CBD is one of the most popular cannabinoids on the market right now— available in everything from oils to sprays, snacks, and even soap! But it's not the only option. CBG offers many of the same benefits and can be used alongside CBD.
Here's the lowdown on CBD, CBG, and how they work together.
CBD vs CBG
You've probably heard of CBD before, short for cannabidiol, which is just one of over a hundred cannabinoids that come from the hemp plant.
Cannabinoids are compounds that are found naturally in hemp. Each cannabinoid can interact with your body to produce different effects, such as relaxation, better sleep, or relieving pain.
CBG is short for cannabigerol, and is another cannabinoid, just like CBD. CBG is found in much smaller quantities than CBD, and is usually extracted from young cannabis plants, and it has a few features which make it special.
The key differences
CBD and CBG have their own ways of interacting with receptors in your body, as part of something called the endocannabinoid system. In short, CBD activates some receptors, while CBG works by blocking them, which means CBD and CBG can have different effects.
For example, scientists have found that CBG blocks feelings of fullness, while CBD can trigger a reduced appetite. CBD products are already popular with people who want to reduce anxiety, manage chronic pain, or improve their sleep. Meanwhile, there's preliminary evidence that CBG could be helpful in treating depression, cancer, and even bacterial infections.
The benefits of CBD and CBG
Choosing to use CBD, CBG, or both cannabinoids together depends on what effects you're looking for.
CBD is already popular with many people to manage their physical and mental wellbeing. It can:
- Reduce symptoms of anxiety
- Improve focus
- Manage symptoms of neurological disorders such as epilepsy or Alzheimer's
- Suppress appetite and feelings of hunger
- Reduce symptoms and cravings if you're quitting nicotine.
CBG can also have powerful effects on some diseases. In some cases, such as appetite, it has the opposite effect of CBD.
CBG can:
- Stimulate the appetite and reduce nausea, which can be useful in treating some conditions, such as the symptoms of cancer treatment
- May also help manage gastrointestinal conditions such as IBS
- May help combat the eye condition glaucoma
- May reduce symptoms of neurological disorders such as Huntingdon's and multiple sclerosis.
Both CBD and CBG share these positive effects, too:
- Improve sleep
- Manage stress
- Reduce inflammation in the body
- Reduce and manage pain
- Speed up recovery times after exercise.
Learn more about the differences between CBG and CBD from expert Ruben Coelho.
Can you take CBD and CBG together?
Yes. If you want to experience the benefits of CBD and CBG, then we have good news: they're very compatible.
Many people find that taking CBD and CBG together actually increases their effect, especially for pain management. This is because of something called the entourage effect.
The entourage effect – combining CBD and CBG
When you take a cannabinoid like CBD or CBG on its own, you get a very specific and limited effect. The compound only interacts with a few receptors in your body.
But when you take a range of cannabinoids and terpenes together, they complement each other. They can target more receptors and strengthen each other's effects.
That's called the entourage effect. CBD and CBG work better as a team!
The benefits of taking CBD and CBG together
Combining CBD and CBG can magnify their effects—and add some extra benefits, too.
Taking CBD and CBG together could help with:
- Pain reduction. Most cannabinoids seem to have an analgesic effect, which means they reduce pain. When you take CBD and CBG together, you get double the impact!
- Low mood. Because of their complementary effects, CBD and CBD can have a positive effect on mood and mental health. CBG blocks the body from absorbing serotonin, which brings your mood up. At the same time, CBD activates your body to increase anandamide levels, which are a crucial part of your brain chemistry. A combination of CBD and CBG could help with a wide range of mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
- Bacterial infections. One unexpected use of cannabinoids is against bacterial infections. Researchers have found that CBG acts against the super-bug MRSA in a similar way to vancomycin, one of the strongest antibiotics we have. The entourage effect of CBD and CBG together could support its effect even further.
- Other neurological conditions. CBD and CBG have anti-spasmodic effects, which means that they can alleviate or even stop seizures. This could help with a range of conditions such as epilepsy.
Summary
Everybody is different, so everyone will experience the effects of CBD and CBG differently. If you're interested in trying CBD, CBG, or a combination of the two cannabinoids, then it's worth experimenting with different products to figure out what works best for your body.
Start by looking for broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD oils. These will give you the entourage effect, including a range of cannabinoids such as CBG. Take your time trying different concentrations and doses.
FAQs
Are CBD and CBG both legal?
Yes, CBD and CBG are completely legal to buy and use. Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum oils will include both cannabinoids, but without any THC—the cannabinoid that has a psychoactive response.
Does CBG work better with CBD?
CBG is more effective when it's combined with CBD, and vice versa. The two cannabinoids work together to have a stronger impact while reducing side-effects.
What does CBG feel like compared to CBD?
CBD and CBG don't contain any THC, which is the part of the hemp plant that can give you a high. However, you may still feel effects such as calm or reduced anxiety. Everyone's body responds differently. Some people report feeling energized and uplifted by CBG, and soothed and relaxed by CBD.
