As wellness trends have evolved, we’ve become increasingly familiar with CBD in all its many forms. From pure CBD isolate to full-spectrum products, it seems as though the CBD product options are endless. But what about other cannabinoids? Every day, more and more research is being conducted around cannabinoids and how their effects and benefits may compare to the traditional CBD composition.
CBG, while lesser-known than CBD, is actually incredibly important both in the production of CBD and on its own as a compound. In this article, we’ll compare CBD and CBG side to side and dive deep into the benefits of CBG.
What are the Differences Between CBG and CBD?
![CBG vs CBD](https://fettlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CBD_vs_CBG.jpg)
While CBG and CBD share many similarities, there are a few key differences. The biggest difference to remember is a slight change in chemical makeup of the two compounds. Because CBG and CBD have a slightly different makeup, CBG is better suited to aiding with certain physical and psychological issues and vice versa. Knowing these differences can help us decide whether CBD or CBG will be the best fit for your personal health and wellness.
Here’s a detailed and in-depth breakdown of the main differences between CBG and CBD.
1. Chemical Composition
The most notable difference between CBD and CBG is their makeup. All qualities, benefits, and unique differences in cannabinoids start with their chemical makeup. Both of these substances are classed as cannabinoids, meaning they belong to the same family. In fact, CBG can be thought of as a “mother” to CBD. This is because CBGA, an acidic form of CBD, is a direct precursor to CBD. CBGA is also the same acid that produces THC, though it is important to remember CBD and CBG themselves do not produce a high.
When CBGA, formally referred to as cannabigerolic acid, goes through the decarboxylation process it produces both CBD and CBG. Decarboxylation removes the carboxyl group from a chemical compound and produces carbon dioxide as a result. This process occurs in the production of CBD and can also occur in beverages that sit out for a long time. This process is important because CBGA must go under decarboxylation in order to produce CBD and CBG. Decarboxylation is also important because it leaves CBD and CBG with different proportions of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
The main chemical difference between CBD and CBG is the process and steps of decarboxylation. When a cannabis plant matures, the already present acid, CBGA, breaks down into three further enzymes. CBDA, also known as cannabidolic acid, is the enzyme that transforms into CBD after decarboxylation. CBGA itself breaks down into CBG directly.
2. Presence
Because of the intense chemical processes that CBGA and CBDA go through to produce CBD and CBG, the actual presence of each compound within the plant itself differs. In a vast majority of cannabis strains, only one percent of CBG can be found. For reference, between twenty to twenty five percent CBD can be found and up to thirty percent of THC can be found. This could reflect the real- world difference in popularity between CBD and CBG. A huge variety of products with CBD can be found on the market right now with more additions every day. However, we tend to hear less about CBG. Although popularity is a big factor to consider between the two, potential benefits that both overlap and differ can be found between the two.
3. Effects on the Body
Different proportions of elements like carbon or hydrogen will lead to slightly different effects on the body. A big difference between CBD and CBG is their effect on the function of the bladder and other organs. CBG has been shown to help with the function of the bladder, intestines, and bowels. CBD has not been shown to produce these effects. On the other hand, CBD has been shown to contribute to bone health, nausea relief, and can be used to treat epilepsy. These are benefits that CBG has not yet been shown to produce. Even though there is only a slight chemical difference between CBD and CBG, the differences in physical benefits can be a big deciding factor between the two.
4. Effects on the Mind
While both CBD and CBG are known for their numerous effects on the physical body, they also have healing properties that can benefit one’s mental health. CBG has been shown to relieve symptoms of ADD and ADHD in ways that CBD does not. These properties can be applied even in those without ADD or ADHD because CBG has shown to lead to improvements in energy and focus more generally. CBG tends to exhibit slightly stronger benefits in cognition and symptom relief in a number of mental illnesses. This does not mean that CBD can’t also be a great option to deal with those problems, rather CBG may be a better choice for some people with particular needs.
Which is Better: CBG or CBD?
![CBD vs CBG](https://fettlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CBG_vs_CBG.jpg)
It’s natural to wonder if there is a “better” option between CBD and CBG. There are many factors that should be considered before you make your choice. For instance, CBD is more popular and will most likely be more accessible and easy to find. However, if you’re looking for a cannabinoid to help with specific issues such as GI tract problems or stronger relief of symptoms for certain psychological problems, CBG may be perfect for you. The “better” cannabinoid is the one that suits you as an individual.
What is CBG best used for?
CBG has been shown to be a better alternative to CBD for certain applications.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol, or CBG, is a chemical relative to CBD. Though less popular than its counterpart, CBD, CBG use leads to many of the same benefits that CBD usage has been shown to produce. CBD is the substance that is left after CBGA, CBG in its acidic form, loses carbon.
CBGA directly produces CBDA, which is the acidic form of CBD. There are several hundred total forms of cannabinoids in total, but CBD and CBG are two of the most well known and most common, though CBD is much more present in cannabis plants.
CBG Benefits
Scientific research has shown that CBG has a lot of promise in treating several ailments, both physical and mental. Early evidence suggests that CBG can keep the body healthy by fighting off harmful bacteria and (possibly) even cancer cells. There have also been many studies that support CBG as a potential treatment for anxiety, ADHD, depression, and potentially a lot more.
It is important to note that much while the studies that exist show lots of promise, more research is needed to truly understand the benefits of CBG. CBG should not replace medication prescribed to you by a professional.
Reported benefits of CBG include:
- Improved bladder functioning
- Increased function of the intestines and bowels
- Improved energy and focus
- Improvement in symptoms of ADD and ADHD
- Improvement in Anxiety
Conclusion
CBG is the very definition of “small but mighty”. It may be less prominent than its relative, CBD, but CBG has the potential to provide relief for a large roster of different issues. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, gastrointestinal issues, or just need an extra boost of energy, CBG can be a truly great addition to your daily routine.
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