Date Published

01.01.2023

Journal Author

Al Puig & Max Hofert

CBD VS CBG - WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

So, what is CBG?

CBG is a cannabinoid found in hemp or cannabis, and is more formally referred to as “Cannabigerol”. CBG is also known as “the mother of all cannabinoids” since all other cannabinoids are developed from its acidic form (CBGA). Like a lot of other cannabinoids, more information about CBG is being discovered every day, but the therapeutic benefits are already stacking up. 

CBG benefits the body in many ways. Studies have shown that it can stimulate appetite, which is great for cancer patients or people with issues maintaining a healthy appetite. It can also be used as a mood regulator, or for inflammation relief - well slap my ass and call me Sally, that sounds downright wonderful. Users have also reported using it for anxiety and stress relief throughout the day. Not only does CBG do wonders for both the mind and body, we’ve heard from many of our customers that it gives them a nice boost of energy and focus. On the contrary, they use CBD to unwind, relax, and get some quality sleep. They even reported cutting out some caffeine on days they use CBG - score!

What exactly does it do?

Dopamine levels increase as CBG binds to the CB1 & CB2 receptors, and even shows promise as an antidepressant since serotonin and GABA increase in your brain as well. Additionally, CBG helps with maintaining your body’s homeostasis. With all of these things working together, it makes sense why CBG could increase your overall mood throughout the day. 

Therapeutic benefits of CBG

Being a rare / minor cannabinoid, there has been significantly less research done on CBG. CBG is just beginning to explode, and the power of this highly-beneficial cannabinoid is reaching the masses. With the increase in usage and positive feedback, we expect to see significantly more clinical studies and research emerging on CBG and its benefits. Below, we have summarized some of the reported benefits of CBG. 

Anti-inflammatory properties

CBG has been shown to drastically help with inflammation throughout the body, making it a great option to help alleviate all sorts of ailments ranging from IBS to multiple sclerosis. This 2015 study showed hope in reducing several symptoms of IBS. Expanding further on the anti-inflammatory properties of CBG, it’s been shown to reduce intraocular pressure, proving helpful for folks who suffer from glaucoma. 

**Pro Tip: Taking higher doses of CBG before getting a new tattoo can not only decrease the inflammation and skin irritation, it can drastically reduce the “suck” aspect of getting a tattoo!

Pain relief

Partially due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBG is reportedly great for providing pain relief. Whether you went too hard in your spin class and can’t sit down, or you blew out your ACL on your annual ski trip, CBG is here to help aid in a quicker recovery. 

Antibiotic properties 

Now, if this all doesn’t sound promising enough, CBG also exhibits antibacterial properties, which means it could be helpful with infections and other bacterial issues such as MRSA - crazy! 

Anxiety relief 

Not only have we heard from folks that CBG helps with anxiety or stress relief during the daytime, we’ve also h

Energy and focus 

We’ve had a lot of reports that people are able to consume less caffeine while taking CBG, as it gives them a clean boost of energy throughout the day. Check out some reviews from our wonderful customers, and a quick quote from Mr. Paul Hoffman of Greensky Bluegrass, and member of The Holding Company Freakshow.  

So, what is CBG?

CBG is a cannabinoid found in hemp or cannabis, and is more formally referred to as “Cannabigerol”. CBG is also known as “the mother of all cannabinoids” since all other cannabinoids are developed from its acidic form (CBGA). Like a lot of other cannabinoids, more information about CBG is being discovered every day, but the therapeutic benefits are already stacking up. 

CBG benefits the body in many ways. Studies have shown that it can stimulate appetite, which is great for cancer patients or people with issues maintaining a healthy appetite. It can also be used as a mood regulator, or for inflammation relief - well slap my ass and call me Sally, that sounds downright wonderful. Users have also reported using it for anxiety and stress relief throughout the day. Not only does CBG do wonders for both the mind and body, we’ve heard from many of our customers that it gives them a nice boost of energy and focus. On the contrary, they use CBD to unwind, relax, and get some quality sleep. They even reported cutting out some caffeine on days they use CBG - score!

What exactly does it do?

Dopamine levels increase as CBG binds to the CB1 & CB2 receptors, and even shows promise as an antidepressant since serotonin and GABA increase in your brain as well. Additionally, CBG helps with maintaining your body’s homeostasis. With all of these things working together, it makes sense why CBG could increase your overall mood throughout the day. 

