The Benefits of Using CBG and CBD Together

The demand for high-quality CBD in the health and wellness industry has increased, and there’s no sign of this trend slowing down. Nowadays, people are looking for natural options instead of chemical-based prescriptions. Prescription medicines often cause undesired side-effects. Not the case with healthy alternatives. And cannabidiol recently became a leading choice of those healthy alternatives.

Cannabidiol is a plant-derived, natural compound from the cannabis plant and often used in wellness products. However, CBD is not the only cannabinoid gaining traction. Recently, CBG, another cannabis-derived cannabinoid, has been sharing the spotlight. If you haven’t heard of CBG, you are not alone, as it has gained the attention of researchers and users only recently. CBD and CBG share some similarities in composition and are known to provide exceptional health benefits. But where do the similarities end? In this post, we are going to look at the two and whether they complement each other when consumed together.

What is CBG?

CBG or cannabigerol is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. First isolated in 1964, but studies on its applications and effects started just a few years ago. Research is still at the infancy stage, but studies so far show it holds substantial therapeutic benefits. There is evidence suggesting the compound may offer antibacterial, antidepressant, and anticancer properties. It also provides the same benefits as THC, without an intoxicating effect or the highness experienced when you smoke weed.

CBG is referred to as the mother of cannabinoids because its acidic form (CBGA) is the precursor to most cannabinoids. As the hemp plant grows and matures, CBGA separates into three primary cannabinoid acids. Those are cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabichromene acid (CBCA), and tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA).

Through a chemical process known as decarboxylation, CBGA becomes CBG. When consumed, CBG interacts with the body and brain’s cannabinoid receptors. According to research, cannabigerol has a partial affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors. It may also stimulate receptors responsible for heat sensitivity, pain, and inflammation.

What is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Thanks to research, CBD has seized the spotlight for inherently offering therapeutic benefits. The compound boasts analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, and sedative properties.

Cannabidiol can also help mitigate the less desirable THC qualities. That is, stopping the paranoia, impaired cognitive function, and anxiety THC cause. Studies show that CBD, combined with other cannabinoids such as THC and CBG, offers more acute therapeutic benefits. A phenomenon best referred to as the entourage effect.

Cannabidiol acts on the ECS, a network of neurotransmitters responsible for homeostasis. CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors as well to give the desired effects. However, its action mechanisms on the body are not yet fully understood.

The Difference Between CBD and CBG

Despite the many similarities, CBD and CBG vary in several ways:

1. Molecular Structure

CBD and CBG have varying molecular structures. That refers to the number and arrangement of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms that make up a cannabinoid. Different molecular structures mean that CBG and CBD bind with the receptors in varying ways. They then affect the body differently, depending on that. The molecular structure of a cannabinoid determines its bioavailability and how soluble its on water.

2. Pharmacology

As mentioned above, CBG and CBG activate receptors distinctively. A study in 2011 published in Psychopharmacology compared the effects of CBG and CBG on the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor. Cannabidiol seems to exert its anti-nausea properties via its affinity for the receptor, acting as an activator. On the other hand, CBD acts as a blocker or antagonist. The findings revealed that cannabigerol blocked cannabidiol’s anti-emetic effects. Thus, showing that the two compounds bound to the same place, but the interactions with 5-HT1A were opposing.

3. Appetite Stimulation

Another important way that CBD and CBG differ is in appetite stimulation. Studies on rats revealed that cannabigerol encouraged the subjects to eat more than double their usual intake. In another study, CBG did not cause any changes to eating behaviors, but CBD substantially reduced the total food intake.

Should You Use CBG and CBD Together?

We already know a little bit about these two hemp-derived compounds. Now, we can look at why it’s worth considering using CBG and CBD together.

There’s a lot of studies showing that when you consume a single cannabinoid, it interacts positively with the body. But there’s much evidence suggesting that the benefits multiply when you take more than one cannabinoid. That reaction goes by the name of ‘Entourage Effect.’ The idea behind this phenomenon is that a blend of cannabinoids works better than individually.

