CBD vs CBG: What’s the difference?
CBD vs CBG — it’s a confusing debate.
If you keep hearing about all of these different cannabinoids but have no idea what sets them apart, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’ll take a look at two of the most commonly talked about cannabinoids out there: CBD and CBG.
Both cannabinoids are known to have a variety of potential benefits, some of which are similar and some of which are different. What makes CBD and CBG alike and distinct is exactly what we are here to figure out today.
We’re going to talk about how these cannabinoids make you feel, what potential benefits they have, their pros and cons, and much more. By the end of today’s article, you should be a total expert on both CBD and CBG and what sets them apart from each other.
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Key Takeaways
- CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid that we all know and love due to the wide variety of potential benefits it may offer.
- CBG, or cannabigerol, is a minor cannabinoid that is quickly gaining popularity in the hemp and cannabis communities. It likely won’t get you high, but it also has a wide variety of potential benefits.
- The bottom line in the CBD vs CBG debate is that they are more alike than different
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the two major cannabinoids found in cannabis, with the other one being THC. It’s known as a major cannabinoid because it can be present in fairly substantial quantities. THC and CBD are the most well-known cannabinoids, but there are actually over 100 cannabinoids present in cannabis.
CBD is not overtly intoxicating, and for most people, it will not induce a high. However, it does have a variety of potential medical benefits that we are about to take a look at. CBD may interact with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), therefore producing a wide variety of effects.
How Does CBD Make You Feel?
Generally speaking, taking CBD should help you feel calmer and more mellow. You will also feel more comfortable in general and experience less pain as well.
It’s not something that will produce overwhelming psychoactive effects, but it should help you feel a bit mellower in general.
As you’ll see below, CBD may be able to help relieve pain, anxiety, stress, and more. These benefits come together to allow you to live a much more comfortable and pain-free life.
Does CBD Get You High?
No, usually, CBD does not get you high. This is not an overtly intoxicating or psychoactive compound. However, the effects of CBD do boil down to the tolerance of the person consuming it.
For people with extremely low tolerances, CBD can indeed induce a very mild high. It should not significantly alter your state of mind, impair your cognitive skills, or affect your motor skills. But it will still be there. It may have a variety of medical benefits both for the mind and body, but it’s not going to get you high like THC does.
Benefits of CBD
CBD does have a variety of potential benefits, so let’s take a quick look at what these might be.
CBD for Stress and Anxiety
CBD is well known for being a potential reliever of both anxiety disorders and stress. CBD may be able to affect hormone levels in the brain, specifically serotonin and dopamine, which are known to relieve feelings of anxiety.
These are the same chemicals that are released when you exercise, therefore producing the so-called runner’s high.
These brain chemicals produce sensations of elation and euphoria, or in other words, they just make you feel a whole lot better. CBD may also help reduce cortisol levels in the brain, which in turn can lead to lower stress levels.
CBD for Sleep
CBD may be able to help calm you down, regulate your mood, and make you feel a bit mellower. All of this combined can help you get a good night’s sleep. While CBD is not a sedative in nature, it can produce a beneficial mental state that will allow you to get good sleep.
CBD for Pain
Another common use of CBD is for pain, specifically as an analgesic painkiller and an anti-inflammatory agent. CBD can help block pain signals from reaching your brain and reduce inflammation in your body.
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Best CBD Products
If you’re looking for top-shelf CBD products, this list is perfect. Whether seeking a better night’s sleep or wanting to soothe aching muscles, these brands have you covered.
Best CBD Gummies – CBDistillery Relief & Relaxation Gummies
Great tasting and effective, CBDistillery Relief & Relaxation gummies are a great pick for people wanting to try out CBD. Each morsel contains 30mg of full-spectrum CBD extract, meaning you’ll get all of the potential benefits of the plant via the entourage effect. A mouthwatering strawberry flavor will keep you coming back day after day.
Best CBD Topical – Medterra Manuka Care Cream
CBD topicals have become increasingly popular since they offer localized, targeted relief of aches and pains. Medterra Manuka Care Cream is a wonderful choice since it contains a rich blend of natural ingredients meant to soothe muscles and nourish skin. The topical contains 125 mg of CBD isolate per jar (also available in 250 mg size), and is THC-free. It also has premium New Zealand Manuka honey, jojoba, aloe, and arnica for maximum relief.
