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What is CBG? CBD VS CBG

Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) are cannabinoids found in hemp flower and cannabis. These organic chemicals have unique properties that may make them useful in wellness and social spaces, and both substances may be beneficial for consumers. Let’s explore what CBG is, how it differs from CBD, what they have in common, and the benefits and possible side effects of using them. 

CBD and CBG–What is the Same

There are more than 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis, and CBG and CBD are two of them. Both may regulate or modify the way psychoactive cannabinoids like THC (Delta 9) affect individuals.

CBG and CBD are non-psychoactive cannabinoids that can interact with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system regulates many functions in your body like appetite, mood, sleep cycles, memory, and learning, and determines how you react to heat, pain, emotions, and more.

Both cannabinoids are popular, and trending searches for them are increasing all the time as more people become aware of their potential benefits. Many consumers are investigating CBD and CBG as possible alternatives that could take the place of pharmaceutical drugs or help them quit cigarettes. 

CBD VS CBG–What is Different

CBD is more abundant in hemp flower and cannabis than CBG. This relative scarcity can make CBG products more expensive to produce.

CBD was discovered (or isolated) first in 1940, and CBG was first isolated in 1964. While research on both cannabinoids is ongoing, compared to CBG we know more about CBD thanks to 20+ years of extra research. 

CBD and CBG have different chemical structures and they have different effects on the ECS.

A researcher at a microscope.

 

Chemical Structures and Formulas

CBG is what researchers have called “the mother of all cannabinoids” since CBGA, an acidic form of CBG, is a precursor to CBD and THC. In other words, CBG contains all of the building blocks for multiple cannabinoids. This relationship is hinted at in the chemical formulas for CBD, THC, and CBG. 

The chemical formula for CBG is C21H32O2, and CBD is C21H30O2. These formulas tell us that each one has 21 carbon atoms and two oxygen atoms. But CBG has 32 hydrogen atoms, and CBD has 30. The two missing hydrogen atoms are responsible for the unique behavior of CBD VS CBG. 

Note that the formula for THC is the same as CBD. With THC, however, the arrangement of atoms is different, which changes the molecule’s shape. This is what gives THC its psychoactive effect on the ECS. 

Interaction With the ECS

Interaction with neuroreceptors is what makes CBG and CBD special.

CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 neuroreceptors of the ECS as an antagonist. It may regulate the effects of psychoactive cannabinoids by preventing them from binding with the CB1 receptor. CBD may help regulate immune system functions, anti-inflammatory response, acute and neuropathic pain response, and more, by interacting with the CB2 receptor. High levels of CBD may interact with 5-HTIA serotonin receptors and affect your mood.

CBG can partially bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Here it may regulate psychoactive cannabinoids and modulate the body’s response to pain and inflammation. CBG may also interact with other receptors, like the alpha-2 adrenoreceptors, which can affect the heart and regulate other neurotransmitters.

CBD VS CBG–Typical Effects & Side Effects

Looking for a better mood, less stress, a calmer mind, and a reduction in aches and pains? Benefits like this can improve your quality of life, and that is what CBG and CBD users expect when they consume these cannabinoids. Some users also experience a boost in energy and creativity when using CBD.

CBD has been shown to lessen the frequency and severity of some epileptic seizures, especially in children. ADD sufferers may find that CBD helps them concentrate.

Side effects from CBD are rare and may include thinner blood and possible liver damage, or feeling tired, nauseous, or irritable.

CBG is a neuroprotective cannabinoid that can help safeguard the central nervous system (CNS). It may be useful as an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer agent, and it may help to lower cholesterol and eliminate free radicals. 

Too little is known about CBG to be sure of side effects, but they may be similar to CBD.

Healthy hemp flower in the field.

CBD VS CBG–What is Legal

In most areas of the US hemp flower with 0.03% THC or less is legal, and so is CBD derived from it. While CBD is generally legal throughout the US, states like Idaho and Nebraska impose a requirement that CBD products be 100% THC-free, which effectively makes broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD illegal. You may find some states have other restrictions. 

CBG is relatively new and has so far escaped major regulatory attention, and in areas where it is mentioned it is often treated like CBD. This could change as researchers determine exactly what CBG is capable of doing, its potential for abuse, and if it could somehow become a public health threat.

Rogue Origin CBD and CBG Flower

Researchers who are investigating the benefits of CBD vs CBG have a lot of work ahead of them, and it could be many years before the mysteries of these two cannabinoids are fully understood. Rogue Origin encourages readers to learn more about what CBG is and how CBD and CBG may benefit them. 


If you decide to try non-psychoactive CBD/CBG-rich flower, make sure to order from us. We offer wholesale prices on lab-tested, USDA-certified Oregon hemp flower by the ounce or pound. Buy your favorite cannabinoid-rich, non-psychoactive cultivars in bulk today and save with a 5 or 10-lb bag!