CBG vs CBD [8 Main Differences Revealed!]

Among cannabis and wellness enthusiasts, two of the most discussed compounds are CBG (Cannabigerol) and CBD (Cannabidiol). Both have gained popularity for their potential benefits. But how do they differ? While both interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, they target different receptors and offer unique effects. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed choice between CBG vs CBD for your wellness routine.

Keep reading as we explore the chemistry, benefits, and uses of these two cannabinoids, giving you a better idea of how they can support your overall well-being. It’s CBD vs CBG, so let’s find out which one comes out on top!

What Is CBD?

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is one of the major cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, a cannabis plant with low concentrations of THC (Delta 9 THC, Delta 9, D9 THC, or D9). It’s non-euphoric, meaning it doesn’t produce a fade like THC, the primary euphoric compound in marijuana plants.

Like other cannabinoids, CBD’s chemical structure contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. Its chemical formula is C21H30O2. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS, and its two main receptors, the CB1 and CB2 receptors, located in the brain and immune system, respectively. CBD does not bind directly to the ECS receptors but influences their activity, contributing to its wide range of potential benefits.

 

CBD’s history dates back thousands of years when cannabis plants were commonly used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. However, modern interest in CBD started in the 1940s when scientists first isolated it from the Cannabis sativa plant.

The compound gained significant traction in the early 2000s as scientific studies revealed its benefits, such as reducing physical discomfort, elevating mood, and supporting holistic wellness. Today, CBD oil, gummies, and other products are part of the booming CBD industry, available in various forms, such as broad-spectrum CBD and pure CBD isolates, to meet growing consumer demand.

What Is CBG?

CBG, short for Cannabigerol, is often called the “mother cannabinoid” because it is the precursor to other cannabinoids like CBD, THC, and CBC (Cannabichromene). As hemp plants mature, CBG converts into these other cannabinoids.

CBG comes from Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA), the acidic form of CBG. When exposed to heat or UV light, CBGA breaks down into CBG and other cannabinoids. CBG interacts with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system but with different binding patterns than CBD. As a result, CBG has a unique wellness profile than CBD and other cannabinoids.

Discovered in the 1960s, CBG has flown under the radar compared to other cannabinoids. However, as more research explores its unique properties, interest among consumers grows. And unlike CBD, which has massive mainstream attention, CBG is often classified as a minor cannabinoid.

Obtaining CBG is very difficult. CBG extraction is more difficult and less efficient, leading to a higher cost of production. Today, CBG oils, extracts, and isolates are becoming more common as scientific studies explore its potential medicinal benefits, effects on skin health, and ability to fight bacteria.

Why Choose CBD Products Over CBG?

CBD products have become the go-to option for many due to their established benefits and wide availability. From CBD oils to CBD gummies, these products offer a range of potential health benefits, like reducing anxious feelings, providing proper sleep support, and managing chronic physical discomfort. CBD can deliver these benefits thanks to its interaction with endocannabinoid system receptors, which play a role in mental health and immune function.

One major advantage of choosing CBD over CBG is its accessibility and variety. The legal status of CBD is clear in most parts of the United States. Hemp-derived CBD products are federally legal as long as they contain at or less than 0.3% THC.

CBG, however, is more difficult to source due to its lower concentrations in legal hemp plants. While legal in many states, CBG oils and extracts remain less common and can be more expensive.

CBD has undergone far more scientific research. One such study examined CBD’s effect on inflammatory bowel disease, while other studies have tried to determine CBD’s role in easing physical discomfort and improving anxious thoughts. On the other hand, CBG benefits are still emerging, with early research pointing toward its potential in gut health, vision issues, and the body’s response to infection.

How Do CBG and CBD Differ?

While both CBD and CBG come from the cannabis plant, they differ in several key areas, from how they are produced to how they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Let’s examine these CBD-CBG differences in detail to help you understand which might better fit your wellness needs.

Feature	CBD	CBG
Abdundance	High concentrations in mature hemp plants	Found in lower concentrations, especially in mature plants
Chemical Precursor	Derived from CBGA (cannabigerolic acid)	Known as the “mother cannabinoid” from which CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids are synthesized
Euphoric Properties	Non-euphoric	Non-euphoric
Interaction with Receptors	Primarily interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system	Mostly interacts with CB2 receptors, but has some action on CB1 receptors as well
Benefits	May reduce anxious feelings, manage physical discomfort, improve sleep	Early research suggests potential benefits for gut health, fighting bacterial infections
Presence in Products	Commonly found in wide variety of products, including CBD oils, tinctures, gummies, and skincare products	Often found in niche products like CBG oils, tinctures, and creams, but not as widespread as CBD
Legal Status	Federally legal in the U.S. if derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC	Legal in many areas, but less regulated and less available than CBD
Cost	More affordable and widely available due to larger supply	Generally, more expensive due to the lower yield and complexity of extraction

Abundance

CBG occurs naturally in much lower concentrations in mature hemp plants. In contrast, CBD is abundant in mature hemp plants, making it much easier to source. This makes CBD more available in hemp products.

