CBG vs. CBD : Know The Differences & Where to Find Them?

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Comparing CBD vs. CBG is necessary due to the similarities between the two. Studies on cannabinoids have emphasized the benefits of popular compounds like CBD and THC. Many have used these compounds for their health benefits and recreational value. However, we know very little about other beneficial cannabinoid compounds, and one of these under-utilized compounds is CBG.

Fortunately, recent studies have shone a light on the therapeutic benefits of CBG. We now understand why experts regard it as the mother of all cannabinoids. CBG offers so many benefits, including a possible cure for cancer. But it is not as popular as CBD. So, many do not know the difference between the two cannabinoid extracts. Hence, this review highlights the differences between CBG and CBD. We also explained their health benefits and the best brands to buy from.

What is CBG?

Cannabis contains more than 100 compounds. But CBG, cannabigerol, is one of the most psychoactive compounds found in the plant. CBG was synthesized for the first time in 1964. Ever since then, studies have discovered numerous benefits it offers for improved health. CBG also promises excellent therapeutic value, although more research is underway to ascertain the true extent of its power.

Current research already shows that CBG may be more potent than THC. Also, it does not get users high or cause side effects such as anxiety and paranoia. CBG also proves to have antidepressant, antibiotic, and anti-cancer effects. Specifically, CBG possesses partial agonist properties on CB1 and CB2 receptors. In addition, CBG plays a role in suppressing inflammation and regulating the immune system.

The chemical precursor of CBG is cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Cannabis plants produce CBGA as they grow. As the plants mature, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) are formed from CBGA. In turn, CBD and THC come from these compounds. Afterward, any left-over CBGA is then converted into CBG. Moreso, heat transforms CBGA into CBG when decarboxylating cannabis.

CBG is present in cannabis plants but not in a significant amount. However, with selective breeding, farmers can produce strains rich in cannabinoids. Some brands also use industrial hemp to extract CBG. A hemp distillate or large quantities of hemp biomass can help accomplish the process.

What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of the compounds found in cannabis plants and the best known of these compounds. Researchers first discovered CBD by isolating it from cannabis in the 1930s. However, studies on CBD intensified in the 1970s after studies revealed its health benefits.

Clinical trials show that CBD might be helpful as a medication. In addition, many doctors believe that CBD Products show promise as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps to relieve pain. CBD also proves effective against other health conditions. These include drug-resistant epilepsy, multiple sclerosis-related muscle spasms, and seizures. Further, CBD is a standard alternative drug treatment for anxiety. Studies show that CBD reduces feelings of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. CBD is also said to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound. It is becoming more popular as an alternative therapy because it does not cause high blood pressure, liver damage, or addiction. CBD has to interact with THC synergistically to produce psychoactive effects. But the presence of CBG in the mixture amplifies the overall effect of CBD.

In addition to acting on a range of physiological receptors, CBD also influences the endocannabinoid system. As a CB2 agonist, it partly interacts with the CB1 receptor, a component of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Best Brands and Products for CBD and CBG in 2022:

Knowing where to buy CBD and CBG products is as important as knowing the benefits. There are many brands out there, but few of them offer quality products. Hence, we researched the most reliable brands and products for CBD and CBG. Here is our list of the tops brands and their best features:

  1. Exhale Wellness CBD – Overall Best for CBD Products, Editor’s Choice
  2. BudPop CBD – Most Potent Brand, Best Unique Flavors Of CBD
  3. BudPop CBD + CBG and Turmeric Gummies – Best CBD + CBG Product

#1. Exhale Wellness CBD – Overall Best For CBD Products, Editor’s Choice

Exhale Wellness is a top-notch hemp brand that sells superfoods and high-quality hemp products for health and recreation. The Los Angeles-based company is the go-to place for many in the US craving the best-quality hemp products and an optimized CBD experience.

Exhale Wellness is a leading pioneer in the cannabis industry. The company has a team of experts using innovation and best practices to maximize the health benefits of hemp extracts. Plus, it produces delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, HHC products, and various CBD products.

Exhale Wellness makes CBD edibles, oils, flowers, carts, and pre-rolls. Its cannabidiol extracts produce significant health benefits for the endocannabinoid systems (ECS). Hence, they help regulate functions such as sleep, memory, and inflammatory responses.

