About CBD & CBG
By now, most of us are fairly familiar with, cannabidiol (CBD). But cannabigerol (CBG) is another interesting non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. Most cannabis genetics only contain trace amounts of CBG—about 1%—but its properties are garnering attention from health professionals and consumers.
About CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the leading compounds found in hemp; it makes up about 40 percent of hemp’s composition. It’s a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid – meaning it’s a plant-synthesized chemical that cannot produce a “high” or euphoric feeling.
CBD molecules work with our bodies’ endocannabinoid system (ECS) by binding or communicating with CB2 cannabinoid receptors. These special connectors attach to our peripheral nervous system and help regulate various physiological functions with muscles, immune cells, skin, and other organs.
About CBG
Cannabigerol (CBG) is another non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid. While it’s probably the most unknown hemp extract currently, it has a central role in the development of CBD and other known cannabinoids.
CBG is regularly referred to as a “mother cannabinoid”; this is because it is the first phytocannabinoid synthesized in hemp that converts into other plant-based cannabinoids.
The compound starts in its 2-carboxylic acid form called cannabigerol acid (CBGA). As hemp matures, this component begins to convert into three others: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA).
After the conversion, there’s only a small amount of CBGA left – less than one percent. And when hemp begins its decarboxylation process, all those compounds drop their carboxyl acid and become the cannabinoids we commonly recognize: THC, CBD, CBC, and CBG.
Because a mature hemp plant contains low levels of CBG, its extraction requires much more effort compared to CBD. Cultivators would either need to harvest hemp before it fully matures, or grow enough hemp plants to yield a significant CBG during the extraction process.
And since there is less CBG to go around, research about this particular cannabinoid is limited; however, similar to CBD, CBG also works by attaching to the receptors that make up the endocannabinoid system. In comparison, CBG can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors rather than one over the other.
Difference between CBD and CBG
The majority of research on CBD by itself has been focused on preventing seizures, and the FDA has recently approved a pharmaceutical grade CBD for use in severe seizures in children. However, there is also some research in humans that shows that CBD can be beneficial for anxiety and inflammation, and may even have anti-cancer properties.
CBG, on the other hand, is similar to CBD in that it also is non-psychoactive. There is very little research into the effects of CBG on humans, though interest is growing as it is thought that different non-psychoactive cannabinoids may have many distinct clinical uses.
Some studies:
CBG may be beneficial in inflammatory bowel disease anti-bacterial properties and prevent colon cancer glaucoma, cancer, and MRSA.
Notable Scientific Articles:
Master Search – (Articles from different databases regarding CBD): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/search/?term=CBD
THE ECS: CB1 + CB2 Receptors and Pain Cycles: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820295/
Molecular Targets of Cannabidiol in Neurological Disorders: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604182/
ECS role in Depression/Pain management: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5042796/
CBD and Migraine Treatment: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5928495/
CBD + Reducing Blood pressure / Stress Relief: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5470879/
CBD + Anxiety & Sleep:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
CBD + Brain Health:
https://www.maximumyield.com/healing-brain-injuries-with-cannabis/2/5101
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17140265
CBD + Pain and Inflammation Treatment:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3728280/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5812319/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29450258
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24420962
Cannabis and Health:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3202504/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29773016
Cannabis and the Health and Performance of Elite Athletes:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6116792/
Cannabis in Sport:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3717337/
Cannabinoids as Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: