Take a quick drive around virtually any city or town in the United States (or most of the rest of the world for that matter), and you are bound to see a shop advertising that it sells CBD products. If you take a step instead some of these shops, you might also notice that many of them offer products that contain CBG as well. Both types of product are unique and offer consumers the opportunity to enjoy something that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore.
Both of these substances are cannabinoids, and our purpose today is to provide a summary of what they do, how they are similar to one another, and how they differ. By the end, you will have a little more knowledge of CBG and CBD products, and you can make a more informed decision about which of these products is right for your personal use. With this in mind, let's take a deep dive into this topic now.
What are Cannabinoids?
Let's start with the very basics, and that is the question about what cannabinoids are. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation defines them in this way:
The word cannabinoid refers to every chemical substance, regardless of structure or origin, that joins the cannabinoid receptors of the body and brain and that have similar effects to those produced by the Cannabis Sativa plant.
Cannabinoids interact directly with the body's endocannabinoid system which helps to regulate things such as mood, pain, appetite, memory, and more. As such, the consumption of cannabinoids can have direct impacts on those functions within the body. This is why many users of cannabinoid products report positive sensations from having taken them.
It is vital to note that there are non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as CBG and CBD that do not cause the user to experience the feeling of being "high". However, these compounds can still produce some of the relaxing impacts that many users are looking for. As such, they are more widely available and often celebrated by those who are looking to avoid the feeling of being high.
What is CBG?
Known by the catchphrase of "mother of all cannabinoids", CBG is precursor compound that all other cannabinoids are formed out of. Therefore, if you are consuming THC, CBD, or some other cannabinoid, it was originally formed from CBG.
Research is still ongoing, but there is at least some evidence to suggest that CBG may be helpful with a number of health concerns, including:
- Bladder dysfunction
- Appetite stimulation
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
All of these things are issues that patients deserve some relief from, and CBG can potentially offer that to them. On top of that, CBG is not psychoactive, so it won't cause the user to experience the feeling of being high. That is something that many people are interested in avoiding, and they can do so by taking CBG rather than some other cannabinoids.
What is CBD?
A highly popular cannabinoid option is known as CBD. It is among the most widely available cannabinoids in the United States, and the research that has been done on it is more extensive than many other cannabinoids.
It provides potential health benefits and relief in the following areas:
- Anxiety
- Sleep issues
- Skin issues
- Pain and inflammation
- Stress
It is also not psychoactive and has been deemed legal at the federal level in the United States due to the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. It is commonly sold as gummies, oils, vape products, beverages, and more.
Important Differences Between CBG and CBD
Just because these two cannabinoids are similar in name does not mean that they are similar in every way. It is wise to take note of the key differences between CBG and CBD as you begin to explore what each of these cannabinoids can mean for your life.
Chemical Structure and Origin
The first key difference between the two is in their chemical structure. As we mentioned before, CBG is known as the "mother of all cannabinoids" and is what other cannabinoids derive from. It is quite rare as it makes up less than 1% of most cannabis strains. Conversely, CBD is far more common at about 20% of all cannabis strains, and it is directly derived from the hemp plant.
Effects on the Body
The impacts that one will feel when taking CBG or CBD products can vary slightly from person to person. However, what has been observed is that CBG binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors mildly whereas CBD tends to bind to those same receptors more forcefully.
What people who have taken both products tend to say is that the CBG experience is an uplifting and energizing one. The CBD experience is a more relaxing and calming experience for both. The value of each experience is in the eye of the beholder.
Availability and Cost
A major concern for everyone looking to purchase CBG or CBD products is how much each will cost and where each is available. The 2018 Farm Bill helped to open up the legalization of such products considerably throughout the United States, but CBG products remain far more challenging to find than do CBD ones.
A big reason for the difference is because of how much more common CBD is found naturally occurring. It is easier to source for various products, and the consumer public has largely taken to purchasing and consuming CBD products. However, CBG products remain rarer, and therefore, the cost associated with such products is also often considerably higher.
Research and Popularity
Given the popularity and availability of CBD, it should not come as a shock to learn that more research has been performed on this product compared to the amount of research done on CBG products. This means that there is far more that has been scientifically proven about the impacts of CBD compared to many other cannabinoids. That said, research is progressing on CBG and other cannabinoids as well, and it is anticipated that research into these products will continue to accelerate.
Benefits of Using CBG and CBD
The reason why both CBG and CBD products remain as popular as they do is due to the number of benefits that each has to offer. Let's take a look at a quick breakdown of some of the likely benefits that one will enjoy when consuming either product.
Benefits of CBG
- Appetite Stimulation - Some people find it challenging to have much of an appetite or to consume foods that can benefit their health. Taking CBG products means that one might find their appetite stimulated and finally be able to start to enjoy eating the foods that they haven't in the past.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties - Inflammation is a major concern for many people worldwide. We tend to eat and drink things that can cause our digestive system to become inflamed. CBG products have anti-inflammatory properties that can help users find some relief from their symptoms.
- Potential for Brain Health Benefits - More research must still be performed, but early indications are that there may be benefits to one's brain health when taking CBG products.
Benefits of CBD
- Anti-Inflammatory Benefits - Just like CBG products, CBD products also have anti-inflammatory properties that users might find useful.
- Stress and Anxiety Relief - It is certainly true that many people throughout our society report feelings of stress and anxiety in their daily lives. It is an uncomfortable feeling for most, and it can have adverse impacts on other parts of the well-being. CBD products can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety for users.
- Anti-Seizure Treatment - There is some evidence that consumption of CBD products may reduce instances of seizures in those who are otherwise prone to have them. Considering how scary and damaging having a seizure can be, it is no wonder that many people are highly excited about the possibility that CBD products may reduce seizures.
Choosing Between CBG and CBD
Making a final selection between CBG and CBD products can certainly feel challenging for some. It is understandable that people may feel that way, but here are some things to consider when making a choice like this:
- Affordability - The first thing that most will have to contemplate is how much they can afford to spend on such products. CBG products are rarer and more costly than CBD products, and that alone can be a deciding factor for some. That said, some will want to save up and try both products to see which one they personally like the most.
- Personal Health Goals - Users must also think about which types of benefits they are seeking out of their cannabinoid use to begin with. CBD has different benefits from CBG, and it is important to note which one each individual user cares about before moving forward.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional - Speaking with a healthcare professional prior to using either CBD or CBG is a smart move. He or she can advise you about things that you should think about related to your health before using either option.
How to Use CBD and CBG Safely
Before jumping straight into using CBD or CBG products, every potential consumer should make certain that they follow some commonsense health and safety tips. This includes starting at a low dosage and slowly moving up until they find a dosage that works well for them. It also means looking for products that are certified to have been third-party lab tested for safety. This will help enhance the quality of the products that one uses and ensure that one is only using products that have been tested to be safe.
Explore Both Options and Find What is Right For You
At the end of the day, the best thing that one can do is explore both CBD and CBG products to determine which one is right for their personal needs. They might discover that they prefer one to the other. They might also have to consider factors such as affordability and availability before making a big commitment to one or the other.
References
1) Alcohol and Drug Foundation. (2025, June 6). Cannabinoids. Drug Facts. Retrieved July 16, 2025, from https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/cannabinoids/
2) Silva GD, Del Guerra FB, de Oliveira Lelis M, Pinto LF. Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Epilepsy: A Focused Review of Evidence and Gaps. Front Neurol. 2020 Oct 19;11:531939. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.531939. PMID: 33192966; PMCID: PMC7604476.
