CBG vs CBD: What's the Difference?
We are all familiar with CBD, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. But there is a new star rising in the cannabinoid industry: CBG!
CBG is relatively new to the world of hemp and cannabis-based consumer products, compared to CBD or THC, but it is certainly familiar to those familiar with the cannabinoid profile of hemp plants.
While there are many similarities between CBG and CBD, there are also numerous differences between these two compounds.
The 'Mother' Cannabinoid Profile
The chemical composition of these cannabinoids makes them unique from each other. Although both are cannabinoids with similar properties, they differ in chemical composition.
CBG is often referred to as the “mother” cannabinoid because it is the original compound in the hemp plant from which well-known compounds such as CBD and THC are derived.
The plant starts out with CBGA, the acidic form of CBG. As the plant matures, CBGA is converted into CBDA and THCA, which can be further converted into CBD and THC through decarboxylation.
CBG vs CBD vs THC: Chemical Diagrams
Growing for CBG
Growing hemp for CBG is similar to growing for CBD, but the optimal harvest time and amount of cannabinoid that can be harvested differ.
Because CBG is the parent cannabinoid compound, the highest levels are present in the early growth stages of the plant. As the plant matures, less and less CBG is found as enzymes in the plant convert the CBGA into CBDA and THCA.
There are two options for growers who want to harvest their hemp plants to produce CBG consumer products, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Early harvest: If the plant is harvested early, when the highest amount of CBG is present, the plant probably cannot be used to produce CBD or THC products.
- Later harvest: If the grower waits until the plant has matured more, there will be less CBG present, but there is then a chance to also extract CBD or THC, allowing for a wider range of products.
Concentration in Hemp
In hemp plants, the concentration of CBG is extremely low – often less than 1% of the total weight. This makes it difficult to harvest CBG, but many breeders are trying to find ways to increase the amount of CBG in plants through crossbreeding and genetic modification.
For comparison, CBD can make up up to 20% of the hemp plant, making this option much more profitable for most growers.
Properties of CBG vs CBD
CBD is more well-known and profitable to date, so more is known about this compound than CBG. However, there are many similarities between the two. Neither compound provides a euphoric ‘high’ like their THC counterpart.
Both CBD and CBG interact with the same cannabinoid receptors in the body and therefore have similar effects. Both can help relieve stress, pain, anxiety, headaches, and more. Research suggests that CBG may be helpful for those suffering from glaucoma, Huntington’s disease, certain drug-resistant infections, and irritable bowel syndrome.
CBD typically only binds to the CB2 receptor in the body, while CBG binds to both the CB2 and CB1 receptors. The CB1 receptor is connected to the nervous system, making CBG a potentially useful option for issues around that area of the body.
How to Extract CBG
The process for extracting CBG is nearly identical to that of CBD. Ethanol is often preferred for extracting cannabinoids on this scale.
Steps in the extraction process:
- Extraction: The plant is soaked and agitated in chilled ethanol to separate the cannabinoids from the rest of the biomaterial.
- Winterization: The extraction is cooled to below zero, causing fats and waxes to separate from the crude oil.
- Filtration: The separated fats and waxes are filtered from the extract.
- Decarboxylation: The CBGA is neutralized by heating, converting it into CBG.
- Distillation: The CBG is isolated from other cannabinoids and terpenes by distillation.
- Chromatography (optional): Further purification of the extract can be achieved by chromatography, if desired.
What's Best for You: CBG or CBD?
Ultimately, it depends on your goals as a hemp processor. CBG is expected to grow in popularity in the coming years, but it is currently expensive to produce. On the other hand, CBD is extremely popular for wellness purposes and continues to gain momentum.
At Precision, we have equipment and end-to-end solutions for both CBG and CBD processing, so you can always make the right choice.