CBG vs. CBD: Differences And Potential Benefits

You were just starting to get the hang of all the ins and outs of CBD. But what's this new cannabinoid CBG all about?

Cannabis plants and hemp plants have certainly offered us many different things. But keeping track of all the cannabinoids found in cannabis plants can be a little overwhelming, to say the least.

Luckily, we here at Clean Remedies are experts in the field. And we're prepared to share with you our expertise on all there is to know about CBG and CBD.

See Related: How To Take CBG Oil?

What is CBG?

CBG is one of the many minor cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It starts out as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) in young cannabis plants.

Then, as the cannabis plant matures, CBGA breaks down into cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). CBDA and THCA later convert into CBD and THC.

It's a lot of acronyms, we know. But all you need to know is that CBGA is the chemical precursor to all other cannabinoids that are widely known, like CBD and THC.

This is where it gets its nickname as the mother of all cannabinoids.

What is CBD?

You're likely more acquainted with CBD considering the many CBD products out there. But it's important to acknowledge that CBD is a major cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant.

This is one of the biggest differences between CBD and CBG, a minor cannabinoid. But we'll touch on their other differences in a bit.

CBD oils and other CBD products have undergone far more research than CBG which is still in its preclinical stage. But that doesn't mean CBG doesn't have its own potential effects to offer.

What are the main differences between CBG and CBD?

CBG and CBD certainly have some similarities between them. But these main differences will help you understand the critical ways in which these two cannabinoids are also different.

Each cannabinoid's molecular structure

To start, CBD and CBG have different molecular structures. Or, at least, the arrangement of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen varies between the two.

This difference in arrangement impacts how each relates to the endocannabinoid system. And it even has an effect on their bioavailability as hemp compounds.

Their relationship to the body's cannabinoid receptors

Preclinical studies on CBD and CBG found that when these cannabinoids bound to the same receptor, in this case, the 5-HT1A receptor, they actually had opposing actions. As CBD activates this receptor, CBG blocks it.

More research is needed to understand what exactly this means. But such preclinical studies are proving that there is certainly a difference between these two cannabinoids.

Differing results in appetite stimulation

By now, you may have seen research proving that CBD may act as an appetite stimulant. But research on CBG has shown contradictory results.

In one study conducted with rats, CBG encouraged the rats to eat twice their normal food intake. But in a separate study, CBG seemed to reduce any appetite whatsoever.

This just goes to show that the effects of CBG are still being researched. So before you jump right into this new cannabinoid, it's important to take in all the factual information out there.

What potential health benefits are currently being researched for CBG?

As of now, no clinical trials have explored the potential effects of CBG on humans. But certain preclinical studies have offered insight into the potential therapeutic effects of CBG.

MRSA bacterial infections

In a study testing the antibacterial properties of 18 different cannabinoids, CBG outperformed them all. In fact, it seemed to work just as well as vancomycin, a powerful antibiotic.

Experimental inflammatory bowel disease

In 2013, researchers were able to prove that CBG could reduce inflammation in relation to inflammatory bowel disease. The study was performed on mice and has not yet received any human trials.

Huntington's disease

Just 2 years later in 2015, CBG demonstrated its neuroprotective properties in an animal study done on mice with Huntington's disease. The authors of this study ultimately concluded that CBG could be a promising compound when treating neurodegenerative conditions.

Cancer

CBG has also been researched for its potential ability to inhibit malignant cell proliferation. In one study, CBG was able to block the buildup of mouse skin melanoma cells, providing evidence of its potential anti-tumorigenic properties.

As you can see, there are plenty of researchers hard at work to understand what CBG oils have to offer. But in the meantime, we'll try to answer some specific questions you might have about CBG isolate and even CBD oil products.

Bonus: What Is A Wellness Shot?

FAQs about CBG vs. CBD

Does CBG get you high?

Both CBG and CBD contain no intoxicating effects. So no, neither CBD nor CBG will get you high.

