What are the effects of CBG? What is the difference with CBD?

Adulated or decried, CBD and THC are the kings of cannabinoids. However, more than a hundred of these molecules exist, with effects that are sometimes just as interesting.

This is the case CBG, or cannabigerol, an increasingly well-known cannabinoid that exhibits effects similar to those of CBD. What exactly is it, what effects to expect from CBG and how to ensure that a cannabis-derived product contains an interesting level of CBG? This is what we are explaining to you today.

What is CBG (cannabigerol)?

CBG is one of the cannabinoids in cannabis

What is CBG? CBG is a cannabinoid, by definition a chemical naturally produced by the cannabis plant (legal or not). It is therefore part of a large family made up of more than a hundred different molecules.

The latter are mainly known to be able to activate the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system (SEC) of the human body. To put it simply: CBG, like other cannabinoids, may be of plant origin, but its chemical structure gives it the ability to act on the human body. And he does not deny it, but we'll come back to that point in a moment.

Before CBG, CBGA

Let's go into more detail. At the origin of CBG is a particularly interesting molecule: CBGA. As with other cannabinoids, ending with an "A" means it is a acid form.

It is true for example for the CBDA, the acid form of CBD, and the THCA, acid form of THC. Gold, the CBGA is remarkable because he is the very first cannabinoid acid to form in the plant, to reach its maximum rate at the time of flowering.

A classic cannabinoid acid turns into a neutral form when the plant is exposed to sunlight or is smoked, for example. This phenomenon is called the decarboxylation. This is when, for example, CBDA becomes CBD.

If CBGA is so special, it's because it doesn't just produce CBG, but all of the cannabinoids in their neutral form that we know. So, almost all of the CBGA present in a hemp plant is transformed, during its evolution, into THC and cannabidiol ! The final rate of CBG (at the time of harvest) thus generally does not exceed 1%.

CBG, CBD, THC and more: finding your way in the cannabinoid jungle

Difficult to navigate in this ocean of acronyms that is the world of legal cannabis, is not it? No problem, we summarize, for those who are just starting to take an interest in this plant full of surprises.

• THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol: the only cannabinoid to exhibit psychoactive and addictive effects. It is thus the only one to be considered a narcotic. Throughout the EU, only products containing less than 0,3% THC are allowed.
• CBD or cannabidiol: the best known legal cannabinoid. It is also the second most present naturally in the hemp plant (behind THC). It is credited with soothing effects, much sought after by its consumers. (See CBD definition)
• CBN, or cannabinol: less known, CBN nevertheless has powerful sedative effects. Resulting from the transformation of THC over time, it does not, however, present its side effects.

CBG is now indisputably in the top 3 or 4 of most famous cannabinoids, the most studied and also the easiest to access on the market. he is also completely legal, since only THC is considered a narcotic by the European Union.

What are the effects of CBG?

CBG acts primarily on the nervous system

Still relatively unknown, however, the effects of CBG are of increasing interest to the scientific community like the cannabis market, as we learn more about its effects.

Non-psychotropic, it approximates the effects of cannabidiol. A 2018 study partly funded by the Spanish Ministry of the Economy thus proved the action of CBG on the CB1 and CB2 sensors of the endocannabinoid system. The existence of effects on the human body is therefore proven.

Other, earlier studies tend to show its analgesic benefits. Cannabigerol could therefore be particularly useful in the context of pain treatment. It would also have anti-inflammatory properties, would act against glaucoma and could help recover the appetite. Finally, it has been tested and showed positive results in the treatment of rats with colon cancer since it slowed the development of malignant tumors.

Effects of CBG Vs. Effects of CBD

The parent molecule of most cannabinoids studied and consumed for their effects, CBG is repeatedly compared to CBD. It must be said that the two molecules are often put on an equal footing or almost when it comes to praising the effects. However, some notable differences exist.

First of all, the chemical structure of CBG differs. Logical, otherwise it would be the same molecule. However, this (slight) structural difference necessarily leads to different effects, for example in the action it performs on the sensors CB1 and CB2 of the endocannabinoid system, which both CBG seem to activate.

Then, the CBG concentration (1% or less in most cultivated hemp varieties) is generally lower than that in cannabidiol. This therefore means that the specific effects of the latter are particularly difficult to discern when consuming legal cannabis.

Much research will therefore be needed to understand precisely the effects of CBG isolated on human being. However, it already seems realistic to assert that the presence of CBG in a cannabis-derived product contributes to the entourage effect and therefore, at least, to a better absorption of cannabidiol by the body.

CBD or CBG? What difference between the two?

A molecule of CBD has two hydrogen atoms less than that of CBG

First of all, let's clarify that both CBD and CBG are non-toxic et non-psychoactive. They are thus devoid of the risk of addiction and hovering effects. They are also both legal and freely available for sale.

However, there are differences between CBD and CBG, mainly in terms of their effects.

Le CBD, or cannabidiol, is widely known for its virtuous effects. It is indeed calming, painkiller, antidepressant and may even mitigate the psychoactive effects of its illegal cousin THC. Its chemical structure is C₂₁H₃₀O₂.

CBG, or cannabigerol, has a very similar chemical structure: C₂₁H₃₂O₂. A molecule of CBG therefore comprises two more hydrogen atoms than that of CBD. This may seem small, but involves effects that, although close, are nevertheless different. As with CBD, they are possible thanks to the action of the molecule on the human endocannabinoid system (SEC).

