Hemp doesn’t just contain specifically cultivated strains of the cannabinoid CBD. There are more than 100 other cannabinoids that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system, which features two kinds of receptors (CB1 and CB2), regulates a variety of functions throughout the body, including mood, appetite, memory, sleep, and reproduction.
If there are so many cannabinoids in hemp plants, what others are useful? One of the most recently hailed cannabinoids is CBG, known as the “Mother Cannabinoid”. As the cannabis plant matures, CBG breaks down and converts into CBD, THC, CBC, and other cannabinoids which results in precious little CBG remaining in a fully mature plant.
When harvested and processed, CBG oil exhibits remarkable uses. Because it is the parent of CBD, there is a lot of similarity and overlap. But much like humans, parental cannabinoids can do some things that their young offspring cannot.
What are the Differences Between CBG Oil and CBD Oil?
CBD has been scientifically proven to stimulate and communicate with CB2 receptors. These CB2 receptors are connected to the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and they impact the immune system, muscles, skin, limbs, and more. CBG on the other hand, binds with both CB2 and CB1 receptors. These CB1 receptors interact with the CNS (Central Nervous System) including the brain and spinal cord.
CBG oil is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties that CBD oil does not, as well as analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Because of these anti-inflammatory characteristics combined with the ability to attach to CB1 receptors, CBG may have a positive effect on conditions that CBD doesn’t impact, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease and neurological conditions like Huntington’s Disease.
Early trials also have shown CBG to be effective in battling and treating a difficult bacterial infection known as MRSA. This condition is notoriously resistant to most antibiotic treatments. Yet CBG seems to generate antibacterial activity against MRSA, preventing it from forming biofilms and attaching to surfaces.
While CBD oil is thought to suppress appetites and encourage a state of calm and relaxation, CBG oil appears to stimulate the appetite and energize users.
Better Together
We have established the similarities and differences between CBG and CBD. So which is better? Well, it depends on the consumer’s needs combined with their biology. While CBG oil has some benefits that CBD oil doesn’t, the truth is that they probably work better together than either is alone.
Cannabinoids are the mathematical equivalent of “1+1=4”, the sum is greater than the whole of its parts. In other words, they’re better together. There is something known as the “entourage effect” with cannabinoids and the ECS. CBD can have some positive effects for some users, and so can CBG. But for most people, CBG oil combined with CBD oil at a 1:1 ratio significantly magnified the effects.
If CBD is all you need, that’s fine. If you’re looking to address issues not affected by CBD, try CBG with CBD. And yes, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils do contain some CBG, along with other terpenes and cannabinoids, but the amount of CBG is probably pretty minimal. Remember, CBG breaks down into other compounds.
Is CBG Oil Better Than CBD Oil?
Because CBG breaks down as the plant matures, it can be difficult to find retail CBG oil. However, as more research is done on all the benefits CBG has to offer, it looks like CBG could overtake CBD as the ideal cannabinoid. Just remember, when cannabinoids are combined, they are more effective. As a consumer, finding a CBD Isolate oil to take with a CBG Isolate oil is a smart way to ensure the correct balance.
Hemp Farmer Focus
As a hemp farmer, what does this mean for you? While harvesting early can increase your yield of CBG, traditional hemp plants have notoriously low percentages of CBG per weight. That being said, the market price is significantly higher than CBD. If you do choose to shift your cash crop towards CBG, consider the Matterhorn CBG, which offers approximately 15% CBG yield as opposed to the standard <1%. And keep in mind, you always have the option to diversify, continuing to raise CBD while also expanding your operation to include CBG.
