CBG: What Is It, and How Does It Compare to CBD?

In recent years, CBG (cannabigerol) has become increasingly popular for its reported health benefits, with scientists reporting unique therapeutic properties that Serenital has harnessed in products such as our CBG Tincture and CBG+CBD Tinctures.

But what is CBG, and why incorporate CBG products into your wellness routine? How does CBG compare to CBD, and what are the differences and similarities between these two cannabinoids? In this article, we answer these questions and more, telling you everything you need to know about CBG, and the differences and similarities between CBD and CBG.

What is CBG? 

Like CBD, CBG (cannabigerol), is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid found in the hemp plant, and it produces its effects by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the body. CBG is often referred to as a “minor” cannabinoid because it is found only in trace amounts in hemp, which is dominant in CBD. However, many products--such as Serenital’s CBD+CBG products---harness higher concentrations of CBG to capitalize on its unique therapeutic properties. 

In young cannabis plants, however, CBG is actually one of the first cannabinoids to develop, and becomes the molecular precursor for other cannabinoids such as CBD, THC, CBN, and many more. As the hemp plant matures, CBGA--short for cannabigerolic acid, the acidic form of CBG--is broken down by certain enzymes to create other cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and CBN. For this reason, CBG is often referred to as the “stem cell” cannabinoid or "the mother of all cannabinoids", since it forms the building block for the synthesis of other cannabinoids. 

CBG vs. CBD: Differences & Similarities

Both CBD and CBG are naturally occurring, non-intoxicating cannabinoids synthesized by the hemp plant under natural growing conditions, and both produce their benefits by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. Just as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are different compounds with different effects, the differences between CBD  and CBG start at the molecular level. These compounds differ in molecular structure, and their shape determines the ways in which they bind and interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body. 

How CBG & CBD Interact with Cannabinoid Receptors in the Body

CBD and CBG both produce their effects by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the body, but the ways in which they interact with these receptors is slightly different--which is why CBG offers unique, additional benefits that make this cannabinoid especially desirable for a more comprehensive, diverse variety of therapeutic effects.

Within the endocannabinoid system (ECS), CBG interacts with CB1 receptors--which are found throughout the central nervous system--and CB2 receptors, which spread through the immune system, peripheral tissues, internal organs, and elsewhere throughout the body. 

All cannabinoids produce their effects by binding with these receptors, but CBD has a lower affinity--in other words, it does not bind as tightly--with CB1 and CB2 receptors than CBG, which is believed to interact with these receptors more directly. 

As a result, CBG offers many benefits similar to those associated with CBD, while yielding unique therapeutic advantages of its own. 

CBD & CBG: Shared Health Benefits

Generally speaking, CBG offers many of the same benefits attributed to CBD, including: 

• Non-Intoxicating. Both CBG and CBD are non-intoxicating, meaning that unlike THC, these products do not "get you high". 

• Discomfort and Inflammation. Both CBD and CBG are popular for their ability to manage discomfort and inflammation, though they target these issues differently--making CBD + CBG products especially effective by offering a more holistic and comprehensive approach. 
• Mood Support & Stress Reduction. Like CBD, CBG is believed to contribute to overall feelings of wellbeing, and may reduce stress. 

And much more. 

Differences: CBG’s Unique Health Benefits

CBG offers many of the same, general benefits associated with CBD, but when added to CBD products--such as Serenital’s CBD+CBG tincture--it contributes unique therapeutic properties of its own. Because CBG binds more directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors in certain areas of the body, it can be especially effective for certain wellness goals, including: 

Digestive Health

Because of its high affinity for cannabinoid receptors in the digestive tract, CBG is believed to provide unique benefits for digestive health, and may help those seeking to manage digestive issues such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Nervous System & Brain Health

Because CBG has a high affinity for CB1 receptors, scientists suggest that it may help promote a healthy nervous system. CBG is believed to support overall brain health by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in certain regions of the brain. In doing so, CBG may aid memory, cognition, and other faculties. This affinity for CB1 receptors in the brain has also led researchers to examine how CBG may benefit certain issues related to the nervous system.

Likewise, CBG’s affinity for CB1 receptors has led researchers to investigate its potential benefits for neurological health, and for managing issues that relate to the nervous system.

Mood and Focus

Like CBD, CBG triggers the release of anandamide--a naturally occurring endocannabinoid produced  by the human body. However, CBG is particularly effective in raising anandamide levels. Anandamide is a brain chemical associated with feelings of happiness, well-being, and reduced stress. The release of anandamide is also associated with the release of other neurotransmitters associated with focus, mood, and  cognition. This makes CBG especially promising as an aid for focus, mood, and overall emotional wellness. 

Increased Energy and Wakefulness

Because of these effects on naturally-occurring neurotransmitters, CBG is also suggested to increase energy, wakefulness, and alertness, while potentially combatting fatigue. This makes Serenital’s CBD+CBG Tincture perfect for daytime use, and for supporting an active lifestyle. 

Inflammation 

Though both CBD and CBG aid in the management of inflammation, CBG is believed to be especially helpful for inflammation in certain parts of the body--such as the nervous system and the digestive system--due to its high affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors found in these areas. 

Eye Health

CBG is believed to support overall eye health, while some studies suggest that it may aid in the management of intraocular pressure.  

These are just a few of the benefits that researchers have attributed to CBG in recent years, and research on this minor cannabinoid continues to yield promising results.

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Why Use Serenital CBG Products? 

As suggested by the research above, Serenital’s CBG Tincture or CBD+CBG Tincture may be especially helpful for those who are looking to multiply the benefits of their daily health routines.

Written by Beverley Catlett  

Disclaimer: The statements herein have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and any information herein is not intended to aid any reader in the diagnosis, treatment, curing or prevention of any disease or other medical condition.