The food and wellness sector has seen plenty of developments, and newer products have flooded the market. Products like CBD gummies have ruled the market for years and are constantly facing challenges from lesser-known products like CBG. To new buyers, these may sound confusing. Hence, let us understand the contrast between them in this article.
What is CBD?
CBD or Cannabidiol is a naturally occurring substance in the “marijuana plant” – Cannabis sativa. We started extracting CBD first around the 1930s, but it was not till the 1970s that we started using it widely. Another revolution for the product came in 2018 after the Farm Bill. Ever since the extensive usage started, there has been more and more research on this compound, making it the most popular legal product of the Cannabis plant. Many studies have claimed its therapeutic advantages and suggested that it has a wide range of uses and benefits. It is an impeccable pain-reliever, an ideal stress-buster, an excellent sedative with anti-nausea and nootropic qualities, and many more.
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It does not end here as it has shocked even many enthusiasts with reports claiming its benefits on diseases like cancer and epilepsy. It is present in Epidiolex, a drug approved by the FDA of the United States. The last few years have been unbelievably fruitful for CBD. It has become the go-to cannabinoid for thousands worldwide, thanks to reliable feedback from all the tests and positive reports. Another vital feature of CBD is that it does not make the user high, unlike its cousin compound THC, the primary culprit behind the high in marijuana. It interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in our body and provides benefits without anxiety or paranoia.
What is CBG?
Like CBD, Cannabigerol or CBG is another compound from the Cannabis sativa plant. There are numerous compounds in the plant, like CBD and CBG, each with its features and uses. To understand CBG better, let us look at the chemistry behind it. We get compounds like CBD and THC from an acid called Cannabigerolic acid or CBGA. When the cannabis plant matures, CBGA breaks down to CBDA (Cannabidiolic acid) for CBD and THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) for THC. The leftover CBGA then converts to CBG. This compound has been around since the 1960s but did not get much attention like Cannabidiol. Hence, there are not enough studies on it, and it does not have an equally large fan base either. Currently, the research on CBG is still in its infancy but shows promising signs.
There is a possibility that, like CBD, Cannabigerol also has powerful pain killing qualities. It may also interact with the same CB1 and CB2 receptors as Cannabidiol, which opens a similar pathway for this compound. Therefore, it may affect pain, inflammation, stress, etc.
Benefits of CBG
CBG is a new product in the market, as discussed. However, it is still possibly a versatile offering from the same plant that produces therapeutic substances like Cannabidiol. It affects our body’s ECS (Endocannabinoid System) and triggers various alterations and responses. Cannabigerol may provide the user with energy to power through a tough day. It is available in a wide range of products throughout the market and could give tough competition to CBD in the future. Similar to the latter, you can find oil, gummies, wax, and many more products that come with CBG. Hence, it shows similar levels of versatility. The recent surge in the popularity of Cannabigerol products could be due to the benefits it provides. Let us look at a few benefits of CBG.
Anxiety-alleviation
Millions of people in the USA alone fight anxiety daily. It is not looking promising for us, and the numbers are only increasing. Thanks to a hectic and competitive world, people worldwide are more stressed than ever. You can blame plenty of factors for this global uprise in stress and anxiety levels. For instance, jobs have become more stressful, and working from home has increased working hours. Not seeing your loved ones also strains relationships, increasing chances of fights and personal life problems. Cannabigerol may protect consumers in these scenarios. It may also enhance dopamine levels, boosting the mood of the user. The CBG products come with trace amounts of THC, leading to similar benefits.
Better sleep
Cannabis-based products are generally excellent when it comes to inducing quality sleep. CBD and CBG are no exceptions. It helps get rid of negative thoughts and slows down our metabolism to facilitate better sleep. Hence, it can even lead to fresher, healthier, and more motivated mornings, resulting in more productive days.
While the popularity and interest in Cannabigerol continue to grow, more research will surely follow. Hence, we will learn more about this substance and get a better idea about its uses. There have been many studies on Cannabidiol, and it is the most widely used cannabinoid today. However, CBD is far more prevalent and studied.
Differences Between CBG & CBD
While the two cannabis-based compounds show many similarities, there still are a few differences. For starters, their molecular structures show a significant distinction. The molecular structure determines how a cannabinoid interacts with the receptors and plays a role in their effects. Hence, the arrangements of the oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon atoms are different in the two products, leading to the possibility of more significant contrasts between their properties.
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According to a study, CBG acts as an antagonist to the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, while CBD shows powerful anti-nausea qualities. Therefore, there will always be a possibility that these two compounds show different impacts in the same scenario. They also show differences in how they affect the appetite of the user. Cannabidiol is also subtle, while CBG shows more potent effects. CBG is also present in smaller quantities compared to CBD. Hence it is more costly.
Conclusion
There is an increased awareness among people globally about the difference between natural and artificial substances, and it is a good thing. There is a switch in preference to organic products in this revolutionary movement, leading to a change in the markets forever. People have started to understand the values of organic products and their benefits. In this revolution, cannabis products like CBD and CBG are the frontrunners, leading to a change in demands. With more awareness about their uses and lesser side effects, these products can become even more popular. Hence, their markets have the potential to grow and expand exponentially in the coming years.
Check the websites of reliable vendors for the best offers, and consult with your doctor for the best advice on these products. Your doctor can tell you which is the best product according to your lifestyle and body.