CBD is one of the cannabinoids that has been in the spotlight for a long time. This cannabinoid is associated with many health benefits, such as pain relief and anxiety treatment. As time goes by, other cannabinoids such as CBG are now gaining interest from scientists and cannabis consumers. This cannabinoid is somehow similar to CBD. For instance, they are both non-intoxicating and neuroprotective. Also, they both offer several health benefits.

What Is CBG?

Cannabigerol, popularly known as CBG, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. People usually derive this compound from young cannabis plants since these plants contain high amounts of the compound.

CBG is used to make many products, including capsules, relief drops, and soft gels. When you consume any of these CBG products, their CBG will interact with your endocannabinoid receptors. That, in turn, will make your neurotransmitters work more effectively.

CBG products can help regulate your appetite and alleviate pain. They can also help regulate your sleep and enhance motivation. However, they do not cause any euphoric feelings.

What Is CBD?

CBD is a popular cannabinoid that people obtain from the hemp plant. It is one of the active ingredients in the marijuana plant. Unlike THC, this compound is not psychoactive.

CBD is used to make different products, including CBD edibles and CBD topicals. CBD edibles are simply foodstuffs infused with CBD. On the other hand, CBD topicals are creams, salves, and CBD balms. You can also consume CBD through smoke inhalation.

CBD is used to treat different health conditions, including epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, and multiple sclerosis. It can also help you manage depression symptoms and PTSD symptoms. It can also help alleviate amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and opioid withdrawal symptoms. Below are more details on this cannabinoid and the differences between CBD and CBG.

The Chemical Makeup of CBD Is Different from That of CBG

Since CBG and CBD are cannabinoids, they have carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. However, their molecular structures are different. CBG has twenty-one carbon molecules, thirty-two hydrogen molecules, and two oxygen molecules. 

On the other hand, CBD has twenty-one carbon molecules, thirty hydrogen molecules, and two oxygen molecules. The difference in the molecular structures of these two compounds makes them be absorbed differently by the body. That means that they interact differently with the cannabinoid receptors.

CBD and CBG Activate Receptors Differently

5-HT1A receptor is one of the receptors that CBD interacts with. This receptor is a serotonin receptor that is activated by antipsychotic and antidepressant medications. Its activation inhibits 5-Ht neuron firing. It is usually located in the raphe nuclei.

When you consume CBD products, the CBD in them activates this receptor. That results in a reduction in nausea. CBG, on the other hand, blocks this receptor. That means if you consume a CBG product and then consume a CBD product, the CBD in this product will not have any anti-nausea effects. In short, when it comes to receptors, CBG acts as an antagonist while CBD behaves like an agonist.

CBD and CBG Are Used for Different Health Purposes

CBD and CBG offer similar health benefits. However, these two compounds are used to treat different health conditions. For instance, CBG is the most preferred option when it comes to the treatment of migraines. You can also use this compound to treat muscle soreness.

CBD, on the other hand, is better suited for treating inflammation. Why? It is more psychoactive than its cousin CBG. It is also more powerful than CBG. That means that you only need to consume a small amount of CBD to experience the effects associated with this cannabinoid.

CBD and CBG Have Different Side Effects

You will likely experience certain side effects after consuming CBD products. These side effects include increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and dry mouth. CBG, on the other hand, may make you feel fatigued.

To ensure that these side effects do not get out of hand, you should never mix CBG and CBD if you intend to use any of these products for medicinal purposes. You should also seek medical advice before using them.

Conclusion

CBD and CBG are both cannabinoids that people obtain from cannabis plants. These two have similar properties, but people use them to treat different health conditions. They interact with cannabinoid receptors differently and have different molecular structures.