Comparing CBD and CBG – 2025 Update

In a previous article on the relative strength of CBD and CBG , we discussed CBD and CBG Benefits.  We covered their relative strengths and explored the relationship between these two related Cannabinoids.  The Cannabis plant has more than 100 known Cannabinoids that have been identified to date. CBG is one of the more significant Cannabinoids and has great therapeutic potential.

Comparing CBD and CBG/CBN

Most people acquainted with Cannabis are familiar with TCH and CBD but CBG is less known.  Interestingly, CBD and other cannabinoids like CBN are actually derived from CBG.  CBG as we’ve noted in other articles is known colloquially as “The King of Cannabinoids”.

We’re exploring now an update on the most recent research regarding CBG, how it relates to CBD, it’s therapeutic potential and in particular what’s know as “The Entourage Effect”.
We can dig into its mechanism of action as this is an exciting area of promising benefit to users of Cannabinoids.  This includes not just anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain but also treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

While much of our original content remains relevant, there have been some important developments in cannabinoid research and industry trends. Here’s an updated analysis based on comparing CBD and CBG emerging research:

1. CBG Oil Benefits

 Recent CBG Research:

CBG’s potential as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent has been supported by more recent studies. A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology highlighted CBG’s ability to protect neurons in animal models.   This is especially promising for conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This builds on previous studies suggesting that CBG might have neuroprotective properties.
Potential anti-cancer properties of Cannabigerol
Cancer Research: More research is being conducted to investigate CBG’s role in oncology. A 2022 study in Cancer Cell International found that CBG exhibited strong anti-cancer effects, particularly against colorectal cancer, by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. This is a notable development, expanding CBG’s potential far beyond its initial role in anti-inflammatory and antifungal applications.

2. CBG vs.CBD for Pain and Inflammation

Update on CBG oil for inflammation and arthritis:

Our original blog post noted that CBG might be more helpful in treating inflammation. Recent data supports this idea with a greater degree of confidence. A 2023 review published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found that CBG has shown superior anti-inflammatory effects in both animal models and in vitro studies when compared to CBD, specifically in terms of immune modulation and its effects on pro-inflammatory cytokines. CGB has long been thought to help with neuroinflammation. It is worth noting there are many conditions and even severe ailments such as cancer that are thought to be rooted in inflammation.

CGB for Chronic Pain Relief

The evidence for CBD’s role in pain management remains robust. Studies since 2021, including a 2024 meta-analysis in The Journal of Pain, confirm CBD’s significant potential in reducing chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain. CBG is considered to be more effective at modulating inflammation directly.  In contrast, CBD is better at managing pain related to conditions like arthritis or multiple sclerosis. This is an area where it’s clear that CBG and CBD work well together.

 The Entourage Effect – CBD & CBG Used Together

Updated Perspective: Our article touched on the Entourage Effect but it is important to note that, per new findings since 2021, there is more clarity about how cannabinoids interact. Recent studies have shown that the combination of CBD and CBG (and other cannabinoids) may provide enhanced therapeutic benefits by targeting different pathways. A 2022 study published in Phytomedicine found that combining CBD and CBG enhanced their individual anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This suggests that using both cannabinoids in tandem might indeed offer broader therapeutic benefits than isolating each one.

Another 2019 study published in Medicina titled “Could the Combination of Two Non-Psychotropic Cannabinoids, Cannabigerol and Cannabidiol, Protect Motor Neurons?” investigated the individual and combined effects of CBD and CBG on neuroinflammation. Clearly there is much more to be done on this complex topic but successive studies are reporting connections and correlations and demonstrations of CBG and CBD to mitigate inflammation in numerous settings.

That said, there is also emerging evidence that suggests the Entourage Effect may depend heavily on the specific cannabinoid profile of each individual’s endocannabinoid system, meaning that some people may respond better to certain combinations than others. This nuance wasn’t fully emphasized in the original article, but it’s an important consideration for individuals seeking personalized treatments.

CBG’s Availability and Cost

Cultivation Challenges:

As the article noted, CBG is often present in small amounts in cannabis plants, making it more difficult and expensive to extract. However, advancements in agricultural research have helped improve CBG yields. New hemp strains bred specifically for higher CBG content are becoming more common, and some innovative extraction techniques are making it easier and cheaper to produce. By 2023, several companies had developed proprietary methods for increasing CBG concentration, which is helping drive down costs.

Market Availability:

Despite these advances, CBG is still a relatively niche cannabinoid compared to CBD. However, it is gaining traction in the wellness and medical markets, and consumer awareness is slowly growing. In 2023, CBG-based products, such as oils, tinctures, and capsules, saw increased distribution, especially in the U.S. and European markets. Canada, in particular, is seeing growth in CBG product availability, though it remains a premium product due to its more limited supply.

Future Outlook for Cannabigerol (CBG)

Need for Further Studies: While research on comparing CBG and CBD has expanded, there is still a great deal of uncertainty in terms of how these cannabinoids work in the human body in the long term. Clinical trials that directly compare the therapeutic effects of CBG vs. CBD in humans are still limited. As of 2024, there is no definitive clinical data that could answer the question of whether CBG is “stronger” than CBD for various conditions. Most studies have been animal-based or have focused on preclinical findings. Researchers continue to explore the full spectrum of effects both cannabinoids have, as well as their potential for combination therapies.Public Perception and Regulation:

CBD’s regulatory status is now much more established than CBG’s, especially in North America. By 2023, CBD was widely available and legal in most states and countries, while CBG products are still navigating regulatory frameworks, particularly in terms of product testing, labeling, and consumer safety. This could delay wider adoption and research into CBG’s full potential.

Summary of Updates

Comparing CBG and CBD :

CBG may be stronger in some aspects (e.g., anti-inflammatory properties, neuroprotection, potential cancer applications).  Howeber, CBD is still preferred for conditions like anxiety, seizures, and general pain management. Both cannabinoids have demonstrated unique benefits, with CBG showing more promise for inflammation and CBG’s unique anti-cancer properties.

Clinical Use and Future Directions:

The use of CBG in clinical settings is expanding, but clinical evidence is still lacking in comparison to CBD. Ongoing studies and improved extraction methods will make CBG more accessible and cost-effective in the near future.

Benefits of CBG – Conclusions

To wrap up, the differences between CBG and CBD remain complex.  While both offer promising benefits, it is still an area that needs more conclusive research. We ought to determine their relative strength for different therapeutic uses. The evolving landscape of cannabinoid research and cultivation will likely lead to more effective and targeted treatments. This should allow individuals to choose the most effective cannabinoid—or combination of cannabinoids—for their specific needs.