The Difference Between CBD and CBG

You may have heard of CBD, the calming, carefree cousin of THC. CBD is widely known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, non-psychoactive properties. It is also being studied as a promising anti-cancer agent, an antidepressant, and antioxidant.

CBD is everywhere at the moment, whether infused in creams and lotions or taken internally in tinctures, smoothies, and lattes. According to a recent poll, around 33% of Americans have used CBD at least once in their lives. Many incorporate it into their daily routines to help manage stress, pain, or anxiety.

However, while you’re likely familiar with CBD, its close relation CBG is a less commonly known but equally promising cannabinoid compound.

What Is CBG Flower?

There are over 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids found in hemp plants. The best known currently are THC and CBD. However, CBG, CBG flower, or CBG weed are three common names for another potent cannabinoid.

What Is CBG?

CBG stands for cannabigerol. It’s sometimes called “the mother of all cannabinoids.” All other cannabinoids emerge from CBGA, which is an early and acidic form of CBG. This means that CBG is technically the wellspring for the healing properties of different cannabinoid strains, including CBD.

CBG is potent but rare in hemp plants. According to the Journal of Cannabinoid Medicine, CBG is present in only about 1% of the hemp plant, as opposed to CBD and THC, which are both present in quantities of about 20 to 30% per plant. CBG is usually cultivated from younger hemp plants, which contain higher amounts of CBG than older, more established plants. As the plants mature, quantities of CBGA are converted into CBD and THC, leaving only a few elements of CBG behind in the adult leaf.

CBG Effects

What does CBG do? Like CBD, CBG is a non-psychoactive element in hemp. It does not produce a high, nor does it alter your consciousness. It does, however, interact with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system, a complex cell signaling network.

The human body uses the endocannabinoid system to relay signals about bodily functions, pain, learning, memory, immune response, appetite, and more. According to the researchers who first discovered it, the endocannabinoid system is an all-important “bridge between body and mind.” Lipid-based neurotransmitters fire throughout the body, sending and receiving messages on a cellular level. These neurotransmitters are similar in makeup to those found naturally occurring in the cannabis plant, from which the endocannabinoid system borrows its name. Both CBD and CBG are believed to interact with the same components of the endocannabinoid system.

CBG Benefits

What is CBG good for? The many potential benefits are still being fully explored, and the endocannabinoid system is still being understood. In general, CBG is thought to be an anti-inflammatory that helps the body’s immune defenses. CBG medical studies are still underway, but the research is promising.

Some of the more significant issues that the CBG cannabinoid may be able to address are considered to be:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A 2013 study suggests that CBG may reduce irritation and discomfort in inflammatory bowel disease.
• Glaucoma: CBG was shown to reduce eye pressure, increase lubrication, and increase eye health, all without producing adverse side effects.
• Huntington's Disease: CBG acted as a neuroprotectant in one recent study, preserving nerve cells often damaged by the genetic, progressive Huntington’s Disease. This study opened new avenues of exploration for CBG as a possible treatment or therapeutic for other neurodegenerative diseases.
• Bacterial Infections: CBG was shown to be an effective antibacterial agent against some strains of staph bacteria (MRSA), even those that have mutated to become antibiotic-resistant.

CBD vs. CBG

CBG vs. CBD? Which will work better for me? Because of the entourage effect, you don’t necessarily need to find out. Full-spectrum CBD products take advantage of the entourage effect by increasing the bioavailability of CBD. This makes full-spectrum CBD more effective than CBD isolate or other varieties.

Full-spectrum CBD contains other phytocannabinoids naturally found in the hemp plant. Not enough THC is left in full-spectrum CBD products to cause a high. However, other beneficial properties, such as CBG, are found in some high-quality full-spectrum CBD oils and tinctures. These elements enhance the efficacy of CBD and provide their own benefits by delivering CBG into the system as well.

What Is CBG Oil?

It is difficult and costly to procure pure CBG oil due to the small quantity found in adult hemp plants. However, full-spectrum CBD oils offer an alternative. Users can take advantage of the entourage effect to get the calming effects of CBD and the anti-inflammatory effects of CBG all in one product.

Flora CBD offers full-spectrum oils, dips, edibles, and topicals. Available in diverse strengths and different forms, Flora CBD’s gold-standard products are all third-party tested to ensure the highest industry standards. Made from organic hemp, Flora CBD products are perfect for casual beginners up to experienced users. Flora full-spectrum CBD increases the absorption of CBD and CBG into the body, gently nudging the endocannabinoid system towards peaceful homeostasis.

Takeaway

CBD and CBG are closely related strains of cannabinoids from the hemp plant, offering promising possibilities to protect and soothe multiple areas of the mind and body. CBG is a precursor to both CBD and THC, making it an important natural source of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers.

Whether you’re looking for the soothing, de-stressing effects of CBD or hoping for a more significant benefit by also taking CBG, full-spectrum CBD from a reputable source is one of the most accessible ways to take both compounds. Even trace amounts of CBG may be helpful by increasing CBD’s bioavailability while providing its own benefits to the user. Flora CBD offers full-spectrum CBD dip pouches, oils, edibles, and more that can help you use CBD and CBG safely and effectively.