Best CBD Drops – Joy Organics Fresh Lime CBD Tincture
CBD oil is one of the most common ways people take cannabidiol since it’s convenient and discreet. Fresh Lime Organic CBD Oil from Joy Organics is sure to brighten your day with its full-spectrum CBD and zesty citrus flavor. The product comes in three strengths: 30 mg, 45 mg, or 75 mg of CBD per serving. All of Joy Organics’s products are medically reviewed and formulated using all-natural ingredients, so you can trust they’re pure.
Best CBD Flower – Secret Nature Papaya Nights
CBD flower is a great way to get instant effects, and is perfect for people who already enjoy smoking cannabis. Secret Nature Papaya Nights CBD flower is our favorite thanks to its premium buds, rich aroma, and robust flavor. The uplifting variety is cultivated with care by experts with 20 years of experience in the cannabis space. Papaya Nights is available in multiple sizes and can be shipped to all 50 states.
Pros & Cons of CBD
Just like anything out there, CBD does have its own pros and cons, so let’s take a quick look.
Pros
- CBD may help regulate your mood and make you feel better mentally.
- CBD may be able to help reduce stress.
- CBD could help you get a good night’s sleep.
- CBD may help reduce nausea and vomiting.
- CBD may act as a painkiller and have anti-inflammatory effects.
- You can potentially get all of these benefits from CBD without getting overly high.
- CBD is totally legal at the federal level as long as it is hemp-derived.
- The side effects of CBD tend to be fairly minor.
Cons
- CBD may have a negative interaction with other medications.
- CBD may have some very mild side effects, mainly dry mouth, diarrhea, and reduced appetite.
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What is CBG?
Now it’s time to focus on the CBG cannabinoid in the CBD vs CBG debate.
Cannabigerol (CBG) is known as the mother of cannabinoids because it is the precursor to many other cannabinoids. It is also processed through cannabinoid receptors in the ECS.
CBG is generally known as a minor cannabinoid because it’s usually not present in high quantities in cannabis, usually one percent or under. CBG is also not overtly intoxicating, but it also has various potential benefits.
How Does CBG Make You Feel?
Similar to CBD, CBG may be able to help regulate your mood and make you feel better mentally. It could have the ability to act as an antidepressant, reduce anxiety, and act as a stress reliever.
CBG may also help make you feel more comfortable by potentially relieving pain. In general, it should make you feel very similar to CBD, just a lot more comfortable, calmer, and pain-free. However, it might also make you feel a bit hungry and sleepy.
Does CBG Get You High?
CBG is not an overtly psychoactive cannabinoid. It should not affect your cognitive abilities or motor skills or impair you in any way. This is a good thing because it allows you to reap a wide variety of potential without putting you down for the count.
The Benefits of CBG
Just like we did for CBD, let’s now take a look at the various potential health benefits of CBG.
CBG for Pain
CBG is thought to be very effective at reducing the signals of inflammation and pain from the body to the brain. It can help reduce the concentration of lipids that control the inflammatory response and pain in your brain. The anti-inflammatory properties have made it great for inflammatory bowel disease and chronic pain.
CBG for Anxiety
CBG may also interact with the receptors in your brain, which therefore changes the way neurotransmitters act. In essence, it affects various neurotransmitters and hormones released by your brain that control mood, which ultimately helps to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
CBG for Sleep
Because you feel much calmer, CBG may also be able to help you get a good night’s sleep. Furthermore, CBG may also act as a very mild sedative, helping you get a good night’s sleep.
CBG for ADHD
CBG produces stimulating and motivating effects on the mind, which could, in turn, help to improve concentration and focus. If CBG has the potential ability to improve concentration and focus, it may be able to help people suffering from ADHD, an attention deficit disorder.
CBG for Appetite Stimulation
CBG may also be able to help reduce nausea while simultaneously increasing the amount of hunger hormones the body produces, therefore stimulating appetite.
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Best CBG Products
CBG is starting to make waves on the wellness scene. If you’re curious about this cannabinoid, these CBG products are the perfect entry point.
Best CBG Gummies – Slumber Extra Strength CBG Gummies
Everyone loves gummies thanks to their ease of use and yummy taste. The Slumber Extra Strength CBG Gummies are no exception, as they have potent effects and a delicious green apple flavor. Each gummy has 30 mg of CBG, meant to promote focus, boost mood, and reduce anxiety. They’re also made from natural, plant-based ingredients, and the brand offers a 30-day guarantee.
Best CBG Topical – ExtractLabs Repair and Nourish Lotion
Struggling with your skin? ExtractLabs Repair and Nourish Lotion is here to save the day. The topical contains 750mg of CBG and 250mg of CBD to soothe sunburns, reduce irritation, and moisturize dry, cracked skin. The lotion also has jojoba oil and mango butter for a luxurious feel. It’s fragrance-free, making it suitable for people with sensitivities. ExtractLabs also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you can feel confident giving this lotion a try.
