The search to unlock the wellness benefits of the cannabis plant has led to many intriguing revelations about the beneficial phytochemicals it contains. Recent research has identified a long list of active compounds that may revolutionize our understanding of health and medicine. One such compound that’s gaining more and more attention for its possible wellness benefits is cannabigerol, or CBG.
CBD has undoubtedly taken center stage in the wellness space in recent years, causing CBG to be somewhat overlooked. Yet a growing array of studies suggests that both compounds may have distinct beneficial effects that could improve human well-being in complementary ways. Unfortunately, many customers aren’t clear on the distinction and may be confused about the pros and cons of products like CBG gummies.
In this article, we’ll unravel the similarities and differences between CBG and CBD, delving into their potential benefits and exploring the myriad of health and wellness applications they offer. You’ll learn what kinds of problems each one is best equipped to address — and how they can work together.
Looking to experience the wellness benefits of phytocannabinoids for yourself? Try our full-spectrum Daily Calm Gummies, which include a robust serving of CBD plus microdoses of CBG and other beneficial hemp-derived cannabinoids and terpenes. Discover how these plant extracts work together to reduce anxiety, inflammation, pain, and stress.
At a glance:
Key Takeaways
We’ll go into more detail below about the similarities and differences between CBG and CBD. But here’s a quick breakdown of the crucial info for readers in a hurry:
- CBD is more abundant in the hemp plant and has been studied in greater depth
- Both CBG and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, but neither one causes intoxicating effects like THC
- CBD and CBG both seem to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may protect brain health
- CBG may be more effective at reducing pain than CBD, and might also have antimicrobial effects
- CBD may work better for reducing anxiety and improving mood and sleep
In practice, these compounds may have some overlap in their effects. For example, while CBD might be a bit more effective for anxiety, both compounds seem to offer benefits for stress relief. Keep reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between CBG and CBD.
What Is CBG?
CBG, short for cannabigerol, is one of the many naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. It belongs to a class of chemicals called cannabinoids, which are known for their interactions with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is an important regulator of functions like pain, mood, learning, immune health, and the body’s responses to stress and injury.
While CBG may not have garnered as much attention as its more famous counterparts CBD and THC, it has recently emerged as a subject of great interest among researchers and cannabis enthusiasts. CBG is often referred to as the "mother cannabinoid" because it serves as a precursor to most of the other cannabinoids used by humans. Note that it only undergoes this transformation within the plant — CBG won’t turn into THC, CBD, or any other cannabinoid after you ingest it.
Unlike THC, CBG is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the intoxicating effects commonly associated with cannabis use. This makes CBG an intriguing option for those seeking the potential benefits of cannabis without the mind-altering consequences.
How does CBG work?
CBG produces its effects by interacting with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids that helps regulate a wide variety of physiological processes. It seems to play a crucial role in maintaining balance, or homeostasis, within the body.
Research suggests that CBG interacts with the ECS in several ways:
- CBG moderates activity at the CB1 receptor, which may counteract the intoxicating effects of THC
- CBG partially activates the CB2 receptor, which is found mostly in the immune system and seems to reduce inflammation
- CBG powerfully activates alpha-2 adrenergic receptors within the nervous system, dampening the body’s pain and stress responses
- CBT limits the reuptake and breakdown of the endocannabinoid anandamide, potentially enhancing its effects on various physiological functions, including mood, sleep, pain, and more
CBG may have other modes of action which aren’t yet fully understood, since research is still in the early stages. Some evidence suggests it may also affect the expression of certain inflammation-related genes and interact with the serotonin system.
Origin Of CBG
CBG, like other cannabinoids, is derived from cannabis. This genus of flowering plants has been used for thousands of years for various purposes, including medicinal and recreational uses. The use of cannabis as a medicine can be traced back to ancient civilizations in different parts of the world, such as China, India, and Egypt.
Biochemical investigation into cannabis began in the mid-20th century, and CBG was first discovered in 1964 by scientists Yehiel Gaoni and Raphael Mechoulam. Like other cannabinoids, it’s biosynthesized within the trichomes of the cannabis plant — tiny, hair-like structures that appear as glandular outgrowths on the surface of the plant, primarily on the flowers and leaves.