Chemical Precursor

CBG is often called the “mother cannabinoid” because it’s the precursor from which other cannabinoids are synthesized. CBD, on the other hand, is directly derived from CBGA. This shared precursor links both cannabinoids to the same initial compound in the hemp plant.

Euphoric Properties

Neither CBG nor CBD produces euphoria. Both are non-euphoric cannabinoids. This is one reason both are popular for people seeking wellness benefits without a euphoric lift. It also makes them appealing to consumers looking to benefit from their holistic properties.

Interaction with Endocannabinoid Receptors

CBG primarily interacts with CB2 receptors, which play a role in immune system regulation. The cannabinoid also affects CB1 receptors to a lesser degree. CBD, however, interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors. As a result, CBD plays a key role in modulating several important biological processes. These include mood, appetite, mobility, sleep, and immune response. CBD’s broad receptor activity makes its effects more versatile.

Benefits

Early research into CBG shows promising results for gut health and immunity. By contrast, CBD benefits are more established. These include helping to quell anxious thoughts, providing physical discomfort relief, and supporting sleep. Both cannabinoids offer potential therapeutic effects, though researchers have more extensively studied CBD.

Presence in Products

CBG is most often found in niche products like CBG-specific oils, tinctures, and creams, making it less common in the market. CBD is widely available in a variety of products, including oils, tinctures, gummies, and skincare products. This broad availability of CBD makes it a go-to ingredient for many health and wellness products.

Legal Status

CBG is legal in many regions, but it remains less regulated and less widely available than CBD. CBD is federally legal in the U.S. as long as it comes from hemp with less than 0.3% THC. This clear regulatory status has helped CBD become much more mainstream.

Cost

CBG tends to be more expensive due to its lower yield from hemp plants and a more complex extraction process. In contrast, CBD is more affordable and widely available due to its higher concentration in hemp. The difference in availability significantly impacts the pricing of these products.

CBG VS CBD – FAQs

Is CBG More Effective Than CBD?

That depends on what you are taking CBG for. CBD is well-studied for its effects on improving anxious feelings, physical discomfort, and sleep. CBG shows potential in areas like gut function and brain health support but lacks extensive research. Effectiveness depends on your specific needs, with CBD currently being the more popular choice.

CBG vs CBD: Which One Is More Dominant?

CBD is more dominant. It’s abundant in hemp plants and widely available to consumers. CBG occurs in smaller amounts and is the precursor to both CBD and THC. Although less dominant, CBG is crucial in the cannabinoid production process.

Can You Take CBG Every Day?

Yes, you can take CBG every day. It is non-euphoric and generally safe but consult a healthcare provider first, especially if you’ve never taken it or suffer from specific conditions that may impact or interfere with its effectiveness. Always exercise caution and responsibility in dosing.

Is CBG Best for Anxiety?

CBD is generally preferred for anxious feelings than CBG. This is due to extensive research supporting CBD’s effectiveness. CBG may also help, but its role is less well-established compared to CBD.

Final Thoughts – CBG vs CBD [8 Main Differences Revealed!]

When researching the benefits of these cannabinoids, you may find yourself asking, “What is CBG vs CBD, and how do they differ in their effects on the body?” CBG and CBD are non-euphoric cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. Both interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors but affect different bodily functions. While CBD is famous for its relaxing properties and general wellness benefits, CBG is often called the “mother cannabinoid” due to its role in producing other cannabinoids. CBG benefits are similar but more geared towards the promotion of digestive health. The cannabinoid is also more energizing compared to the relaxing properties of CBD.

Choosing between CBG and CBD ultimately comes down to your personal wellness goals. Both are minor cannabinoids in marijuana plants. However, CBD is abundant in hemp plants. While CBD is more widely available and backed by extensive research, CBG offers unique potential wellness benefits. As more research emerges, both will play key roles in the growing world of cannabinoid-based wellness. Whether you choose CBD oil or explore CBG extracts, incorporating these compounds into your routine can enhance your holistic wellness.

Curious to find out what CBD and CBG have in store for you? For the best of both worlds, try Budpop’s CBD + CBG Turmeric Gummies for optimized mind-body wellness!