IS CBG OIL BETTER THAN CBD OIL?

Most cannabis users may only know of CBD and THC more than CBG. The cannabis market seems to be expanding at a very high rate. This article looks at whether CBG oil is better than CBD oil.

The most well-known cannabinoids are CBD and THC. CBD is known for its calming and beneficial properties. THC has psychoactive effects and euphoric feelings, and occasional distraction. Although CBD and THC are already in the limelight, lesser-known cannabinoids such as CBG capture consumers' and researchers' interest. Initial research by Deiana et al. (2012) indicated that CBG and CBD might have similar properties. Just like CBD, CBG has no psychoactive characteristics. Rather, they provide anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. This article expounds further on the differences between CBG and CBD.

Meaning of CBG

According to Boguszewski et al. (2012), there is a dosage that should be adhered to by CBG users. CBG (cannabigerol) is one of over a hundred cannabinoids in hemp and cannabis plants. CBD and THC were once CBG. CBG is often identified as the stem cell from which all other cannabinoids are created. In the initial stages of the growth of cannabis, there's a higher concentration of CBG. As the plant matures, CBG is converted to CBD and other cannabinoids by the action of enzymes. Therefore, cannabis must be harvested in the early stages of growth to enhance the chances of gathering the possible CBG. Unfortunately, the early harvest and fewer CBG have made it quite expensive.

Although CBG was first discovered in the early 60s, it didn't acquire a lot of attention; therefore, the studies abound the cannabinoid is still very few. While current research is in its early stages, there's evidence that CBG may possess some therapeutic side effects. Chances are high that CBG could have stronger pain-alleviating properties that are more effective than THC. Moreover, CBG may interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of your body's endocannabinoid system, which influences inflammation, pain, appetite, sleep, etc.

Meaning of CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in hemp and cannabis plants. It is among the most abundant cannabinoids in cannabis and one of the most researched. Research into CBD is fairly limited, and anecdotal evidence from Watt & Karl (2017) showed that CBD might have therapeutic properties such as anti-anxiety, pain-reliving, anti-nausea, and sedative characteristics. Besides, CBD has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as being effective in treating severe forms of childhood epilepsy.

Over the last few years, many have embraced CBD as the cannabinoid of choice, not only for its many therapeutic effects but also because it's non-psychoactive. Unlike THC, CBD provides pain alleviation and other benefits minus the risk of anxiety, paranoia, or impaired cognitive function. Moreover, like CBG, CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. However, this mechanism is yet to be researched by scientists.

Numerous research indicates that CBD and THC provide more significant health benefits when combined than each one on its own. A similar phenomenon occurs between CBD and CBG and is referred to as the entourage effect.

Differences between CBG Oil and CBD Oil

Although CBG and CBD provide similar therapeutic properties, they have some differences. For instance, the two cannabinoids have different molecular structures. The arrangement of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen is different. Molecular structure affects how the cannabinoid binds with the receptors and influences bioavailability. Bioavailability is the absorption rate and extent of a drug or substance usage by the body. While CBD oil modifies the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS to influence how cannabinoids bind to them, it's not the same for CBG. CBG interacts with the body differently and has different effects from CBD. It is thought that CBG has a nice soothing effect on the body, causing a relaxation of the nerves. Even though the two cannabinoids are similar, they have opposing effects on specific receptors when bound to the same place.

CBD may take more time to bind with the ECS receptors, CB1 and CB2, while CBG directly interacts with the receptors. As earlier mentioned, CBG is found at minute levels in cannabis and hemp plants, while CBD is among the most abundant cannabinoids in hemp and cannabis plants. As a result, extracting a good amount of CBG from cannabis plants requires many cannabis plants, unlike CBD.

Is CBG or CBD Better?

Perez et al. (2022) reviewed a comparison between CBD and CBD. Because the effects and metabolism of CBG and CBD in the body are different, it's quite challenging to state that one is better than the other. There is anecdotal evidence from CBG users that CBG effects are energizing and soothing upon consumption. Both CBD and CBG are non-stimulating compounds and do not make you feel high like THC. Consequently, all three cannabinoids act upon the ECS in humans and have varying effects.

Navarro et al. (2018) showed that CBD and CBG act on the same receptors, CB1 and CB2, with possible potential effects. There isn't adequate research that has analyzed the effects of CBG compared to CBD. However, with the increasing popularity of CBG, more research is soon expected on the compound. CBG consumers claim that the energy-boosting effects of CBG are better than a CBD-infused caffeine drink. Users boast of the energy boost, concentration, and creativity that CBG offers. Some users say CBG helps maintain a good mood and reduce daily stress levels.

Also, CBD is becoming popular among its users as an alternative to assist with sleep problems compared to over-the-counter sleeping drugs. However, there isn't much research conducted on the effects of CBG on sleep. Consequently, the combined effects of CBG and CBD ensure that consumers get the best of both worlds. The entourage effect of CBG and CBD may boost the soothing effects of CBD, thus promoting healthy sleep patterns. Therefore, it's beneficial if both CBD and CBG are used together to handle sleeping problems. However, it's worth noting that the cause of sleep problems may vary among people. CBD may only assist in alleviating sleep problems but may not tackle the cause. Therefore, it's only advisable to consult your doctor before taking any supplements for any health condition.

Conclusion

CBG and CBD are two similar yet unique cannabinoids. CBG continues to make major headlines in the cannabis market. Although research around it is fairly limited, researchers are very optimistic regarding its possible health advantages. Studies have yet to determine its safety, potential adverse effects, and the possibility of interacting with other medications. Before CBG becomes popular and its prices drop down, search for high-quality full-spectrum CBD extracts from hemp strains with a higher than average CBG content. Investigate third-party lab test reports. When treating a certain condition, consult with your doctor first. These two cannabinoids offer several therapeutic effects, according to users. They can work together to offer highly effective alleviation that keeps you at your best.

References

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Deiana, S., Watanabe, A., Yamasaki, Y., Amada, N., Arthur, M., Fleming, S., ... & Riedel, G. (2012). Plasma And Brain Pharmacokinetic Profile Of Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabidivarine (CBDV), Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), And Cannabigerol (CBG) In Rats And Mice Following Oral And Intraperitoneal Administration And CBD Action On Obsessive–Compulsive Behaviour. Psychopharmacology, 219(3), 859-873.

Navarro, G., Varani, K., Reyes-Resina, I., Sanchez De Medina, V., Rivas-Santisteban, R., Sanchez-Carnerero Callado, C., ... & Franco, R. (2018). Cannabigerol Action At Cannabinoid CB1 And CB2 Receptors And At CB1–CB2 Heteroreceptor Complexes. Frontiers In Pharmacology, 9, 632.

Perez, E., Fernandez, J. R., Fitzgerald, C., Rouzard, K., Tamura, M., & Savile, C. (2022). In Vitro And Clinical Evaluation Of Cannabigerol (CBG) Produced Via Yeast Biosynthesis: A Cannabinoid With A Broad Range Of Anti-Inflammatory And Skin Health-Boosting Properties. Molecules, 27(2), 491.

Watt, G., & Karl, T. (2017). In Vivo Evidence For Therapeutic Properties Of Cannabidiol (CBD) For Alzheimer's Disease. Frontiers In Pharmacology, 8, 20.