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I know what you’re thinking. You’re trying to figure out the difference between CBG vs CBD? But it’s hard to fully understand without an expertly written blog on the topic, am I right?
Well, you’re in luck. This article goes above and beyond to provide the thorough explanation that you deserve.
What Is CBG?
CBG is the medical abbreviation for cannabigerol. It’s one of the major phytocannabinoids in the cannabis family of plants.
Stated differently, CBG is one of the many molecules produced by the cannabis plant. These molecules, like THC, CBD, CBG, and others, have several therapeutic properties — making this plant a botanical marvel.
Certain industrial hemp varieties have a lot of CBG, causing this mysterious cannabinoid to gain attention.
In 1970, Raphael Mechoulam, the ‘Father of Cannabis’, discovered that cannabigerol was non-psychoactive. This is another reason why cannabis enthusiasts, the scientific community, and consumers have an interest in GBG.
If CBG is anything like CBD, we’re going to see another wave of cannabis fans popping up around the world.
What Is CBD?
Like cannabigerol, CBD is a phytocannabinoid found in cannabis that has non-intoxicating properties. That means you won’t experience a ‘head high’ when consuming a CBD derived product.
The hype around CBD products like CBD oil is well-deserved. Many scientific studies prove the health and wellness benefits of CBD. But, even more, the World Health Organization (WHO) publicly supports it.
In a report published in June 2018, the organization made several findings in favor of CBD.
For instance, they found that CBD has a good safety profile and is generally well-tolerated. Furthermore, they stated that CBD shows no signs of serious side effects or toxicity.
How Can CBG Benefit the Body?
CBG brings benefits to the body through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Scientists and researchers have spent the last few decades understanding the intricacies of this important system. Here’s what they know so far.
The ECS is a biological regulatory mechanism that consists of enzymes, cannabinoid receptors known as CB1 and CB2, and the endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
In essence, it operates much like a lock and key, with cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 as the ‘lock’ and cannabinoids (like CBG) as the ‘key’.
When you supply the body with CBG oil, CBG flower, or other CBG products, you’re essentially helping to ‘unlock’ or activate the endocannabinoid system. Why is this important?
The ECS is responsible for homeostasis which not only keeps us alive and well, but also directly impacts physiological functions like mood, memory, appetite, sleep, and movement.
If that’s not powerful enough, listen to what Uwe Blesching, author of “The Cannabis Health Index” has to add about the ECS:
“Evidence suggests the ECS may be involved in generating subtle but therapeutic shifts in the way we perceive the world, relate to our internal landscape, think and feel about ourselves, and interact with each other.”
So to recap, CBG oil benefits our body because the CBG molecule binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, and thus promotes homeostasis. A feat that cannot be underestimated.
CBG vs CBD: How They Differ
Both CBG and CBD are important cannabinoids and vital to the chemical structure of the cannabis plant. Additionally, the hemp plant is in the spotlight like never before because of them.
These phytocannabinoids are non-psychoactive, deemed safe for consumption, have zero abuse potential, and minimal to no side effects.
But, when it comes to how they differ, there’s one glaring difference — the specific interaction they have with the ECS.
CBG vs CBD: How They Influence the ECS
As mentioned earlier, CBG has a direct influence on the ECS through its binding affinity to receptors CB1 and CB2. Whereas CBD doesn’t actually bind with receptors CB1 and CB2, its effect on them is more indirect.
However, CBD has a direct influence on the endocannabinoid, anandamide (also part of the ECS). This chemical is also called the ‘bliss’ molecule because of the positive effect it has on happiness.
Cannabidiol has the ability to keep more of this chemical in the body and for longer periods of time, which is why it has the potential to boost your mood.
CBG vs CBD: Different Chemical Composition in the Hemp Plant
One other difference between CBD and CBG is their chemical composition. It’s more common to have hemp strains high in CBD but low in CBG.
Since CBG is one of the first molecules, it can lose its potency throughout the plant’s growth cycle. By the time the plant matures, there’s usually not much CBG potency left.
Yet, experienced hemp farmers and growers know how to breed hemp strains to produce a lot of CBG. Or they harvest the plants early, right when the CBG content peaks.
So, not to fear. You can easily find potent CBG oil, just like you can find potent CBD oil.
Where to Buy CBD and CBG Products?
If you want the biggest variety of CBD and CBG products, then you’ll have to look online. But, which websites? And what type of products? Good questions!
We’ll give you some helpful pointers to guide you in the right direction.
First, decide if you want only CBG products, CBD products or both. Some companies specialize in one or the other, while some companies offer both.
Also, while researching looks for a company that offers discounts, rewards, points, or other incentives to their repeat customers. In the long run, you can save lots of money this way, so it’s worth looking into.
Additionally, don’t only look up CBD/CBG manufacturers, look into various distributors, wholesaler shops, and full out marketplaces, like Dr.Ganja.
Dr.Ganja’s a one-stop-shop for the best cannabis-based products you can buy. Their primary focus is on hemp-derived CBD and CBG products.
They’re like, ‘the Amazon for all things hemp!’
Lastly, before you decide who to buy from, do a bit more digging first. CBD and CBG based products are sold in an unregulated market.
Until the FDA steps-up, customers like you have to do some serious due diligence.
And one of the most important factors to put under the microscope is — quality.
Quality Matters: How to Assess the Quality of CBG and CBD Oil?
Let’s use the example of full spectrum CBG oil. While scoping out a CBG oil product, look for the following pieces of information:
- Source of hemp
- Lab testing | Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- CBG potency
- List of ingredients
In general, the best locations to source hemp from are the United States and Northern Europe. Both these areas have ideal growing conditions and abide by strict growing and quality control standards.
Next, look for the COA. It’s a critical piece in the decision process to buy or not to buy. This report is issued by third-party labs who test the contents of the CBG oil or extract.
When you read the report you’ll be able to confirm the CBG potency, the terpene content, the levels of pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, microbial contaminants.
Also, find a product with enough potency to feel the effects, so you can reach your desired results. On average a good potency is between 15 to 30 mg of CBD per ml.
Finally, read carefully through the list of ingredients. A high-quality product won’t have much if any artificial ingredients, preservatives, dyes, or additives.
This advice can be applied to both CBD and CBG products. Use our tips to find your ideal hemp-derived cannabis product. Happy shopping.