CBG vs CBD: The Key Differences Explained
When it comes to cannabis products, CBD is a popular choice for many. More than 50% of adults living in the United States have taken one or more forms of CBD. But have you heard about CBG?
CBG is a new cannabis product that is gaining popularity and is now a major constituent in many recreational cannabis products. Like CBD and THC, CBG is derived from hemp plants but does not have the intoxicating effects found in THC. Read on to learn all about CBD and CBG.
What is CBG vs CBD?
CBG is the first cannabis compound derived during the biosynthesis of other cannabinoids. It is the initial or starting product in many unripe cannabis plants, as mature or ripe cannabis plants contain more CBD and THC. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a popular cannabinoid found in hemp, discovered in 1940. To date, there is no evidence or report about health problems associated with the use of pure CBD tincture of any of its products.
Young, unripe cannabis plants were discovered to contain cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), an acidic type of CBG that can be made into CBG cannabis and other CBG products like a CBG tincture. CBG is mixed with CBD to increase its medicinal effects.
CBG and CBD are two cannabinoids derived from the same plant, yet they are different in many ways. The first difference between CBG vs CBD is that CBG is a minor cannabinoid, while CBD is classified as a major cannabinoid. CBD accounts for more than 20% of the cannabinoid content, while CBG is barely 1%.
When ingested, they both react differently in the human body. CBG binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, a mechanism similar to that shown by THC. Unlike THC, CBG does not activate the receptors it is bound to. CBD does not bind with the CB1 or CB2 receptors; instead, it acts as a modulator in the body. Overall, both cannabinoids do not cause any intoxication or activity in the receptors.
CBG vs. CBD: Differences in Uses
Both CBD and CBG work differently in the body. The following are some of the major differences between the usage of CBG and CBD:
Multiple studies have shown that CBD offers the following benefits:
CBD can support recovery
For people with an active lifestyle, this includes people who consistently workout. CBD is great for relieving the pain and strain you may experience after a strenuous workout session.
CBG can manage everyday discomfort
Early research has shown that CBG oil or CBG weed can help with daily discomfort. By ensuring the level of CBD remains optimal in your circulatory system, one can manage daily pain.
CBG can support the gut
The benefits of using CBG go beyond managing physical pain. Many research studies show how CBG benefits the digestion system and gut health.
CBG can manage chronic diseases
Multiple studies have shown that CBG releases specific chemicals in the body to manage blood cholesterol levels and the symptoms of Huntington’s disease.
CBD can relieve anxiety and tension
Similarly, CBD is a great treatment for people who are tense or anxious and require relaxation. Consuming CBD cigarettes can also help ease post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and contribute to your overall well-being.
CBD is great for insomnia
CBD has also been shown to aid sleep. While more research is needed, CBD can help treat insomnia caused by anxiety or chronic pain. Treating insomnia alone may require subsequent treatments, so combining CBD with other cannabinoids, like combining CBD and CBG together, can quicken treatment.
CBD can encourage proper skin health
The flavonoids and tannins in CBD contain anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce acne-related swelling and breakouts, as well as treat other skin-related conditions like psoriasis.
What are the main chemical differences in CBG vs CBD?
CBG is made from CBGA (cannabigerolic acid), which is present in unripe hemp plants. CBGA production is enhanced by the enzyme CBG synthase, which converts CBGA into CBG through the decarboxylation process.
The first chemical differences between CBD and CBG can be seen in their chemical structures. The 3-dimensional image of CBG shows it has a unique structure that contains a 21-carbon terpene structure with a supporting 32-hydrogen and 2-hydroxyl group. CBD also has a similar shape; however, it has an open structure, and the hydroxyl placement differs.
What are the differences in the extraction methods for CBG vs CBD?
Extracting CBG and CBD from hemp plants requires strict measures to ensure the quality of the extracted cannabinoids. The process of extracting CBG and CBD is almost similar. Extracting starts by selecting the hemp plants at the right time to ensure high-quality cannabinoids are extracted. The harvested hemp plants are then dried and grinded to ease extraction. Manufacturers can choose to employ different extraction methods, be it ethanol or hydrocarbon extraction methods. The extracts are subjected to winterization to reduce fat content and are decarboxylated before they are distilled.
When it comes to the extraction methods of CBD and CBG, the main difference lies in the hemp strain to be harvested. Commercial manufacturers opt for hemp strains with more CBD content than THC to harvest CBD. They also prefer unripe hemp plants that contain a high CBG level. Usually, these plants are 6 weeks into their flowering cycle.
How does the cultivation process for CBG vs CBD differ?
Like the extraction methods, cultivating hemp for CBG is similar to CBD. However, the difference lies in the time of harvest and the chosen hemp strain. Since CBG is a parent cannabinoid compound, it is only present at its highest level in growing plants. This is why hemp farmers harvest young plants to extract the CBG and wait for some other plants to reach maturity to harvest CBD.
Another popular cultivation process that can increase CBG yield is cross-breeding certain cannabis strains to produce a genetically modified strain that is dominant for CBG production.
How do the stability and shelf life of CBG vs CBD compare?
The stability of CBD and CBG medical products varies and also depends on certain factors. As with many natural products, both cannabinoids will expire and lose their potency over time. Experts highlight that the average shelf life of CBG and CBD products is between 1 and 2 years, and signs of expiration may begin to show before expiration. To ensure the safety of your products, check the packaging for the expiration date, as most manufacturers mark the expiration date at the top or bottom of the packaging.
Higher-quality cannabinoids, like the majority of the best CBD gummies from Verts Neighborhood Dispensary, tend to last longer when compared to other brands. This longevity is all thanks to the extraction process, which stabilizes the cannabinoid contents over time. Store your cannabinoid products in a cool, dry place to preserve their quality.
CBG vs CBD: Which is better for you?
For newbies looking to venture into CBG and CBD products, choosing between some of the best CBG gummies and CBD products from Verts can be quite difficult, as both cannabinoids often have distinct benefits. In addition, both products also work together to enhance each other’s benefits, which is why there are many broad-spectrum CBD and CBG products.
Both products contain anti-inflammatory compounds that could reduce pain and encourage sleep. They could also reduce anxiety and promote appetite; hence, they can be quite difficult to pick. Stop by your closest Verts Neighborhood Dispensary and learn more!