Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG) are both non-psychoactive cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. They have recently surged in popularity for their purported therapeutic benefits. But what exactly sets these two compounds apart?
A Brief Background on CBD and CBG
CBD is likely the most well-known cannabinoid found in cannabis. Unlike the infamous THC, CBD does not produce any intoxicating or euphoric effects. Most CBD today is extracted from hemp, a variety of cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
CBG, on the other hand, is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is gaining attention. Also non-intoxicating, CBG is the chemical precursor to CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids formed through decarboxylation. It is sometimes referred to as the “mother” or “stem cell” cannabinoid.
Both CBD and CBG are currently being researched for a variety of potential health and wellness applications, which we’ll explore more below.
The Origins and Chemical Structures
Despite having distinct chemical structures, CBD and CBG share some similarities in terms of their origins within the cannabis plant.
CBD is formed through the decarboxylation of its precursor CBDA, meaning a carboxyl group (-COOH) is removed to create the version of the compound we interact with. This conversion from CBDA to CBD often occurs by exposure to light or heat.
Likewise, CBG is formed through the decarboxylation of CBGA. Over time, CBGA gets converted into other acidic cannabinoid precursors, so most harvested cannabis plants contain relatively low levels of CBG compared to CBD or THC.
In terms of their chemical structures, CBD and CBG share some similarities but differ in a few key ways:
- Both contain 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms
- CBG has an extra cyclic carbon ring compared to CBD
- The arrangements of their atomic bonds differ slightly
These minor differences contribute to each cannabinoid interacting with the human body’s endocannabinoid system in unique ways.
How They Interact With the Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes responsible for maintaining homeostasis.
Both CBD and CBG influence the ECS indirectly by interacting with cannabinoid receptors, as well as other non-endocannabinoid signaling systems. However, there are a few key differences:
- CBD has higher affinity for CB2 receptors than CB1 receptors, while CBG has low affinity for both CB1 and CB2 receptors
- CBD acts as an indirect antagonist of the CB1 receptor, while CBG may act as a partial agonist
- CBG appears to have higher affinity for other receptors like TRPV1 and TRPA1
In simple terms, this means CBG and CBD generally act upon different biological targets to exert unique effects. Their mechanisms within the body differ despite some overlap.
Potential Health Benefits
Much of the interest surrounding CBD and CBG comes from their wide range of purported medicinal properties. While research is still in early stages, studies suggest these non-intoxicating cannabinoids may help with:
Potential Health Benefits of CBD
- Reducing anxiety and depression
- Alleviating inflammation and pain
- Improving sleep quality
- Protecting neurological function
- Managing skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis
Potential Health Benefits of CBG
- Slowing bacterial growth to prevent infection
- Reducing inflammation and pain
- Slowing tumor growth in certain cancers
- Improving appetite and reducing nausea
- Supporting healthy intestinal function
The research on CBG is limited compared to CBD at this point. Initial studies show promise, but more clinical trials in humans are needed on the potential therapeutic uses of both cannabinoids.
Side Effects and Safety
Both CBD and CBG are generally considered safe compounds with relatively low risks of side effects. Mild side effects occasionally reported may include:
- Digestive issues like diarrhea or appetite changes
- Fatigue
- Changes in weight or appetite in some cases
High doses of CBD (>300 mg daily) may exacerbate liver injury in certain populations. Topical forms also rarely cause irritation or allergic reactions. Both compounds appear safe, with CBD researched substantially more given its earlier discovery.
During pregnancy or breastfeeding, it’s best to use extreme caution with CBD, CBG or any supplement for that matter. A healthcare professional should be consulted first in such cases given inadequate research on safety.
Like with any supplement not evaluated by the FDA, it’s important consumers only purchase cannabinoid products from reputable brands that provide third party testing. This ensures the purity, safety and potency of any CBD or CBG oil, gummy, capsule or topical.
CBD vs. CBG: How to Choose
So between the two cannabinoids, is one “better” than the other? The answer largely depends on the desired effects or health condition being targeted. Here are a few key considerations:
- Mood disorders: Most evidence supports CBD over CBG for issues like anxiety, depression and chronic stress. Both compounds may help enhance mood indirectly however.
- Pain, inflammation: Both CBD and CBG demonstrate potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. CBD tends to be favored currently given more extensive research.