Therapeutic benefits of CBG

Being a rare / minor cannabinoid, there has been significantly less research done on CBG. CBG is just beginning to explode, and the power of this highly-beneficial cannabinoid is reaching the masses. With the increase in usage and positive feedback, we expect to see significantly more clinical studies and research emerging on CBG and its benefits. Below, we have summarized some of the reported benefits of CBG. 

Anti-inflammatory properties

CBG has been shown to drastically help with inflammation throughout the body, making it a great option to help alleviate all sorts of ailments ranging from IBS to multiple sclerosis. This 2015 study showed hope in reducing several symptoms of IBS. Expanding further on the anti-inflammatory properties of CBG, it’s been shown to reduce intraocular pressure, proving helpful for folks who suffer from glaucoma. 

**Pro Tip: Taking higher doses of CBG before getting a new tattoo can not only decrease the inflammation and skin irritation, it can drastically reduce the “suck” aspect of getting a tattoo!

Pain relief

Partially due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBG is reportedly great for providing pain relief. Whether you went too hard in your spin class and can’t sit down, or you blew out your ACL on your annual ski trip, CBG is here to help aid in a quicker recovery. 

Antibiotic properties 

Now, if this all doesn’t sound promising enough, CBG also exhibits antibacterial properties, which means it could be helpful with infections and other bacterial issues such as MRSA - crazy! 

Anxiety relief 

Not only have we heard from folks that CBG helps with anxiety or stress relief during the daytime, we’ve also h

Energy and focus 

We’ve had a lot of reports that people are able to consume less caffeine while taking CBG, as it gives them a clean boost of energy throughout the day. Check out some reviews from our wonderful customers, and a quick quote from Mr. Paul Hoffman of Greensky Bluegrass, and member of The Holding Company Freakshow.  

“I love these. I cut a cup of coffee the first day and I’ve taken them daily since. I feel alert and have less desire for more caffeine. I don’t get a rush of energy that makes me jittery like caffeine either, they just make me feel good. I like feeling good.”
Photo of phoff w/ both bottles 2/15 IG

Therapeutic benefits of CBD

While CBG may be all the new rage, let’s not forget about CBD, or “Cannabidiol” - another cannabinoid found in hemp/cannabis. CBD is known as a “major cannabinoid”, meaning it is found more abundantly in hemp or cannabis, whereas CBG is known as a “minor cannabinoid” or less likely to be found in higher levels (typically). This is why CBD products are far more available than CBG. 

Once you’re ready to tune down for the night, switch over to CBD and find yourself falling asleep on the couch much more often. Through animal studies and user reports, CBD has been shown to help with a variety of issues ranging from anxiety, help sleeping, or even an alternative to alcohol when looking for a way to relax after a long day. Customers have reported that they have an easier time not only falling asleep, but staying asleep through the night, and wake up feeling rested and without the “hangover” that some THC edibles can leave you with the next day. Not only that, but users also report recovering from workouts or injuries quicker, or getting pain relief when other products just don’t cut it.

With the rising popularity of CBD, research has also increased. CBD has shown great promise in a variety of areas. We’ve broken down some of the possible benefits below.

Anti-inflammatory properties

CBD is non-intoxicating, but exerts a number of beneficial pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Preclinical and clinical studies have contributed to the understanding of the therapeutic potential of CBD for many diseases, including diseases associated with oxidative stress. According to extensive studies, CBD has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in several inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Calm anxiety and depression

We’ve all come to love the calming and relaxing feeling that is reported with the use of CBD. It can help take a load off after a long day, or ease tension related to anxiety. CBD has shown anxiolytic effects in both humans and animals, and studies have shown that CBD could be helpful in combating Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). 

Reduce symptoms associated with PTSD

According to studies, combined with therapy, CBD has been shown to decrease PTSD symptoms in a controlled setting. Several other human trials in the years 2012 to 2016 suggest that CBD can help reduce PTSD symptoms, in particular with the addition of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. As covered in a previous journal post, when THC is combined with CBD and other cannabinoids in full spectrum CBD and CBG products, it kickstarts the “entourage effect”, which is when all of the cannabinoids are working synergistically to provide maximum therapeutic benefits and potency. This is why Full spectrum CBD and CBG are a must - anything else (“THC free” “0% THC”, “Broad spectrum”, etc.) is a waste of money. Believe us - you will feel the difference. 

