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CBG vs. CBD: Why This "Mother Cannabinoid" Might Be Even Better for Stress

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Since bursting onto the wellness scene in 2018, CBD has been in the spotlight. From its initial popularity and incorporation into endless consumer products, it has continued to gain acceptance and has now become a prominent wellness compound with many benefits. A very common use that has been established and generally accepted as one of CBD's key benefits is its use in managing stress. Many people now regularly reach for CBD products to help them unwind, to de-stress and relax after a long, stressful day, or to help them be calm and focused. But what if there’s something even better? A lesser-known cannabinoid called Cannabigerol (CBG), is emerging as potentially more effective for stress management than CBD.

Shortly after the emergence of hemp crops that were developed to produce high concentrations of CBD, crops that produced more CBG began to be planted in Oregon, Colorado, and other leading hemp states. Here's a photo of me in a hemp field with CBG-dominant plants back in 2019.

Table of Contents

What is CBG? Understanding the "Mother of All Cannabinoids"

Scientific Evidence on CBG's Effects on Stress and Mood

CBD vs. CBG: How They Work Differently for Stress Relief and Anxiety Disorders

Dosage for CBG: Where to Start

Why Combining CBD and CBG Creates a Synergistic Effect

What is CBG? Understanding the "Mother of All Cannabinoids"

CBG earns its "mother cannabinoid" nickname because it's the precursor molecule from which other cannabinoids develop. In young cannabis plants, CBG exists as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which later converts into various cannabinoids as the plant matures:

This is why CBG is typically found in very small quantities in mature plants—it's already been transformed into other compounds. However, specialized cannabis cultivars are now being developed to produce higher concentrations of CBG.

CBG Concentration in Plants

CBG is typically found in smaller concentrations than other cannabinoids in the hemp and cannabis plants, such as THC and CBD. However, some strains of hemp have higher CBG content due to their genetic and biochemical makeup. Some breeders are now reaching CBG concentrations in the 10 - 20% range. CBG concentration is also influenced by factors such as genetics, growing conditions, and harvesting time.

Young plants are usually used for harvesting CBG, as the amount of CBG present declines as the plant grows. In fully developed plants with high concentrations of THC and CBD, CBG is found in very low concentrations (typically 1%).

How CBG Works in the Body: Interaction with Cannabinoid Receptors

Once CBG has been extracted from the hemp plant and refined into a higher potency oil or crystal isolate, it can be incorporated into various product formats, from creams and gummies to oils and capsules. Once ingested or applied to the skin, CBG interacts with our endocannabinoid system, primarily through its interaction with endocannabinoid receptors. Important interactions have now been identified through such as:

• Direct receptor binding: Unlike CBD, CBG binds directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS, which are crucial for regulating stress, inflammation, and mood.
• Neurotransmitter influence: CBG may boost anandamide levels, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation and overall well-being.
• GABA inhibition: Research suggests CBG may inhibit GABA uptake in the brain, potentially reducing anxiety and muscle tension. Further research is needed to fully elucidate this mechanism.

Why This Matters for Your Stress Management

CBG’s direct interaction with ECS receptors could result in potentially faster-acting stress relief compared to CBD alone. Furthermore, CBG's influence on dopamine suggests it may help improve focus and mental clarity, counteracting the brain fog often associated with chronic stress. CBG has also shown promise in managing chronic pain, which often accompanies chronic stress, providing a dual benefit.

Scientific Evidence on CBG's Effects on Stress and Mood

Emerging research highlights CBG's potential as an effective tool for stress management:

As I mentioned, CBG is now garnering a lot of research attention, from basic science research to animal and human studies. Early studies have excited researchers and prompted additional studies throughout the world. Here are some examples:

• The first human clinical trial on CBG's effects on anxiety and stress has shown promising results.
• Various studies on cannabinoids have highlighted CBG's potential benefits for managing anxiety, stress, and mood disorders.
• A 2021 study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found that CBG showed significant anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties in animal models by modulating GABA activity, the neurotransmitter responsible for calming the nervous system (1).
• Research from the Journal of Natural Products suggests that CBG may support neurogenesis, which helps combat cognitive decline and stress-induced memory issues (2).
• A 2020 survey of cannabis users published in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that participants reported CBG-dominant products were effective for anxiety relief, with some noting faster onset compared to CBD-only products (3).

