CBG vs CBD

Cannabis has been experiencing a surge in popularity in recent years. Amid this boom, some have started to investigate the other cannabinoids that are found within the plant beyond CBD and THC. One, in particular, has caught the attention of many marijuana connoisseurs -- CBG or Cannabigerol. CBG has gained some serious traction in the marijuana and CBD industries, but we still don't know much about its genuine effects.

In several ways, CBG is a very comparable compound to CBD. The chemical structure and range of effects of the two are nearly identical. Neither of the two causes the psychoactive or intoxicating effects associated with THC.

Both CBD and CBG have the potential to be used medicinally for a variety of ailments. In fact, a 2019 study found that while CBG offered less of an anti-inflammatory benefit than CBD by itself, combining the two showed the greatest outcome.¹ In this article, we’ll be taking a look at how the two compare and when/where you can get the most benefit from each.

What Is CBG?

First and foremost, what is CBG? CBG is an acronym for Cannabigerol. It's one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBG, along with every other cannabinoid, is obtained from CBG's acidic form: cannabigerol acid, or CBGA. All cannabinoids essentially start out as a form of CBGA. As you can imagine, CBGA can be found in large amounts when marijuana plants are young.² Once the plants reach full maturity, the CBG content of a high THC or high CBD plant is only around 1% because it has been converted into other cannabinoids. However, some cultivars in Oregon have reached up to 20% CBG.

Most people have never heard of CBG. CBD is the cannabinoid that makes all the headlines. As such, the research conducted on CBG is currently minimal. What has been done, however, suggests CBG can be used as medicine like CBD. CBG may be effective at relieving anxiety, acting as a muscle relaxant, relieving pain, and as an antifungal. CBG has also demonstrated potent effects against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). User self-report surveys indicate adverse effects include dry mouth, sleepiness, increased appetite,³ and dry eyes. Consumers typically feel relief from anxiety, chronic pain, depression, and insomnia.⁴ 

The research on CBG, thus far, has been limited to discovering its pharmacological qualities and possible effects in treating certain diseases. Colitis, or inflammation of the colon, is one example of this. This means that while researchers may be beginning to understand the pharmacology of CBG, its actual effects on human beings have yet to be conclusively determined.

How Is CBG Similar To CBD?

CBD assists in the regulation of endocannabinoids. Because the endocannabinoid system is important in regulating bodily functions such as sleep, mood, hunger, and recall, it's not surprising that CBD may provide medicinal benefits in these areas.

CBG also works on the endocannabinoid system. The compound has a weak binding affinity to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the nervous and immune systems.² CBD and CBG affect the same receptors in the endocannabinoid system but in slightly different ways, producing their individual effects.

How Does CBG Differ From CBD?

CBG and CBD differ in a few ways, as well. First and foremost, they have different chemical structures, being different molecules. In other words, both cannabinoids have varying arrangements of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen atoms; because of this, CBG and CBD bind to the endocannabinoid receptors in the brain in different ways. Their effects are distinctive from one another because of this.

The pharmacology of both compounds also differs. This is unsurprising, considering they bind to these receptors distinctly. For instance, CBG and CBD both act at the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, which helps relieve nausea completely oppositely. CBD acts as an activator, or agonist, to this 5-HT1A receptor, whereas CBG acts as a moderate antagonist at the 5-HT1A receptor.⁵

Another significant difference between CBD and CBG is how they affect appetite. Studies conducted in laboratory rats found that doses of CBG increased the hunger of the rats by nearly two times.³ CBD, on the other hand, seemed to have the opposite effect.⁶

CBD And CBG: Better When Used Together

With its recent popularity and potential benefits, many people wonder if they should use CBG instead of CBD. Truth be told, there's no reason to choose one or the other. The limited research that we currently have to rely on suggests that both compounds may work best when used alongside one another. Their molecular structures are different but ultimately complementary. So, consider taking some CBD simultaneously if you're looking for the best-case scenario with CBG use.

The Takeaway

CBD and THC have experienced their biggest boom in recent years. Now, many people are interested in other cannabinoids, such as CBG. Many within the marijuana industry hope that its medicinal effects can be demonstrated as it has, more or less, for CBD. The initial results of the few studies that have been done give reason to be optimistic, especially when used in conjunction with CBD.

Nevertheless, more studies need to be completed before any definitive conclusions can be made. We know so far that CBG has promise in its capacity to treat various ailments. It can potentially act as an appetite stimulant, analgesic, and even an antidepressant. But ultimately, more work needs to be done to confirm these theoretical benefits.

Want to talk to a knowledgeable medical marijuana doctor about how CGB may fit into your current health routine? NuggMD's state-licensed physicians are always here to help! No appointment is ever necessary!

Resources

1. Mammana S, Cavalli E, Gugliandolo A, et al. Could the Combination of Two Non-Psychotropic Cannabinoids Counteract Neuroinflammation? Effectiveness of Cannabidiol Associated with Cannabigerol. Medicina (Kaunas). 2019;55(11):747. Published 2019 Nov 18. doi:10.3390/medicina55110747
2. Jastrząb A, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Skrzydlewska E. The Origin and Biomedical Relevance of Cannabigerol. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(14):7929. Published 2022 Jul 19. doi:10.3390/ijms23147929
3. Brierley DI, Samuels J, Duncan M, Whalley BJ, Williams CM. Cannabigerol is a novel, well-tolerated appetite stimulant in pre-satiated rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2016;233(19-20):3603-3613. doi:10.1007/s00213-016-4397-4
4. Russo EB, Cuttler C, Cooper ZD, Stueber A, Whiteley VL, Sexton M. Survey of Patients Employing Cannabigerol-Predominant Cannabis Preparations: Perceived Medical Effects, Adverse Events, and Withdrawal Symptoms. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2021;7(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0058
5. Cascio MG, Gauson LA, Stevenson LA, Ross RA, Pertwee RG. Evidence that the plant cannabinoid cannabigerol is a highly potent alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist and moderately potent 5HT1A receptor antagonist. Br J Pharmacol. 2010;159(1):129-141. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00515.x
6. Pinto JS, Martel F. Effects of Cannabidiol on Appetite and Body Weight: A Systematic Review. Clinical Drug Investigation. 2022;42. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40261-022-01205-y

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