upon waking is only one benefit of getting sufficient sleep each night.

The danger of developing various health issues, including coronary heart disease, obesity, and even depression, increases when you do not have sufficient sleep regularly. This not only makes you feel exhausted in the morning but also has adverse effects on your mental and physical health.

People struggle to get quality sleep for various reasons each night. Some people deal with racing thoughts, while others struggle with ongoing discomfort. Since CBD helps to relax both the mind and the body while reducing discomfort, it directly influences the quality and amount of sleep you experience.

CBD tinctures are popular cannabis products that people often use to improve sleep.

CBG vs. CBD: What Are Their Differences?

CBD and CBG products have several similarities. They act on your body’s endocannabinoid system, do not produce a high and can counteract THC’s psychoactive effects. However, CBG and CBD differed in various ways as well. Check out the differences between the two cannabinoids below:

Molecular Structure

The molecular structure is the arrangement of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms in a cannabinoid. The molecular structure and CBD and CBG have different three-dimensional shapes that bind differently to the body’s receptors.

Pharmacology

CBD and CBG activate receptors differently since they have different molecular structures. When comparing the effects of the two cannabinoids on the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, CBD appears to act as an activator and CBG as a blocker. CBD induces anti-nausea effects by binding to the 5-HT1A receptor. On the other hand, CBG blocks CBD’s antiemetic effects.

Appetite stimulation

Studies involving rats showed that CBG encourages animals to eat more than double their regular food intake. On the other hand, CBD is shown to reduce total food intake.

CBG vs. CBD FAQs

Is CBD stronger than CBG?

Although CBG is more effective than cannabidiol CBD in treating migraines and decreasing muscle pain, CBD may be preferred for lowering inflammation since it has less psychoactivity than CBG. Various research results suggest that CBD and CBG share some properties in common. Both of these cannabinoids do not have any psychoactive qualities.

Does CBG feel the same as CBD?

CBD has strong anti-nausea effects, which indicates that it operates like an agonist. CBG, on the other hand, acts like an antagonist. Thus, even though the two cannabinoids are pretty similar, when coupled to the same receptor, they produce actions that have opposing effects.

How does CBG make you feel?

CBG is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not induce a high. Its effects are also unique compared to other cannabinoids since it causes you to feel focused and energized rather than relaxed, which is how THC and CBD usually make you feel. Because of this, CBG is becoming increasingly popular among those looking for a cannabinoid that will enhance their productivity.

The human body reacts to CBG in a variety of various ways. Your body mass index (BMI) and metabolism both significantly determine how long CBG remains in your system. Keeping all of these considerations in mind, and speaking generally, you may expect the effects of CBG to last anywhere from two to six hours.

What are the side effects of CBG?

Research on the drug interaction of CBG and other cannabinoids is expanding, but some are not conclusive enough to determine its drug interaction risks and side effects. As per the first broad survey of patients with insomnia, anxiety, and depression who use CBG, some common side effects are dry mouth, hunger, sleepiness, and dry eyes.

Can you use both CBG and CBD at the same time?

Studies have shown that your body reacts positively when you consume a single cannabinoid. However, a significant amount of research shows that the benefits of different cannabinoids are exponentially multiplied when more than one cannabinoid enters the bloodstream simultaneously. This phenomenon is called the entourage effect, wherein a blend of cannabinoids works better together than individually.

How are CBD and CBG used?

Both CBD and CBG can be used in the form of oil. The cannabis industry now offers both CBD and CBG products. However, CBG oils are still quite hard to find and are typically more expensive than CBD products. Alternatively, you can use broad-spectrum oil containing CBD and other cannabinoids, except for THC.

Conclusion

CBG and CBD have a great deal more to discover. These two cannabinoids are likely going to become increasingly well-known in the years to come as a result of their connection to the endocannabinoid system, as well as the vast number of advantages that they provide.

Try CBD Products From Budlyft

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