CBG vs CBD: What's the Difference?
CBG vs CBD: What's the Difference?
Naturecan video · 2 minutes
Watch this short Naturecan video for a clear comparison of CBG and CBD. It explains what the two cannabinoids are, how abundant they are in hemp, how they interact with the endocannabinoid system and why CBD has been studied more extensively than CBG.
Video transcript
Read the full transcript Approximately 2 minutes
CBG, cannabigerol, is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Also known as the mother cannabinoid, it is the precursor molecule from which all other cannabinoids derive, including CBD.
Like CBD, CBG is a non-intoxicating compound that does not cause a high. Emerging research suggests both cannabinoids support the body's endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for keeping the body in a healthy and balanced state. This means that CBD and CBG have the potential to support wellbeing.
CBG and CBD affect the body's endocannabinoid system differently. CBG activates cannabinoid receptors in a similar way to THC, while CBD works indirectly by preventing the breakdown of endocannabinoids.
CBG is less abundant in hemp than CBD. It constitutes 1% of mature plants, while CBD constitutes 20% to 25%. This makes CBG more expensive to extract than CBD, as far greater amounts of plant biomass are needed to produce the same amount of CBG oil.
This could be one reason why CBG is not yet as popular as CBD. CBG was first discovered in 1964, 24 years after CBD. As a result, less research has been done on CBG than CBD.
CBG may be able to reduce the activity of a neurotransmitter called noradrenaline, which could have a beneficial effect on blood pressure, anxiety, stress and inflammation. On the other hand, CBD has been linked to reduced pain, inflammation, anxiety and depression, and improvements in skin conditions and sleep quality.
CBG and CBD are both safe, non-intoxicating cannabinoids found in hemp. However, they affect the body in different ways and therefore produce different effects. We can expect much more research to be conducted on the action of both cannabinoids in the future.
CBG vs CBD: Key Differences
| Feature | CBG | CBD |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Cannabigerol | Cannabidiol |
| Intoxicating? | No | No |
| Amount in hemp | Usually present in smaller amounts | Generally more abundant |
| Research | Limited research, especially in humans | More widely studied |
| Availability | Less widely available | Common in oils, capsules, gummies and topicals |
| Known for | Its link to CBGA, a precursor involved in forming other cannabinoids | The most established non-intoxicating cannabinoid in wellness products |
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FAQs
Is CBG the same as CBD?
No. CBG and CBD are distinct cannabinoids with different chemical structures. They also occur in different concentrations in hemp and have different levels of supporting research.
Is CBG stronger than CBD?
There is not enough evidence to say that CBG is generally stronger than CBD. “Strength” should describe the measured amount of a cannabinoid in a product, rather than assuming one cannabinoid is automatically more effective than another.
Does CBG make you high?
CBG is not considered intoxicating and is not known to produce the “high” associated with THC. CBD is also non-intoxicating. Check third-party laboratory results to confirm the cannabinoid content of an individual product.
Can CBD and CBG be used together?
CBD and CBG can occur together in broad-spectrum hemp extracts. Research into their combined use remains limited, so follow the product label and speak to a healthcare professional if you take medication or have a health condition.
What is CBG?
CBG, or cannabigerol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. It is sometimes called the “mother cannabinoid” because its acidic form, CBGA, is a precursor involved in forming several other cannabinoids, including CBD. CBG is non-intoxicating and typically present in smaller amounts than CBD in mature hemp plants.
Is CBG legal in the UK?
CBG derived from hemp is legal in the UK, provided the finished product meets UK legal requirements, including containing no more than 1 mg of controlled cannabinoids per unit. As with any hemp-derived supplement, check the product's certificate of analysis from a third-party laboratory to confirm its cannabinoid content before purchasing.
