CBG vs CBN | Explained

Matt
Health

The country’s growing cannabis culture has meant that more and more people are experimenting with cannabis products. There is a growing number of cannabis dispensaries and an increasingly wide range of available products, used recreationally and for medicinal purposes. The industry has seen a boom in demand from consumers.

It’s high time that we shed light on two lesser known cannabinoids, CBG and CBN. We will compare the two and find out what research has to say about their uses and if they’re right for you.

Contents

What Is CBG?
What Is CBN?
CBG vs CBN: What’s the Difference?
CBD vs CBG vs CBN: Getting the Most Out of Each Strain
- CBD and CBG
- CBD and CBN
Where to Get CBG and CBN Products in South Africa
Final Thoughts | CBG vs CBN
Sources

What Is CBG?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a type of cannabinoid that is found in the cannabis plant in smaller amounts than other cannabinoids. Because of this, CBG products are often rare and expensive.

CBG is derived from younger cannabis plants with a higher concentration than fully developed plants. Interestingly, CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) start as an acidic form of CBG — called CBGA (cannabigerolic acid known as the “mother of all cannabinoids”).

Like CBD and THC, CBG affects the brain’s cannabinoid receptors. Only, unlike THC, it is non-psychoactive. Benefits of CBG include pain relief, reduction of inflammation, an increase of appetite, and antibiotic properties to fight some bacteria.

What Is CBN?

Cannabinol (CBN) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis sativa plant and can also be produced synthetically. When THC degrades due to light, air (oxygen), or heat, you get CBN. That is why you will most often find CBN in dried, old cannabis flowers. Unlike THC, however, it does not have intoxicating effects.

Some cannabis sources claim CBN can get you mildly “high”, but it is widely accepted that this may be in minor isolated cases. CBN interacts with the body’s regulatory system, the endocannabinoid network.

It is reported that when mixed with other cannabinoids, CBN has sedative effects that could be helpful to people who have insomnia. When combined with CBD, CBN has pain-relieving effects that benefit people suffering from chronic and severe pain.

CBG vs CBN: What’s the Difference?

CBG and CBN interact with the body’s central nervous system and bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors. What sets them apart is their natural appearance in the cannabis plant.

They also have a slightly different chemical structure, with CBN containing a specific carbon ring formation absent in CBG. Keep in mind that CBG is the starting point of almost all other cannabinoids.

In terms of benefits, CBG is known for its effectiveness in treating depression and anxiety because of its muscle-relaxing properties. CBN, on the other hand, is known for its sedative properties. A quick snapshot of the two cannabinoids can be captured as follows:

Both: Non-psychoactive, expensive, and limited in market availability
CBG: Focused, the highest concentration is found in under-ripe cannabis plants
CBN: Calming; the highest concentration is found in overripe cannabis plants

CBG users report that they benefit best from using this cannabinoid for concentrating, working, and studying. CBN users say their best benefits are felt when they need help relaxing and sleeping.

The high cost and low market availability of both CBG and CBN are because they both appear in small traces in the cannabis plant. They are expensive to produce, cannot be mass-manufactured yet, and are new to the market.

You are more likely to find CBD and THC products at local outlets, specialized cannabis shops, online, and pharmacies than you are CBG and CBN.

CBD vs CBG vs CBN: Getting the Most Out of Each Strain

Although CBG and CBN have been studied much less than CBD, more research is underway to uncover their potential benefits.

Here is a quick comparison between CBD, CBG, and CBN.

CBD and CBG

CBD and CBG have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing inflammation and acting as antibacterials. The main difference between CBD and CBG is their precise chemical composition. They are dissimilar in their concentration levels in the cannabis plant. How they bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain is also a notable difference.

CB1 receptors are responsible for mediating the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids. CB2 receptors are involved in immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory actions. Further research continues to solidify clinical trials.

These have found CBG’s effectiveness in cancer treatment, as an antibiotic, and in appetite stimulation. CBD, on the other hand, has already been found to help with pain relief, anxiety and stress, and sleep disorders.

CBD and CBN

Even though CBD and CBN act on the same receptors, they produce different effects on the body. The main difference between CBD and CBN is the origin since the latter is produced through oxidation.

CBD is converted from CBGA through heat (in a relatively simple process), while CBN production follows a slightly more complicated process.

Both CBD and CBN have analgesic properties, meaning they work to relieve pain. More research has yet to be done to fully understand and explore the benefits of CBN for pain relief and sleep.

Where to Get CBG and CBN Products in South Africa

Because CBG and CBN products are so scarce, it is unlikely that you’ll be able to get them from just any local outlet. Online stores are the best places to shop for premium CBD, CBG, and CBN products. The following are just some of the most popular suppliers:

RSA MMD

420 MP

Cannabliss

Neked

CBDStore

Final Thoughts | CBG vs CBN

Clearly, the CBN vs CBG landscape is still growing, so keep the following in mind. Everyone is different, so what works for one person may not work for you. It’s important to know what exactly you want to get out of cannabis products so that you can choose the right one.

Experimentation is the name of the game when it comes to cannabis, so go ahead (responsibly, though).

Read up on the different products available on the market, compare prices, and consult healthcare professionals when required.

Remember to follow the recommended dosage directions, and use each product you purchase with extreme care. For health problems and related medical conditions, seek medical care if any adverse effects are experienced after taking any cannabis product.