When it comes to the notoriety of cannabinoids, cannabidiol is at the top of the list along with THC. However, for some time now, another contender for the throne of the best cannabinoids has been cleaning up. Cannabigerol (CBG) is increasingly gaining acceptance. What’s behind it, how CBG affects the endocannabinoid system and what difference CBD/CBG has, will now be examined in more detail.
What are CBG and CBD and how are they produced?
CBD and CBG are two cannabinoids that come from the cannabis plant. The cannabinoid CBD was deemed safe for health by the WHO in 2018 and has since become extremely popular. However, a single cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids, so it’s no surprise that cannabidiol now has competition in the form of the cannabinoid CBG.
CBG is mainly present in the early stages of the hemp plant, whereas older hemp plants focus on CBD or THC. Basically, it is a chemical compound that is later converted into other cannabinoids. CBG is the precursor of CBD and THC, depending on which cannabis plant it comes from, a large part develops into cannabidiol or also tetrahydrocannabinol.
The difference between CBG and CBD
The biggest difference between cannabidiol and cannabigerol is probably awareness. While CBD has long since made a splash and has been recognized as one of the most important components of cannabis plants, other cannabinoids such as cannabigerol or even cannabinol lead a shadowy existence. Although their effect is not worse than that of CBD, research has not yet put relevant studies on paper.
Despite the differences, however, there are also similarities in the CBG/CBD connection. After all, cannabigerol develops first in the hemp plant, which later transforms into CBD. One commonality is that both cannabinoids are non-psychoactive and completely legal to use.
The possible benefits of CBG
Much is known about the effects of CBD, but how does cannabigerol work? Some modes of action are similar, but there are also distinct differences. Cannabigerol specifically interacts with CB2 receptors, while CBD targets CB1 receptors. CBG is used for the following complaints, among others:
- Increasing appetite: unlike CBD, CBG has an appetite-increasing effect similar to cannabis. It is therefore commonly used by individuals suffering from loss of appetite and its consequences.
- Skin conditions: CBG oil seems to have a positive effect on various areas of the skin. In particular, there is hope for conditions such as psoriasis due to the availability of cannabigerol.
- Intestinal disorders: There appears to be a benefit from CBG for intestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. The anti-inflammatory effects suggest a high potential here.
- Pain relief: CBG/cannabigerol appears to be similar to THC or CBN in terms of its
effectiveness on pain receptors. Especially in combination, the substances can contribute to the reduction of pain according to users. - Psychological complaints: Unlike cannabis, CBG is not psychoactive, but still reportedly has a positive effect on mood. General well-being could be strengthened as a result, and various forms of depression also seem to respond positively to CBG.
- Glaucoma: It looks like cannabigerol could lower the eye’s internal pressure. Experts are investigating this potential, because glaucoma is one of the most common eye problems in people over 50.
The possible benefits of CBD
The beneficial properties of CBD have long been a topic of research. Compared to CBG, the ingredients have been better researched. The effect on the body is similar, with CBD predominantly interacting with CB1 receptors. The potential of the cannabinoid is used for the following complaints, among others:
- Stress and restlessness: there are repeated reports of CBD’s ability to contribute to inner calm. The substance therefore plays an important role in anxiety disorders and chronic restlessness.
- Inflammation (chronic and acute): Many diseases are triggered by inflammation. For example, osteoarthritis is a form of inflammation that responds to CBD products, according to initial studies. In a study with rats, topical application of CBD was shown to have an effect.
- Pain: Like CBG, CBD also has a positive effect on reducing pain symptoms, according to several studies. In particular, chronic pain sufferers may benefit.
- CBD in animals: CBD products are not only interesting for humans, they are also popular for dogs and horses. The body of animals or the endocannabinoid system has a similar structure as in humans. Therefore, a similar effect can be expected.
How to use CBG and CBD
The most common way of using CBG and CBD is the classic oil. In this case, it is advisable to go for a full-spectrum oil. This has the advantage that the synergy of cannabinoids and terpenes leads to the entourage effect. This in turn leads to an amplification of the effect and thus reinforces the positive effects of hemp.
A full CBG oil often contains other extracts of cannabinoids in addition to cannabigerol. These include the well-known cannabichromic acid as well as CBC, CBN and CBD. It is crucial that the THC content has a concentration of less than 0.2%, because only then are CBG items legal.
Possible side effects of CBG and CBD and how to avoid them
Although the hemp plant is a product of nature, both cannabinoids can cause side effects. In almost all cases, they are mild in nature and can even be avoided. By slowly increasing the dosage, the body gets used to the new compounds step by step. As a result, the well-known side effects that CBD and CBG can bring are less likely to occur:
- Nausea and vomiting
- dizziness and fatigue
- dry mouth feeling
- with CBD loss of appetite
- increased appetite with CBG
If CBD or CBG hits your stomach, it is recommended to eat something before using it.
Conclusion: Which one is right for you?
Which cannabinoid is the right choice for you depends on individual preferences and needs. Many users mix both products, as each cannabinoid has its own benefits. Interactions with each other are not known, so dual use is considered safe.
