CGB vs. CBD: Differences and therapeutic benefits Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What is the difference between CBD and CBG Medically reviewed by Eloise Theisen, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC — By Adam Rowden on September 14, 2022Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) are two cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. These two cannabinoids have several possible therapeutic properties and may help treat certain conditions. Cannabis contains a number of biologically active compounds, such as cannabinoids. CBD and CBG are two nonpsychoactive compounds present in this plant. When a person takes these two compounds orally, they interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body. These receptors make up a part of the nervous system and are part of the endocannabinoid system. This system has a role in several processes in the body, including appetite, sensing pain, and memory. This article explains what CBD and CBG are, their legality, and their possible therapeutic benefits. What are they Share on PinterestJordan Siemens/Getty ImagesCannabis sativa (C. Sativa), or Indian hemp, is a herbaceous plant native to central and western Asia. Many people refer to C. Sativa as cannabis. Individuals cultivate this plant for medical purposes and for hemp, a natural textile fiber. According to a 2022 article, C. Sativa contains over 400 chemical compounds, and around 80 of them are biologically active. The most significant compounds in cannabis are cannabinoids. The most important psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Other identified cannabinoids present in cannabis include CBD and CBG. CBD CBD is a cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant. It is psychoactive, but unlike THC, it does not cause the “high” sensation that many people associate with using cannabis. Imaging studies show that CBD can cause significant alterations in brain activity and connectivity patterns. Research also suggests that CBD may offer benefits to people with certain medical problems, such as:anxietyanti-inflammatory diseasesneurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer s disease and Parkinson’s disease Learn more about the benefits of CBD oil. CBG CBG is another cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant. The substance works similarly to CBD by binding to the same receptors in the brain. Although there is more research into CBD’s effects on people, research on CBG is growing. Some studies suggest that CBG may provide therapeutic potential in treating:Huntington’s diseaseParkinson’s diseasemultiple sclerosisinflammatory bowel disease (IBD) What is the difference between CBD and CBG CBD and CBG are both cannabinoids present in cannabis. The main difference between the two is that CBD is a major cannabinoid while CBG is a minor cannabinoid. This means that cannabis usually contains higher levels of CBD than CBG. The two also behave differently when they interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body. Can CBD or CBG cause a high CBD and CBG are both noneuphoric. This means they are not intoxicating and do not cause a person to experience a high. The major psychoactive component of cannabis is THC. This is what causes a person to experience a high when they consume cannabis. This high can cause someone to experience the following: relaxationlaughter or gigglesincreased hungereuphoriaa greater sensitivity to color, touch, smell, light, taste, and sounda greater amusement and enjoymenta feeling of being more creative If someone is very high, they may experience certain complications, such as: panic and confusionpsychosisanxietyparanoia and delusionshallucinationsnausea and vomitingred eyesdelayed reaction timesreduced muscle and limb coordinationincreased heart ratedistorted senses Learn more about what it feels like to be high on cannabis. Are they both legal The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of cannabis in the Controlled Substances Act. This means that hemp-derived CBD and CBG products are federally legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. CBD and CBG may be federally legal, but they may not be legal in every state. Therefore, a person should check individual state laws, especially when traveling. Therapeutic benefits of CBD CBD has several possible health benefits, including the below. Anti-inflammatory properties Studies suggest that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that may help treat several conditions. A 2018 study in mice stated that CBD reduced inflammation by preventing the release of certain compounds that trigger inflammation. A 2021 review of several studies also concluded that CBD exerted a predominantly anti-inflammatory effect. Helping people quit smoking and dealing with withdrawal Studies suggest that CBD may help people quit smoking, perhaps due to its anxiolytic properties. Substances that have anxiolytic properties are able to prevent or treat anxiety symptoms. One 2018 study found evidence that CBD reversed attentional bias to cigarette cues in quitting smokers compared with a placebo. This means it may help people overcome their addiction to smoking and nicotine. Studies also show that CBD may help reduce withdrawal symptoms in people who have an addiction to certain substances. A 2021 study on rats showed that CBD helped prevent the rats from exhibiting signs of withdrawal from nicotine. Seizures In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved CBD oil for treating seizures relating to two types of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis showed that CBD helped reduce the rate of seizures in people with these types of epilepsy compared with a placebo. A 2020 statement notes that the FDA has approved CBD to treat seizures relating to a rare condition called tuberous sclerosis complex. Alzheimer s disease There are a number of behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer s disease. Studies suggest that CBD may help treat these symptoms. One 2019 review of studies in mice concluded that CBD may be an effective treatment for Alzheimer s disease. The parts in CBD may suppress some of the condition’s main symptoms, such as behavior disorders and memory loss. Additionally, a pre-clinical trial aims to show that behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia decreased with the use of CBD. Anxiety disorders CBD could help people deal with anxiety disorders. A 2019 study concluded that the substance significantly reduced anxiety symptoms in mice. One 2020 review analyzed several studies on the use of CBD to treat anxiety disorders. The review concluded that the compound has a promising role as a treatment to help people manage anxiety disorders. Therapeutic benefits of CBG There is much less research into the therapeutic benefits of CBG compared with CBD. A 2020 review analyzed several studies on the therapeutic uses of CBG. It highlighted studies showing that it may be an effective treatment option for the following neurological disorders:Huntington’s diseaseParkinson’s diseasemultiple sclerosis The review also suggested that the anti-inflammatory properties of CBG may make it an effective treatment for IBD. One 2015 study stated that CBG could help reduce several symptoms of IBD. Is it safe to take CBD and CBG at the same time A person can safely take CBD and CBG together. These two cannabinoids may work together as a combined treatment for some inflammatory diseases. Summary CBD and CBG are two cannabinoids present in cannabis. When a person consumes these compounds, they interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the body. These two compounds are noneuphoric, meaning they do not cause a person to experience a high sensation that many people associate with cannabis use. Studies suggest that CBD may be an effective treatment option for people with:inflammatory diseasesnicotine addictionswithdrawal symptomsanxietyepilepsyAlzheimer s disease Additionally, studies suggest that CBG may be an effective treatment option for those with:Huntington’s diseaseParkinson’s diseasemultiple sclerosisIBS CBD and CBG are federally legal. However, a person should check individual state laws to see if they are legal in a specific state. Last medically reviewed on September 14, 2022Marijuana / Cannabis / CBDcbd 22 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. 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Cannabidiol reduces withdrawal symptoms in nicotine-dependent rats.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8295227/Walsh, K. B., et al. (2021). Minor cannabinoids: Biosynthesis, molecular pharmacology and potential therapeutic uses.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8669157Zieba, J., et al. (2019). Cannabidiol (CBD) reduces anxiety-related behavior in mice via an FMRP-independent mechanism [Abstract].https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091305718306464Zou, S., et al. (2018). Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: Signaling and function in the central nervous system.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Eloise Theisen, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC — By Adam Rowden on September 14, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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