More people discover the benefits of CBD products every day and the industry continues to grow rapidly. Experts predict that the CBD industry will have a market size of over $59 billion by the year 2030.
Some customers are even starting to branch out to other types of cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN products. However, most CBD newcomers usually don’t know what they are or that they exist.
The following guide will explore the differences between CBD vs CBN vs CBG. Read on to learn what makes each cannabinoid unique and if they’re right for you.
Table of Contents
Understanding CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a dominant active ingredient in cannabis, second only to marijuana. It plays a big role in medical marijuana despite coming straight from the hemp plant. Note that the hemp plant is a relative of marijuana.
Unlike THC, you won’t get a “high” from CBD on its own. So, it’s less likely for a person to abuse CBD and there aren’t signs of dependency to date.
Many users find that CBD gummies reduces their anxiety and helps them get better sleep. Some believe that CBD lowers inflammation, so they use it for chronic pain conditions such as arthritis.
It has helped many users kick their tobacco and heroin habits, although more research needs to be done for validation. Some animal studies suggest that it can also help suppress the urge to use alcohol, stimulants, opiates, and cannabis.
One study found outstanding evidence that CBD reduces seizures. More importantly, it reduces seizures for children resistant to common epilepsy treatments.
What Is CBG?
CBG is a cannabinoid that serves as the base for many other cannabinoids including CBD. It’s the first compound in the biosynthesis of the other cannabinoids. Because of this, experts often call it the “mother of all cannabinoids”.
CBG usually has to come from young cannabis plants because it’s the starting compound. If a plant becomes too ripe, there isn’t enough CBG left and you’ll find mostly CBD and THC.
You’ll find CBG products similar to CBD products such as tinctures, capsules, gummies, capsules, and topicals. CBG products commonly include CBD as well because the effects of both cannabinoids complement each other.
On its own, CBG has similar benefits to CBD such as lowering inflammation and pain reduction. What makes it unique is that it may also work to increase a person’s appetite.
While more research is needed, cancer treatment patients could potentially benefit from an increased appetite. You can check out this UK Manufacturer for examples of CBG products.
What Is CBN?
The biggest difference between CBN, CBD, and CBG is that CBN is mildly psychoactive. All three affect the body’s endocannabinoid system, but only CBN produces a sedative effect for the user.
Many newfound fans of CBN use it as a sleep aid. It reduces inflammation much like CBD and CBG, but it also shows potential for regulating the immune system.
Some suggest that CBN even helps slow the death of brain cells and brain aging. If this claim is eventually found to be true, it could possibly help fight against dementia.
CBN actually degrades from THC, so that’s why users still get a slight “buzz” from CBN products. Many find it to be the perfect middle ground between CBD and THC products. If you have a low tolerance to THC, CBN might be the right balance for you.
CBN mostly comes from the stock of a cannabis plant. For that reason, it’s almost impossible to produce CBN products on a mass scale. CBG products also get made in lower quantities making them rare and often a bit more expensive.
Safety and Side Effects
It’s important to check with your doctor before using CBD, CBG, or CBN if you use other medications. This is especially necessary if your medication gets metabolized by the liver.
Examples include statins, blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, and some anti-hypertensive medications. It’s also important to note that CBD products often contain trace amounts of THC that might disrupt sleep patterns for some.
While CBN works as a sedative for some, it’s important to note that it might make you drowsy when you don’t need to be. Always try your first few doses of CBN in a safe place when you don’t need to travel anywhere to see how you react.
On a similar note, not all users of CBG take it to increase their appetite. So, those users might experience unwanted weight gain from using CBG products.
Legality
CBD, CBN, and CBG are all three legal in the US as long as the products contain less than 0.3% THC. Each cannabinoid must also come exclusively from the cannabis plant.
All three cannabinoids are also legal to buy and possess in the UK. However, products must contain no more than 0.2% THC in the UK. They must also come from industrial hemp plants approved by the EU.
As for drug tests, they won’t detect CBD, CBG, and CBN specifically. But keep in mind that products might still contain very small amounts of THC. While it’s unlikely to show up on a drug test, it’s not impossible.
You can fly with CBD, CBN, and CBG as long as the THC content is under the 0.3% limit. Products for each type must also have FDA approval for you to travel with them. The same rules go for traveling in and to the UK, except the THC limit remains 0.2%.
Different countries have different laws surrounding cannabinoids, so make sure to do your research ahead of international trips. For travel where it’s approved, many passengers find that CBD gummings help them relax on long flights.
CBD vs CBN vs CBG
Now you know the difference when it comes to CBD vs CBN vs CBG products. They have a lot in common with a few subtle differences that might be just what some people are looking for.
Remember, CBN has mild psychoactive properties that are perfect for those wanting to feel a light sedative effect. For those wishing to gain weight or increase their appetites, CBG has an advantage over both CBD and CBN.
Make sure to check out the health section of our blog for other tips to improve how you feel.