Highlights

Exhale Wellness extracts CBD using the CO2 method. Alternative extraction methods involve chemical processes using hazardous substances toxic to humans and the environment. The CO2 method may be the most expensive extraction method, but it ensures you are getting the highest-quality extract possible. Exhale Wellness uses this method to be more thorough and ensure consumer safety. In addition, it lets the company make its products in the purest CBD form possible.

Exhale Wellness CBD products are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. The full-spectrum CBD products contain THC. However, they are still within the legal limits. Exhale Wellness’ full-spectrum CBD oil and full-spectrum CBD gummies contain less than 0.3% THC. The company also makes broad-spectrum CBD products with no traces of THC. And finally, it has CBD isolate products with pure CBD-only extracts.

Exhale Wellness uses 100% natural ingredients and plant terpenes to make its products. Further, the products are non-GMO, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly. The all-natural CBD products also come in natural delectable flavors. The gummies, pre-rolls, CBD oils, flowers, and cartridges have terpene-based flavors for an incredible experience.

Exhale Wellness sources its hemp from trusted US farms. It means that the hemp plants are free of pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful heavy metals. Also, the company does third-party lab tests on its CBD products. These tests help to confirm the efficiency and safety of CBD products. Exhale Wellness further makes its Certificates of Analysis available on its website. So before choosing which CBD product to buy, you can check the CoA and ensure your safety.

Exhale Wellness offers a subscribe-and-save subscription service where you can select either twice weekly or monthly delivery while saving 25%. First-time buyers also get a 20% discount. The company also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and free shipping in the US.

Pros

  • Wide range of CBD products
  • Various natural flavors
  • Vegan-friendly CBD products
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Highly potent products
  • Free shipping available

Cons

  • Online sales only

=> Click here to visit the official website of Exhale Wellness

#2. BudPop CBD – Most Potent Brand, Best Unique Flavors Of CBD

BudPop is a relatively young brand. But the company started with people who had already been working in the industry for over 30 years. Their combined knowledge and experience allowed them to develop a wide range of products using the cannabis plant for health benefits.

BudPop is a fantastic company and has succeeded by being one of the best CBD brands. Its products are excellent and give people the best experience of CBD and THC.

With its new line of products, BudPop is going for an even wider audience, especially among the youth. The company also targets those who are new to CBD products. It finds ways for everyone to enjoy CBD without worrying about safety issues or side effects. Moreover, there are no chemicals in any of its products, making them safe for consumers.

Highlights

BudPop makes cannabis products such as gummies, flowers, tinctures, and vapes carts. Further, all BudPop’s products contain organic hemp from farms in Nevada. These farms have earned the industry’s trust for their pure hemp plants. The plants are free of harmful chemicals and pesticides.

All of BudPop’s products are vegan and 100% organic. Specific ingredients and flavors may vary by product, but they are all non-GMO and gluten-free. Their labels list every ingredient used in their manufacturing process. These can be viewed by hovering above each product on BudPop’s website. Further, each BudPop CBD product undergoes rigorous third-party lab testing. It allows customers to see what is inside each product. The products go through testing at Catalysis Laboratories, located in Nevada, USA. In addition, these lab tests are easily accessible when viewing the company website.

BudPop is a new brand on the market. However, it is getting great feedback from customers. The reviews show the customers love what they have been buying from the company. Also, the company has received positive reviews in several popular online magazines and newspapers. However, CBG oils are rare and expensive.

With BudPop’s marketing strategy, customers who become regulars get rewarded with discounted prices and gifts. Once users become loyal customers, they will get more discounts. It creates brand loyalty among customers. Customers can earn rewards for engaging the company’s website and social media pages. They also get reward points each time they purchase any of the company’s products. Further, the company offers a money-back guarantee to its customer base. It also provides free shipping on orders above 50 dollars and weekends and holidays.

Pros

  • High-potency CBD products
  • Non-GMO and chemical-free
  • Third-party lab tested
  • On-time delivery
  • Legal CBD products
  • High-quality accessories

Cons

  • No shipping outside the US
  • Only sold online

=> Click here to visit the official website of BudPop CBD

#3. BudPop CBD + CBG and Turmeric Gummies – Best CBD + CBG Product

As a new brand in the CBD market, BudPop keeps making its impact with innovations. It is one of the few brands that offer CBG for an incredible experience. BudPop launched three CBD-infused gummy candies targeting different markets. And all of them have been popular among customers. They include CBD + CBG and Turmeric, CBD + CBN variant, and CBD + Ashwagandha.

