CBG vs CBD: Understanding the Differences and Benefits

June 17, 2025 · By Joseph Wilde

Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) are two prominent cannabinoids that both come from the cannabis plant. While THC and CBD are well known and CBD has gained widespread recognition and acceptance, CBG is emerging as another compound of interest, so we are going to take a look at it in this article.

What Are CBD and CBG?

CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG (cannabigerol) are both non psychoactive cannabinoids derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. While CBD is widely known and researched, CBG is emerging as a promising compound with its own unique benefits.

CBD is considered a major cannabinoid, meaning it naturally occurs in relatively high concentrations in most hemp strains. It's best known for its anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Research shows that CBD may help manage symptoms of chronic pain, anxiety disorders, epilepsy, and insomnia, among others (Harvard Health).

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CBG gets called the "mother of all cannabinoids" for good reason. While you'll only find tiny amounts (less than 1%) in fully grown plants, it's actually where all the other cannabinoids come from. Think of CBG as the starting point – its acidic form (CBGA) gets converted by plant enzymes into the cannabinoids we know better, like CBD and THC (Naturecan). Because there's so little CBG left by harvest time, growers are now creating special strains that keep more of it around, making its potential benefits easier to access.

How Do CBD and CBG Interact with the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a vast signaling network responsible for regulating essential physiological processes, including pain, mood, sleep, appetite, and immune function. It operates through CB1 and CB2 receptors, as well as endogenous cannabinoids and metabolic enzymes.

CBD does not bind directly to CB1 or CB2 receptors. Instead, it influences the ECS by modulating enzyme activity and receptor signaling. For example, it inhibits the FAAH enzyme, which breaks down anandamide, a natural “bliss molecule” leading to elevated mood and pain regulation. CBD also interacts with non-cannabinoid receptors, such as 5-HT1A (serotonin), explaining its potential anti-anxiety effects (Altern Ther Health Med).

CBG, in contrast, binds directly to both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and immune system. This direct interaction may offer more targeted therapeutic effects, particularly for neuroinflammation, chronic pain, and immune response (CBDmd).

In essence, while both cannabinoids influence the ECS, CBD acts more like a modulator, whereas CBG acts more like a direct key, binding and activating specific pathways in a more focused way.

Therapeutic Benefits of CBD

Let's start with what we know, CBD. Cannabidiol has become widely recognised for its potential to support both mental and physical wellbeing, with growing scientific interest confirming many of its effects.

Anxiety Reduction: Multiple studies show that CBD may help reduce symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD. One clinical review published in Neurotherapeutics found that CBD demonstrates notable anxiolytic effects, especially through its interaction with serotonin receptors (5-HT1A)
Pain Management: CBD has well-documented anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which may benefit individuals dealing with chronic pain, arthritis, or muscle soreness. A review in the European Journal of Pain confirmed that topical CBD applications could reduce pain and inflammation in animal models, with promising implications for humans.
Neuroprotective Effects: evidence suggests that CBD may offer neuroprotection, potentially useful in conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. The FDA-approved medication Epidiolex for treatment-resistant epilepsy reflects this neuroprotective potential (Harvard Health).

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These findings make CBD a leading cannabinoid in natural wellness circles, sought after for its non-intoxicating yet therapeutic profile.

Therapeutic Benefits of CBG

Moving on to CBG. Cannabigerol (CBG) is emerging as a potentially exciting cannabinoid, with unique properties that set it apart from CBD. While research is still in its early stages, several therapeutic uses are being explored:

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Studies have shown that CBG may reduce inflammation, particularly in the digestive tract. A 2013 study published in Biochemical Pharmacology found that CBG improved symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice, pointing to its potential in treating gut-related conditions (Real Simple).
Neuroprotective Effects: similar to CBD, CBG shows neuroprotective promise. Research in animal models indicates CBG may slow down or prevent the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease, by preserving neuron function.
Antibacterial Activity: CBG has demonstrated powerful antibacterial properties, especially against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A study published in ACS Infectious Diseases found that CBG was effective at killing drug-resistant bacteria, which opens up potential for use in topical or systemic antibacterial treatments (Real Simple).

Although CBG is a minor cannabinoid present in lower quantities in the hemp plant, these findings underline its therapeutic potential - distinct yet complementary to that of CBD.

Differences in Availability and Cost

CBD is widely available thanks to its abundance in mature hemp and cannabis plants and the well-established extraction methods used to isolate it. Industrial hemp varieties often contain high levels of CBD, making large-scale production relatively easy and cost-effective. As a result, CBD oils, tinctures, edibles (like gummies & chocolate) and topicals are now widely found in pharmacies, health shops, and online retailers.

CBG, by contrast, is less prevalent in mature cannabis plants, as most of it is converted into other cannabinoids like CBD and THC during the plant’s growth cycle. Extracting pure CBG requires harvesting plants early, which lowers overall yield and makes the process more expensive. This rarity and complexity of extraction means that CBG products are generally more expensive and less available than their CBD counterparts (Verywell Mind).

