CBG vs CBD
Cannabidiol is here to stay. In fact, it is one of the world’s most significant wellness trends. However, the spotlight on hemp will soon spark an interest in a variety of valuable cannabinoid components beyond CBD. Lately, cannabigerol, CBG, CBD’s sister compound, has quickly become a favourite wellness product around the world.?Let’s compare CBG vs CBD…
CBD and CBG work together in perfect harmony. There are a handful of hemp/cannabis strains that produce both in appreciable amounts. Cannabigerol often does not dominate the total cannabinoid concentration of a strain. Still, even at smaller, natural levels, this compound will add a distinctive touch to the subjective properties of these CBG containing varieties.
The beauty of refined minor cannabinoids like CBG is that they can be combined easily with Broad Spectrum CBD extractions. Cannabinoids thrive in the body when supported by the entourage effect. This fundamental principle of cannabis plant use shows that hemp compounds perform better when in the presence of other cannabis/hemp elements.
CBG isolates will make a noticeable impact at the right dose. However, each drop will provide an invaluable wash of physiological support when taken in combination with a natural array of hemp compounds.
Why Would You Choose CBG vs CBD?
Choosing between the CBG oil benefits and CBD is a difficult decision. The world loves and appreciates CBD. This much is certain. However, evidence and growing testimonial reports indicate that other non-psychotropic cannabinoids and the acidic cannabinoid variations (also found in fresh plant material) can add quite a bit of endocannabinoid enhancing potency to our daily regimen.
That being said, CBG and CBD do not interact with the body in the same ways and are not meant to replace one another. They each have specific targets and interactions with cellular components in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). They can also interact with, and influence receptors/pathways that are independent of the ECS.
Here’s a glance at the differences between CBG benefits and CBD activity.
- CB1 Receptor: Mild Antagonist
- CB2 Receptor: Agonist
- 5HT1a Receptor: Antagonist
- Alpha-2 Adrenergic Receptor: Agonist
- COX 1/2 Enzyme: Inhibitor
- CB1 Receptor: Mild Agonist
- CB2 Receptor: Mild agonist
- 5HT1a Serotonin Receptor Agonist
- TRPV1 Vanilloid Pain Receptor Agonist
- PPARy Genetic Receptor Agonist
- FAAH Enzyme: Inhibitor
- AEA (Anandamide) Boosting
- AEA Induced CB1 Receptor Activation
Before diving into the details of each compound’s activities, let’s take a look at the structure of the endocannabinoid system.
Endocannabinoid System ~ A Quick Breakdown
The endogenous cannabinoid system was discovered due to the research surrounding cannabis compounds. After a variety of plant-based (phyto) cannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids had been found, radio tagging was used to trace these cannabinoids to their prospective receptor sites in the body.
This tracking led to the identification of a variety of endocannabinoid receptors, while CB1 and CB2 proved to be the two central players in the body. These studies also revealed several endocannabinoid compounds produced by our bodies. 2-AG and AEA are the two essential names in this category.
As a rule, AEA has a higher affinity for CB1, which has a greater expression in the nervous system and brain, although this receptor type can be found in nearly all tissues. 2-AG has a similar connection to CB2 receptors, which is found with higher frequency in the outer body, but still has significant representation throughout the nervous systems.
AEA and 2-AG work to regulate each other’s levels, keeping the overall activity, or tone, of the endocannabinoid system in harmony. This network will also adjust the expression of cannabinoid receptors in a given area. It can also micro-manage many factors that will help to orchestrate the frequency of activations at these sites.
Endocannabinoid System ~ Holistic Health Capacity
As mentioned above, these critical endogenous cannabinoid factors can be found in almost every tissue, influencing every organ system, impacting our hormonal activity, directing immune support, adjusting metabolism, and so much more. By splashing a few drops of phytocannabinoid-rich oil onto this incredible system, this far-reaching network can promote total health and wellness.
The endocannabinoid system has been associated with sleep, pain regulation, anti-inflammation, gut balance, mood balance, immune support, increased focus, neuroprotection, and so much more. While more study is needed to determine the protocols and expectations for CBG vs CBD use, there is no question that caring for the endocannabinoid system is an indispensable step towards holistic wellness.
CBG ~ Diving Into the Potential
- CB1 Receptor: Mild Antagonist
- CB2 Receptor: Agonist
- 5HT1a Receptor: Antagonist
- Alpha-2 Adrenergic Receptor: Agonist
- COX 1/2 Enzyme: Inhibitor
CBG is a mild antagonist (inhibitor) for CB1 receptors. CB1 receptor activity is connected to mood balance, energy regulation, anti-inflammation, neuroprotective actions, and more.
CBG is also an agonist (activator) for CB2 receptors. CB2 receptors play a significant role in immune function, anti-inflammation, dopamine regulation, and more.
It is worth noting that neither agonist nor antagonist is more important than the other. Balanced activation and inhibition help the overall activity of the endocannabinoid system find a stable but empowered expression.
