CBG and CBD are both non-toxic cannabinoids, however they differ in minor ways. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about CBG and the distinct advantages it may have over CBD.
What exactly is CBG?
Before we go into the distinctions between CBG and CBD, let’s first go through the fundamentals of CBG.
Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of hemp’s very first cannabinoids. Enzymes react with plant acids to produce CBGA during the seedling period of the plant. Decarboxylation later converts CBGA to CBG (heat). At this point, dozens of additional cannabinoids begin to develop.
Without getting mired down in scientific processes and chemical structures, it means that other cannabinoids, such as CBD, would not exist without CBGA (and, by extension, CBG). The conversion of plant acids to CBGA successfully initiates a chemical chain reaction that results in the 100+ cannabinoids we now know about.
However, you might not have heard of CBG or seen it in goods, since natural quantities in hemp are considerably lower than CBD (typically less than 1 percent ). Despite its enigmatic character, CBG has considerable promise due to its diverse interaction with the mind and body.
What are the consequences of CBG?
CBG research is still in its early stages, and there is much to discover. Preclinical investigations have revealed that CBG is non-toxic and appears to impact both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
With receptors located throughout the body, the potential influence on human physiology is substantial. The current emphasis of CBG research includes:
• Glaucoma
• Inflammation
• Huntington’s disease
• Antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Researchers remain optimistic about CBG’s potential, and more extensive and comprehensive investigations are being conducted on a regular basis.
What is the distinction between CBG and CBD?
Despite sharing similar molecular routes, CBD and CBG differ in chemical structure and concentration inside hemp plants.
Chemical composition
CBG is formed when the excess carboxyl group in CBGA is removed by decarboxylation. When CBGA is heated, it transforms from a raw, acidic chemical to an activated variety (CBG). A similar mechanism occurs with CBD, although the precursor chemical in concern is CBDA.
Pharmacology
To begin, consider the similarities between CBD and CBG. Both are non-toxic and non-psychotropic, which means they are neither hazardous nor addictive. Moreover, despite little investigation, the possible adverse effects of both substances appear to be minor.
However, when it comes to the mechanism of action, some significant distinctions emerge. As previously stated, CBG interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, which is a significant difference from CBD.
CBD works by impacting the entire endocannabinoid system rather than by attaching to particular cannabinoid receptors. It does have some affinity for CB2, but not as much as CBG.
CBG, on the other hand, binds to both types of receptors, providing it tremendous promise. CB1 receptors are abundant in the brain, but CB2 receptors are mostly found in the immune system.
Practicality
We’ve already noted the utility of CBG, but it bears repeating. Cannabigerol is significantly more difficult to separate than CBD since it accounts for just around 1% of hemp’s dry weight. In comparison, CBD levels in mature hemp plants are believed to be around 10%. (with a pretty sizable degree of variation).
CBG isolation is not only challenging, but also costly. Manufacturers require cutting-edge technology and specialist understanding to achieve ratios comparable to those seen in typical CBD products.
