CBG vs CBD: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to popular cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, CBD and THC are the ones that always come to mind since they are considered major cannabinoids. But other lesser-known cannabinoids are gaining more interest, such as CBG. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences and similarities between CBD and CBG.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is naturally found in high amounts in cannabis and hemp plants. This compound can interact with CB1 and CBC cannabinoid receptors of the body's endocannabinoid system, influencing pain, inflammation, and even sensitivity to heat. Because of this, CBD has become the cannabinoid of choice for many, especially given its non-psychoactive properties. 

CBD is a major cannabinoid, meaning it's naturally found in much larger quantities compared to CBG. That’s why you see CBD products everywhere — it’s much easier to extract in larger amounts from the plant. You'll often see CBD in a variety of products, from CBD isolate to full-spectrum CBD and even CBD for pets—all aimed at delivering the potential benefits of CBD.

What Is CBG?

Cannabigerol, or CBG, is one of the minor cannabinoids found in cannabis plants and hemp plants. Cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, is produced by young hemp plants. CBGA breaks down into cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) as the plant matures. These two compounds turn into CBD and THC, while the remaining CBGA converts into CBG.

Known as the "parent" cannabinoid, CBG is where many other cannabinoids—like CBD, CBC, and even THC—start their journey. CBG didn't get much attention compared to those other cannabinoids initially, and there were limited studies about it. What's known is that CBG does possess specific therapeutic effects that can be more effective than THC. 

You’ll often find CBG oils and other CBG products out there, especially as more research is being done to explore their potential uses.

CBG vs CBD: Similarities and Differences

CBG and CBD may come from the same cannabis plant, but they still have their unique qualities. Here are the key similarities and differences between these two popular cannabinoids.

<table border="1" cellpadding="10">
    <thead>
        <tr>
            <th>Category</th>
            <th>CBG (Cannabigerol)</th>
            <th>CBD (Cannabidiol)</th>
        </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <td><strong>Cannabinoid Type</strong></td>
            <td>Minor cannabinoid</td>
            <td>Major cannabinoid</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td><strong>Origin</strong></td>
            <td>Known as the "parent" cannabinoid, CBG is where many other cannabinoids (like CBD) are derived</td>
            <td>Derived from CBG as the cannabis plant matures</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td><strong>Psychoactive Effects</strong></td>
            <td>Non-psychoactive, meaning it won't get you high</td>
            <td>Non-psychoactive, so no high here either</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td><strong>Availability</strong></td>
            <td>Less abundant in cannabis plants, making it more expensive and harder to extract in large amounts</td>
            <td>More abundant, making it easier to find and more cost-effective</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td><strong>Forms Available</strong></td>
            <td>Often found in CBG oils, tinctures, and isolate products</td>
            <td>Widely available in CBD oil, tinctures, edibles, topicals, and CBD isolate</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td><strong>Scientific Research</strong></td>
            <td>Growing interest with more research needed to fully understand its effects and uses</td>
            <td>Backed by extensive scientific research as one of the most studied cannabinoids</td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>

What Is the Best Way to Take CBD and CBG?

There are lots of products that can make consuming CBD and CBG easy and convenient. One is via tinctures - CBD and CBG extracts can be taken sublingually (under the tongue), orally, or topically.

Because it's easy to use and contains higher concentrations of CBD per serving, tinctures have become the most favored way of taking CBD and CBG. There are also CBG topicals that are meant to alleviate pain, inflammation, and other skin conditions. 

A CBG isolate is also an option if you're looking for a pure form of CBG. You can also try full-spectrum CBG oil if you prefer products containing all of the compounds occurring naturally in the hemp plant.

You can take CBG discreetly and conveniently when you use CannaAid Delta 8/CBG Tincture.

CBD and CBG Products Available on Apotheca

At Apotheca, we take pride in offering a range of high-quality CBG and CBD products, carefully crafted to give you a top-tier experience. All our products are made from organic, non-GMO hemp, and backed by third-party lab testing for quality and purity. Here’s a few standout options!

• CBG + CBD Gummies - Nano - Live Resin: Looking for a perfect balance of CBG and CBD in one sweet treat? These gummies pack 30mg of CBD and 20mg of CBG per piece. The nanoemulsion technology helps make these gummies fast-acting, so you won’t be waiting around for long. The mixed flavors are delicious and never stick to your teeth. Plus, with 100% legal cannabis-derived ingredients grown in the USA, you know you’re getting the best.
• CBD Gummies - Nano - Live Resin: If you're all about CBD, these gummies bring 30mg of CBD per piece. They’re made with strain-specific terpenes like Mango Kush (indica) and Tangie Cookies (sativa), so you're in for a flavorful experience! Just like our CBG gummies, these are fast-acting and crafted with nanoemulsion for quick effects.
• CBD Broad-Spectrum Gummies - Blue Raspberry: These broad-spectrum CBD gummies offer 20mg of CBD per piece, with an additional 5mg of other minor cannabinoids for a well-rounded experience. Vegan, gluten-free, and made with premium ingredients, these gummies taste amazing and never leave that sticky feeling on your teeth. Free shipping is available on bulk orders, so stock up and enjoy a delicious burst of blue raspberry flavor!
• D9/CBG Live Rosin Gummies - Raspberry: If you’re looking for a unique combo, these gummies combine D9, CBG, and CBD in one tasty bite. With 1.25mg of D9, 20mg of CBG, and 20mg of CBD per gummy, you get 450mg of cannabinoids per 10-piece bag. The live rosin formula enhances the flavor and potency, while the raspberry taste is a crowd-pleaser. These are vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for those seeking a well-rounded cannabinoid experience.

Conclusion

Now that we've broken down the essentials of CBG vs CBD, you can see how these two cannabinoids, while similar in some ways, each bring their own unique qualities to the table. CBD is well-known and widely available, but CBG is making its mark as an exciting minor cannabinoid.

Are you in Georgia, North Carolina, or Tennessee? Apotheca can give you the best-quality CBD and CBG products you can find. It is our mission to deliver clean, affordable, and sustainable alternatives to modern medicine for people and plants. 

Our team researches, tests, and curates cannabis brands that prioritize people before profit. All products that reach our store shelves have been tested for potency and quality. We ensure the safety and quality of the products customers purchase and use. 

Our partner brands provide full test documentation and educational materials to support the consumer's purpose of purchasing all-natural products for a healthier lifestyle.

Apotheca provides a safe, secure shopping experience in an industry full of uncertainty. Visit the Apotheca Store Locations to see what's in store for you.