Everything You Need to Know About CBG vs CBD

Everything You Need to Know About CBG vs CBD

Is CBG the new big thing in wellness?

11 May 2023 | Hannah Rubery

Everything You Need to Know About CBG vs CBD (image)

Cannabinoids have been gaining some serious attention in recent years and CBG (cannabigerol) is one of the latest compounds making waves. Unlike CBD, it is still relatively unknown and more research needs to be conducted to truly understand its properties and benefits. In this article, we’ll explore what CBG is, how it differs from CBD, and its potential benefits.



Benefits of CBG

It's important to remember that cannabinoids like CBG and CBD shouldn't be used to treat medical conditions unless specifically prescribed by a medical practitioner. In the UK, CBD and CBG are not available for medicinal use. Studies on the effects of CBG are still in their early stages, but there is some evidence that suggests its potential benefits.

CBG may have neuroprotective properties which could help with conditions such as Huntington's Disease and Parkinson’s. It also appears to potentially reduce inflammation and pain, making it a possible treatment for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.


Woman at sundown enjoying feeling happy and content (image)

Research on CBG

Although not as widely studied as CBD, there is a growing body of research into the potential benefits of CBG. CBG is being studied for its potential in treating IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). A study conducted in 2013 showed that CBG could help regulate gut inflammation, which could be beneficial for those suffering from IBD.

CBG also shows promise in treating neurological disorders such as Huntington's Disease and Parkinson’s. The study found that CBG could help protect neurons, which could be beneficial for those suffering from these conditions. More research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of CBG and confirm these findings.



Legal Status of CBG in the UK

CBG is legal to buy and use in the UK so long as it has less than 0.2% of THC (the main psychoactive component in cannabis). This means that the product must be labelled as ‘THC free’ or ‘with less than 0.2% THC’ to be legally purchased and used in the UK, under the same rules as CBD products.

It is also important to remember that CBG and CBD should not be used to treat medical conditions unless prescribed by a medical practitioner. In the UK, cannabinoids are not available for medicinal use outside of specific clinical trials.


Scientist closely looking at CBD drops from a pipette to bottle (image)

Is CBG safe for use?

CBG is generally considered to be a safe compound and has few reported side effects. However, as with any supplement or medication, it is important to speak with your doctor before beginning the use of CBG or CBD if you have any underlying medical conditions.

Like CBD, CBG can interact with certain medications and should not be used if you are taking any prescribed medications. It is also important to ensure that the product you are using is from a reputable source to be certain it is legal in the UK.



Combining CBG with CBD for Enhanced Effectiveness

There is some evidence to suggest that combining CBD with CBG could lead to a more effective treatment for some conditions. The two cannabinoids have different properties and can work together in synergy to potentially provide enhanced effects. Due to its fairly recent boom in interest, there are few products available blending the two at this moment.

However, combining CBD and CBG could be particularly useful for those managing chronic conditions. People who experience inflammation or joint pain may find that the combination of CBD and CBG is more effective at reducing symptoms than if either was used by themselves. Additionally, with their different properties, the two cannabinoids can work together to potentially provide a stronger and more sustained effect for certain conditions.

It's important to remember that if you're considering combining CBD and CBG, it's best to speak with your doctor first. Although CBG is legal in the UK and CBD can be purchased without a prescription, you should always consult with your doctor before using any product containing cannabinoids. Additionally, you should always make sure that your CBG or CBD product is sourced from a reputable supplier and contains less than 0.2% of THC to stay within the law.



Final Thoughts - What Can We Expect From CBG?

CBG is still a relatively new cannabinoid, so there isn't yet a lot of research into its full potential. However, the studies that have been conducted allude to it having some promising benefits, particularly when combined with CBD.

We can expect more research over the coming years to better understand the potential benefits of CBG, as well as its combined effects with CBD. We can also expect a rise in products combining both cannabinoids for enhanced effectiveness and to improve the management of chronic conditions.

It's important to remember that although legal in the UK, any cannabinoid product should be used responsibly and only after consulting with a medical practitioner. As we gain more knowledge of CBG and its combined effects with CBD, the potential benefits it could offer may become clearer. In the meantime, we can remain hopeful that this minor cannabinoid will continue to make waves in the industry.