That being said, full spectrum CBD oil does contain trace amounts of THC. But such products will contain less than 0.3% THC as is federally legal.

Which is better in the debate between CBG vs. CBD?

When it comes to which is better, there really isn't a definitive answer. Because ultimately, it's up to you.

You may find that CBG oil works better for you. Or maybe you find that both CBD and CBG oil combined are the perfect combination.

It also depends on what you're hoping to gain out of a product. For example, a CBD muscle rub may be just the thing you're looking for. 

Something you will want to look out for is the ratio used in these combined products. For example, our CBG & CBD Optimal Wellness Tincture combines 600mg CBG with 600mg CBD, making for a 1:1 ratio.

But other products may dial-up either one of the cannabinoids while decreasing the other. While both CBG and CBD interact with your endocannabinoid system, you'll want to know which particular CBG products and hemp strains work best for you.

Can I use CBG and CBD together?

Our last answer already went over this but yes! You can absolutely use CBG and CBD together.

In fact, certain studies have suggested that when combined, CBD and CBG may offer powerful effects to reduce inflammation. But again, all research is still ongoing.

Why is CBG more difficult to produce than CBD?

As CBG continues to gain popularity, you're probably wondering why you haven't heard of this unique cannabinoid earlier. Well, CBG extraction is actually much more difficult than extracting CBD or THC from different cannabis strains.

That's because it requires thousands of pounds of biomass to extract even just a small amount of CBG isolate. And since CBGA is the precursor to all other cannabinoids, it's always possible for CBG to convert into other cannabinoids with too much time in the soil.

Considering all of this, it's understandable why certain folks in the industry call CBG the "Rolls-Royce of cannabinoids." As you can see, its potential benefits are many. But it's all the more difficult to acquire.

The best CBG products to try today

At Clean Remedies, we strive to bring you the very best CBG and CBD products. All of our products are third-party lab tested with results easily accessible on each product page.

When it comes to assurance, we've certainly got you covered. That's why we think you'll particularly enjoy our introductory products to CBG.

CBG & CBD Optimal Wellness Tincture

As we mentioned earlier, our CBG Wellness Tincture comes with a 1:1 ratio of CBG to CBD. Our formula contains zero THC and is meant to support your optimal wellness.

To enjoy this tincture, simply take 1/2 dropper of our CBG and CBD oil to take under your tongue. Hold it there for 60 seconds, then swallow.

This sublingual application will allow the CBG and CBD to enter your bloodstream directly. So you will only have to wait about 10 minutes to start feeling the results!

CBG & CBD Optimal Wellness Gummies

If oils and sublingual application aren't your jam, then you can always try our CBG Wellness Gummies. These gummies similarly combine CBG and CBD in a 1:1 ratio.

And in every gummy, you'll receive 10mg CBG and 10mg CBD. These gummies come in a natural cherry flavor and are also infused with L-Theanine to further promote your optimal wellness.

Simply chew 1 gummy. Then allow at least 45 minutes to feel its full effects.

When digested, CBD and CBD products can sometimes take up to 2 hours to take full effect. So be wary of taking another gummy to increase the effects.

And here's a pro tip: if you want to boost the bioavailability of these cannabinoids, take a gummy with a meal. You'll thank us later!

Bringing other cannabinoids into your purview

So there you have it! CBG and CBD both have plenty to offer on their own.

And the fact that CBG is being so thoroughly researched now proves its potential as a valuable cannabinoid. When exploring new CBG products, it's important to always remain aware of the current research out there.

At Clean Remedies, we always have our finger on the pulse. Because we're mostly concerned with giving you the highest quality CBG and CBD out there.

So consider yourself part of the family! Because at Clean Remedies, you can guarantee that we've got your back. 

Keep Reading: How To Use THC Powder

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Clean Remedies is a woman-owned, independent family business that uses USDA Certified Organic Hemp Extract to create products that are free from harmful chemicals, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, meant to benefit your well being and meet our own high standards of efficacy. For CBD facts, product discounts, and more, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.