- Neurodegeneration: Early research gives a slight edge to CBD for possibly helping symptoms of epilepsy, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and similar conditions affecting the nervous system.
- Antibacterial properties: Research indicates CBG surpasses CBD substantially for inhibiting the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria through multiple mechanisms.
- Appetite/nausea: While both compounds may reduce nausea, CBG’s ability to stimulate appetite appears significantly greater according to limited studies thus far.
The decision between purchasing a CBD vs. CBG product also depends on federal legal status, local accessibility, pricing, and personal preference regarding cannabinoid source. Both cannabinoids come in many forms – from oils and tinctures to edibles to topicals – with dosing optimal per individual.
Future Outlook
In the coming decade, experts predict the cannabinoid market to grow substantially as research expands and public perception shifts. The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp and hemp-derived products, paving the way for higher quality research and increased access.
CBG production specifically poses some current challenges, as most cannabis harvested today contains relatively minimal concentrations. Alternative growing and extraction methods are being explored to boost yields more efficiently and cost-effectively.
With laws and regulations continuing to evolve, CBD, CBG and other non-intoxicating cannabinoids may someday progress from the dispensary to the pharmacy. Only time and science will tell as we unravel more about cannabis’ potential risks and benefits.
Benefits of CBD Or CGB
CBD May Alleviate Anxiety and Depression
Research shows CBD may help lower symptoms related to mood disorders like generalized anxiety disorders, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It regulates neurotransmitters and neural pathways involved in emotional processing.
CBD Demonstrates Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Studies find CBD contains antioxidant properties exceeding vitamins C and E in potency. By targeting free radicals and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation at a cellular level, CBD shows potential benefits for chronic inflammatory conditions.
CBD May Relieve Chronic Pain
CBD binds indirectly to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and immune system to potentially reduce pain perception. Whether derived from nerves, tissue, or neural pathways, CBD’s pain-relieving effects may benefit various chronic pain disorders.
CBD Could Support Neurological Health
Evidence indicates CBD may protect nervous system function and help manage issues related to epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Its antioxidant action supports neurological health.
And here are H2 headings focused on potential benefits of CBG:
CBG Has Promising Antibacterial Properties
Early studies reveal CBG likely targets antibiotic-resistant bacteria through multiple mechanisms. Applied topically, CBG slowed the rate of bacterial growth, indicating its potential to prevent infections.
CBG May Protect Against Neurodegeneration
Limited research suggests CBG shields neurons from oxidative damage and age-related decline related to Huntington’s disease. It’s antioxidant effects show promise for supporting nervous system function long-term.
CBG Could Inhibit Tumor Growth
Via multiple signaling pathways, CBG disrupted the growth and progression of certain intestinal tumors and colorectal cancer cells in mice studies. More research is still needed to confirm its anti-cancer effects.
CBG May Stimulate Appetite
A study found CBG administration substantially increased appetite and food intake volume in rats by indirectly activating CB1 receptors. This mechanism indicates therapeutic potential for treating appetite loss.
Taken Together: CBD or CBG:
Taken together, both CBD and CBG have emerging evidence supporting their use for a variety of health conditions. However, CBD currently has more extensive research backing its efficacy and safety profile. With nearly a decade more research than CBG, CBD has more confirmation of its therapeutic effects. However, CBG shows great promise, especially regarding its ability to fight drug-resistant bacteria, reduce inflammation, stimulate appetite, and more.
Ultimately, the decision between using a CBD or CBG product depends largely on an individual’s specific health goals. Both cannabinoids appear generally safe, with mild side effects reported in isolated cases with high doses. While some early research shows unique benefits of CBG over CBD (and vice versa), substantially more robust data confirms CBD’s mechanisms and efficacy for issues like anxiety, pain, neurological conditions and more at this time.
Conclusion
While similar in some ways, CBD and CBG have distinct chemical structures, interactions with the body, and therapeutic effects. Both show potential for health and wellness applications ranging from pain relief to neuroprotection.
CBG is considered by some experts as the next rising star of the cannabis industry. But substantial research is still needed, especially large scale clinical trials in humans.
For now, CBD has a head start regarding research volume and consumer accessibility. But the coming decade is likely to provide much more clarity as interest in cannabinoid supplementation continues to grow.