Pain relief

Nearly a decade ago in 2005, Canada approved the use of Sativex, an oral spray with equal parts THC and CBD, for the treatment of multiple sclerosis-related central neuropathic pain. Shortly after, in 2007, Canada approved the medicine’s use again for cancer pain that proved unresponsive to other medications.

Back in the states, loads of studies are being performed on the use of CBD for treating chronic pain unrelated to cancer. In one 2020 study, researchers administered CBD topically to a group of patients with symptomatic peripheral neuropathy (a result of brain nerve and spinal cord nerve damage), while another group with the same condition received a placebo. Results showed a significant reduction in intense, sharp pains and cold, itchy sensations in those who used the topical CBD compared to those who used the placebo. There weren't any reported adverse effects from any of the group's participants. 

CBD topicals operate differently than your traditional capsules and tinctures. CBD topicals tend to treat more localized aches and pains in external areas of the body since they enter the bloodstream transdermally. Think bruises, scrapes, sore muscles, etc. - topicals are great for some quick relief. Capsules, tinctures, and other edibles are used in a more systemic manner.

Inhibits arthritis symptoms

We all fear getting old, especially when our bones don’t quite do what they used to. Arthritis is caused by the deterioration of the tissues inside and surrounding your joints. The pain associated with arthritis can be excruciating and often hard to treat. Symptoms can be stiffness, loss of motion, shooting pain, muscle weakness and more. 

A 2006 study found that Sativex - a CBD-based botanical drug approved in the United Kingdom in 2010 - promoted statistically significant improvements in quality of sleep, pain during movement, and pain at rest in patients with rheumatoid arthritis when compared to a placebo. It was the first controlled trial of Sativex as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, involving 58 patients. CBD was found to have a pain-relieving effect, as well as an ability to suppress disease activity.

Promotes healthy sleep 

Around 70 million adults in the United States suffer from chronic sleep problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The key player in how CBD may work as a sleep aid is the endocannabinoid system in the human body. “The endocannabinoid system is a complex neurochemical network in the body that regulates various bodily functions, including emotions, pain and sleep.” says Chantel Strachan, M.D., a board-certified internal medicine physician and headache specialist at Columbia Doctors and Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York (wow, that was a lot of words). “While the body naturally releases endocannabinoid molecules, external sources of cannabinoids, such as CBD, can affect the body via the ECS,” she adds.

The hypothalamus is crucial in several sleep-related functions, including regulating body temperature and synchronizing sleep patterns. CBD can help people with insomnia because it works with the hypothalamus to regulate stress, says Dr. Whitelocke. “Insomnia results from an overactive stress reaction that’s spilling into a rest time when we’re not trying to process conscious trauma,” Whitelocke adds. “CBD can suppress this dysregulated cycle of stress hormone overactivation and equalize the sleep and wake rhythm through counteracting hormones.” - Rad!

CBD has also shown promising results in relieving symptoms associated with restless leg syndrome (RLS). Preliminary research shows that CBD can reduce the frequency of abnormal nerve firings that lead to involuntary muscle twitching. Not to mention, your partner will be much happier when you’re not aggressively jolting the entire bed at 3:45am every morning. 

In a study examining the effects of cannabis on insomnia, researchers found CBD more effectively decreased symptoms of insomnia than delta-9 THC, which is the most abundant active constituent in the cannabis sativa plant that has an intoxicatingly psychoactive effect.

We’ve had a number of “the best night's sleep of my life” reports from our CBD. Check out some reviews from our wonderful customers, and a quick quote from Andy Thorn, banjoist of Leftover Salmon, and member of The Holding Company Freakshow.  

Therapeutic benefits of CBD

While CBG may be all the new rage, let’s not forget about CBD, or “Cannabidiol” - another cannabinoid found in hemp/cannabis. CBD is known as a “major cannabinoid”, meaning it is found more abundantly in hemp or cannabis, whereas CBG is known as a “minor cannabinoid” or less likely to be found in higher levels (typically). This is why CBD products are far more available than CBG. 