The combination of CBD and CBG in BudPop’s gummies helps either compound boost the effects of the other. Among the common conditions they treat are chronic pain, insomnia, lack of appetite, anxiety, and depression.

Highlights

CBD + CBG and Turmeric contain powerful anti-inflammatory and digestion-improving ingredients. The gummies contain organic turmeric extract and hemp extracts made with 100% natural ingredients. Plus, they are free of any harmful chemicals or pesticides. Turmeric, black pepper extract, and pectin help improve the taste and texture of these vegan gummies and offer health benefits.

Turmeric, an herb found in curry, has been known to help with inflammation. It could also help people who have arthritis or other inflammatory diseases. Black pepper is an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and promote digestion. It makes nutrients more available by increasing absorption. Black pepper also increases the absorption of other nutrients by improving their bioavailability.

The gummies contain fruit pectin instead of animal gelatin. This pectin makes it vegan-friendly and suitable for everyone. It also helps the gummies maintain their chewy and fruity make-up. BudPop also used sunflower oil to make the gummies stay fresh for longer. Sunflower oil also makes them soft and smooth while providing other health benefits. BudPop’s CBD + CBG and Turmeric gummies include sugar, tapioca syrup, water, natural flavoring, sodium citrate, and sodium acid sulfate.

These gummies come in packs of 30 candies. Each pack contains 25 mg of CBD and 10 mg of CBG. In addition, the packs contain 100 mg of turmeric and 0.5 mg of black pepper. The product has third-party lab test results online. You can check BudPop’s website for its CoA. Moreover, BudPop offers free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee on its CBD + CBG gummies. There is also a 20% discount for first-time buyers.

Pros

  • Highly nutritious ingredients
  • Effective remedy for pain and indigestion
  • Zero traces of THC
  • 100% organic and vegan-friendly
  • Free shipping
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Only sold online

=> Click here to visit the official website of BudPop 

CBD vs. CBG: A Quick Comparison

  • Molecular Structure

Cannabinoids bind to receptors differently depending on their molecular structure, affecting their bioavailability. Your body absorbs or takes up molecules based on their bioavailability. CBD and CBG have very different chemical compositions. Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the two molecules have different arrangements. Thus, they interact differently with the body’s cannabinoid receptors.

  • Pharmacology

CBD and CBG interact differently with the 5-HT1A receptor. Both compounds affect this binding site but have more than one effect. For example, CBD may cause some receptors to release calcium ions, while CBG makes them stay closed. Also, despite binding to the same receptor, CBD’s anti-nausea effects are subdued by CBG.

  • Effects on Appetite

Studies have proven that CBG helps improve appetite and amount of food intake. On the other hand, CBD reduces the amount of food intake.

CBG vs. CBD: Legality

CBD and CBG both have the same legal status in the US. The 2008 Farm Bill legalized the use of CBD. The bill classified CBD as an agricultural commodity instead of a controlled substance. However, some states in the US may still restrict non-intoxicating cannabis. In addition, hemp-derived products can only be legally sold in the US if they contain 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or lower.

CBG vs CBD: Psychoactivity

Psychoactivity describes something that causes changes in someone’s mental state or personality. Many people find hemp products intoxicating, but others prefer these products without getting high. However, psychoactivity is different from intoxication. Hemp products that relieve pain, stress, and anxiety and induce sleep are psychoactive. It means that they change your mental state to achieve the desired effect. But they are not all intoxicating. Full-spectrum CBD products contain a minor selection of other cannabinoids (including CBG), which offer an easier-to-source solution.

CBD and CBG do not interact with the CB1 receptors. Hence, they are not intoxicating. But the two substances are psychoactive. THC, on the other hand, is intoxicating. So when a hemp product is intoxicating, the presence of THC is the catalyst.

CBG vs. CBD: Medical Benefits

The true extent of the benefits CBD and CBG offer is still unknown. However, studies have revealed more medical benefits of CBD than CBG. There are some similarities in what the two compounds offer, and there are also some differences.

