CBG vs CBD: 6 Key Differences (Benefits, Effects & FAQs)

Cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabidiol (CBD) are easy to confuse. 

But not because their names are similar. 

Then why?

Both CBG and CBD are naturally-occurring cannabinoids — aka phytocannabinoids.
They are also non-intoxicating and can reduce your stress and anxiety. 

So what’s the difference between CBG and CBD?

We’ll break down all the CBG vs CBD differences — their health benefits, chemical structure, side effects, and more. 

Jump To:

• CBG vs CBD: Here’s the Low-Down
• Difference #1: What Are They?
• Difference #2: Chemical Structure
• Difference #3: How Do They Make You Feel?
• Difference #4: Health Benefits
• Difference #5: Potential Side Effects 
• Difference #6: Legality 
• CBG vs CBD Product Types
• CBG vs CBD: Best Products To Try
• 7 FAQs About CBG and CBD

CBG vs CBD: Here is the Low-Down

Use this chart to understand CBG vs CBD in under a minute:

Difference #1: What Are They?

A. What is CBG? 

First discovered in 1964, cannabigerol (CBG) is a minor cannabinoid (present in smaller amounts) in cannabis and hemp plants. 

It’s usually extracted from young cannabis or hemp plants, which contain more CBG than mature plants. 

Now you’re probably thinking: why do mature cannabis plants have low CBG levels?

The short answer:

• Young cannabis plants produce cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) — the raw, acidic form of CBG. 
• As the plant grows, CBGA breaks down into other chemical compounds. Consequently, the amount of CBG in the plant reduces.   

So it’s harder to extract CBG (if any) from fully developed cannabis or hemp plants.  

B. What is CBD? 

First discovered in the 1940s, CBD is a major cannabis compound (present in larger amounts) in hemp and cannabis plants.  

Putting it into perspective: 

Most cannabis or hemp plants contain about 1% CBG compared to 20-25% CBD! 

What’s more?

CBD is commonly extracted from hemp plants, as they have a lower THC concentration (usually less than 0.2%).

Difference #2: Chemical Structure 

CBG and CBD have different molecular structures, giving them different properties. 

The CBG cannabis compound comprises: 

• 21 carbon atoms
• 32 hydrogen atoms
• 2 oxygen atoms

The CBD cannabis compound contains: 

• 21 carbon atoms
• 30 hydrogen atoms
• 2 oxygen atoms

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Difference #3: How Do They Make You Feel? 

Both CBG and CBD have psychoactive properties since they influence your mood, thoughts, and other mental functions.  

Wait, are they psychoactive like THC?
Nope!

Unlike THC, CBG and CBD do NOT have an intoxicating effect — they won’t make you feel “high.” 

Instead… 

A. Effects of CBG on the Body

Usually, CBG can make you feel invigorated.

How?  

Our body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates our appetite, sleep, mood, and other bodily functions. 

CBG binds to the CB1 receptor (directly affecting your nerve cells) and CB2 cannabinoid receptors (responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects) in the endocannabinoid system. 

As this minor cannabinoid binds strongly to both receptors, you feel more focused and energised.   

B. Effects of CBD on the Body

CBD has a grounding and calming effect. 

Users who take CBD products report less mind-chatter, anxiety, and relief from physical pain.

Now: 

CBD doesn’t interact with your endocannabinoid system the same way CBG does. 

What’s the difference?

Research is still ongoing, but preliminary studies suggest CBD doesn’t bind strongly with the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 & CB2). 

Instead, it prevents your body’s molecules (endocannabinoids) from breaking down — resulting in calming effects.   

