CBG vs CBD – What's the Difference?

Much like THC did many years ago, CBD is becoming synonymous with cannabis. Thanks to available research and the ever-expanding consumer-driven CBD market, people are increasingly aware of the potential of CBD, hemp, and the benefits of both.

However, while CBD is one of the most well-known and widely recognized cannabinoids, it's not the only beneficial compound synthesized from the Cannabis sativa plant. You might be surprised to learn that CBD works even better when combined with other cannabinoids.

One of these "collaborative" cannabis compounds is gaining popularity with the availability of research. This cannabinoid is CBG. Comparative analysis of CBD vs. CBG reveals similar properties for both cannabinoids. However, CBG also possesses several unique characteristics that make it just as desirable as CBD hemp extracts.

But before we get into the comparisons and contrasts between CBD and CBG, here's a quick overview of what exactly these two cannabinoids are.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the main compounds found in hemp. It makes up approximately 10% (or more) of the chemical makeup of high-quality hemp. It's a non-psychoactive phytonutrient, meaning it's produced by plants and doesn't cause the "high" or euphoria commonly associated with another compound called THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol (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 primarily 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 creates demand for the variety of CBD products currently available.

What is CBG?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is another non-psychoactive phytonutrient found in cannabis. 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 cannabis to be converted into other plant-derived cannabinoids.

This compound begins as a 2-carboxylic acid called cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). As the cannabis plant matures, this compound begins to convert 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 cannabis 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, its extraction requires significantly more effort compared to CBD. Growers would either have to harvest the hemp before it was fully mature or grow enough plants to extract a significant amount of CBG during the extraction process.

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

CBG vs CBD: A Comparison

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

CBG vs CBD: Which Offers Better Benefits?

We previously mentioned that CBD molecules typically interact 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 binds to CB1 receptors, which connect to our central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. Instead of considering which benefits are more important, it's better to determine which cannabinoid suits your needs by targeting the areas of greatest interest to you.

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

Keep in mind that CBD isolation from hemp is much more common than CBG isolation—this means that CBD research is easier due to its greater availability than CBG. This doesn't mean CBG is less useful, but the studies confirming its beneficial effects are rarer.

CBG vs CBD for Stress Relief: Which Works Better?

According to recent studies, combating stress with CBD is the primary reason people are turning to CBD oil or at least interested in it. CBD's properties 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 through a synergistic effect.

However, there is no conclusive evidence that one cannabinoid works better than another in relieving stress and promoting a calmer mood.

CBG vs CBD for Insomnia: Which Works Better?

Nearly 70% 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 cause drowsiness? Technically, no, when taken in normal doses. CBD works indirectly and best when combined with other substances, such as melatonin. CBD combined with THC can cause mild drowsiness due to the presence of THC, but only some CBD products contain a small amount of THC, namely those labeled "full-spectrum." When used as directed, CBD products typically do not cause drowsiness.

So why do people associate CBD use with better sleep? Because CBD can help achieve a state of relaxation and calm, and thanks to 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 aids.

CBG vs CBD for Pain: Which Works Better?

In the study, nearly 40% people surveyed agreed that CBD was effective in relieving minor ailments caused by intense physical activity.

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

One of the biggest benefits of using CBD for muscle pain is that it can be used both internally and externally. In particular, CBD topicals, which also contain proven pain relievers like menthol, can be applied topically for targeted relief.

You can also take CBD orally via CBD tincture, softgels, or gummies. Regular use of these internal methods, either in the morning or evening, or even both, can help reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness, which is common after physical activity.

By combining CBG and CBD, found in many broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD products, you get two beneficial ingredients. It's difficult to definitively say that CBD or CBG is better, but they may be more effective when combined.

Which is better for you?

The effects of CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids can vary depending on our body type, lifestyle, and other physical characteristics. Because these two specific cannabinoids work better together than separately, when comparing CBG vs. CBD, it's best to determine which one best suits your needs. Fortunately, the decision can be made without a second thought, as combining them can be the best solution. Many CBD products include both ingredients in their formulas.

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

The more you understand about the differences between CBG and CBD, the more confident you'll feel about 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.