CBD (cannabidiol) is a powerful cannabinoid that has been studied for many different uses. CBG (cannabigerol) is another potent cannabinoid also found in hemp plants. There is a question that many are asking, however – “Is CBG stronger than CBD?”
The short answer is: it depends on the plant and what percentage of CBG is present, and also what you’re using it for.
CBD is just one of the over 100 cannabinoids that have been identified in cannabis thus far. It’s been popularized in Canada over the past few years by many as a potential treatment for anxiety, epilepsy, and even cancer.
And while CBD has shown promising results so far, we still have much to learn about it. However, some research suggests that CBG might be more potent than CBD due to its higher levels of anti-inflammatory properties.
Both cannabinoids bring similar properties to the table, so let’s break down what each of them has to offer.
What is CBG?
CBG is an important cannabinoid that has been found in both marijuana and hemp; the CBG cannabinoid was first discovered and isolated in 1964 by Israeli scientist Dr. Raphael Mechoulam.
CBG is non-psychoactive, but scientists consider it a valuable therapeutic compound due to its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system.
Studies allude to CBG having several potential therapeutic benefits, especially in conjunction with other cannabinoids. Research shows that CBG may potentially help reduce neuroinflammation, nausea, and vomiting. In addition, it is being studied for use against depression and anxiety disorders.
Cannabigerol is unique in the fact that all other cannabinoids stem from it. Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is the compound that degrades into other cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA); we acheive this through decarboxylation with heat and light. It is often referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids for this reason.
Research shows that CBG contains anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. There are much fewer studies on this lesser-known cannabinoid because it’s difficult to extract from cannabis plants; this is due to the small amounts of CBG that are in the plant to begin with. However, the existing literature suggests that CBG interacts with many of the same receptors as CBD and THC.
Summary
- No psychoactive effects; CBG is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid
- Cannabigerol, in conjunction with other cannabinoids, may potentially help a great number of health conditions
- CBGA breaks down into CBDA, THCA, and CBCA; it is considered the “mother of all cannabinoids”
- Increasing research is showing that cannabigerol may have tremendous anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties
What is CBD?
CBD is one of the most common compounds in the hemp plant. It’s a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that offers many potential health benefits without any psychoactive effects.
Being non-intoxicating and non-psychoactive, cannabidiol is not addictive; it also does not cause any withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it. In fact, CBD may help with addiction. It is a cannabinoid that interacts with the brain’s CB (cannabinoid) receptors and may help fight against withdrawal symptoms in drug and alcohol addicts.
Research suggests that the way CBD interacts with the Endocannabinoid System is the reasoning behind why it seems to work for so many health conditions. CBD may potentially be an effective treatment for many conditions; anxiety, chronic pain, stress, depression, seizures, inflammation, and so much more.
Studies conducted show CBD as being safe to take by all ages with minimal side effects. However, always speak with a doctor before taking any cannabinoids; it has some medication interactions you’ll need to be aware of.
Summary
- A natural and non-addictive alternative to painkillers
- May help reduce anxiety, stress, depression, nausea, seizures, inflammation and more
- Safe for all ages with no psychoactive effects
- Awareness about CBD and its uses is growing
What are the differences between CBD and CBG?
The difference between CBD and CBG is a lot more than just one letter. They both interact with the same receptors in your body, but there are some distinctions when it comes down to their individual functions.
Cannabigerol and Cannabidiol have different molecular structures which affect how they bind with the body’s cannabinoid receptors. These differences result in CBG potentially having more of an effect on inflammation than CBD, for example. Dissimilar molecular structures mean that these two compounds will not interact in the same ways.
Cannabinoid receptors in the body also activate differently with CBD and CBG. CBD is an agonist of the 5-HT1A receptor, which blocks nausea; CBG acts as an antagonist to this same receptor, blocking CBD’s effects on nausea. The findings suggest that these two cannabinoids bind to different places but have opposing actions at a single site.
The amount of research conducted on each cannabinoid differs greatly as well. While CBD has hit mainstream media headlines for its anti-inflammatory effects, CBG hasn’t had quite so much attention yet due to lack of study; however, early studies show promising results related to both pain and inflammation relief. Researchers are currently exploring CBG as a potential future treatment for depression.
Is CBG stronger than CBD?
CBG isn’t necessarily stronger than CBD. The research suggests that they are similar because they both have therapeutic properties; that and the fact that CBD stems directly from CBG.
However, research has shown that CBG may be more helpful in treating inflammation and cancer. On the other hand, CBD may be better at reducing seizure activity than CBG, but it might not work as well on pain relief.
Some studies suggest that cannabigerol is stronger than CBD, but others show it may not be. The limited research on cannabigerol means mixed reports about its effects; we need more evidence to know which cannabinoid has the strongest effect. For now, there is no definitive answer to the “is CBG stronger than CBD” question. Until we learn more, all we can do is speculate.
Marcus’s Insight: “I’ve been using CBD for years to help with chronic pain, but after trying CBG, I found it to be stronger in managing my symptoms. The effects are more pronounced, and I appreciate the extra relief that CBG provides.”
Should you use CBD or CBG?
While CBD and CBG share many similarities, these two compounds differ in their effects on the human body. Many researchers can agree that cannabinoids work best in conjunction with one another; this is due to the Entourage Effect.
The Entourage Effect is a theory that suggests that the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes work together synergistically to create different effects than when we consume them individually.
CBG oil and CBG Isolate are just starting to become available in Canada and are commonly mixed with CBD to give you the best of both worlds.
How you decide whether CBG or CBD oil is suited for your needs will depend on what type of symptoms you’re trying to alleviate from your condition.
The problem with CBG right now is the small quantities available – most cannabis plants produce only meagre amounts of this cannabinoid; scientists are currently attempting to create different strains and extraction methods to produce a greater yield of CBG from the plant. Until this happens, expect the cost of CBG in Canada to remain high.
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[…] is not necessarily better or stronger than CBD, but instead works in tandem with it to provide enhanced benefits. This is due to something known […]