Difference #4: Health Benefits 

Some therapeutic benefits you can expect from CBG and CBD include: 

A. Benefits of CBG

Research on CBG is limited, but studies show it has immense therapeutic potential: 

• Stimulates healthy appetite: Animal studies indicate CBG can increase appetite by stimulating hunger and preventing intestinal pain. 
• Reduced stress and anxiety: CBG is one of the many cannabinoids with potent relaxation effects.
• Eases inflammation: CBG’s anti inflammatory properties could help treat conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. 
• Bladder dysfunctions: Thanks to its antibacterial qualities, CBG has shown promising results in treating bladder dysfunctions.
• Promotes eye health: CBG may help regulate eye pressure, which helps treat conditions like glaucoma. 
• Combats Huntington’s disease: CBG could slow down the progressive breakdown of brain nerve cells caused by Huntington’s Disease. 

B. Benefits of CBD:

Here are some of CBD’s potential benefits: 

• Treating sleep disorders: Many users report improved sleeping patterns after consuming CBD products. 
• Mitigating migraines: Recent studies have found CBD effective in relieving migraines and headaches. 
• Pain relief: CBD’s anti inflammatory properties may provide relief from chronic pain and arthritis.   
• Reducing stress and anxiety: CBD  also has therapeutic benefits that can help you reduce stress and anxiety symptoms and feel more relaxed.
• Promoting emotional wellness: CBD’s neuroprotective qualities may help ease depression and manage other mental disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder. 
• Other potential health benefits:
  • CBD may help treat epilepsy, prevent Alzheimer’s, and improve mobility in people with multiple sclerosis.
  • It can help fight off MRSA infections due to its antibacterial qualities. 
  • CBD can assist in killing cancer cells when paired with other drugs. 

Difference #5: Potential Side Effects 

Here’s the deal:

Both CBD and CBG are generally safe to use. 

But they can cause unwanted side effects when taken in extremely high dosages. 

A. CBG Side Effects

Here are some side effects of CBG when taken in high doses: 

• Dizziness 
• Dry mouth
• Anxiety 
• Nausea 

B. CBD Side Effects 

CBD may cause these side effects when taken in hefty doses (more than 100mg/day):

• Fatigue 
• Drowsiness 
• Nausea
• Irritability
• Dry mouth 

Bottom line: Find your optimal dosage before using a CBG or CBD product. 

Difference #6: Legality 

Is it legal to buy and use CBG and CBD in the UK? 

Yes! 

CBG and CBD are completely legal in the UK, as long as the products do NOT contain any THC. 

Psst… THC is prohibited for sale and use in the UK under the Misuse of Drugs Act of 1992.

What about the USA?

The FDA legalized both CBD and CBG in 2018. However, these products must contain less than 0.3% THC.  

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CBG vs CBD: Product Types 

Some commonly available  CBD and CBG products include:  

• Topicals: CBD and CBG topicals can be applied directly on the skin. These include CBG and CBD creams, balms, and lotions. 
• Oils: CBD or CBG oils come in dropper/spray forms. You can take the oil under your tongue or add it to edibles and drinks. 
• Tinctures: A CBG or CBD tincture also comes with a dropper. But unlike oils, these products contain cannabinoid extract in an alcohol-based solvent.  
• Edibles: The most common CBD and CBG edibles include gummies, drinks, and chocolates.

But wait… we aren’t done yet. 

Do you know about the different types of CBD or CBG?

Manufacturers use one of these types while making CBG or CBD products:

• Isolate: A CBD or CBG isolate is a pure cannabinoid extract — no other cannabinoids, terpenes (aromatic compounds), or other cannabis plant material. 
• Broad spectrum: A broad spectrum CBD or CBG product contains other cannabinoids and plant compounds — but no THC. 
• Full spectrum: A full spectrum CBD or CBG product typically contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant, including THC.  

CBG vs CBD: Best Products to Try

Here are some of our favourite CBD and CBG products:

A. 3 High-Quality CBD Products 

• Love Hemp 1200mg Peppermint CBD Spray (£49.99): It’s one of the best CBD oil products to help rebalance your mind and body. It’s completely free from THC, pesticides, and heavy metals. 
• Vitality CBD 2400mg Berry Spray and Dropper (£29.99): Want to ease stress and anxiety? Try this high-strength CBD spray blended with coconut oil and a delicious berry flavour. 
• Vitality CBD 1200mg Natural Drops (£19.99): If you prefer the natural hempy flavour, try this CBD product. The pure CBD flavour makes it a perfect addition to your morning tea or coffee. 