Once you’re ready to tune down for the night, switch over to CBD and find yourself falling asleep on the couch much more often. Through animal studies and user reports, CBD has been shown to help with a variety of issues ranging from anxiety, help sleeping, or even an alternative to alcohol when looking for a way to relax after a long day. Customers have reported that they have an easier time not only falling asleep, but staying asleep through the night, and wake up feeling rested and without the “hangover” that some THC edibles can leave you with the next day. Not only that, but users also report recovering from workouts or injuries quicker, or getting pain relief when other products just don’t cut it.

With the rising popularity of CBD, research has also increased. CBD has shown great promise in a variety of areas. We’ve broken down some of the possible benefits below.

Anti-inflammatory properties

CBD is non-intoxicating, but exerts a number of beneficial pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Preclinical and clinical studies have contributed to the understanding of the therapeutic potential of CBD for many diseases, including diseases associated with oxidative stress. According to extensive studies, CBD has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in several inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Calm anxiety and depression

We’ve all come to love the calming and relaxing feeling that is reported with the use of CBD. It can help take a load off after a long day, or ease tension related to anxiety. CBD has shown anxiolytic effects in both humans and animals, and studies have shown that CBD could be helpful in combating Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). 

Reduce symptoms associated with PTSD

According to studies, combined with therapy, CBD has been shown to decrease PTSD symptoms in a controlled setting. Several other human trials in the years 2012 to 2016 suggest that CBD can help reduce PTSD symptoms, in particular with the addition of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. As covered in a previous journal post, when THC is combined with CBD and other cannabinoids in full spectrum CBD and CBG products, it kickstarts the “entourage effect”, which is when all of the cannabinoids are working synergistically to provide maximum therapeutic benefits and potency. This is why Full spectrum CBD and CBG are a must - anything else (“THC free” “0% THC”, “Broad spectrum”, etc.) is a waste of money. Believe us - you will feel the difference. 

Pain relief

Nearly a decade ago in 2005, Canada approved the use of Sativex, an oral spray with equal parts THC and CBD, for the treatment of multiple sclerosis-related central neuropathic pain. Shortly after, in 2007, Canada approved the medicine’s use again for cancer pain that proved unresponsive to other medications.

Back in the states, loads of studies are being performed on the use of CBD for treating chronic pain unrelated to cancer. In one 2020 study, researchers administered CBD topically to a group of patients with symptomatic peripheral neuropathy (a result of brain nerve and spinal cord nerve damage), while another group with the same condition received a placebo. Results showed a significant reduction in intense, sharp pains and cold, itchy sensations in those who used the topical CBD compared to those who used the placebo. There weren't any reported adverse effects from any of the group's participants. 

CBD topicals operate differently than your traditional capsules and tinctures. CBD topicals tend to treat more localized aches and pains in external areas of the body since they enter the bloodstream transdermally. Think bruises, scrapes, sore muscles, etc. - topicals are great for some quick relief. Capsules, tinctures, and other edibles are used in a more systemic manner.

Inhibits arthritis symptoms

We all fear getting old, especially when our bones don’t quite do what they used to. Arthritis is caused by the deterioration of the tissues inside and surrounding your joints. The pain associated with arthritis can be excruciating and often hard to treat. Symptoms can be stiffness, loss of motion, shooting pain, muscle weakness and more. 

A 2006 study found that Sativex - a CBD-based botanical drug approved in the United Kingdom in 2010 - promoted statistically significant improvements in quality of sleep, pain during movement, and pain at rest in patients with rheumatoid arthritis when compared to a placebo. It was the first controlled trial of Sativex as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, involving 58 patients. CBD was found to have a pain-relieving effect, as well as an ability to suppress disease activity.

Promotes healthy sleep 

Around 70 million adults in the United States suffer from chronic sleep problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The key player in how CBD may work as a sleep aid is the endocannabinoid system in the human body. “The endocannabinoid system is a complex neurochemical network in the body that regulates various bodily functions, including emotions, pain and sleep.” says Chantel Strachan, M.D., a board-certified internal medicine physician and headache specialist at Columbia Doctors and Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York (wow, that was a lot of words). “While the body naturally releases endocannabinoid molecules, external sources of cannabinoids, such as CBD, can affect the body via the ECS,” she adds.

The hypothalamus is crucial in several sleep-related functions, including regulating body temperature and synchronizing sleep patterns. CBD can help people with insomnia because it works with the hypothalamus to regulate stress, says Dr. Whitelocke. “Insomnia results from an overactive stress reaction that’s spilling into a rest time when we’re not trying to process conscious trauma,” Whitelocke adds. “CBD can suppress this dysregulated cycle of stress hormone overactivation and equalize the sleep and wake rhythm through counteracting hormones.” - Rad!