During the early stages of the cannabis plant's growth, CBG is one of the primary cannabinoids produced (CBGA). As the plant matures, enzymes convert CBG into other cannabinoids, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), and CBC (cannabichromene).
Benefits of CBG
While research on CBG is still in its early stages, preliminary studies and reports from customers suggest that it may offer several potential health benefits. Here are some notable examples.
While these potential benefits are promising, further research, clinical trials, and comprehensive studies are necessary to fully understand CBG's therapeutic potential and its precise mechanisms of action.
How and When To Use CBG
Determining whether to try CBG largely depends on your personal wellness goals and the potential benefits you are seeking. Here are some scenarios where CBG may be considered:
CBG should not be seen as a magical cure-all or a one-size-fits-all solution. Although it holds promise and potential benefits, it's essential to approach CBG with realistic expectations and consider it as part of a holistic approach to wellness. We also recommend talking with your doctor if you’re considering using this cannabinoid to help with a health condition.
How to Take CBG
While CBG is still being researched, you can experience its potential therapeutic effects through many different methods of consumption and utilization, including:
Cannabinoids often have long-term benefits in addition to their immediate effects. As such, many users find that taking a consistent dose of CBG each day gets them the best results.
Recommended CBG Dosage
When it comes to finding the right dosage for CBG, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. You’ll need to account for factors like your body weight, your metabolism, the potency and type of extract, and your tolerance.
Some guides suggest a daily dosage of around 1 mg of CBG for every 10 pounds of body weight. This is only a rough estimate, though. Those with particularly strong symptoms might need more, while individuals with a high cannabinoid tolerance may benefit from considerably less.
We recommend starting with a low dosage and gradually increasing it to find the optimal balance for your individual needs. Consider beginning with around half of the body weight dosage described above. After a week or so, you can increase it by 5-10 mg if your symptoms haven’t improved. Keep this up until you find the amount that works best for you.
How quickly does CBG kick in?
The speed of any cannabinoid’s effects depends to a large extent on the method of administration. If you’re smoking CBG-rich hemp, you’ll likely feel the initial effects in just a couple of minutes. Oil-based tinctures are a bit slower, but if you place them under your tongue and let the compounds absorb into your bloodstream, you may start to notice the impact in 15-30 minutes.
With edible CBG products like gummies or brownies, you’ll need to wait for the active ingredients to pass through your digestive system and reach your bloodstream. It may take 45-90 minutes before the effects become noticeable.
How long does CBG last?
The most noticeable effects of CBG, like pain relief and relaxation, may last anywhere from 2-12 hours depending on how you’re taking it. Products that kick in faster tend to wear off sooner — when smoking CBG, you may feel the effects for 2-4 hours, while edibles like gummies often last 6-10 hours. CBG oil tinctures fall somewhere in the middle, with a typical duration of 4-6 hours.
Note that CBG may linger in your system for quite a while after you no longer feel obvious effects — possibly even for multiple days after using edibles. It might continue to have subtle effects that can continue to gently boost your well-being, such as support for inflammation relief and better resilience to stress.
What Are The Side Effects Of CBG?
CBG, like any other cannabinoid, has the potential to cause side effects. The most common side effects of CBG-heavy cannabis, as reported in a 2022 survey, were dry mouth, dry eyes, unwanted increases in appetite, and sleepiness. Some people may also experience nausea and dizziness.
It’s also possible that CBG could interact with other medications, so it’s important to speak with a doctor before taking CBG if you are taking any prescriptions. Little is known so far about specific drug interactions, but based on its similarities with CBD and its ability to affect the serotonin system, it may be especially wise to be cautious about blood pressure medicines, seizure medicines, and antidepressants.
What Is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is another phytochemical that can interact with the human endocannabinoid system. It is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis, alongside CBG and THC. CBD is one of the most abundant cannabinoids in natural hemp, usually appearing in much higher concentrations than CBG.
