How are CBD and CBG different?
If you’re interested in cannabidiol (“CBD”), you may have heard the term “CBG” floating around. CBG stands for cannabigerol. Both CBG and CBD are naturally occurring non-intoxicating cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis sativa plant. Although CBD and CBG have some similarities, they also have some key differences that are important to keep in mind.
CBD: What is it?
CBD is one of the chemical compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. Cannabis sativa has two main species: hemp and marijuana. Both hemp and marijuana contain various chemical compounds such as delta 9 THC and CBD. One of the differences between hemp and marijuana is the amount of delta 9 THC and CBD that each contains. Marijuana contains more delta 9 THC -- the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” sensation. Both plants contain CBD. As long as hemp contains less than 0.3% delta 9 THC, it is legal for manufacturing, distribution and consumption.
CBG: The “stem cell” of CBD
All cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant stem from one compound -- CBG. CBG then converts into CBD, CBC, and THC. Think of it as the “stem cell” of all the compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant, including CBD. CBGa, the acidic form of CBG, breaks down and turns into the “base” molecule CBG, which can then turn into all the other cannabinoids that occur in marijuana and hemp.
Because many of the hemp strains sold today are bred to be high in CBD, most contain very little CBG. The more CBD present in a strain, the less CBG naturally occurs. However, experimenting with breeding, genetic manipulation, and harvesting techniques can boost the level of CBG present so that the hemp plant contains high amounts of both CBD and CBG.
