CBG vs CBN: Their Similarities and Differences

CBG vs CBN: Their Similarities and Differences

When you first heard of the cannabis sativa plant, you probably thought of THC. Then, as time went on, you likely heard about CBD. But nowadays, you’ve probably heard about a range of different cannabinoids, including CBG and CBN.

These two natural alternatives are the newest chemical compounds in the CBD market. However, CBG still lacks the awareness that it deserves. Consequently, you might easily assume that CBG and CBN are the same.

But just because these two cannabinoids gained popularity around the same time doesn’t mean they don’t have differences. CBG has its own unique characteristics that are worthy of mentioning. So, if you’ve ever wondered what CBG is and how it’s different from CBN, you’ve come to the right place.

What is CBG vs. CBN?

CBG stands for cannabigerol. And while this cannabinoid is gaining interest, CBG actually makes up less than 1 percent of most cannabis strains. Given its low levels, you can consider CBG as a minor cannabinoid.

However, breeders are trying to figure out unique ways to get higher levels of this compound. Some of their efforts center around common strategies like genetic manipulation and cross-breeding plants. But breeders and scientists are also trying to produce higher levels of CBG by determining the best extraction time, which is usually the sixth week of an eight-week cycle.

If these efforts are unsuccessful, breeders will have to continue extracting low amounts of CBG as they usually do. Like many cannabinoids in the hemp plant, CBG is a byproduct of CBGA. It only becomes an active cannabinoid over time and when you apply heat to it. But again, the levels of CBG are so minimal that you have to consider it as a minor cannabinoid.

Cannabinol, the formal term for CBN, also has an interesting origin story. While you can at least see low levels of CBG in the hemp plant, you may not see any levels of CBN. This particular cannabinoid doesn’t naturally exist in hemp.

CBN is a degradation of THC. The only way to yield any levels of this cannabinoid is to apply heat and light to THC to jumpstart its transformation to CBN. Without this process, you can look at a hemp strain and find zero traces of CBN in it.

How does CBG vs. CBN interact with your endocannabinoid system?  

While CBG and CBN show up in low or nonexistent levels, they still have a significant impact on your endocannabinoid system.

As you might know, your endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cell-signaling network that’s responsible for a range of functions. It plays a role in your appetite, memory, mood, sleep, reproduction, and fertility.

Your endocannabinoid system also has three core components, including:

  • Endocannabinoids: These molecules are similar to cannabinoids, but your body produces them. Currently, the two main types of endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol.
  • Endocannabinoid receptors: You can find these receptors living throughout your entire body, and they bind to endocannabinoids to tell your ECS to take action. The two types of receptors are CB1 and CB2 receptors.
  • Enzymes: These molecules are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids once they finish their function.

When you introduce any cannabinoid to this mix, it’s going to interact with your endocannabinoid system in some way. CBG, for example, interacts similarly to CBD.

It influences your CB1 receptors by dampening the receptor’s response. CBG also binds to CB2 receptors, although researchers are still trying to understand the impact of this process.

What’s also worth noting is that CBG restrains the FAAH enzyme, which may help increase the levels of anandamide—commonly known as the ‘bliss’ molecule’—in your body. But this cannabinoid influences other bodily systems as well.

Researchers believe CBG may help manage the release of serotonin, influence the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, and regulate your body’s response to environmental stimuli.

With so much versatility, you might wonder if other cannabinoids like CBN have the same abilities. But surprisingly, CBN doesn’t. This cannabinoid only binds to the CB1 receptors in your brain, which are the same ones that THC binds to. Excluding that interaction, CBN doesn’t attach or influence any other components in your endocannabinoid system.

What are the benefits of using CBG vs. CBN?

Regardless of how CBG and CBN interact with your endocannabinoid system, you can count on both of these compounds to release a therapeutic effect. While they’re still new on the market, researchers and consumers believe that CBG and CBN can provide relief.

Currently, scientists and individuals suggest that CBG provides the following benefits.

  1. Improves Digestion

Researchers conducted a study on mice to determine if CBG affects colitis. After producing the gut condition in test subjects, researchers learned that CBG decreases the impact of colitis, making it a potential solution for digestive disorders.

