Cannabidiol (CBD) isn’t the only cannabinoid found in the hemp plant — hemp also contains the lesser-known but no less beneficial cannabinoid, CBG.
CBG has a range of effects that are similar to CBD, and a few of its own, so let’s take a look at what they are and whether CBG might be a better choice for you than CBD.
What is CBG oil?
CBG, or cannabigerol, is one of the many cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. It’s less common in supplements than CBD but possesses similar health benefits and may also offer the potential to help combat glaucoma, Parkinson’s, MS, and Huntington’s.
What is CBD oil?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is the most well-known therapeutic cannabinoid found in the hemp plant and is widely used. Its benefits include relief from pain, inflammation, and the effects of anxiety, and it’s also thought to help manage epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.
What is the difference between CBD and CBG?
CBD and CBG are both cannabinoids that occur naturally in the hemp plant. However, CBD is usually present in larger quantities in the harvested plant than CBG and is therefore classed as a major cannabinoid, whereas CBG is considered one of the minor cannabinoids.
The two compounds have different effects on the receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and this is what accounts for their slightly different effects on the body and mind.
Despite possessing similar health benefits, CBD and CBG have molecular structures with different formations of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen atoms. It’s this difference that determines their bioavailability and how they affect the working of the ECS.
Importantly, the compounds have opposing effects on a key receptor in the ECS — the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor. One study found that CBG is antagonistic to the receptor, whereas CBD acts as an agonist, with a strongly anti-nausea effect.
Another study discovered that the two compounds also have an opposite effect on appetite: CBG encouraged rats to eat twice their normal food intake, but CBD significantly suppressed appetite.
The therapeutic benefits of CBD oil vs CBG oil
There’s a lot of research available on the benefits of CBD, and CBG has taken a bit of a back seat, but the evidence for its specific benefits is growing all the time and holds great promise for the future — particularly in the management of degenerative neurological diseases.
Here’s a quick run-down of how CBD and CBG stack up:
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CBD Benefits
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CBG Benefits
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Benefits in Common
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Combining CBD and CBG
It’s completely safe to take CBD and CBG, and using both compounds together can intensify and amplify their benefits, such as increasing their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. This is due to a synergy between the two compounds called the entourage effect.
So CBG vs CBD: which is better?
As we’ve seen, CBD and CBG have effects in common and effects of their own. Therefore it’s worth experimenting to find out which compound works best for you and your needs. You may decide to take advantage of the entourage effect and take both — only you can decide.
Whether you want to take CBG by itself or combine it with CBD, Dutch Natural Healing has got you covered with its range of pure, 100% organic, and natural hemp-derived supplements such as our CBG Oil-3%.
FAQs
How does CBG work?
CBG works by binding to receptors in the ECS and is thought to strengthen the effect of the neurotransmitter, anandamide, which helps regulate appetite, sleep, and feelings of pleasure and pain. Unlike THC, CBG has no psychoactive properties, so will not produce a “high”.
Does CBG oil have any side effects?
CBG oil is derived from natural hemp and there is good evidence to support claims that it can help manage a range of physical and mental symptoms, however, some users do experience some mild side effects which can include dry mouth, nausea, and dizziness.
Does full-spectrum CBD have CBG in it?
A full-spectrum CBD oil contains the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids present in the natural hemp plant, and these can include CBG, CBD, trace amounts of THC, and over 100 other cannabinoids.
Can you take CBD and CBG together?
CBD and CBG can both be taken safely together and have been shown to enhance each other’s effects. Strong anecdotal evidence supports claims that combining them produces a more noticeable effect on pain and inflammation than using them separately.
Does CBG show up in a drug test?
Some CBG products may contain trace amounts of the psychoactive compound THC and might therefore produce a positive result in a drug test. If you’re worried about failing a drug test, choose a CBG product labeled “THC-Free”.