CBD has also shown promising results in relieving symptoms associated with restless leg syndrome (RLS). Preliminary research shows that CBD can reduce the frequency of abnormal nerve firings that lead to involuntary muscle twitching. Not to mention, your partner will be much happier when you’re not aggressively jolting the entire bed at 3:45am every morning. 

In a study examining the effects of cannabis on insomnia, researchers found CBD more effectively decreased symptoms of insomnia than delta-9 THC, which is the most abundant active constituent in the cannabis sativa plant that has an intoxicatingly psychoactive effect.

We’ve had a number of “the best night's sleep of my life” reports from our CBD. Check out some reviews from our wonderful customers, and a quick quote from Andy Thorn, banjoist of Leftover Salmon, and member of The Holding Company Freakshow.  

“I’ve really been appreciating The Holding Company’s products during these weeks (while I can’t take my normal knockout THC edible at bedtime). These CBD products help me fall asleep fast. In the morning I wake up feeling great.”
Photo of Andy Staring at Bottle

Ok, so it sounds like CBD and CBG are for me - what next?

With more and more CBG and CBD products hitting the market, it can be tough to decide which brand to choose. CBG or CBD with THC and other cannabinoids (also known as “full spectrum”) is going to be the most effective option. Unless you’re trying to pass a whizz quiz for a job or any other occasion, there’s really no reason you should go for anything other than full spectrum CBD and CBG. Cannabinoids work synergistically, meaning they interact with each other in our bodies and create the most desired effects when used in conjunction with other cannabinoids. You can learn more about cannabinoids and our patented chemical-free extraction process on “The Science” page of our site. Don’t nerd out too hard! 

Not trying to get high all day, but still want the relief from CBD and/or CBG through the day? No problem, a full spectrum product (which is all we offer at The Holding Company) contains trace - and legal - amounts of THC that are not intended to get you high. The small amount of THC found in full spectrum products is simply there to activate the other cannabinoids and work together to create the most desired and therapeutic result - not to get you high. Now, that’s not to say you can’t implement your own THC into your day in addition to CBD or CBG. In fact, we’re the biggest proponents of dabbing, smoking a joint, or popping an edible throughout the day. When you take CBD and CBG and supplement your own THC throughout the day, that’s when you start to see the real magic of this plant. 

When it comes down to it, we love both CBD and CBG. Personally, we use both throughout the day (along with a healthy amount of THC - ingested via your preferred method) and double down on the CBD at night. We’d love to hear how you use our products, and read more about how people use The Holding Company CBD and CBG here.

Ok, so it sounds like CBD and CBG are for me - what next?

With more and more CBG and CBD products hitting the market, it can be tough to decide which brand to choose. CBG or CBD with THC and other cannabinoids (also known as “full spectrum”) is going to be the most effective option. Unless you’re trying to pass a whizz quiz for a job or any other occasion, there’s really no reason you should go for anything other than full spectrum CBD and CBG. Cannabinoids work synergistically, meaning they interact with each other in our bodies and create the most desired effects when used in conjunction with other cannabinoids. You can learn more about cannabinoids and our patented chemical-free extraction process on “The Science” page of our site. Don’t nerd out too hard! 

Not trying to get high all day, but still want the relief from CBD and/or CBG through the day? No problem, a full spectrum product (which is all we offer at The Holding Company) contains trace - and legal - amounts of THC that are not intended to get you high. The small amount of THC found in full spectrum products is simply there to activate the other cannabinoids and work together to create the most desired and therapeutic result - not to get you high. Now, that’s not to say you can’t implement your own THC into your day in addition to CBD or CBG. In fact, we’re the biggest proponents of dabbing, smoking a joint, or popping an edible throughout the day. When you take CBD and CBG and supplement your own THC throughout the day, that’s when you start to see the real magic of this plant. 

When it comes down to it, we love both CBD and CBG. Personally, we use both throughout the day (along with a healthy amount of THC - ingested via your preferred method) and double down on the CBD at night. We’d love to hear how you use our products, and read more about how people use The Holding Company CBD and CBG here.

Photo of both bottle graphics side by side

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