When taking natural cannabis/hemp spectrums, this balance between activation/inhibitions occur often. Still, these Broad Spectrum extractions reliably facilitate better properties as the dosage increases. The receptors and cannabinoids play catch and release, while the ECS harmonises in response to the cannabinoid boost that regular CBD/CBG use can provide.
Cannabigerol is a 5HT1a serotonin receptor antagonist or inhibitor. Serotonin is a well-known neurotransmitter that has stakes in the perception of depression, anxiety, wellness, and nausea.
Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist isn’t the most common phrase you’ll hear when learning about CBG, but still, this inhibition provides a reliable explanation for a variety of cannabigerol properties. These receptors play an essential role in sedation, painkilling, and healthy circulation. While cannabigerol may miss out on some pain modulation by not boosting AEA concentrations, this adrenergic receptor activation still helps deliver outstanding support in various ways.
Finally, CBG is a COX 1/2 enzyme inhibitor. Inhibition of these enzymes provides noticeable anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and analgesic properties. This inhibition is a highly valuable and utterly natural attribute of CBG.
All of the properties listed above are important, and as you are about to see, they enmesh perfectly with CBD’s receptor activities.
CBD the Classic Powerhouse
- CB1 Receptor: Mild Agonist
- CB2 Receptor: Mild agonist
- FAAH Enzyme: Inhibitor
- AEA (Anandamide) Boosting
- AEA Induced CB1 Receptor Activation
- 5HT1a Serotonin Receptor Agonist
- TRPV1 Vanilloid Pain Receptor Agonist
- PPARy Genetic Receptor Agonist
Cannabidiol is a mild agonist for both CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, it does make up for this mild activity through its selective enzyme inhibition and peripheral cellular targeting.
CBD famously inhibits FAAH. FAAH is an enzyme that is used to break down anandamide, one of our crucial endocannabinoid compounds. AEA, anandamide, therefore flourishes when CBD is ingested.
AEA has a spectacular affinity for CB1 receptors, leading to a slew of potent receptor activities associated with CBD administration. AEA interacts mildly with CB2 receptors, and AEA/2-AG levels self regulate, leading to a well-rounded, and well-tolerated boost to our endocannabinoid tone when enjoying CBD. Broad Spectrum brews are a sure-fire way to up the total support received by the endocannabinoid system, so always keep a few on deck.
CBD also has an affinity for 5HT1a serotonin receptors. Cannabidiol acts as an activator for these sites, counterbalancing CBG’s inhibition of this receptor type.
CBD interacts with vanilloid pain TRPV1 receptor sites. These receptors, as their name implies, work closely with the perception of pain. Cannabidiol and our endogenous cannabinoids seem to work with these receptors for various reasons, including anti-inflammation and immune support.
Another vital set of CBD targets are the PPARy genetic receptors. These receptors play essential roles in neuroprotection, neurogenesis, neuropathic pain regulation, and anti-inflammation.
Shared Qualities
By reading over these brief neurochemical reviews, you can see that CBG and CBD have quite a few differences, despite their targeted support of holistic health.
To tidy up this comparison, we will also note the areas where the properties of these cannabinoids overlap:
- Neuroprotection
- Antioxidation
- Anti-inflammation
- Pain Reduction
CBG may increase the expression of BDNFs, which are growth factors that play crucial roles in neurological support. These BDNFs can display neuroprotective attributes. CBD’s improvement of AEA levels leads to CB1 receptor activity, which has been associated with neuroprotective benefits.
Cannabidiol is a popular antioxidant. Most commonly, it is mentioned for its ability to suppress inflammatory cytokines. It also fights oxidation from select food components. CBG also works to inhibit inflammatory cytokines, as well as prostaglandin E2, preventing excess oxidative damage.
The anti-inflammatory impact of CBD is respected across the globe. CBG also plays an incredible role in the modification of this phenomenon. Both handle cytokines, and both influence inflammation-modifying cannabinoid receptors, and both relate to cellular targets along pathways associated with anti-inflammation.
To manage tension and stress, more and more customers are reaching for cannabinoid products. CBD stimulates CB1 receptors, which can influence the release of neurotransmitters, soothing painful stimuli. CBG and CBD are both lipoxygenase inhibitors, which can help to attenuate and reduce the sensation of pain. CBG is a much more potent inhibitor of this element than either CBD or THC.
Choosing the Best Cannabinoid Tonic
When it comes down to it, each body is different. A variety of factors will influence which products and administration routes become your favourite. Keeping this in mind, a broad-spectrum approach, leveraging a variety of cannabinoid preparations, is likely the best way to discover the joys of hemp.
Load up your cart, and you’ll see why our customers covet the incredible, natural, and rejuvenating qualities of our lab-verified cannabinoid products. Bolster your regimen, explore our exciting product line, and start thriving with Herbal Health’s all-natural CBD.
