Cannabinoids (CBD), Cannabigerol (CBG), and Cannabinol (CBN) are the three most interesting cannabinoids present in the cannabis or marijuana plant. Apart from them, a cannabis plant contains about 100 more cannabinoids, some of them are highly potent while others are not. It also contains hundreds of terpenes and flavonoids. All these three cannabinoids, which are present in abundance in cannabis, have therapeutic characteristics. They can either work in combination or separately. Among all, Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the most psychoactive chemical compound, while CBD is the most commercially exploited cannabis compound. But today, we are discussing CBD, CBG, and CBN only. So what are their qualities? And how can one incorporate them in life to gain maximum benefits?
What Is CBD?
CBD is a non-harmful and highly beneficial cannabis compound. It can treat a host of critical health-related problems, from smaller ones like body pain and fatigue to bigger ones like acute and chronic diseases, mental health issues, and inflammation. CBD is extracted from the Cannabis Sativa plant or more commonly known as the hemp plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause high or intoxication. It’s also not a psychoactive compound like THC, which is also derived from marijuana and hemp strains. If medical marijuana is legal in your state, you can go out and buy CBD coffee, or for that matter, CBD gummies. There will surely be recreational marijuana stores, beauty products, and spas offering CBD massage in your city if it’s legal there. People are drawn towards the compound because it’s 100 percent organic, and gives better results than contemporary medicines without any side-effects.
What Is CBG?
If you are thinking CBG is some new cannabis compound that has just recently gained popularity, you are in for a surprise. It was first discovered in the 1960s. But, researchers have mostly focused on CBD and THC, but things are changing now. As scientists began to understand cannabis and its medicinal properties, they are also exploring CBG and its potential benefits. Though CBD is the most famous and widely used cannabinoid right now, CBG could be the next big thing. Their combination also holds many medicinal benefits. If you are thinking about incorporating CBG in your life, look for producers specialising in CBG-based products like tinctures, pills, oils, and isolate powders.
What Is CBN?
CBN or cannabinol as a cannabinoid holds several properties of CBD. However, they both are produced differently. While CBD is extracted from hemp, CBN is the product of oxidation, which is extracted by exposing THC to heat and light. Unlike CBD, which is not psychoactive, CBN is mildly psychoactive. Moreover, CBN as a chemical compound has not been studied much, and little research is available on it. CBN producers generally sell the sleep aids products, which are in high demand. However, apart from sleep aid products, CBN has shown characteristics that can alleviate chronic pain. CBN can also address neuroprotective and inflammation issues.
Benefits Of CBD
CBD can be found in both hemp and marijuana plants. However, hemp is a richer source of CBD. CBD is not a cure-for-all compound and those claiming so are not telling the complete truth. While CBD has proved to be highly effective in managing certain health complications, it certainly is no panacea for all diseases. CBD has shown real health benefits due to its properties to influence the endocannabinoid system present in our body, which is responsible for managing many of our bodily functions, including pain, appetite, sleep and memory.
Resultantly, CBD has been beneficial in treating health complications like anxiety, stress, inflammation, digestion, insomnia, seizures, epilepsy, PTSD, and more. During various studies on CBD, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has found that this chemical compound carries little effect on a person’s ability to get ‘high’. It also showed no effects of any kind of “abuse” or “dependence potential”. During clinical trials, CBD has proved quite effective against epilepsy.
Benefits Of CBG
CBG also interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The external dose of cannabinoid in the form of CBG and ECS interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are responsible for managing different bodily functions including mood, metabolism, appetite and pain response. CBG activates response, leading to psychological changes that help address different health-related issues. Potential health benefits of CBG are aplenty. CBG can cure pain-related health issues. It works well as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. It interacts with the body’s so-called “bliss molecule”, also called anandamide, and uplifts your mood. CBG is also a non-intoxicating substance, meaning it does not make you feel high. CBG is also being evaluated against Huntington’s disease. It also holds cancer-fighting properties, though this area needs to be explored more.
Benefits Of CBN
CBN has shown several potential health benefits, though its market has not fully grown. Just like THC and CBG, CBN also interacts with the body’s CB1 receptors. However, the effect is mild, which is also the reason behind its mild psychoactive properties. A study published in the Psychopharmacology platform found that CBN can enhance appetite. Another study published in Advances in Pharmacology suggested CBN has anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic properties. The research on CBN, however, is still at the nascent stage, which needs to be further backed by large-scale studies.
The Bottomline
CBD, CBG, and CBN — all possess many similar properties and they also offer many similar benefits too. However, these three cannabis compounds have also created their separate markets for themselves. While the market is flooded with CBD-based products, which not only has a plethora of health benefits but also does not cause high, the market around CBG and CBN is constrained but increasing by the day. In essence, if you are interested in using products based on these cannabis compounds, consult your healthcare expert and follow a regulated regimen to experience maximum benefits. The anecdotal evidence on the positive effects of these cannabis compounds is aplenty, though it’s always better to seek expert advice before trying out these products.