B. 3 Great CBG Products 

• Nordic CBG Oil (7%) Drops (£49.95): Need an all-around CBG supplement? Try this flavourless, high-quality CBG oil. The 10ml bottle has 7% CBG and is infused with hemp seed oil.
• CBDfx CBD + CBG Oil £60: Want to try CBG and CBD? This tincture from CBDfx has 2:1 CBD to CBG levels, so you get the best of both worlds.
• Brown’s CBD, 3% CBG Hemp Oil (£24.99): With a 1:1 CBD to CBG ratio, this product may leave you feeling calm yet focused. 

7 FAQs About CBG and CBD

Some commonly asked questions about CBG and CBD are:

1. How Much CBG or CBD Should I Take?

Various factors determine the perfect dosage for you, including: 

• Amount of CBD or CBG in the product
• Body weight
• Metabolism 

GreenBox recommends: 

If you’re new to CBG and CBD treatment, start on a low dosage (20-25mg/day) and work your way up. 

2. Can CBG or CBD Get You High?

Nope! 

Both CBD and CBG are non intoxicating cannabinoids — although they have subtle psychoactive properties. 

3. What does CBGA Turn into? 

The CBGA molecules are the first acidic cannabinoids formed in young cannabis plants. 

They then break down into other cannabinoids, including: 

• Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)
• Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)
• Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA)

4. What are Some Other Popular Cannabinoids?

Apart from CBD, THC, and CBG, there are many different cannabinoids:

• Cannabichromene (CBC): CBC is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid with anti inflammatory effects. 
• Cannabinol (CBN): CBN has sedative properties that could help combat insomnia. 
• Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC): HHC is a lesser-known cannabinoid that may help with anxiety and inflammation. 
• Cannabidivarin (CBDV): CBDV is a minor cannabinoid with anti-nausea effects. 

5. Can I Take CBG and CBD Together? 

Yes!  

Taking CBG and CBD together may give you the entourage effect (the combined effect of cannabis compounds). This can amplify their overall benefits.

You can either:

• Go for a broad spectrum product containing CBD and CBG.
• Or use a CBD product and CBG product separately. In this case, try each product individually first. Then, gradually pair them together, starting with a low dose.  

6. Why Are CBG Products So Scarce?

Here’s why:

• Scarcity: CBG is found in much smaller quantities in hemp, making it scarce and expensive to extract. It takes thousands of pounds of biomass to produce small amounts of CBG isolate! 
• Popularity: Most people don’t know about CBG. So manufacturers prefer producing CBD products as they are more popular.  
• Production costs: CBG is one of the costliest cannabinoids to produce with many dubbing it the “Rolls Royce of cannabinoids.” The extraction method is much more complicated than the extraction of CBD, which adds up to the cost.

7. How to Choose a Safe and Legal CBD/CBG Product? 

Follow these tips while buying CBD or CBG products:

• Tip 1: Ensure the product comes with a certificate of analysis. This document details third-party lab results regarding THC and other harmful ingredients. 
• Tip 2: Buy from high-quality brands like Love Hemp, CBDfx, Vitality CBD, etc. 
• Tip 3: Avoid full spectrum products as they contain trace amounts of THC and are illegal in the UK and other countries. 

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CBG vs CBD: The Final Verdict 

CBG and CBD are two similar, yet different cannabis plant compounds. 

Now that you know the differences, similarities, and therapeutic effects of CBG and CBD, choose the product that works best for you.

Looking for the best CBD products?

Head to GreenBox! Shop CBD products, including CBD oils, topicals, and gummies from trusted brands in the UK.