Like CBG, CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it won’t get you high or impair your cognitive abilities. It’s become popular for its ability to provide many of the wellness benefits sought from cannabis without causing psychotropic effects.
How Does CBD Work?
Cannabidiol interacts with many of the same components of the endocannabinoid system as CBG, though not always in the same ways. While CBG seems to weakly activate CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD may actively inhibit or downregulate them. On the other hand, experiments suggest that both cannabinoids activate certain shifts in gene expression that regulate inflammation and metabolic function.
There’s also evidence that CBD can interact with a wide variety of other biological systems. One notable example is its ability to activate the 5-HT1A receptor, which plays an important role in the serotonin system’s regulation of mood, anxiety, and behavior.
Origin Of CBD
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is another compound produced in the trichomes of the cannabis plant. As noted above, it’s derived from CBG, which acts as a precursor to many related compounds. CBD itself was first isolated and identified in the 1940s by biochemist Roger Adams and his research team but was soon overshadowed by the discovery of THC and its role in cannabis intoxication.
In recent years, interest in CBD has been returning due to the growing recognition of its role in many of the potentially helpful effects of cannabis. It’s been studied extensively and is now widely accepted as a therapeutic compound with several potential health benefits.
Benefits of CBD
CBD appears to offer many of the same benefits as CBG, including its ability to help suppress inflammation and moderate the body’s physical stress response. Huge numbers of Americans now use products like CBD gummies for inflammation and pain relief.
Other apparent benefits of CBD include:
Individual responses to cannabinoids can vary, and not all users may experience the same benefits. However, many people report positive effects of CBD similar to those described above.
How and When To Use CBD
CBD can be used for many different purposes, from treating specific symptoms to providing a gentle feeling of relaxation and contentment. Here are some common reasons why you might choose to use CBD:
- Relief from daily discomfort
- Anxiety and stress relief
- Sleep aid
- Inflammation and immune support
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders (FDA-approved Epidiolex in specific cases)
- Improve overall well-being and mood
It is important to note that most commercial CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before taking any cannabinoid, it’s important to consult with your doctor and discuss the potential risks and benefits.
How to take CBD
CBD can be taken in many of the same ways as CBG, depending on your goals and preferences. Common methods of CBD consumption include:
Recommended CBD Dosage
When it comes to dosage, it is essential to remember that everybody is different and will react differently to different amounts of CBD. The same factors affecting CBG dosage — individual tolerance, body weight, and symptom severity — should be taken into account when choosing your dose.
Many guides suggest taking 1-5 mg of CBD daily per 10 pounds of body weight, but you’ll have to adjust that based on your particular needs. Our guide on how many CBD gummies to take offers a more detailed look at coming up with your dosage. It’s often advisable to start with a low dose and increase it gradually until you find the optimal amount, just as we suggested for CBG.
How quickly does CBD kick in?
The onset time of cannabidiol’s effects is similar to that of CBG:
- 5-15 minutes for smoked or vaporized CBD
- 15-30 minutes for sublingual CBD oil
- 45-90 minutes for CBD edibles
These are just estimates, and they can be affected by a variety of other considerations. For example, edible CBD may kick in a bit slower if you’re taking it on a full stomach (though it will likely last longer).
How long does CBD last?
The duration of CBD is also very similar to that of CBG, and also varies depending on how you consume it:
- Smoking or vaping: 2-4 hours
- Sublingual CBD oil: 4-6 hours
- Edibles CBD: 6-10 hours
Remember that the exact duration will also depend on your body mass, your metabolism, and the amount of CBD you’ve taken.
Researchers have estimated CBD’s half-life in the human body at 1-3 days. This means that you’re likely to still have some cannabidiol in your system as much as 5 days after taking it, especially if you’re using edibles. It may continue to provide subtle mood-boosting, anxiety-relieving effects.
What Are The Side Effects Of CBD?
Many people take CBD regularly without experiencing adverse effects, sometimes even at fairly high doses. Some people do experience negative reactions, though. The most common reported side effects include:
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
The same cautions about taking CBG in conjunction with medications also apply to CBD. Always consult your doctor before using cannabinoids if you’re taking prescription medication.
