We are only beginning to understand the role that other cannabinoids play in our bodies. Extensive research is being conducted on non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between these cannabinoids.
What Is a Cannabinoid?
A cannabinoid is a class of chemical compounds that interact with cannabinoid receptors in our bodies. These chemicals are found in the cannabis plant. There are over 100 different cannabinoids that have been identified so far.
The best-known cannabinoid is THC. This compound gets people “high” when they smoke or consume cannabis. However, THC is just one of many cannabinoids. In recent years, there has been an increase in research on cannabinoids that do not cause intoxication.
CBD, CBG, and CBN are all non-intoxicating cannabinoids. CBD is the most famous of these compounds. CBG and CBN are less popular, but scientists are beginning to study them for potential medical benefits.
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. People commonly use CBD in the form of an oil, but you can easily find it in other products like edibles, tinctures, and topicals. Many use CBD for holistic purposes, including:
- Anxiety relief
- Skincare
- Pain relief
- Insomnia
CBD is known for its calming effects, so many use it to treat insomnia and anxiety. It is also used topically for its anti-inflammatory properties. You can find CBD products at most dispensaries and online retailers. You can also find them at CBD specialty stores, which are growing in popularity in the U.S.
What Is CBG?
Like CBD, CBG (cannabigerol) is a compound extracted from cannabis plants. CBG is known as the “mother cannabinoid” because it is the precursor to other cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. During the flower’s growth cycle, CBG is the cannabinoid that produces CBD and THC.
Since it gives itself up producing other compounds, CBG is present in very small amounts in most cannabis strains (usually less than 1%). However, there are some strains that growers have engineered to have higher levels of CBG.
When discussing CBG vs CBD, there are a few key differences to consider. First, while neither compound is psychoactive, CBG shows some potential benefits that could be entirely unique. For example, research has shown CBG to offer digestive benefits to users. Medical professionals are also researching CBG’s ability to treat neuropathic pain and limit cancer cell growth.
What Is CBN?
CBN (cannabinol) is a cannabinoid that is frequent in aged and stored cannabis. CBN is a byproduct of “cannabis degradation,” when the flower breaks down over time. CBN is chemically similar to THC, which means that their effects are somewhat comparable. The knowledge gained from studying CBN and THC together has been studied extensively. It is mildly psychoactive, and users report feeling drowsy and relaxed after consuming it. Due to these effects, CBN is typically used as a sleep aid.
Endnote
Cannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds that interact with cannabinoid receptors in our bodies. There are over 100 different cannabinoids that have been identified so far, with CBD, CBG, and CBN being three of the most well-known.
Each cannabinoid has its own unique effects. CBD is known for its calming and anxiety-relieving properties, CBG shows potential digestive benefits and promising medical research, and CBN is often used as a sleep aid.
You can find these cannabinoids at CBD specialty stores or online retailers. Dispensaries may also carry some cannabinoid products, depending on the state’s laws.
