CBG vs CBD: Is CBG Better Than CBD?
As research on CBD and marijuana evolves, we’re learning about the spectrum of active compounds that deliver its wellness benefits. CBD gets all the attention but there are over 100 cannabinoids, including THC, CBD, and CBG. CBG is starting to attract more attention so you may be wondering if CBG is better than CBD. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is CBD?
The hemp plant naturally contains over 100 types of active compounds referred to as cannabinoids. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound that gets you high. It was initially thought that the CBD (cannabidiol) compound was solely responsible for the medicinal benefits of marijuana. While CBD is a vital compound, we are learning that it works with the other compounds to deliver its benefits.
What is essential to understand is that CBD does not get you high, THC does. As of 2018 CBD (aka. industrial hemp) process to contain .3% or less of THC is legal in all 50 states. This is not enough THC to get you high. While legal to purchase, possess, and consume—your school, employer, or extracurricular activity may prohibit use. This is because there is currently no differentiation between marijuana and CBD at the federal level.
What Is CBG?
CBG (cannabigerol) is one of the 100+ naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Mature hemp plants only contain around 1% of CBG. This is compared to between 20 to 25 percent CBD. However, CBG is considered a “parent” cannabinoid, meaning that young hemp plants contain a higher percentage of CBG. As the plants grow, the CBD converts into THC, CBD, CBN, terpenes, and several other active compounds.
What Is The Endocannabinoid System?
To fully understand CBG, you must first understand the endocannabinoid system. Our body naturally creates cannabinoids as cellular messengers that assist in the vital process of homeostasis. Homeostasis is the process of keeping your body internally balanced.
This includes the regulation of:
- Temperature
- Hormones
- pH
- Coordination
- Pain control
- Mood
- Memory
- Quality of sleep
- Appetite
- And more
There are two main endocannabinoid systems:
- CB1 which is in the central nervous system (brain and nerves of the spinal cord)
- CB2 which is in the peripheral nervous system (nerves in your extremities), the digestive system, and specialized cells in the immune system
What Is CBG Good For?
At around 1%, it may not seem as though CBG is all that powerful, but it is. Both CBD and CBG play a vital role in connecting the CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, CBG does a better job of connecting these receptors than CBD.
It is possible to separate the active compounds in the hemp plant to produce a pure CBG extract, but the process is expensive. More importantly, we are learning that the most effective CBD products are either full or broad-spectrum—not isolated extracts.
For example, CBG and CBD connect the CB1 and CB2 receptors but the cannabinoid terpenes bind these two systems together. An isolated extract would not deliver the binding effects.
Does All CBD Contain CBG?
Excellent question, but no. In an effort to further minimize the stigmas associated with hemp-derived products, not all CBD contains all active compounds. CBD products fall into 1 of 3 categories.
Full-Spectrum CBD—these are products processed using the whole hemp plant, meaning that they contain all of the 100+ cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. This includes up to .3 percent of THC, and naturally occurring amounts of terpenes, CBN, and more.
Broad-Spectrum CBD—these are products processed using the whole hemp plant, meaning that they contain most of the 100+ types of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The THC is processed out, and sometimes the CBD, CBN, and terpenes. It varies from one CBD brand to the next, so be sure to ask.
Isolates—these are products that are processed to eliminate all other active compounds. While it may sound better because it’s a pure form of CBD or CBG, you miss out on the synergetic benefits of the other active compounds.
Is CBD Or CBG Better For Anxiety?
Please Note—CBD companies cannot provide medical advice and we cannot guarantee that CBD will effectively soothe your mind or body. The data we provide is for informational purposes. Consult with your physician for guidance on all dietary supplements.
Now that you understand the difference between CBG and CBD, you may be wondering about specific conditions.
- CBD vs. CBG anxiety
- CBD vs. CBG for pain
- CBD vs. CBG for sleep
- CBD vs. CBG for dogs
- CBD vs. CBG effects
There have been a variety of trials and studies that show that CBG may improve conditions such as:
- Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Movement disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease.
- Anxiety and anxiety disorders in humans and pets.
- Glaucoma and reducing intraocular pressure.
- Bladder dysfunctions and contractions of the bladder.
- Bacterial infections such as staphylococcus.
- The growth of cancer and tumor cells.
- Loss of appetite caused by conditions such as HIV and cancer.
You’ll have to try CBD for yourself to identify what wellness benefits it provides for you. Work with your physician to determine the milligrams of CBD or CBG per serving. This will vary from one person to the next depending on factors such as age, height, weight, lifestyle, and overall health. Most adults begin with 10 to 30 milligrams per serving 1 to 2 times per day.
Which Is Better CBG Or CBD?
In addition to the fact that finding a pure CBG isolate is rare and expensive, this duo is best together. Both CBD and CBG have unique benefits, so by taking a full or broad-spectrum CBD, you can enjoy the benefits of both. As well as the wellness benefits of all other cannabinoids. If you are concerned about THC levels, choose a CBD brand such as Holmes Organics. We process our products to contain 0.0% of THC.
If marijuana is legal in your state and you are purchasing your CBD from a dispensary or pot shop, the product will likely get you high. While many dispensaries offer “low dose” products, they may still impair your cognitive abilities. Many adults who live in states where recreational marijuana is legal, use a mix of CBD and marijuana to personalize their wellness.
What Are The Side effects of CBG?
Since high concentrate CBG side effects are rare, there aren’t yet studies on its side effects. However, there is research on the side effects of CBD. While there are zero reports of CBD overdose, almost anything we consume can have a side effect.
Everyone responds differently to plant-based dietary supplements so pay attention to how you feel once you start taking CBD. While extremely rare, and most often when taken in high doses, side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Low-blood pressure
- Reduced appetite
- Negative interaction with prescription medications
Will CBG Get Me High?
Nope! There’s no THC in pure CBG and only .3% in CBD products, which is not enough to get you high.
Even “low dose THC” products in most dispensaries will get you high. This is one of the many reasons to add CBD to the mix, as it provides a high-free alternative.
Will CBG Show Up On A Drug Test?
Drug tests test for THC and a variety of other drugs. Since CBG and hemp-derived CBD contain low levels of THC it is unlikely that they will show up on a drug test. However, there are no guarantees.
Most choose to play it safe rather than jeopardize their employment, education, or extracurricular activities. For example, all federal employees and most college campuses prohibit marijuana, CBD, and all extracted forms of hemp. Until marijuana and CBD are classified as different products at the federal level, they will remain prohibited.
Searching For A Quality CBD Product?
Holmes Organics is a USDA Organic Certified CBD brand. Our CBD products are broad-spectrum and contain 0.0% THC. To ensure quality, we have a unbiased third-party lab test our products for purity. Our products do not currently contain CBG, but with the exciting new research regarding its benefits, we are in the process of reformulating our products to include a wider range of cannabinoids.
Our current product line includes:
Our Organic CBD oil is the most versatile as it can be applied topically, taken orally, and you can cook and bake with it. You can also use it as prescribed by your veterinarian for your pet. Topical products are ideal for targeted application and to rapidly soothe muscles and joints. Oral products take a bit longer to kick in than topical products but are ideal for whole-body wellness. Many of Holmes Organics clients utilize a mix of topical and oral products.
Coming Soon!
We are excited to announce that we have a CBD and melatonin product coming soon! We are also in the development phase for a CBD lube and CBD energy drink. We invite you to browse our products today!