When you take CBG and CBD together, they ideally balance each other out. Cannabigerol works directly on your receptors. Meanwhile, cannabidiol stimulates the enzyme that produces endocannabinoids (cannabinoids by your body). According to users, CBG alone can induce drowsiness, while CBD alone has an energizing effect. As such, when used in a blend, the experience is more balanced.

The biggest differentiator is that CBD is more effective for bodily/physical distress. Meanwhile, CBG is ideal for neurological/mental distress. For instance, both CBG and CBD may produce effects that ease pain and sadness. But the latter is more effective for pain, and the former is much better in dealing with symptoms of depression.

Note that ‘generally’ doesn’t mean always. Some users say cannabigerol works better for them in pain relief, and others prefer cannabidiol for depression. Everyone is different, and that’s why taking CBG and CBD together can be a great way to ensure you get full benefits of both.

The Therapeutic Effects of CBG and CBD

The studies and trials exploring CBG and CBD’s effects on humans are not yet conclusive. However, there are many preclinical studies and reports from users that provide insight. They help us better understand some of the potential benefits of these cannabinoids. Both CBG and CBD will not give you a psychoactive or intoxicating feeling. But may offer you other distinct therapeutic benefits, including:

1. Pain Relief

Every popular cannabinoid offers an analgesic effect. One of the reasons marijuana is popular for individuals suffering from chronic pain. A blend of CBG and CBD can be a very effective way to manage pain. The entourage effect might also help lighten the mood body aches damped previously.

2. Fighting Bacterial Infections

Both CBG and CBD have demonstrated the ability to fight bacterial infections. Researchers tested the antibacterial potential of a wide array of cannabinoids. They pitted CBD, THC, and CBG against MRSA. CBG outperformed other cannabinoids and acted similarly to vancomycin, a very potent antibiotic. When combined with CBD, the results will likely improve.

3. Antispasmodic

People often use marijuana when dealing with conditions that cause spasms or convulsions, like epilepsy. CBD and CBG seem to have antispasmodic properties, which helps alleviate or get rid of seizures caused by epilepsy. That can improve the lives of those with the condition, most of all those experiencing seizures regularly. Using a blend of CBG and CBD can help those patients lead a better life.

4. Enhancing Mood

CBG can tell the body to stop absorbing serotonin, and this leads to a boost in mood. On the other hand, CBD boosts anandamide levels in the brain, thus inhibiting the enzymes that break down anandamide. Low anandamide is associated with depression symptoms. This interaction and depression alleviation translates to an enhanced mood. A blend of CBD and CBG can also help address other mood disorders. It shows promise treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD), manic syndrome, and bipolar disorder.

5. Antidepressant

Cannabinoids like THC tend to trigger paranoia and anxiety. However, CBD and CBG are famed for their potential antidepressant properties. A blend of these cannabinoids can help balance your mood and, therefore, may help with depression.

6. Cancer

Both CBG and CBD appear to offer some anticancer properties. This is due to their ability to inhibit abnormal cell growth and multiplication. Studies also show they can hamper the melanoma cell formation in mice’s skin, preventing tumor growth.

With interest in CBG and CBD on the rise, you can expect to hear more about these unique cannabinoids, both in the lab and the local dispensaries.

Getting CBG and CBD Together

If you want to get the most out of CBG and CBD together or want to experience the entourage effect, search for full-spectrum CBD oil products. CBG is hard to get on its own, and the few products available cost a fortune. However, full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the terpenes and cannabinoids of the plant, including CBG.

The only downside with this option is that the percentages and ratios of each cannabinoid vary widely. It all depends on the cannabis strain. This makes it difficult to control the kind of response you will have.

So, is it Worth Taking CBG and CBD Together?

Here at Tanasi.com, we believe that using CBG and CBD together is more beneficial than consuming either product alone. That’s because chances are, you’ll enjoy the combined therapeutic benefits of both cannabinoids. The entourage effect is certainly more advantageous than taking either cannabinoid on its own.