CBG vs. CBD: What’s the Difference
Our knowledge about cannabis is growing as we learn more about cannabinoids. THC and CBD are well-known, but other cannabinoids such as CBG are starting to catch the attention of both scientists and consumers.
Preclinical research suggests that CBG shares many of the same beneficial properties as CBD. CBG and CBD can be used as non-toxic cannabinoids. They may have neuroprotective, antioxidative, and analgesic qualities. CBG and CBD may have powerful anti-inflammatory properties when combined to treat neuroinflammation. What are the differences between these cannabinoids? CBG is different from CBD in many ways. Let’s find out how.
What is CBG?
CBG stands for cannabigerol. Cannabigerol is one of the 120 cannabinoids in cannabis. It was first identified in 1964. Although research into CBG is still in its preclinical phase, the available studies suggest that there is significant therapeutic potential. CBG’s analgesic qualities may be superior to those of THC, without the intoxicating effects. Evidence suggests that CBG might have anticancer and antidepressant properties.
Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA), is the chemical precursor of all the well-known cannabinoids. As the cannabis plant matures and grows, enzymes convert CBGA into the three primary cannabinoid acids: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA).
Decarboxylation transforms CBGA into CBG, which allows the cannabinoids to interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors. CBG may have a partial affinity to both the CB1- and CB2 receptors. CBG could also stimulate receptors that affect pain, inflammation and heat sensitivity.
CBG is found in very low amounts in cannabis plants. However, breeding efforts have resulted in CBG rich cannabis cultivars. CBG-dominant plants are known as “Type IV” cannabis. Although these cannabigerol-dominant plants aren’t yet commonplace in the consumer hemp and cannabis markets, they are actively being cultivated on a relatively large scale. However you can visit your local cannabis dispensary to make sure if they have any CBG dominant product.
What is CBD?
CBD is cannabidiol. It’s a cannabinoid that can be found in high levels in both type II (THC/CBD dominant), and type III (CBD dominant) cannabis plants. In the 1930s , CBD was the first to be isolated from cannabis. It was then ignored until the seventies, when scientists discovered its anticonvulsant qualities.
Research has shown that CBD can be used to treat severe forms of epilepsy in children. CBD could also be anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and sedative.
CBD has been gaining attention due to its many therapeutic benefits. CBD could help reduce some of the negative effects of THC, such as anxiety and paranoia. Research shows that CBD combined with THC provides greater therapeutic benefits than either one of them, a phenomenon known as the entourage effects.
Through a variety of physiological pathways, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid systems. CBD has partial affinity for the CB1-CB2 receptors, but it also binds to many other receptors that are part of the endocannabinoid systems. We are still not able to fully understand its mechanisms of action.
What’s the difference between CBD and CBG?
CBG differs from CBD in many critical ways.
- Molecular structure. Cannabigerol, cannabidiol and cannabidiol are two different molecular arrangements. The number and arrangement of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms in a cannabinoid’s molecular structure is what it refers to. CBG and CBD have distinct molecular structures, which means that they can bind to the body’s receptors for cannabinoid in different ways. The molecular structure of a cannabinoid can also influence its bioavailability and water solubility.
- Pharmacology. CBG and CBD activate different receptors. A 2011 study in Psychopharmacology examined the effects of CBD on the 5-HT1A serotonin-receptor. CBD seems to have anti-nausea properties by its affinity for the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor. It acts as an agonist (activator). CBG on the other side acts as an antagonist (blocker), at the 5-HT1A signal. CBG pretreatment blocked CBD’s anti-emetic properties. This suggests that CBD and CBG bound to the same receptor, but had opposite actions.
- Appetite stimulation. This is where CBG differs from CBD. CBG stimulated appetite stimulation in rats. Another study found that cannabigerol did not induce changes in feeding behavior. However, cannabidiol significantly decreased total food intake.
What are the therapeutic effects CBG has?
While there have not been any clinical trials to examine the effects of CBG in humans, there are a few preclinical studies that offer insight into the possible therapeutic benefits of CBG. Although CBG will not give you an intoxicating or psychoactive experience, there may be other therapeutic benefits. However, more human trials are required.
- Appetite stimulation. Preclinical research has shown that CBG can significantly increase appetite in rats. A 2017 study highlighted the therapeutic importance of this finding and suggested that purified CBG could be a new treatment option for humans suffering from cachexia, hunger loss, and wasting. CBG, unlike THC, can drive hunger without intoxicating side effects.
- MRSA is a bacterial infection. CBG has also been proven to be a powerful antibiotic. Researchers tested 18 cannabinoids against MRSA. CBG performed better than all other cannabinoids and was as effective as vancomycin (a powerful antibiotic).
- Cancer. BBG has anticancer properties because it inhibits abnormal cell proliferation. Its anti-tumorigenic properties have been proven by research. CBG inhibits the growth of skin melanoma cells in mice.
CBG is gaining popularity. You can expect to hear more about this unique cannabis extract at your local marijuana dispensary counter.