The Differences Between CBD and CBG

     If you've heard about CBD vs CBG but aren't sure how they are different or which could be right for you, you are in the right place.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol that is extracted from hemp plants. It has gained a bunch of popularity for its therapeutic properties without the psychoactive effects typically associated with cannabis. It's often used to promote relaxation, mental calming, manage stress, and support your overall well-being.

Dealing with daily stress or looking for a more natural way to calm your mind, CBD might just be your winner.

What is CBG?

Less well-known but equally amazing. Often called the "mother of cannabinoids," CBG(Cannabigerol)is the chemical parent from which other cannabinoids such as CBD and THC derive. It's praised for its potential anti-inflammatory properties and ability to support you in digestive health. If you're looking to explore new things in natural wellness, CBG could be your next move.

How Do They Differ?

One of the big differences between CBD and CBG is in their concentrations inside the hemp plant. Cannabidiol is usually more abundant, making it easier to extract in larger quantities.

Cannabigerol, on the other hand, is found in smaller amounts, which makes it more challenging to produce and can result in higher costs.

Both cannabinoids interact with your body's endocannabinoid system, but they do so in slightly different ways. CBD tends to have a broader range of effects, from promoting relaxation to supporting sleep, while CBG has been sought after for its potential digestive health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.

Understanding the Spectrum of CBG and CBD: Full, Broad, and Isolate

When exploring the world of CBG and CBD, it's crucial to understand the different product types: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. Each offers unique benefits and characteristics, tailored to different needs and preferences.

Full Spectrum

Full spectrum CBG and CBD products are derived from the whole hemp plant. This means they contain a comprehensive array of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and amino acids—over a hundred different compounds. The synergy between these components is often referred to as the "entourage effect," where each element enhances the overall effect.

A defining feature of full spectrum products is the presence of trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), usually 0.3% or less. This is not enough to cause psychoactive effects, but it's something to consider if you are concerned about drug tests, as THC can still appear on screenings.

Broad Spectrum

For those looking to sidestep THC entirely while still enjoying the benefits of multiple hemp components, broad spectrum CBG and CBD are ideal. These products start with a full hemp extract and remove THC entirely, often through a process known as chromatography.

The absence of THC eliminates concerns about psychoactive effects or positive drug tests, while still providing the beneficial entourage effect due to the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes.

Isolate

Isolate products are the purest form of CBG or CBD, containing no other plant compounds—just the solitary cannabinoid. This form is perfect for those who might be sensitive to other cannabinoids or want to avoid any interaction with THC.

These pure isolates provide a consistent, straightforward approach to dosing but lack the additional benefits that might be derived from the entourage effect found in full or broad spectrum products.

Whether you prioritize purity, a broader range of effects, or a combination of both without THC. Always consider your individual goals and lifestyle when selecting a cannabinoid product.

How Do the Enzymes FAAH and MAGL Function in the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's internal balance, and two key enzymes—Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL)—are vital to its function.

FAAH is primarily responsible for breaking down anandamide (AEA), one of the main endocannabinoids. This enzyme ensures that AEA is available for use when necessary but is swiftly degraded once its job is done. This rapid breakdown helps prevent prolonged activation, maintaining equilibrium within the body.

MAGL, on the other hand, targets 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), another significant endocannabinoid. Similar to FAAH, MAGL ensures that 2-AG acts effectively when required and is subsequently decomposed, avoiding excessive or unregulated effects.

By efficiently regulating the levels of these endocannabinoids, FAAH and MAGL help the body employ its cannabinoid signals only as long as needed, preventing overactivity and contributing to overall homeostasis.

How Does the Method of Consumption Affect Bioavailability and Duration for CBG and CBD?

When considering how CBG and CBD enter your system, the method of consumption plays a pivotal role in determining both the bioavailability and the duration of their effects.

Sublingual Application

Using a tincture under the tongue, or the sublingual method, is particularly effective. The presence of numerous blood vessels beneath the tongue allows for higher bioavailability—meaning a greater percentage of cannabinoids are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Typically, users begin to feel effects within 15 to 20 minutes, lasting approximately 4 to 6 hours. This route is favored for its balance of quick absorption and moderate duration.