It is important to caution, like in all situations, this research should be kept in context. While these findings are promising, larger, well-controlled human trials are necessary to confirm these effects, establish best approaches, and determine optimal dosages.

CBD vs. CBG: How They Work Differently for Stress Relief and Anxiety Disorders

Seeing as both CBG and CBD have shown potential in their beneficial use for stress management, here are some of the similarities and differences between CBG and CBD in this field. While both cannabinoids show potential stress-relieving properties, they appear to work in distinct ways:

What is CBG Good For? Benefits Beyond Stress Relief

While this article focuses on stress management, research suggests CBG may offer additional benefits:

• Digestive support: CBG may help with stress-related digestive issues by interacting with receptors in the gut
• Inflammation management: Early studies indicate CBG has anti-inflammatory properties that might exceed those of CBD
• Focus enhancement: Unlike some CBD formulations that can cause drowsiness, CBG appears to support mental clarity while still promoting calmness

Dosage for CBG: Where to Start

If you're wondering about the dosage for CBG to start with, it's important to note that research is still emerging. Most experts recommend:

• Beginning dose: 5-10mg of CBG
• Medium dose: 10-25mg of CBG
• Higher dose: 25-50mg of CBG

As with CBD, the optimal CBG dosage varies based on factors like body weight, metabolism, and the specific condition being addressed. Start low and gradually increase until you find your ideal amount.

CBD vs CBG vs CBN: Understanding the Cannabinoid Trio

While we're focusing on CBG and CBD in this article, it's worth briefly mentioning Cannabinol (CBN), another cannabinoid often discussed in relation to stress and sleep:

• CBD: Best known for general anxiety reduction and overall wellness
• CBG: Shows promise for focused stress relief and mental clarity
• CBN: Often associated with sedative effects and sleep support

Each offers unique benefits, and some products combine all three for comprehensive support.

Why Combining CBD and CBG Creates a Synergistic Effect

Rather than choosing between CBD and CBG, research suggests combining them may provide enhanced benefits through what's called the "entourage effect"—the theory that cannabinoids work better together than in isolation.

Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics calm. CBD Gummies leverage this synergy with a carefully formulated blend of cannabinoids and complementary ingredients:

Key Ingredients in our CBD Calm Gummies:

• 25mg Broad-Spectrum CBD: Supports relaxation and overall ECS balance
• 10mg CBG: Enhances stress resilience and mental clarity
• 100mg Ashwagandha: Clinically shown to reduce cortisol levels
• L-theanine & Lemon Balm: Provide additional relaxation benefits without sedation

By combining CBD's soothing effects with CBG's stress-fighting and focus-enhancing properties, these gummies offer a balanced approach to stress management.

Conclusion: Is CBG Better Than CBD for Stress?

While CBD has long been the go-to cannabinoid for relaxation, CBG's direct interaction with ECS receptors makes it a promising alternative or complement for stress management. The research suggests that for many people, the best approach may be using both cannabinoids together.

If you're looking for a natural way to combat stress while maintaining mental clarity, consider trying products that combine effective doses of both CBD and CBG. The synergistic effect of these cannabinoids, especially when paired with other evidence-based ingredients like ashwagandha, may provide more comprehensive stress relief than either cannabinoid alone.

As research continues to evolve, CBG may soon become as well-known as CBD for its wellness benefits - particularly for those seeking effective stress management without sedation.

References

• Nachnani, R., Raup-Konsavage, W.M., Vrana, K.E. (2021). "The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol." Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 376(2), 204-212.
• Navarro, G., Varani, K., Reyes-Resina, I., et al. (2018). "Cannabigerol Action at Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 Receptors and at CB1-CB2 Heteroreceptor Complexes." Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9, 632.
• Russo, E.B. (2019). "The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No 'Strain,' No Gain." Frontiers in Plant Science, 9, 1969.