Many of us have heard about CBD, but CBG is relatively new to the market. This means people have lots of questions regarding what it is, if it works like CBD, and if it’s even better. So, we’re with the science to help you understand and settle the CBG vs CBD debate.

WHAT IS CBG?

CBG or cannabigerol is one of the many phytocannabinoids found in the hemp plant, and every CBD or hemp oil contains this substance. It is known as the mother of all the cannabinoids as it is the precursor phytocannabinoid to many others, therefore it also plays a hugely important role in the production of CBD within the plant.

One of the main reasons CBG isn’t as popular as CBD right now. CBG concentration within hemp is very low compared to CBD, so much more biomass is needed to extract the same levels of the raw plant extract. This, plus the fact that crops have to be harvested earlier for increased CBG volumes, make it the most expensive cannabinoid to produce.

Learn more about CBG in our article: What is CBG? What are the potential benefits?

Difference between CBG and THC

Many people confuse THC, CBG, CBD. All three are different. Both cannabigerol and CBD do not contain THC, which is another intoxicating cannabinoid. In simpler words, CBG does not cause a high or addiction, and difference between CBG and THC is that they are both different cannabinoids present in the weed plant.

What CBG vs CBD debate, another noteworthy point is that just like CBD, CBG also attaches to the receptors in the human endocannabinoid system, however it does not have a preference when it comes to attaching to CB1 or CB2 receptors. So, why choose CBG instead of CBD? CBG interacts directly with both of our CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors within our brain for a more powerful effect on the endocannabinoid system vs CBD.

This powerful in-built network has been proven to help regulate a wide range of essential psychological and physiological processes within our body, including mood, appetite, sleep and pain

What are the Potential Health Benefits of CBG Oil?

Due to its newly emerging status in the world of wellbeing, not much research has been conducted on the potential health benefits of CBG oil, with many human trials still in their preliminary phases.

However, there are a number of animal studies that begin to showcase a positive impact on the endocannabinoid system, which is present within all mammals, as well on a number of different health conditions.

1. In an experimental study where mice were used, it was shown that CBD oil can have a beneficial effect in inflammatory bowel disease.

2. In research where cats with glaucoma were administered CBG, a reduction in eye pressure was observed.

3. CBG has shown neuroprotective properties in studies where mice with Huntington's disease were given this substance by preventing the nerve cells from breaking down.

What is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol also comes from the cannabis plant and is present in the hemp oil. This substance makes up to 40 percent of the cannabis sativa plant’s composition.

It is non-psychoactive which means that it does not get you ‘high’, is no addictive, and is 100% safe to use regularly. When you explore CBD vs THC, THC is the cannabinoid that causes users to feel ‘high’. In broad-spectrum CBD oil and CBD isolates, THC is not present as it is removed during the filtration process.

CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body in which it binds with CB2 receptors only – delivering the health benefits without any unwanted side effects. These receptors regulate important functions in the human body such as appetite, sleep and pain control, among others.

When it comes to CBD vs CBG, you will find that CBG interacts with these very same receptors, making it clear this relatively unknown cannabinoid has the potential to deliver positive impacts on the body in a similar way to CBD.

Learn more about CBC in our article: What is CBD? Everything you need to know about cannabidiol

What are the Health Benefits of CBD Oil?

While CBG has a growing popularity within wellness circles, CBD is a much more thoroughly explored substance. There are even human trials that have explored the effects of CBD on overall health including psychological and physiological processes within the body, as well as its interaction with long-term conditions – from stress management and anti-inflammatory properties to improving public speaking and protecting your skin.

1. CBD oil has been shown to counter the stress responses in the human body by relaxing blood vessels and reducing internal pressure on them

2. It also has anti-soreness properties which can mean a potential role in supporting healthier skin function and health

3. In a study where healthy men with anxiety issues were given either CBD or a placebo before a public speaking engagement, CBD-recipients maintained the better composure as compared to those who received a placebo CBD has also been shown to support normal functions related to the heart, mood, sugar metabolism, and nerve cell health.

Learn more about the benefits of CBD in our blog article: What are the effects of CBD oil? Are there any side effects?

What is the Difference Between CBG and CBD?

There has been a long raging debate of CBG vs CBD. People on both ends have their own opinions as to which cannabinoid is better and why. But in terms of scientific evidence here are the main point of differences in CBG vs CBD discussion.

Based on your preferences, you can decide which one you want to consume but if you have not yet made up your mind, we suggest that you try both CBD and CBG products.

This can help you decide which suits your needs better and complement your health goals.

Both CBG and CBD come in different strengths and product types. For a newbie, it is recommended to start small. This means that you should try CBG and CBD products that are low in strength to see how your body responds. 

Learn more about the differences between CBG and CBG in our article: CBG vs CBD

Can You Take CBD and CBG Together?

It doesn’t always have to be CBG vs CBD – you can use both of these products at the same time. In fact, it could even be a huge plus, because when you take these cannabinoids together you enjoy what’s called the ‘entourage’ effect. When one of these cannabinoids interacts with human body cells it produces an effect but research shows that when several of these cannabinoids enter the body together, the effect multiplies, and the benefits are elevated exponentially.

However, we understand how mixing and matching types of cannabinoids, strengths and products types together can be daunting for a newcomer, so Naturecan have made it easy for you. We offer products where both of these cannabinoids are expertly combined and potency is certified safe and effective, so you can have complete piece of mind. Depending on the strength you’re after, you can choose between 10% CBG & CBD oil and 20% CBG & CBD oil.

Choosing a CBG Product

Now that you know more about the CBG vs CBD debate, you might also want to know what to look out for when choosing a CBG product. You can find many guides to follow while choosing a CBD oil but not as many on finding the right CBG product. Here are things you should look out for while buying any CBG oil product:

• The product is the third party tested which means that an independent company has verified the claims made by the manufacturer of the product
• The product has been sourced from 100 percent organic raw source material and no harmful and toxic chemicals or additives have been added
• You are starting with low concentrations of CBG so you do not counter any side effects which are rare but still sometimes present, including mild nausea or drowsiness.
• The product does not include any THC – THC-containing oils and other edibles are not legal in the UK and can come with a range of unwanted side effects

Why CBG is more expensive than CBD?

CBD shares a large part in the cannabis plant than CBG, which is only 1% of the whole plant. That is the reason that extracting CBG is quite a hideous task.

This, plus the fact that crops have to be harvested earlier for increased CBG volumes, makes it the most expensive cannabinoid to produce.

Which Should You Choose?

Even though you’re up to speed with all things CBG vs CBD, one thing you should always remember is that, despite some shared health benefits, they are both very different cannabinoids – resulting in various differing effects within the human body.

It’s also clear that both of these compounds work differently for each individual – CBD might work for one but not for another, and the same of CBG – so taking both combined might be the perfect answer to meet your specific health needs.

Plus, you will also benefit from the heralded ‘entourage’ effect. When it comes to winning in the CBG vs CBG battle, only you will know which works for you. So, we recommend trying a number of different products, both separately and combined, to reap the benefits of this

Sources:

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2020/2371527/ https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00419 https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0006295213000543 https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jop.1990.6.259 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-014-0304-z https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5470879/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5470879/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/