Even before the recent upsurge of scientific interest in cannabis, it’s widely used for sleep by common people. Modern science has also proved through various studies that cannabis has sedative and relaxing properties, which means cannabis makes you sleep better. In particular, there are three cannabinoids, CBG, CBD, and THC, which are responsible for causing sleep. These cannabinoids work in both cases — even if you suffer from insomnia or you have no difficulty in falling asleep. These cannabinoids can help you fall asleep in just over 30 minutes if you suffer from insomnia. In all, it has been proved that these cannabinoids cut sleeping time, lengthens duration, and slows wave sleep.
If you are wondering which cannabinoid is better for sleep, CBG and CBD are the ones for you, as they are non-psychoactive. In this article, we shall look at both these cannabinoids and how they can help you put you to sleep.
Are CBD and CBG Different?
CBG is itself derived from CBGA, as it forms the basis of cannabis. It is produced when CBGA is subjected to decarboxylation via heat or light. CBG is the first biogenetic cannabinoid or also called phytocannabinoid. It’s present in a minimum quantity in cannabis plants but holds strong antibacterial, antiproliferative, sedative, and bone-stimulative properties. To detect CBG’s presence in our body, experts run blood, plasma, or urine tests. While in most cannabis strains, CBG converts into CBD or THC, and sometimes it only produces diluted versions, also known as cannabigerol. Both CBGA and CBG were discovered in the 1960s but scientists spent most time and energy on exploring CBD and THC, and CBG considering their commercial viability. Experts say CBG and CBGA both have abundant therapeutic properties. On a commercial scale, CBGA has only been used to extract THCA for pharmaceutical and research & development.
Functions Of CBG and CBD
Both CBG and CBD are two of the three most affected cannabinoids, which hold several medicinal properties. They are also used as recreational means to get to a “comfortable” position. Both CBD and CBG are extracted from cannabis plants via an extraction process. Once extracted, CBG and CBD are packaged in isolate or full spectrums. The combination of different strains, terpenes, and flavonoids creates unique products, which serve our different needs. Both CBD and CBG interact with receptors in our body, which influences various functions. Both these cannabinoids hold non-psychoactive properties and are known as “non-mind-altering cannabinoids.” CBD works as a counterbalance against high delivered by another cannabinoid called THC. CBG, on the other hand, is a less known cannabinoid but holds many health benefits. Apart from sleep, CBD and CBG help reduce anxiety, stress, chronic pain, among other health issues.
CBD or CBG, which One Is Better for Sleep?
This is more of a tricky question because it depends on personal choices and your body type. However, the research is more tilted towards CBD. Both these cannabinoids can induce sleep; however, only users can determine which one does a better job. You should consider either of them depending upon the cannabinoid you have been using for a long time. If you are using CBD, then your body might be habitual to this particular type of cannabinoid, and for sleep, too, you can think of using CBD-based products. However, if you are new to the game, you may also consider using CBG, which many are considered an even more powerful cannabinoid. If your body adjusts well to CBG, go for it. Both these cannabinoids can offer similar kinds of sleep benefits. So, ultimately it really depends upon your personal choice.
What Is The Science Of Sleep?
Not only CBD and CBG but THC also causes sleep. As per a study conducted in 2008, ingesting marijuana strains with higher THC levels can cut your REM sleep, which means you’ll be able to get more “deep sleep”. This state of total restfulness will help you get maximum sleep while cutting your dream time. The same is the case with both CBD and CBG. Your choice of strain will define the quality of treatment against insomnia. There are three types of marijuana strains — Indica, Sativa, and hybrids.
While Indica will put you in a relaxed mode, Sativa will make you feel euphoric. Hybrids, on the other hand, will be a combination of these two. Studies have shown that one CBD dose of 160 mg can increase your sleep time. CBD is known to reduce high levels of cortisol, also known as stress hormones. Similarly, CBG is also known to decrease cortisol levels by acting as a mild sedative. As per researchers, 25-175 mg is the right dose for people seeking more sleep.
Why Should You Know More About CBG?
Although very little is known about this cannabis compound, initial results show it has the potential to become yet another popular cannabis compound. Apart from sleep, too, CBG has the potential to cure many ailments. Firstly, animal studies have shown CBG may provide a cure against diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. CBG has also been found to be extremely successful in inhibiting the enzyme aldose reductase. This enzyme is the leading cause of stress and heart problems. Although these results are basic and tests were conducted in a high-dose-dependent environment, they tell us the CBG could unshackle mysteries about this magical cannabis plant. At last, it’s a better option than synthetic inhibitor medications.
The Bottom Line
Both CBG and CBD are important cannabinoids when it comes to cannabis. They both have many similar properties but many distinct ones too. CBG and CBD are being exploited vastly by producers, which has helped them create a whole new market around them. You can use either of the cannabinoids for seeking health benefits. However, if you ask us which cannabinoid is better at putting you to sleep, the answer could be CBD. People know it more, they have experimented with it more, and you’ll find a host of companies producing sleep-related products.
