When you hear about cannabinoids, what comes to your mind? We bet the first thing, or maybe the only thing, that comes to your mind is either THC or CBD.
Undoubtedly, these two cannabinoids, THC and CBD, are the most popular among people for their psychoactive and therapeutic effects, respectively.
However, cannabis contains many other cannabinoids besides these. In fact, there are more than 100 cannabinoids identified as of now.
One of these is CBG, a lesser-known cannabinoid that can help with Parkinson’s disease and eating disorders.
Today, we are going to learn in-depth about what CBD and CBG are and the differences between them. This guide will also explore the conditions in which you can use CBD and the conditions where CBG is more effective.
So, why wait? Let’s dig into the subject and figure it out!
What are CBD and CBG?
1. CBD
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is obtained from the cannabis Sativa plant. It offers therapeutic benefits and doesn’t get you high.
Several studies have found CBD to be beneficial for various health conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Epilepsy
- Multiple Sclerosis
We will discuss the health benefits of CBD in a while. But first, let’s understand how CBD interacts with your body.
How does CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system?
Those curious about how CBD works in the body should roll up their sleeves as we’re about to dive into the discussion.
Our body contains an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that is responsible for various tasks within the body. For example, appetite stimulation, how we feel pain, and sleep regulation.
CBD interacts with ECS by influencing its activity without binding to the ECS receptors.
Instead, it affects the enzymes and transport proteins that break down or carry endocannabinoids and modulate the activity of CB2 receptors.
2. CBG
Cannabigerol, which many, if not most, are familiar with as CBG, is also found in cannabis plants. It might shock you to know that it’s known as the ‘mother of all cannabinoids.’
Seems odd, right? But that’s the truth, and there’s a good reason for it.
Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is the precursor that gets converted into CBG, and CBG is the building block for all other cannabinoids. Lately, CBG has been getting recognition for its health benefits.
Keep in mind that there is limited research on CBG, and we aren’t totally aware of how many conditions or situations can benefit from its use.
Let’s take a moment to answer a commonly asked question about CBG: ‘Does CBG get you high?’ No, CBG is non-psychoactive and does not get you high.
How does CBG interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system?
There is only a slight difference in how CBG and CBD interact with human ECS.
While CBD interacts indirectly via enzymes and proteins, CBG modulates ECS activity by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors without strongly activating them as THC does.
What is the difference between CBD and CBG?
The differences may be confusing to some; therefore, we will try to explain CBD vs. CBG in the simplest possible way. Here are two main differences between CBG and CBD:
- CBD is found in larger concentrations in cannabis, while CBG is present in much lesser amounts.
- CBD interacts indirectly with ECS, while CBG directly binds with CB1 and CB2 receptors but doesn’t activate them like THC.
Is CBG stronger than CBD?
No, it’s not true, nor is it entirely a lie, that CBG is stronger than CBD. It depends on the specific condition you are facing.
For some conditions, such as improving appetite, CBG may be more effective, while for others, like reducing pain and inflammation, CBD works better.
When should you use CBD and CBG?
Now that we’re almost done let’s quickly explore the benefits of CBD and CBG that we skipped earlier.
If you’re one of the many intrigued with CBD vs. CBG for anxiety or CBG vs. CBD for sleep, we’ve got you covered.
We want people like you to understand what works best for different conditions. Remember, the benefits we are going to discuss are backed by some studies and research.
CBD is Best For
Use CBD if you or any of your loved ones need help with the following conditions:
1. Discomfort
CBD can help ease discomfort caused due to inflammation or pain. It does so by interacting with the endocannabinoid system.
2. Anxiety
Several studies have found that CBD can help reduce anxiety. According to a study conducted on 300 people dealing with anxiety found that CBD can help people feel less tense immediately after consuming.
3. Sleep Disorders
If you cannot fall asleep throughout the night or keep waking up at regular intervals, CBD can help. Studies have found that CBD can help people fall asleep quickly and stay asleep throughout the night.
CBG is Effective For
CBG are best suitable for use for the following conditions:
1. Gut Health
Gut disorders can lead to many other health concerns. So, it is necessary to resolve gut issues as soon as possible.
If you are struggling with gut disorders, CBG may help you. Early research suggests that CBG might be the best option for managing the symptoms of gut disorders.
2. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis can cause issues with movement due to inflammation in the central nervous system. CBG has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the immune system’s attack on nerve cells.
3. Parkinson’s Disease
CBG is highly effective against Parkinson’s disease symptoms due to its neuroprotective properties.
Can I use CBD and CBG together?
Yes, it is possible to consume CBG and CBD at the same time without worrying about adverse effects.
Are there any side effects of using CBD or CBG?
CBD and CBG usually have no side effects if used responsibly. You must be cautious when using weed and antibiotics together, as some studies suggest they may reduce each other’s effectiveness. A person may feel the following side effects:
- Dry mouth
- Change in mood
- Dry eyes
- Appetite changes
Final Thoughts
CBD and CBG are two cannabinoids present in cannabis. They differ in how much they are found in cannabis and how they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
CBG and CBD have their distinct benefits and are best for some specific conditions. Both cannabinoids don’t get you high and are legal to consume in most states. So, if you plan to use any of them for your medical condition, it is best to consult a medical marijuana doctor near me.