CBG, effects less known than those of CBD

Like CBD, CBG may reduce some pain

Still relatively unknown, CBG is almost systematically compared to CBD. It is true that he too has soothing, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It would also be effective for restore your appetite.

A 2010 study has shown in particular that, like CBD and certainly even more, CBG is able to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. It also seems capable of blocking these same CB1 receptors as well as the 5-HT1A receptor, present in the central nervous system and normally activated by serotonin.

In doing so, CBG could play a role in certain behaviors such asanxiety,appetite,mood, mémoire or the temperature regulation. It is precisely on these receptors that certain antidepressants, antimigraine and neuroleptics seek to act, raising certain hopes as to the properties of CBG.

Its properties therefore interest the scientific community, and mainly its action on:

• Glaucoma
• Inflammations
• Huntington's disease
• Some bacteria that have demonstrated drug resistance

CBD or CBG: which is stronger?

Many consumers wonder which cannabinoid is more effective or stronger between CBD and CBG. However, neither is really stronger than the other since they sometimes have different and often complementary effects.

In its natural state, the level of CBD in a legal cannabis plant is nevertheless almost always higher than that of CBG (and CBGA, its acid form). Thus, a plant can now easily display a CBD rate above 10% while naturally produced CBG is generally equivalent to less than 1% of total weight.

Cannabigerol is therefore a minority cannabinoid compared to CBD and, for marijuana plants, THC. So, if not stronger, the CBD is often more present, making it common to feel the effects of CBD more than those of CBG in a raw product containing both cannabinoids.

This difference in quantity also partly explains the price difference that can be seen between products containing only CBD and those rich in CBG. CBG being more rare, it requires more plants and therefore higher extraction costs to obtain an equivalent quantity.

Can we combine taking CBD and CBG?

Both from the same plant (hemp), CBD and CBG benefit from being associated

Yes, CBD and CBG are completely compatible and also have complementary effects that it may be interesting to combine. Thanks to the entourage effect, the different cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids consumed at the same time make it possible to benefit from a synergy and therefore potentially broader and more lasting effects.

Combining CBD and CBG would thus make it possible to combine physical relaxation (rather brought by the CBD) and mental relaxation, encouraged by taking CBG.

What products contain CBG?

There are many derivatives rich in CBG, starting with the product in its raw form: CBG flowers. They are ideal for enjoying the combined effects of different cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Flowers rich in CBG have the advantage of allowing better feel the effects of CBG, while taking advantage of the many virtues of CBD.

There are also CBG oils. Based on an extraction of CBG (sometimes also of CBD and/or other components of legal cannabis), CBG oil allowsisolate the effects of CBG, for example if those of CBD interest you less or to be able to differentiate between the effects of the main cannabinoids.

CBG products: making the right choice

Unprocessed light cannabis flowers contain CBG

As we have mentioned, CBG is very little naturally present in most species of cannabis (1% or less). To benefit from the benefits of CBG, it is therefore necessary to prefer varieties rich in CBG, and especially favor either unprocessed products, or (and this is certainly the best way to ensure the cannabigerol concentration of a product) of broad spectrum products (broad-spectrum) or full spectrum (full spectrum).

CBG FAQs

Is CBG better than CBD?

CBG is neither better nor worse than CBD, but rather complementary. Moreover, depending on the entourage effect, the association of different cannabinoids could encourage the extent and intensity of the effects observed. Both have similar effects, particularly in terms of reduction in pain sensation. Cannabigerol, however, seems to offer better results in the context of migraines and muscle fatigue.

Why use CBG?

CBG is commonly used for fight inflammation, pain and nausea. Early studies have also shown encouraging results for the treatment of anxiety disorders, ofdepressive states, chronic pain or of sleep problems. In this, it is very close to the properties observed for CBD. Finally, it is reputed to be antibacterial and antifungal.

Can CBG be detected during a drug test (cannabis)?

Used in isolation (we then speak of CBG isolate), CBG cannot be detected during a screening test. Indeed, only THC and its acid form THCA are sought in this case. This is also the case for products combining only CBG and CBD. Be careful, however, if you consume CBD flowers or resins, even legal ones. The THC level is then limited to 0,3%, which is very low but can be enough to give a positive test.

Does CBG have any side effects?

CBG does not present no known major side effects. By respecting the recommended doses on the instructions for use of your CBD product, no problem should be noticed. AT very high dose, it can however make the pasty mouth, reduce blood pressure and cause a temporary tiredness. All these effects cease a few hours at most after taking.

Shop Weedy. Fr offers you many products based on CBD, CBG and other hemp derivatives, in isolate as well as in broad/full spectrum. All are strictly selected for strong effects, natural flavors and total legality.

To conclude

To sum up, CBD and CBG are two completely legal and interesting cannabinoids for some of their properties. Close but nevertheless very distinct, they include differences on several levels.

• Chemical structure: two more hydrogen atoms for CBG which binds differently to receptors in the human body.
• Action mechanism: in particular by interacting differently with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system.
• Quantity: CBD is naturally more widely present in a hemp plant than CBG.
• Effects: CBG binds more easily to ECS receptors and in particular to CB1, which are widely present in the brain. However, further research is still needed to clearly determine the differences between CBD and CBG.