What’s So Great About Cannabigerol? — CBG vs. CBD Benefits

CBD may get all the media attention, but recent science suggests CBG is the true “OG” of hemp cannabinoids. Indeed, in its early stages of growth, hemp solely produces CBG-A molecules. As time wears on, CBG-A transforms into familiar compounds like CBD-A and THC-A. 

 

As more CBG-related data gets released, hemp retailers have reported a spike in demand for CBG extracts. Indeed, dozens of premier cultivators are now breeding hemp flowers specifically for CBG. Everyone from Ph.D. researchers to average customers seems to be curious about what CBG offers. 

 

There are still many questions on the distinctions between CBG vs. CBD. However, we have enough data to get a general sketch of this fascinating secondary cannabinoid. 

 

What Makes CBG Different From CBD? 

 

As hinted in the intro, CBD-A is a descendant of CBG-A. According to the latest data, CBG-A transforms into acidic cannabinoids like THC-A and CBD-A as the cannabis plant matures. Apparently, various plant enzymes interact with CBG-A molecules to create these more common cannabinoids. 

 

Given CBG-A’s close relation with CBD-A, it’s no surprise these cannabinoids have more similarities than differences. Indeed, if you were to view molecular charts of these cannabinoids, it’s difficult to tell the two apart. 

 

The only significant change between CBG and CBD is the hydrogen count. CBD’s official formula is C21H30O2, whereas CBG’s is C21H32O2. While these molecular differences are slight, they are enough to place CBG in a separate category. 

 

Also, since most CBG-A transforms into other cannabinoids, CBG-A usually accounts for one percent of total cannabinoids in hemp cultivars. Due to this relative scarcity, CBG is often considered a “caviar cannabinoid.” However, as more chemists and cultivators experiment with CBG, it should be easier to produce higher quantities of CBG without an insane price mark-up. 

 

Does CBG Feel The Same As CBD Oil? 

 

Although CBG has associations with THC, it isn’t considered a “psychoactive cannabinoid.” In fact, most people who take CBG claim it’s strikingly similar to CBD.  

 

The most common effects ascribed to CBG include relaxation, mild euphoria, and improved mood. If you’ve ever taken CBD oil before, those reactions should ring a bell! 

 

Also similar to CBD, there’s no federal ban on hemp products that contain high traces of CBG. As long as the hemp extract has ≤ 0.3 percent THC, there could be as much CBD or CBG as the manufacturer wants to put in their product.  

 

What Are The Advantages Of Using CBG vs. CBD? 

 

At this point, you’re probably wondering why anyone would swap CBD for CBG. If you could get the same benefits from a CBD product, why bother seeking out more obscure CBG hemp flowers?

 

Well, even though CBG mimics CBD, it’s not the same cannabinoid. Some researchers also believe these two cannabinoids could have significant differences for select conditions. If you’re struggling to choose between CBG vs. CBD, you should review the latest data on these distinctions. 

 

Measuring The “Munchies Effect” — Is CBG A Better Appetite Booster? 

 

A lot of scientific research into CBG vs. CBD has focused on issues such as nausea and appetite. Indeed, one Canadian trial tracked how CBD and CBG affected neuroreceptors related to nausea. According to this data, CBD seemed to reduce vomiting, while a combination of CBD/CBG didn’t have a robust antiemetic effect. 

 

On the flip side, some evidence suggests CBG may have a more substantial effect on appetite stimulation. For instance, a University of Reading study found CBG increased the appetite of lab mice. There’s also some data that CBD oil may slightly reduce hunger in rat trials.

 

Some people conjecture CBG has more of the “munchies properties” found in THC, but without THC’s psychoactivity. These findings may prove significant when choosing the best hemp strains for certain patients. 

 

Could CBG Be The Safer Option For Our Eyes? 

 

For decades, medical marijuana advocates have claimed cannabis could help glaucoma patients naturally manage eye pressure. Most of the research into this supposed benefit has focused on THC, but there are a few interesting findings related to CBG vs. CBD.

 

Shockingly, CBD may have a negative impact on intraocular pressure. Despite CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, there’s little evidence that suggests it could help eye health. Preliminary data from Indiana University found that CBD extracts increased total eye pressure versus THC.

 

As for CBG, preliminary results on eye pressure seem to be more favorable. For instance, scientists at West Virginia University recently tested CBG topicals on glaucoma patients. When applied around the eyes, it seems like CBG has a positive effect on total eye pressure. 

 

Please remember the research on hemp for glaucoma is in its early stages. It will likely take decades before optometrists know how different cannabinoids affect eye health. However, glaucoma patients may want to keep an “eye out” for the latest findings on CBG vs. CBD before choosing one of these cannabinoids.