Legality of CBG and CBD
Under federal law, both CBG and CBG are legal as long as they’re made from hemp rather than cannabis. (It’s the same plant, but hemp refers to varieties with less than 0.3% THC by weight.) This helps ensure that products containing these cannabinoids won’t cause intoxication or other unwanted THC-related effects.
However, state laws vary, and some regions still limit cannabinoid products to approved medical uses. You can consult this handy guide to learn whether you’re in a state where CBD is fully legal or subject to restrictions. In general, the same stipulations will apply to all non-intoxicating hemp derivatives, including CBG.
Key Differences Of CBG vs. CBD
CBD and CBG are cannabinoids found in cannabis, but they differ in their prevalence and interactions with various bodily systems. CBD is also considered a major cannabinoid while CBG is a minor one. Adult hemp plants typically contain higher concentrations of CBD compared to CBG since the trichomes slowly convert cannabigerol to cannabidiol over time.
Additionally, CBG, unlike other cannabinoids, is sometimes said to have stimulating properties. In contrast, CBD can have a sedating effect, especially at higher doses, which makes it popular as a sleep aid. CBG is also known for stimulating the appetite while CBD can often suppress it.
CBG might also be better for applications like alleviating pain and treating infections, while CBD seems to have superior mood-boosting and anxiety-reducing properties. However, both CBD and CBG show promise for a variety of wellness applications, even if further research is required to fully understand the extent of their benefits.
Can I Take CBG & CBD Together?
Yes, it is possible to take CBG and CBD together. As we mentioned above, these cannabinoids may offer complementary benefits, making them a perfect pair to enhance your well-being. For example, if you’re dealing with chronic soreness, CBG could help directly relieve your pain while CBD decreases the related anxiety and mental stress. These kinds of synergistic interactions in cannabinoids are often described as an “entourage effect.”
Still, it’s important to note that the effects of CBG and CBD can vary from person to person. Some may respond better to one cannabinoid, so if combining them doesn’t produce the results you’re seeking, you may want to try one or the other alone.
Does CBD or CBG lower blood pressure?
Experimental trials have found that both CBD and CBG may lower blood pressure, although CBG has only been tested in animals. This effect may partly explain why these cannabinoids produce a feeling of relaxation, as well as why dizziness is sometimes reported as a side effect. If you’re on blood pressure medication, it’s especially important to be cautious about taking CBD or CBD.
CBD Vs CBG: Which One Is The Best For You?
The answer to this question depends on your individual needs and preferences. Both CBD and CBG seem to be more effective for certain benefits, and the side effects may differ. It's important to understand the differences between the two compounds to determine which one is the best for you. Users more interested in pain relief alone may prefer CBG, while those who want reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and a better mood may do better with CBD.
Due to more widespread availability, CBD products are often more affordable, while CBG products can be more expensive due to the lower concentration of CBG in cannabis plants. CBD is likely the better fit for most users given that it offers similar effects, is widely available, and is better researched and established.
Final Thoughts
CBG and CBD represent two remarkable cannabinoids with unique properties and therapeutic potential. While CBD has garnered significant attention and a wide range of applications, CBG is an emerging player that may hold special promise for conditions involving inflammation and chronic pain.
Both compounds offer exciting possibilities for medical treatments and deserve further exploration. As scientific understanding of these cannabinoids continues to expand, we can expect more discoveries and innovations that may revolutionize the field of cannabis-based medicine.
FOCL is here to help you unlock the potential benefits of CBD safely and effectively. Our range of Full-spectrum CBD products is carefully crafted with organic, non-GMO hemp and blended with potent ingredients like THC, L-Theanine, and L-Tyrosine. All of them also contain microdoses of CBG and other beneficial cannabinoids.
Rest assured, all our products undergo rigorous third-party testing and adhere to GMP standards to ensure you receive the premium quality products you rightfully deserve. Shop now, create a FOCL Rewards account, or reach out to us if you have any questions!
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