Although CBD and CBG both sound similar, they are two different cannabinoids extracted from the hemp plant with different benefits and characteristics. CBD is one of the primary and more well-known cannabinoids found in hemp. CBG is often found in far lower quantities in hemp, so what are some of the main differences between CBD vs CBG?
You might be surprised to learn that although there is less than 1% CBG in hemp, this amazing cannabinoid is more potent and effective than CBD. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of CBD and CBG and what effects they have on your body!
Table of Contents
What is CBD?
Before comparing and contrasting the differences between CBD vs CBG, let’s look at each cannabinoid in more detail.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the Sativa cannabis plant. Hemp plants have the highest concentrations of CBD, which makes up about 40% of the plant’s composition. CBD is one of the primary cannabinoids in cannabis (along with THC) and is one of over 100 different cannabinoids that currently exist.
CBD supports our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is in charge of maintaining our body’s functions. CBD is known to have a wide range of benefits, including:
- Sleep improvement
- Mood enhancer
- Appetite and digestion regulation
- Soreness or discomfort relief
- And many more!
The best thing about CBD is that it does not have any psychoactive effects, meaning you will not feel high or intoxicated after taking CBD!
There are many different types of CBD, including oil tinctures, lotions, edibles, bath bombs, hemp flower, and more CBD products that you can incorporate into your daily routine.
What Are the Benefits of CBD?
There are many benefits of taking CBD related to the mind and body. Over the years, many more medical experts have recognized the potential benefits of CBD, and it is a matter of time until CBD products are more widely available. Here are some of CBD’s most promising benefits.
Soothes Nervous Feelings
If you tend to feel nervous or get the jitters, CBD can help calm you down. CBD is known to improve your mood and overall state of mind, promoting tranquil thoughts. Studies demonstrate that CBD interacts with the brain’s serotonin receptors which regulate our mood and social behavior.
Relieves Soreness
If you are an athlete or participate in physical activity daily, topical CBD products can help reduce aches and soreness. You can apply CBD salves and lotions directly to your skin for fast-acting relief. CBD can also help minimize any swelling and tenderness.
Stimulates Appetite & Digestion
CBD has calming and soothing effects that can potentially help ease queasiness and other stomach issues while promoting a stronger appetite. CBD can help your body reach an inner balance, which will also help with digestion and metabolism.
Promotes Natural Sleep
If you have trouble sleeping at night and find yourself counting too many sheep, CBD can help with that. By taking CBD, it can help you relax into a deeper and more relaxing sleep. CBD can also take away any negative thoughts that may be keeping you up at night!
What Are the Effects of CBD?
Taking CBD is very safe, and the side effects are typically very mild. Although most people tolerate CBD very well, everyone reacts to CBD differently. Some of the minor side effects you might experience are:
- Dry mouth
- Slight drowsiness
- Mild diarrhea
- Reduced Appetite
If it is your first time trying CBD, it is best to start with a small dose and then work your way up as you feel is appropriate. In some cases, CBD can alter the effectiveness of other medications if taken at the same time. We recommend consulting your doctor if you want to take CBD with other prescribed medicines together.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a cannabinoid that comes from hemp. Often referred to as the “mother cannabinoid,” CBG breaks down into CBD and THC as the hemp plant matures. Most of the original CBG from hemp disappears after maturation, resulting in less than 1% CBG in each plant.
When compared side by side to CBD, there are quite a few similarities between the two. Like CBD, CBG is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not have any high or euphoric effects. However, as the mother cannabinoid, CBG can be more potent and effective than CBD!
The rarity of CBG often makes CBG products far more expensive than CBD products. Many growers have started to create hemp strains that have higher CBG content to isolate this cannabinoid. CBG extraction equipment is also more expensive and can be a more difficult process.
What Are the Benefits of CBG?
Although the full effects of CBG are still being studied, the initial research has shown many positive benefits. However, early studies show that CBG is extremely similar to CBD.
While CBD does not react with the cannabinoid receptors in the body (the reason behind its lack of psychoactive effects), CBG directly interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, unlike THC, CBG does not have any euphoric or psychoactive properties.
Similar to CBD, cannabigerol interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and helps maintain the body’s sense of homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to the body’s internal balance through temperature, appetite, mood, and many other properties.
Here are several ways CBG helps our internal balance:
- Promotes natural sleep
- Boosts appetite
- Relieves upset stomach
- Eases soreness and discomfort
- Reduces discomfort
- Promotes an overall healthy lifestyle
What Are the Effects of CBG?
CBG is non-psychoactive and has many of the same side effects. Some of the potential side effects that may occur are:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Reduced appetite
- Stomach uneasiness
What Are the Differences Between CBD vs CBG?
