THE BEAST

The cannabis plant is made up of several chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. Our body has a dedicated endocannabinoid system designated to interact with these compounds to achieve a healthy equilibrium.

Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the most popular cannabinoid found actively in Marijuana. 

It is THC that gives its user the famous “high”. THC is also renowned for its soothing effects and pain relief properties.

Recently, Cannabidiol or CBD has also gained immense popularity amongst people who are looking for the therapeutic qualities of THC/Marijuana but are not keen on experiencing the intoxicating effects associated with THC.

Like THC and CBD, Cannabigerol (CBG) is another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plants. CBG is also a non-intoxicating compound of cannabis and does not induce a “high”.

Before going into further details about the benefits of CBG and if it's better than CBD, let's first dive into what CBG actually is.

What Is CBG?

CBG is better known as the precursor for other cannabinoids. It is the activated form of the acid Cannabigerol Acid or CBGA. 

All the Cannabinoids in the cannabis are naturally present in an acidic form and are activated after getting heated or after decarboxylation . 

Upon heating, the acidic form of CBG (CBG-A) breaks down and makes CBD and THC via CBDA and THCA.
CBDA and THCA are acidic forms of CBD and THC respectively.

The amount of CBGA which does not convert to CBD and THC is decarboxylated into CBG.

While we have sufficient research and data available on CBD, research on CBG is still limited at best. However, the scientists have understood the different ways the two cannabinoids interact with the body.

CBD has a comparatively lower affinity for cannabinoid receptors and generally interacts with the endocannabinoid system indirectly. On the other hand, CBG interacts directly with the CB1 and CB2 receptors present in the brain.

Preliminary research suggests that CBG may be helpful in treatment of multiple conditions. 

What is the Difference Between CBD and CBG?

While CBG helps make CBD, and they are both cannabinoids, they are both distinct compounds that are present in the cannabis plant. 

Furthermore, both compounds serve different purposes and can be used to treat different ailments.

Both CBG and CBD are non-psychotropic and do not alter your state of mind to inhibit your day to day functions and mental clarity.

They do alter your mind, however, in a way that can potentially relieve your anxiety and depression. Although it does not induce a “high” like THC.

CBG also has the potential of increasing your appetite, unlike CBD. It is also different from a photo-cannabinoid THCV, which is responsible for inhibiting your appetite and promotes weight loss.

What Are the (Potential) Benefits of CBG?

CBG possesses the potential of treating several conditions, however no clinical trials have been conducted to verify this presently. Some of the potential benefits of CBG are as follows:

CBG may Treat Glaucoma and Relieve Intraocular Pressure

A study conducted in 1990 which examined the effects of CBG on glaucoma patients suggested that CBG and other cannabinoids related to it may prove to be useful in treating glaucoma.

However, CBG can only supplement your regular glaucoma medication, and not replace it. Further it should only be taken in addition to prescribed medication after consulting a physician.

CBG may have Antibacterial Properties

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of infection caused by bacteria that is resistant to methicillin, a common antibiotic. 

A 2008 study showed that CBG may prove to be effective in treating MRSA as an antibacterial agent. This demonstrates that CBG may have the potential to treat other bacteria that are resistant to traditional antibiotics.

CBG contributes to GABA Reuptake Inhibition

Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is the predominant inhibitory neurotransmitter present in our central nervous system.

CBG inhibits GABA uptake, which leads to experiencing relief from tension and muscle relaxation. It also makes you feel a calming sensation and brings peace to your mind and body.

CBG can help treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colitis

A 2013 Study showed positive results and concluded that CBG could reduce the effect of colitis .

The study found that patients have experienced successful management of abdominal pain, cramping, joint pain, poor appetite, diarrhoea, nausea and weight loss with the use of cannabis that contained CBG.

However, there is no conclusive proof that a CBG isolate could exhibit the same results as cannabis.

CBG may help in treatment of Huntington’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases

A 2015 study conducted on mice found that using CBG alone or in combination with other photo cannabinoids or therapies could possibly treat neurodegenerative diseases.