  1. Increases energy 

Customers and team members of Kat’s Naturals have noticed that CBG helps boost focus and clarity. Some compare this cannabinoid’s energy-boosting effect to caffeine. However, one distinguishing difference is that CBG doesn’t provide the unwelcome jitters that caffeine does.

  1. Combats MRSA

While MRSA is a drug-resistant family of bacteria, research suggests that CBG has antibacterial properties that make it useful in fighting MRSA in mice.

During a recent study, scientists discovered that CBG prevented harmful bacteria from creating biofilms and destroyed the ones that were already in mice. Biofilms are one or more types of microorganisms that grow on different surfaces. An example is a gooey buildup on your teeth.

  1. Soothes psoriasis 

A common inflammatory skin condition, psoriasis is known for its epidermal keratinocyte hyper-proliferation. However, a recent study on cannabinoids indicates that compounds like CBG can prevent keratinocyte growth to eliminate psoriasis.

CBN also has unique characteristics that CBG doesn’t provide. Researchers and consumers report that CBN offers the following benefits.

  1. Decreases inflammation 

Similar to CBD, CBG may offer anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great option if you want to soothe inflammation. But it’s crucial to keep in mind that researchers are still diving into the cannabinoid’s impact on the immune system.

  1. Deepens sleep

Researchers and consumers suggest that CBN can help deepen your sleep.

Because this cannabinoid interacts with the CB2 receptors in your brain, CBN provides a slight meditative effect. And this feeling helps enhance your sleep so that you wake up well-rested and refreshed the next morning.

  1. Increases appetite 

Similar to THC, CBN may help stimulate your appetite. However, it’s important to know that just because CBN has similarities with THC doesn’t mean that it leads to a psychoactive effect. In fact, CBN doesn’t produce any of the psychoactive effects that THC does.

Researchers still need to conduct more studies on CBG and CBN, but so far, the current body of work is promising. And consumer feedback also helps show that these two cannabinoids have the potential to produce therapeutic relief.

What are the best products with CBG vs. CBN? 

If you’re thinking about using CBG and CBN for their unique benefits, you may be wondering what types of products you should consider buying. This line of thinking is great because certain cannabinoids may or may not work in every product.

For example, with CBG, you can use any product type and experience relief. Because this cannabinoid influences your CB1 and CB2 receptors, it’s going to have an effect regardless of whether you buy it as an edible, capsule, tincture, or topical.

However, the same cannot be said for CBN. This cannabinoid only interacts with the CB1 receptors in your brain. As a result, it wouldn’t work as a topical or skincare product. But you could buy a CBN sublingual or CBN vape pen and encounter its benefits.

What is the best dosage for CBG vs. CBN? 

Up to this point, CBG and CBN have shared many differences. From their composition to the products you’ll find them in, CBG and CBN’s variances are obvious.

However, these two cannabinoids do share one thing in common: the best dosage for CBG and CBN will depend on you.

As with any cannabinoid, the proper dose will come down to your diet, genetics, weight, environment, metabolism, and purpose for using the remedy. You’ll want to follow the recommendation on the product label for guidance, but ultimately, you’ll need to experiment to see which dose works best for you.

You might find that starting with the smallest serving size leads to an effect. For example, with CBN, this is certainly the case for most consumers. All they typically need is 4 milligrams to feel therapeutic relief. But with CBG, they may need to use a little more.

As you’re testing things out, document your different dosages and the effects of each. That way, you can remember what does and doesn’t work for you. Once you know which dose of CBG and CBN works best, you can continue your wellness regimen uninterrupted.

Start using CBG and CBN

While the differences are many and the similarities are few, CBG and CBN are complementary cannabinoids. Having both of these compounds in your medicine cabinet will give you the opportunity to cover more bases with regard to your health.

You need not use only one cannabinoid to achieve your wellness goals. In fact, using both CBG and CBN will help unleash the entourage effect so that you experience maximum relief in your mind and body. And if you want to encounter even more benefits, you can use a full-spectrum remedy that has THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN.

Shop our CBG and CBN products today to start experiencing the therapeutic relief that these two cannabinoids offer!

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