An interesting side note is that broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD products will have some CBG in them, although in quite limited amounts. In mature plants, most CBG has already converted into other cannabinoids. Having some CBG present is thought to contribute to what's known as the entourage effect, where broad and full-spectrum products are more effective than isolates alone, though this is still being researched.

Side Effects and Safety Profiles

Both CBD and CBG are considered non-psychoactive and generally safe, but like any supplement, they may cause side effects in some individuals.

CBD may cause:

Dry mouth
Fatigue or drowsiness
Changes in appetite
Gastrointestinal discomfort

These effects are typically mild and often dose-dependent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD is well-tolerated in humans, with a good safety profile and no risk of dependence. (Verywell Mind)

CBG’s safety profile is less well-documented due to fewer clinical studies. However, the available data suggests that CBG shares a similar side-effect profile with CBD, including the potential for mild fatigue and dry mouth. Since CBG also interacts with cannabinoid receptors, it’s advisable to start with low doses and monitor individual reactions, especially if combining it with other medications.

In all cases, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting CBD or CBG, particularly for individuals on medications or managing chronic conditions.

Legal Status and Regulation

The legal status of CBD and CBG depends heavily on the source of the cannabinoid (hemp vs high-THC cannabis) and the laws of each country or region.

In the United Kingdom, CBD derived from EU-approved hemp strains with less than 0.2% THC is legal, provided it meets Novel Food regulations. CBD oil sold on the market must not contain controlled levels of THC, and companies must provide safety documentation and lab testing.
CBG is not specifically mentioned in many legal frameworks, since it is a newer and less studied cannabinoid. However, CBG derived from compliant hemp sources is generally treated similarly to CBD. The uncertainty around CBG regulation means it is crucial for consumers to purchase from reputable suppliers who offer third-party testing and clearly state cannabinoid content.

Before purchasing or travelling with CBD or CBG products, check local laws carefully, as even hemp-derived products may be restricted in certain countries or U.S. states. The situation is evolving, and regulatory guidance is catching up with consumer demand and scientific interest. (Naturecan)

Combining CBD and CBG: The Entourage Effect

One of the most compelling reasons to consider using CBD and CBG together is the potential entourage effect. This concept suggests that the various cannabinoids, terpenes, and other natural compounds found in the cannabis plant may work synergistically, producing greater therapeutic effects together than when used alone.

Early studies and user reports suggest that combining CBD and CBG may offer more comprehensive support for issues like chronic pain, inflammation, and anxiety. The theory is that CBD's indirect modulation of the endocannabinoid system, combined with CBG's direct binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors, could create a more balanced overall response. Think of it as CBD conducting from behind the scenes while CBG takes a more direct approach.

This is why broad-spectrum CBD products like those Unspun offers naturally contain some CBG, though in limited amounts, since most CBG converts to other cannabinoids as plants mature. Some manufacturers now create products that intentionally combine higher levels of both cannabinoids for users seeking this potential synergy.

However, it's worth noting that the entourage effect is still being researched by scientists. Individual responses can vary significantly, so as with all cannabinoid use, start low and go slow when trying new formulations that blend multiple cannabinoids. (cbdMD)

Choosing Between CBD and CBG

When deciding whether to use CBD or CBG, the best choice depends on your specific health needs and wellness goals.

CBD is often preferred for:

Managing anxiety and stress-related disorders
Improving sleep quality
Reducing chronic pain and inflammatory symptoms
Supporting general health and wellness routines

CBG may be more suitable for those looking to:

Alleviate inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease
Enhance cognitive focus and mental clarity
Support neuroprotection in conditions like Huntington’s disease
Address antibacterial resistance, particularly MRSA-related infections

Ultimately, many users find value in trying both cannabinoids, either separately or together, to discover what works best for their body. As research expands, we’ll likely gain more clarity on which cannabinoid is best suited for different conditions. In the meantime, consulting with a healthcare professional can help guide safe and informed choices.(Verywell Mind)

Future Research and Developments

The growing popularity of cannabinoid-based wellness has sparked increasing interest from the scientific and medical communities. While CBD has received more attention to date, CBG is emerging as a promising compound with distinct properties worth exploring.

Future research aims to:

Clarify the therapeutic mechanisms of CBD and CBG
Determine optimal dosage ranges and delivery methods
Evaluate long-term safety and efficacy
Understand the full spectrum of effects when multiple cannabinoids are combined

Regulatory clarity is also expected to evolve, especially regarding CBG’s classification and market availability. As new products and cbg isolates become more accessible, transparency in labelling, dosing, and safety testing will remain crucial for consumer trust and well-being. (Real Simple).

For now, both CBD and CBG offer exciting potential in natural health. Keeping informed about ongoing developments will help you stay ahead in choosing the best cannabinoid solutions for your needs.