As discussed, CBD vs CBG both have similar beneficial properties, but there are still some differences.
Molecular Structure
Cannabigerol and cannabidiol have very different molecular structures. The molecular structure of a cannabinoid refers to the number and arrangement of atoms such as hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen.
Because of the different molecular structures, CBG and CBD interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors differently. The difference in molecular structures also helps determine the bioavailability of the cannabinoid and the rate it dissolves in water.
Cannabinoid Content
One of the main reasons you don’t hear about CBG as often as CBD is because it is much harder to extract. There is less than 1% CBG in any given hemp plant, compared to anywhere from 10-20% CBD.
Cost & Effectiveness
Given the rarity of CBG, its products are usually more expensive than CBD products. However, some people looking for more potent effects may prefer CBG because it provides stronger soothing and therapeutic feelings.
What Type of CBD Products Are There?
Now that you about how cannabidiol works and its wonderful benefits, it’s time to find the right CBD product for you.
CBD Edibles
Edibles can take on many forms, such as CBD gummies, chocolates, and other tasty snacks. CBD edibles are a popular choice because they are convenient to consume, great-tasting, and discreet.
Usually, the effects of edibles take longer to kick in than other methods of CBD (about 30 minutes to an hour). However, because the effects take longer to kick in, you’ll be able to feel the CBD for up to 6-8 hours.
CBD Oils
CBD oil is another fantastic method of intaking cannabidiol. With an oil tincture, you can administer a few drops under your tongue (sublingually) or add it to different foods for direct ingestion. If you take your CBD oil sublingually, you’ll be able to feel the effects faster than oral ingestion, but the effects won’t last as long (4-6 hours).
CBD oil tincture is one of the most versatile products you can buy. Because you can add it to any food or drink, infuse it into edibles or topicals, or take it directly, there are many great ways to enjoy it.
CBD Flower
Smoking CBD flower is one of the most effective and efficient methods of enjoying CBD. The effects typically kick in almost instantly and last about 3-4 hours, depending on your tolerance and experience.
There are many different strains out there that you can pick and choose from. Some offer strong sedative and calming effects, while some strains may provide uplifting and focusing feelings.
CBD Topicals
CBD topicals such as lotions, salves, and creams, can be applied directly to the skin for instant soreness relief or muscle recovery. Topicals don’t interact with your ECS, but the CBD can penetrate the muscle and skin tissues to relieve any discomfort or aches you might have.
What Type of CBG Products Are There?
There is some crossover regarding CBG products since cannabigerol has many of the same soothing effects as cannabidiol. But here are some of the most popular products available.
CBG Isolate
CBG isolates are the purest form of cannabigerol. Essentially, isolate is the raw state of CBG and contains over 99% cannabigerol molecules and no THC. It comes as a white powder which you can add to a meal or consume as it is.
CBG Pre-Rolls
Like the flower, CBG pre-rolls are a way to feel instant effects through inhalation. When inhaled, the CBG passes through the lungs and enters the bloodstream soon after. The effects typically begin to take place within 5-10 minutes.
CBG Gummies
Gummies are also available in CBG form. CBG gummies are easy to consume and taste great. Hollyweed CBG gummies are vegan-friendly, 100% natural and organic, and contain no artificial colors or flavors. Gummies are an excellent option for those looking to consume their CBG discreetly and easily.
CBG Capsules
CBG capsules are a convenient and rather discreet method for consuming cannabigerol. CBG capsules look like a daily vitamin and promise all the benefits that other CBG methods grant. Hollyweed CBG capsules are vegan, cruelty-free, 100% organic and natural, and contain no THC.
CBG Oil
CBG oils are a versatile method of intaking cannabigerol. You can add oils to your coffee in the morning, take it sublingually, or apply it to your skin like a topical. Hollyweed’s CBG oil contains full-spectrum CBG, is organic, created with 100% natural ingredients, and is non-psychoactive.
Why Choose Hollyweed?
Hollyweed promises the highest quality of CBG and CBD available. We want you to know that we ensure all of our products are 100% organic and non-GMO. We also ensure our products are 3rd-party lab-tested, with the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) available for your viewing.
Final Thoughts – CBD vs CBG
While both cannabinoids are very similar in effects and benefits, more experienced or knowledgeable consumers may prefer CBG products, like CBG flower, for example. CBG, the mother cannabinoid, is more effective and potent than CBD but is also more expensive. CBD is very effective for the average person and might be all you need to feel the calming and relaxing effects.
Because CBG is harder to extract and is far rarer, you may find a larger variety of CBD products at your local smoke shop, dispensary, or grocery store. But no matter what you decide between CBD vs CBG, both are fantastic cannabinoids that have a multitude of benefits for your overall wellness!