Oral Ingestion

Capsules, gummies, and edibles represent another popular choice. These options involve processing through the digestive system, which can delay the onset of effects to around 30 to 90 minutes. However, once active, they provide effects for an extended period—typically ranging from 6 to 10 hours. For those who prefer not to dose frequently, this offers a convenient solution.

Topical Application

For localized symptom relief, such as pain in a specific area, topical products like lotions and salves are frequently used. These are applied directly to the affected area and absorbed through the skin but typically do not enter the bloodstream in significant amounts. Thus, they provide targeted relief without the systemic effects.

Inhalation

Inhaling CBG or CBD through smoking or vaping allows for the fastest absorption, with effects noticeable within a few minutes. However, this method also leads to the shortest duration of effects. Although inhalation offers immediate relief, its effects usually wear off quicker compared to other methods, requiring more frequent dosing.

Selecting the most suitable method depends on personal needs, such as desired onset time, duration of relief, and convenience. Understanding these variables can help you tailor your CBG and CBD experience to best meet your therapeutic goals.

Understanding the Roles of CB1 and CB2 Receptors

The body’s endocannabinoid system is crucial for maintaining balance, or homeostasis, and its functions are largely supported by CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are vital components that help regulate various physiological processes.

CB1 Receptors

CB1 receptors are predominantly located in the central nervous system, which includes the brain. Their primary role is to manage neurological functions such as pain perception, mood, memory, and appetite. When cannabinoids, like those produced naturally by the body or found in plants such as hemp and cannabis, bind to these receptors, they can modulate nerve cell communication. This process initiates changes that bring the body back to a state of balance, affecting how we experience pain or stress, for example.

CB2 Receptors

In contrast, CB2 receptors are mainly located outside of the central nervous system, dispersed throughout peripheral regions such as the immune system. The key role of CB2 receptors is to modulate immune function and inflammation. When activated, they can influence how the body's immune responses develop, playing a part in how the body fights off illness and repairs itself. This contributes to reducing inflammation and enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.

Both CB1 and CB2 receptors act as crucial "locks" that cannabinoids, described as "keys," fit into. This lock-and-key mechanism facilitates communication between cells, initiating responses that help stabilize various bodily functions. This dynamic partnership is essential for overall wellness, underpinning the system that keeps our internal environment stable and healthy.

CBD or CBG?

This really depends on your personal wellness goals. If you're looking for a versatile supplement that can help you unwind after a long day or manage occasional stress, CBD might be the perfect fit for you.

On the other hand, if you're interested in exploring cutting-edge wellness trends and want to support digestive health or possibly ease some super annoying inflammation, CBG(Cannabigerol) could be the cannabinoid for you.

Finding Quality Products

When researching CBD or CBG products, quality is always key. Look for products that are third-party tested, ensuring they meet stringent quality and safety standards.

There are lots of options for products that contain both or each has been focused on specifically. It really depends on the CBD or CBG product you would like to try.

Options:

• Lotions
• Bath Salts
• Edibles
• CBD Oil
• Capsules
• Topicals
• and even more.....

We make a full of line of Broad Spectrum THC free CBD bath and body products at Scott's Essentials CBD Bath and Body. We believe you would enjoy one of these below:

Lavender 2,000 mg CBD Lotion 4 oz.

This silky smooth lavender lotion helps against nerve, joint and muscle discomfort. If you suffer from nerve issues, this is what you have been looking for.

Iced Out 125 mg CBD Twist up topical 0.5 oz.

Provides a cooling sensation when you need it most. The Australian Emu oil, unrefined coconut oil and avocado oil will leave your skin feeling so soft it might amaze you.

Calm The Crazy 1,600 mg CBD Bath Salts 16 oz.

Conclusion

Whether you're excited for the calming effects of CBD or the potential health benefits of CBG, both of these cannabinoids offer big possibilities.

As always, consult with your family physician or healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.

In the friendly showdown of CBD vs CBG, there's no wrong choice—just different preferences.

Author Bio: Jon Scott