Best CBG Drops – Batch Gold Reserve Oil Tincture
For a potent mix of CBG and CBD, try Batch Gold Reserve Oil Tincture. This powerful product boasts 2,000 mg of CBG and 4,000 mg of CBD per bottle. Talk about bang for your buck. The oil was formulated to help reduce physical tension and increase mental clarity. In addition to the cannabinoids, Batch Gold Reserve also contains uplifting terpenes, which are found in the cannabis plant and offer unique flavors and aromas.
Pros & Cons of CBG
Just like CBD, CBG also has a variety of advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered.
Pros
- CBG may help reduce nausea and stimulate appetite.
- CBG may be able to help regulate your mood and make you feel happier.
- CBG may act as a mild sedative and help put you to sleep.
- CBG may block pain and inflammation signals from getting to your brain.
- The side effects from CBG are generally fairly mild if there are any at all.
- According to the 2018 Farm Bill, CBG is also totally legal as long it’s derived from hemp.
- There are many potential benefits to reap from CBG, all without having to get overtly high.
Cons
- CBG may cause some sleepiness, which may not be wanted at times.
- CBG may also cause dry mouth, dry eyes, and induce hunger.
- CBG will likely not get you high, which for some people is not a good thing.
- There are some cases where high doses of CBG gummies may induce anxiety.
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CBD vs CBG Common Uses
What is interesting about both CBG and CBD is that they do share some common benefits or uses, mainly in the reduction of anxiety, as a sleep aid, and as a pain reliever. Both may also be anti-inflammatory in nature.
However, one common difference here is that CBD generally reduces appetite, whereas CBG typically increases appetite.
This means that CBG generally makes people hungry, whereas CBD does not. CBG is also commonly used to help reduce inflammation in the gut and to allow for better gastrointestinal health in general.
CBD vs CBG Comparing Side Effects
CBD may occasionally cause mild side effects such as reduced appetite, diarrhea, dry mouth, and, in very rare conditions, fatigue and drowsiness. CBD may also interact negatively with other medications. CBG has fairly similar side effects, including dry mouth, dry eyes, hunger, and sleepiness.
CBD vs CBG vs CBN
We already looked at CBD and CBG, but CBN is another cannabinoid worth considering, as it is quite similar. Indeed, CBN, CBD, and CBD do share many of the same qualities. CBN is mainly touted for its potential as a sleep aid.
It may also be an anti-inflammatory. However, the biggest difference here is that CBN is mildly psychoactive. Although it won’t get you super high, taking enough of it will definitely make you feel a little bit. It may produce a mild head and body high.
Is CBD and CBG Legal?
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD and CBG should be totally legal at the federal level as long as they are derived from the hemp plant, and any products do not contain more than 0.a3 percent Delta-9 THC. There are currently no indications that either of these is illegal for any reason.
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CBD vs CBG: Frequently Asked Questions
Before we end things for today, let’s take a quick look at your most frequently asked questions about CBD vs CBG.
How Much CBD and CBG Should I Take?
For beginners, we recommend starting with no more than 5 milligrams or 10 milligrams of both CBD and CBG at the most.
How Long Do CBD and CBG Stay in Your System?
Both CBG and CBD may stay in your system for up to two weeks after the last time it was taken. There are cases of very heavy use where it may be detectable for up to a month.
What is the Best Way to Take CBD and CBG?
Most people would agree that the best way to take CBD and CBG is in an edible format because it generally produces the strongest effects. However, many people also like smoking or vaping.
Are There Any Potential Side Effects of Taking CBD and CBG?
Besides some dry eyes, dry mouth, a bit of sleepiness, and on occasion, diarrhea, there really aren’t any major or severe side effects of taking CBG and CBD.
What is the Difference Between CBG and CBD?
The biggest difference is that CBG is only a minor cannabinoid, whereas CBD is a major cannabinoid. These two cannabinoids also have slightly different effects.
How Do CBG and CBD Interact with the Body?
Both CBG and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in your body to produce a wide variety of potential effects and benefits, as we have discussed today.
CBD vs CBG: Final Thoughts
CBD and CBG are popular cannabinoids that offer a wide range of potential benefits without overt psychoactivity. Both compounds are legal as long as they come from hemp and are easy to incorporate into your wellness regimens. While they may be different in certain ways, the bottom line is that they have more in common than people may think.
