You might’ve heard of the latest battle between compounds — CBG vs CBD. But can CBG replace CBD in the near future let’s find out?
Some people have even said, “CBG is the new CBD,” in the same way that “40 is the new 30.” That’s not the case. CBG can serve as a complement to CBD but it could also be a replacement for CBD.
CBG is a beneficial compound and a big reason that full-spectrum hemp oil — which includes CBG, CBD, and other cannabinoids — has many advantages over CBD isolate.
The entourage effect is still the most promising aspect of cannabinoid supplementation, so let’s look at CBG and how this previously overlooked and powerful cannabinoid can work with CBD or replace CBD in the nearest future.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. More specifically, it’s a cannabinoid, one of more than 120 in cannabis. Other cannabinoids include Cannabichromene (CBC), Cannabidiol (CBD), and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Of the cannabinoids, most people look at CBG vs CBD.
It makes sense to compare the two because of their similarities:
- Both work with your body’s endocannabinoid system.
- Both are non-psychoactive, meaning they won’t get you high.
In fact, CBG and CBD may have the ability to decrease the psychoactivity of THC. That means CBG can increase mental clarity naturally, taken alone or with THC.
Benefits of CBG
CBG provides several benefits when consumed regularly, some of which overlap with CBD.
Peer-reviewed studies point to CBG as a potent anti-inflammatory with the potential to address anxiety and stress. CBG has been observed to promote healthy skin and stimulate appetite in initial studies.
We’re looking forward to the research and clinical trials that will come out on CBG in 2021.
INTRO TO CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous flower of cannabis, a plant with a rich history as a medicine going back thousands of years. Today the therapeutic properties of CBD are being tested and confirmed by scientists and doctors around the world. A safe, non-addictive substance, CBD is one of more than a hundred “phytocannabinoids,” which are unique to cannabis and endow the plant with its robust therapeutic profile.
CBD is closely related to another important medicinally active phytocannabinoid: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that causes the high that cannabis is famous for. These are the two components of cannabis that have been most studied by scientists.
Both CBD and THC have significant therapeutic attributes. But unlike THC, CBD does not make a person feel “stoned” or intoxicated. That’s because CBD and THC act in different ways on different receptors in the brain and body.
CBD can actually lessen or neutralize the psychoactive effects of THC, depending on how much of each compound is consumed. Many people want the health benefits of cannabis without the high – or with less of a high. The fact that CBD is therapeutically potent as well as non-intoxicating, and easy to take as a CBD oil, makes it an appealing treatment option for those who are cautious about trying cannabis for the first time.
CBD: The Multipurpose Molecule
Many people are seeking alternatives to pharmaceuticals with harsh side effects – medicine more in synch with natural processes. By tapping into how we function biologically on a deep level, CBD can provide relief for chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, depression and many other conditions.
Extensive scientific research – much of it sponsored by the U.S. government – and mounting anecdotal accounts from patients and physicians highlight CBD’s potential as a treatment for a wide range of maladies, including (but not limited to):
- Autoimmune diseases (inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Neurological conditions (Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Huntington’s chorea, stroke, traumatic brain injury)
- Metabolic syndrome (diabetes, obesity)
- Neuropsychiatric illness (autism, ADHD, PTSD, alcoholism)
- Gut disorders (colitis, Crohn’s)
- Cardiovascular dysfunction (atherosclerosis, arrhythmia)
- Skin disease (acne, dermatitis, psoriasis)
CBD has proven neuroprotective effects and its anti-cancer properties are being investigated at several academic research centers in the United States and elsewhere. A 2010 brain cancer study by California scientists found that CBD “enhances the inhibitory effects of THC on human glioblastoma cell proliferation and survival.” This means that CBD makes THC even more potent as an anticancer substance. Also, in 2010, German researchers reported that CBD stimulates neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells, in adult mammals.
CBG vs CBD: The Differences
CBG is found in the cannabis plant in much smaller quantities than CBD. Industrial hemp carries around 1-3% CBG compared to anywhere from 5-25% CBD. Here at Green Lotus, we’ve been investigating high-CBG hemp cultivars for the last two years. Interest is accelerating the creation of new strains.
CBG Directly Interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
CBG works by binding to both primary cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. It binds strongly to these ECS receptors, meaning that its effects are tied to the ECS in a more direct way than CBD.
CBD binds weakly to CBD2 receptors and is antagonistic to CBD1 receptors (CBD blocks molecules like THC from connecting to CBD1 receptors).
Think of it like this:
- CBD will continue to be a mystery because it impacts a highly-complex and diverse range of bodily systems.
- CBG, by effect, is a less complicated molecule, making it potentially easier to isolate and study its effects.
Can CBG replace CBD?
Now back to the big question, CBG and CBD can work together in the future or the rare CBG can replace CBD. Let’s explore both aspects of this.
CBG and CBD can work together in the future.
Some people are calling CBG a “wonder drug.” While we’re excited about the new research, we think that’s a little bit premature and somewhat overstated. That’s not because CBG isn’t promising.
Rather, CBG is more effective when you consume as part of full-spectrum hemp oil, which uses whole-plant extraction to allow for a wide variety of cannabinoids, terpenoids, and antioxidants. That means a combination of CBG and CBD (among others) without the psychoactive properties of THC.
CBG could replace CBD
Soon, CBD might become an afterthought. There are more potent cannabinoids replace it in medicine, beauty products, food and beverages, and more. Rare cannabinoids like CBG, THCA, CBN, THCV, and more will all contribute to this shift. CBG will be popular for its versatile applications in both the pharmaceutical and food/beverage industries.
Together, these rare cannabinoids will be the new frontier that makes the global cannabis market worth hundreds of billions of dollars. And CBG will be at the forefront of this rare cannabinoid boom. Whatever happens, time will tell.
