CBD, THC, CBG. Meet the family.
If you keep up with our blogs, you probably know that CBD stands for cannabidiol, a common cannabinoid that doesn’t produce a euphoric effect, or “high.” CBG stands for cannabigerol, a cannabinoid found in marijuana and hemp, also one that doesn’t produce a euphoric effect. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the most common cannabinoid that’s associated with marijuana and produces the “high.”
Is CBD or CBG Psychoactive?
CBD and CBG won’t get you high. This may be disappointing to some, but it opens a world of possibilities to health-conscious consumers looking for a way to focus without overstimulating the brain. We’re now able to take CBD and CBG during the workday or school day to take advantage of mental benefits, including mental clarity and improved cognitive thinking, according to some users, without the distraction of being high.
What Does CBG do for the Body?
Just like CBD and THC, CBG works with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is composed of two types of receptors, CB1 and CB2, plus endocannabinoids and metabolic enzymes.
The purpose of the ECS is to promote and maintain homeostasis throughout the body. CB1 receptors occur in the central and peripheral nervous system. CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system and organs.
CBG binds to both types of cannabinoid receptors, but it doesn’t activate them. That makes it functionally different from THC, which binds and activates them. CBD is completely different in that it doesn’t directly bind to either of these receptors (ever hear that CBD can help keep your THC tolerance down?).
Is CBG Natural? Legal?
Yes and yes. It’s a completely natural compound and forms during the early growth stages of the cannabis plant. It can be extracted from hemp or marijuana.
It’s legal but its actual status isn’t that obvious.
According to the Controlled Substances Act, CBG sourced from marijuana is federally illegal, while CBG that comes from hemp is legal.
The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp and all its derivatives, including CBG.
If hemp-derived products contain 0.3% or less THC, they can be legally sold online and in brick-and-mortar stores.
Make sure to always double-check the THC content of your product. If you live in a state where marijuana is legal for recreational use, some CBG products may contain additional amounts of delta 8 or delta 9 THC. All Shah Saffron CBD products are THC-free. Our tinctures are tested in an independent third party lab and the results are posted on our website.
What’s the Difference Between CBD and CBG?
From a chemical standpoint, CBG and CBD are quite similar. Both molecules contain exclusively carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen — and they have a similar chemical structure.
However, there are significant biological differences between both compounds.
CBD vs. CBG: Benefits and Effects
CBG and CBD have different manner of interacting with the ECS. CBG interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors, while CBD doesn’t directly engage with them.
This, in turn, provides CBG and CBD with different pharmacological effects.
They also have some similar effects; the most evident one is that CBD and CBG users report that cannabinoids help them manage anxiety and stress, but you probably know that.
CBD is generally more recommended for pain and inflammation, while CBG works better for increasing your focus and attention span.
CBD vs. CBG: Medical Research
CBD is a major cannabinoid and has definitely been researched more than CBG when it pertains to medicinal benefits.
CBD has been highlighted by many studies as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can be used in a wide range of conditions, from inflammation to chronic pain, depression, anxiety, addiction, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegeneration.
The research on CBG is scarce, but the current findings suggest it may help with:
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- Loss of appetite
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- Bacterial infections
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- Bladder dysfunctions
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- Glaucoma
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- Cancer
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- Inflammatory bowel disease
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- Huntington’s disease
Much more research is necessary to fully realize how CBG affects our health. While the list above looks encouraging, it’s important to remember that studies only suggest these benefits but research can help support them.
CBD vs. CBG: Availability
That’s probably the biggest difference between the cannabinoids. It takes about 20 times more plant material of CBG to make the same amount of CBD, thus making CBG prices higher. Until there are major advances in the production and extraction of CBG, CBD will remain more popular.
There are some actions you can take to maximize the effectiveness of CBG, should you add it to your routines.
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- Only use it when you need it. Remember, CBG binds to CB1 receptors and can desensitize them over time, minimizing the effects. Save CBG for when you have the toughest mental challenges or when work becomes intense.
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- Create Strong Daily Habits. Get enough sleep every day, exercise, eat a balanced diet. All of these things will help your concentration and mental clarity. Use CBG to enhance that ultra-productive state when you need it the most.
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- Incorporate Daily Stress Management Practices. Stress is all around us: leaving the house on time, arriving on time, balancing work, life, family, all those things in #2 above. Hey, we’re human, too. Get up and take a walk away from your computer. Get away from your phone for 15 minutes. Meditating, journaling, stretching, all of these things, even for five minutes, can help you relieve stress. Try one.
