CBD oil vs CBG oil
CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two most popular cannabinoids today. CBD is recognised for its calming, medicinal benefits, whereas THC is well-known for its psychoactive effects, which can lead to feelings of euphoria and possibly disorientation. While CBD and THC have received a lot of attention, lesser-known cannabinoids like CBG are gaining popularity among both consumers and experts.
Early research suggests that CBG and CBD may share certain traits. They both have neuroprotective, pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These two cannabinoids are not psychoactive in any way.
Here's everything you need to know about CBG and CBD.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol, or CBG, is one of more than 100 cannabinoids that are present in hemp and cannabis plants. Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is produced by young hemp plants. As the plant develops, CBGA turns into cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). Then, these two substances are transformed into CBD and THC. Any CBGA that remains is transformed into CBG.
Even though CBG was initially discovered in 1964, the minor cannabinoid didn't receive much attention, which is why there isn’t much research on the substance. Research on CBG is still in its early phases, but based on what we do know so far, it may have a wide range of beneficial effects.
How Does CBG Work?
CBG is broken down by the body's endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system in our bodies, which is made up of chemical compounds and cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), is in charge of maintaining our bodies in an optimal state. CB1 receptors are found in the nervous system. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are found in the immune system.
CBG functions by attaching to both receptors, where it is believed to enhance the action of anandamide, a neurotransmitter involved in improving motivation and pleasure, controlling food and sleep, and reducing pain. You won't get high with CBG because it doesn't have any psychoactive effects as THC does.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, often known as CBD, is a major cannabinoid that is found in high amounts in hemp and cannabis plants. When CBD was initially discovered in the 1930s, it was mostly forgotten about until researchers realised it may be a useful anti-convulsant in the 1970s.
Many of the beneficial effects of CBD have been validated by studies over the years, including anti-anxiety, pain-relieving, anti-nausea, and sedative properties. CBD appears to manage severe forms of childhood epilepsy, and it is used in the only FDA-approved medicine called Epidiolex.
CBD has increased its popularity not only because of the various potential benefits it offers but also because it has no psychoactive effects. In contrast to THC, CBD provides pain relief and other advantages without the possibility of anxiety, paranoia, or altered cognitive function.
Like CBG, CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
What's the Difference Between CBG and CBD?
CBG and CBD have distinct differences even though they both have very similar therapeutic effects. The molecular structures of the two cannabinoids differ which means that the structure of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen has changed. A cannabinoid's molecular structure influences both its capacity to bind to receptors and its bioavailability.
The way CBG and CBD activate receptors is also unique. In one study, the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor was examined about CBG and CBD. While CBD has potent anti-nausea properties, acting as an agonist, CBG works as an antagonist at that receptor.
Therapeutic benefits of CBD
Similar circumstances apply to CBD, but much more research has been done. CBD has been shown in studies to have a wide range of therapeutic effects, including the following:
- Pain relief (such as chronic pain)
- More restful sleep
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Anti-inflammatory qualities
- Antimicrobial properties
- Antioxidant qualities
- Neuroprotective properties
Therapeutic benefits of CBG
Here are a few potential health benefits of CBG that have been scientifically proven.
- Huntington's disease. According to 2015 animal research that looked at the neurodegenerative disorder Huntington's disease, CBG may have neuroprotective qualities. According to the study's findings, CBG could be effective in treating various neurodegenerative disorders.
- Inflammatory bowel disease. According to 2013 animal research, CBG appears to lessen the inflammation related to inflammatory bowel disease.
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Loss of appetite. CBG may increase hunger, according to a 2016 rat research. Chemicals that increase appetite may be used to treat people.
- Bladder problems. Some cannabinoids appear to have an impact on bladder contractions. According to a 2015 study that examined the effects of five different cannabinoids on the bladder, CBG has the most potential for treating bladder dysfunctions.
- Bacterial infections. According to 2008 research, CBG can destroy germs, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is the main cause of drug-resistant staph infections. These infections can be serious and difficult to treat.
- Glaucoma. Glaucoma appears to be successfully treated by medical cannabis, and CBG may play a role in this. According to a 2008 study, the fact that CBG lowers intraocular pressure makes it possible for it to be used as a potential treatment for glaucoma.
- Cancer. Animal research conducted in 2014 found that CBG may also slow the formation of cancer cells and tumours.
Can CBD or CBG cause a high?
You won't get high with CBG and CBD because they don't have any psychoactive effects. THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. This is what causes a high when somebody consumes cannabis.
Are they both legal?
The Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971 classifies cannabis as a class B substance, although CBD is not included in that list. It is legal in many countries, including the UK, because it is not intoxicating. However, the CBD Law is subject to several rigorous regulations:
- CBD is allowed in the UK as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC.
- CBD is legal in the UK as long as it is produced from an industrial hemp strain recognised by the government.
No legislation in the UK specifically addresses CBG. The amount of THC a CBD product contains has the most impact on whether it is legal or not. In the UK and much of Europe, any product with a THC content over 0.2% is prohibited.
What are some common uses for CBG?
CBG, like CBD, is not psychoactive. CBG is most widely used for the following purposes:
- Inflammation reduction
- Supporting a healthy appetite
- Reducing skin sensitivity and redness
- Anti-cancer properties
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Antibiotic properties
- Protecting against bacterial infections
- Promoting a few of the body's crucial processes for optimum health
What are some typical CBG side effects?
CBG often causes the following adverse effects:
- Dry Mouth
- Hunger
- Drowsiness
- Lower blood pressure
Is it safe to take CBD and CBG together?
Yes, you may take both CBG and CBD at the same time. These two cannabinoids have excellent advantages and similar chemical structures. When cannabis compounds like CBG and CBD are combined, they work synergistically to boost both their own and other hemp plant compounds' health benefits. This is known as the entourage effect.
The Entourage Effect is a theory that claims several cannabinoids become more potent than a single one when they reach the bloodstream. As a result, cannabinoids function well together and are more effective as a group than as singles.
Combining CBG with CBD is a fantastic way to achieve well-balanced outcomes. CBD stimulates the enzymes that produce endocannabinoids, which has an indirect effect on your endocannabinoid system. CBG, on the other hand, interacts directly with your CB1 and CB2 cannabis receptors, making these two substances the perfect combination.
Summary
CBD and CBG are two cannabinoids that are both similar and distinct. Even though hemp plants have a far greater concentration of CBD, CBG can also be extracted and has a variety of uses. These two cannabinoids have a range of therapeutic properties and both are non-intoxicating cannabinoids. When used together, they can deliver incredibly potent comfort that leaves you feeling your best.