  • Benefits of CBD

Firstly, CBD is the compound responsible for maintaining the optimal functioning of the endocannabinoids. CBD can be used to treat many ailments. It helps people with chronic pain and inflammation and manages metabolic disorders, neuropathy, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. Studies have also proven that CBD helps treat dementia, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, sleep deprivation, nausea, and vomiting. CBD has shown promise in treating other diseases, and there are currently several clinical trials underway.

  • Benefits of CBG

Firstly, CBG stimulates appetite without making you feel high, unlike THC. Research shows it may be an ideal treatment for cachexia, anorexia, appetite loss, and wasting syndrome. Cachexia causes patients to lose weight because their bodies do not properly use or burn up nutrients. Anorexia is when people do not eat due to emotional stress. The wasting syndrome occurs when a person loses muscle mass, fat, and bone tissue.

Further, CBG acts as an anti-inflammatory agent which may help treat irritable bowel syndrome. Studies suggest it could effectively treat inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other digestive issues associated with these conditions.

CBG also shows promise for treating some forms of cancer. CBD might also help treat Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), a common cause of skin and soft tissue infections. CBG kills cell lines that contain cancerous cells through programmed cell death. Also, CBD is an excellent antibacterial compound. Further, CBD can help prevent neural degeneration and damage to the brain.

  • Benefits of CBD Plus CBG

Experts believe that cannabinoids work together to increase the body’s healing ability. The best example of this is when THC and CBD combine to relieve potential side effects while improving overall wellness. It is shown in the cannabis industry by using CBD-derived products that include both CBD and THC. The synergy of CBD and CBG also enhances the benefits they each offer. CBG has a host of promising potential benefits and more research is being done into easing the production and availability of the cannabinoid.

CBD and CBG can treat certain medical conditions like chronic pain or inflammation. However, they work together to create an even better effect than either could alone. CBD and CBG can individually treat nausea and vomiting, but they are more effective at easing these symptoms when combined.

CBG vs. CBD: Side Effects

CBD and CBG have similar side effects. But it would help if you did not have to worry about anxiety and paranoia. Moreover, they are not lethal when taken in excess. CBD and CBG may cause some minor side effects, including diarrhea, dry mouth, changes in appetite, and tiredness.

Little is known about how CBD and CBG interact with daily medication. But we know that they may interact with antibiotics, anti-microbial, anti-cancer medications, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, cholesterol medications, corticosteroids, erectile dysfunction medications, gastrointestinal medications, heart rhythm medications, and pain medications. Further, the substances may react differently with other drugs or supplements because every person’s body is different. You should always consult with your doctor before using CBD or CBG, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, are taking prescription medications, or plan on having surgery.

Check with a medical expert if you consider taking medications alongside CBD and CBG. For example, some people experience side effects when taking certain medications after taking CBD. Also, CBD and CBG may interfere with sleep cycles. Be sure you understand the potential risks and how they affect your body before taking them. A rat study discovered that CBG encouraged the animals to eat twice as much as they normally would. However, a CBD study discovered that the cannabinoid significantly reduces total food intake.

CBG vs. CBD: Drug Testing

Full-spectrum CBD and CBG do not contain any traces of THC. Drug tests look for cannabis compounds such as THC. So, they do not show positive results for those who use CBD products. So if you take CBD or CBG, you will not get positive results when taking drug tests. Also, if the CBD product contains less than 0.3% THC, you will not fail the drug test. To find out how much THC a CBD product has, check its Certificate of Analysis on the brand’s website.

Key Takeaways on the Difference Between CBG vs. CBD

Studies on CBG continue to progress, albeit limited in comparison to CBD. For now, researchers believe CBG may help reduce some adverse symptoms of illnesses such as cancer. There is not much research on CBG’s ability to protect against other health issues. Also, CBG interacts negatively with certain medications, so users must take caution when using both together. When it comes to CBD and CBG, they, too, can enhance their painkilling, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.

Unfortunately, CBG is not in excess like CBD. But before CBG becomes more accessible, it is possible to find CBD products that contain some amount of CBG. Just remember to check third-party lab reports before buying CBD products. The Certificates of Analysis can tell you everything you need to know about the product.

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