CBG vs CBD - What’s The Difference?

You may have heard about CBD. But are you aware of CBG, apparently a new compound in the hemp and hemp world? In this post, we will dive deep into comparing CBG and CBD. We'll also take a look into which one is more beneficial. On the one side, we have CBD and on the other corner, we have CBG. CBG Vs. CBD! Are you excited? Let's start. 

What Is CBD?

CBD, scientifically known as Cannabidiol, is one of the major constituents of hemp plants. It makes up to 40% of the total extracts present in the hemp or hemp plant. The effects of CBD are different and milder when compared to THC—another prime constituent in hemp plants. On heating, CBD can partially convert into THC.

CBD binds with CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system present in the peripheral nervous system of our brain. 

CBD is sold severely in various forms and is consumed in various ways according to choice and personal preference.

Now, it's time to explore the new hemp compound known as CBG. 

What is CBG?

CBG is also known as Cannabigerol. It is one of the minor constituents of hemp plants. It accounts for less than 1% of hemp plants. 

A startling thing to note is that some strains of the hemp plant produce large amounts of CBG and CBGA when compared to CBG and THC. But these strains have a rare occurrence in nature. 

CBG molecules can attach to both CB1 and CB2 receptors of our brain. Both CBD and CBG have negligible intoxicating effects. 

Chemical Structure and Biosynthesis of CBD and CBG

Both CBD and CBG are produced from CBGA, cannabigerolic acid—which in turn is the product of two chemical compounds known as hexonyl CoA and melonyl CoA. 

In the case of CBG, CBGA is decarboxylated—giving out carbon dioxide. And transforming CBGA into CBG. 

On the other hand, CBGA; carcannabigerolic acid is converted into CBDA, also known as cannabidiolic acid. Later, the CBDA converts into CBD via thermal decarboxylation. This is how CBD is different from CBG. 

CBD Vs CBG: Which Offers Better Benefits?

Both CBD and CBG are non-intoxicating compounds of the hemp flower. 

As mentioned, CBD acts on CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system—which is located in the peripheral nervous system. And it can have varied effects on our body. Similar is true for the CBG, apart from that it can act on both CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. 

Hence, the effects of CBD and CBG differ from human to human. It's recommended to take small amounts of both at different periods to observe the effects of both and choose the one that works best for you.

Due to the complex and nuanced working mechanism of both of the compounds and the lack of solid research, it gets difficult to boldly announce the supreme. Below is a comparison between both in different areas of discomfort like stress, insomnia, and pain.

CBG Vs CBD for Stress

According to a recent survey by Consumer Reports—CBD wins the game in stress management. According to the claims, CBD gets even more effective when paired with healthy habits like meditation, exercise, yoga, and following a healthy sleep-wake cycle. 

Some people also claim that CBD works better than other cannabinoids including CBG.

CBG Vs CBD for Sleep

Technically, neither CBD nor CBG promotes sleep. Still, many people are confident that consumption of CBD can help them sleep better. Why? The thing is, CBD and CBG can promote sleep when taken with other cannabinoids including THC. THC can make one feel a little drowsy, hence, it's recommended to use full-spectrum CBD that contains all other cannabinoids including CBG and THC (lower than 0.3 percent of dry mass). You can take full-spectrum CBD in the form of CBD oil and even CBD gummies. 

CBG Vs CBD for Pain

According to anecdotal claims, CBD helps in reducing muscle soreness, which happens due to high-intensity workouts. CBD can provide calm and soothing effects on sore muscles. 

It's recommended to intake broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD to get better results. CBG shows similar effects. This stirs up a debate about which is better CBD or CBG. Here, we can confidently say that CBD offers better results when it comes to pain relief. But it will be even better when it is taken in combination. You can consume CBD in the form of CBD tincture to get the most benefits out of this marvel. 

CBG Vs CBD Comparing Side Effects

For better comprehension, we have provided a tabular form of CBG and CBD:

CBG Vs CBD: Final Comparison

This is the end of CBG vs CBD. Refer to the table before to get a complete list of information regarding CBG Vs CBD.