According to the study, CBG normalized the expression on abnormal genes that are linked to brain degeneration. 

CBG may have the potential to fight Cancer

CBG can potentially inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells, as evidenced by laboratory studies. An article in 2009 suggested that CBG could slow tumour growth.

CBG can directly inhibit tumour progression.

It can stimulate appetite in rats, which could help patients that are undergoing chemotherapy.

CBG may treat Inflammation

A 2007 report studied CBG’s ability to treat psoriasis and eczema. It can also reduce the inflammation that is associated with IBD.

Why is CBD better than CBG despite its potential benefits?

The main reason why CBG has not been recognized as a common therapeutic treatment is due to the following reasons.

• Exorbitant cost of its production. 

  
  

CBG is one of the most expensive cannabinoids to produce. It is often referred to as the “Rolls Royce of Cannabinoids”.

It takes thousands of pounds of biomass to produce minimal amounts of CBG isolate. 

This is because hemp contains only a minute percentage of CBG. On the other hand, CBD is found abundantly in hemp and constitutes up to 20% of the plant.

Thus, the amount of money spent to produce a finite amount of CBG is the same as required to produce 20 times more CBD. It is much more economical to produce CBD.

• Difficulty in Extraction of CBG

  
  

As the cannabis plant matures, chances are that CBGA and CBG present in it will get converted into other cannabinoids. 

Thus, the cultivators either have to harvest the crop before it matures, to fully avail the CBG, or let it mature and process the plant into more profitable compounds, albeit with a lesser CBG content.

• Extraction Of CBG Requires Specialized Tools

  
  

CBG extraction requires use of specialized equipment. Due to the low concentration of CBG in cannabis strains, the apparatus needed to extract it must be very precise and accurate. 

The cost of this apparatus can be very high, and the promised returns may not be enough to justify the costs.

• Lack of Research On CBG

  
  

Most of the benefits associated with CBG are yet to be verified as no clinical trials have been conducted so far. 

CBD, on the other hand, is FDA approved and has proven itself to be an effective treatment to various ailments.

Both CBD and CBG have potential health benefits and are non-intoxicating and have no negative effect on your mental faculties. 

But while CBG is present in minuscule quantities in the cannabis plant and is difficult to extract, CBD extraction from hemp is easier.

The better and cheaper option is to go for CBD, which has almost the same therapeutic benefits as CBG.

Various Products of CBD

Different products of CBD, serve a different purpose and are administered in different ways.

• CBD Edibles- 

  
  

These are CBD gummies or candies that can be easily consumed orally.
After consumption the CBD from the products is absorbed by the body after digestion in the stomach.
CBD edibles is the right option for people who do not enjoy the different taste of CBD oil. 

CBD gummies are also cheaper than CBD oil or CBD vapes.

If you are seriously considering CBD as an alternative to your prescription drugs then it's advised that you avoid your local stores.

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• CBD Vapes-

  
  

CBD vapes are vape cartridges or disposable vape pens containing CBD.
These are absorbed by inhalation.
Although this method of inhalation may not be as appealing as CBD edibles, CBD vaping is one of the fastest ways to see the effects of CBD quickly. 

• CBD Oil and Tinctures-

  
  

CBD oil is nothing but CBD infused in any carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil.
These can either be directly applied on the skin or taken sublingually through the mouth.
This sublingual method of consumption works faster than orally taking CBD. However, when it comes to choosing a CBD oil online, always look for a well-reputed brand like Nuleaf Natural which provides high-quality and tested CBD oil. 

• CBD Topicals-

  
  

Creams, salves and lotions infused with CBD together make CBD topicals .

These are mostly used to treat skin conditions like acne, soreness, inflammation and irritation on skin.
These are applied directly on the affected area, and are absorbed by the skin in a few minutes. 

Conclusion

CBD and CBG are phytocannabinoids of the cannabis plant sharing many properties and benefits. 

Both these compounds are not psychoactive and do not cause any feeling of “high” upon consumption.

Although both CBD and CBG are used medicinally to cure common to severe ailments, CBD is the better and cheaper option as it is more readily available and is well researched.