Key Takeaways

• CBG, unlike THC, may not induce a high but is still beneficial in reducing swelling and providing neuroprotection.
  
• As for CBN, it is a mild psychoactive substance used to induce sleep and relaxation.
  
• Many CBG patients combine the use of both CBG and CBN intending to achieve better results.
  
• CBG and CBN are largely regarded as safe for the health of consumers, but there are some mild side effects that some of its users might suffer including tiredness, drowsiness and an upset stomach.

Cannabinoids, which are the components of cannabis plants, have proved to be an area of great focus for health and well-being. Usually, everyone knows THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). People are, however, paying more attention to the less popular cannabinoid compounds such as CBG (cannabigerol) and CBN (cannabinol). Both the CBG and CBN components of cannabis have great effects on the body, only that they do it differently. This article will outline the benefits of CBG with special respect to CBN comparison so that the reader may appreciate the ways these cannabinoids may bring numerous health rewards.

What is CBG?

Cannabigerol (CBG), which is referred to as ‘the mother of all cannabinoids’ on occasion, is the precursor molecule for cannabigerol acid (CBGA), THC, CBD, and a few other cannabinoids. Within the cycle of a cannabis plant, CBG eventually becomes bonded into other cannabinoids thus resulting in very small amounts of CBG (usually less than 1%).

With the evolution of extraction methods, CBG gummies have been made available like never before and thus can be put to use for certain investigative and therapeutic purposes.

What is CBN?

CBN, which refers to cannabinol, is a member of the cannabinoids family whose components can be isolated from the plant. This is not the case for CBG, which is non-psychotropic, whereas CBN is psychotropic but to a lesser extent when compared to THC. Therefore, it is common that CBN is used to calm the body and mind. However, the supporting sleep aspect has only appeared lately.

What is the Difference Between CBD and CBG?

Even though both CBG and CBD are cannabinoids contained in the cannabis plant, their chemical structures, along with their effectiveness, are totally different. CBD is short for cannabidiol, and it is one of the most popular cannabinoids among many. This is mainly because of its peaceful effects and medical uses without the “high” that usually comes with Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

However, CBG is called “the mother of all cannabinoids” since all other cannabinoids originate from it including THC and CBD. Such a structural difference in functions in the cannabis plant might explain the discrepancies that people experience in the medical uses and perceptions of the cannabinoids.

What Are the Benefits of CBG?

1. Suitable for Chronic Inflammation: CBG is likely to be beneficial for the treatment of chronic concerns. This is because it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), known to suppress swelling. Through some of the receptors, CBG might assist inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and even arthritis.
   
2. Protective Neurological Action: CBG has a neuroprotective effect such that it protects the neurons from damage or injuries. Thereafter, CBG could be of great importance in the management of several diseases, like Huntington’s syndrome, for instance. It would maintain the health of the brain by otherwise significantly reducing the rate of apoptosis (programmed cell death) of nerve cells.
   
3. Treatments for Glaucoma: CBG has been found to help reduce the pressure in the eye’s interior, which is a serious issue for people with glaucoma. This is one of the more well-established benefits of CBG[1].
   
4. Antibiotic and Antimicrobial Effects: CBG proves its worth yet again; this time it helps with infections, a capability which is less popular. Particularly, it has shown success against pathogenic bacteria, MRSA.
   
5. Stimulation of Appetite: CBG is appetitive. This is an advantage to patients who have conditions that result in loss of appetite, for example, during cancer therapy or patients with eating disorders.
   

What Are the Benefits of CBN?

1. Sleep Aid and Relaxation: CBN is rather called the ‘sleepy’-cannabinoid since its usage tends to promote more sleep. CBN is a sedative as long as there is THC present with it. Also, CBN may be a cure for sleep-related problems, mainly for those who have problems with sleep or would not sleep for a long period of time.
   
2. Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief: In line of being like CBG, CBN is also noted to have anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help in combating persistent pains which is beneficial to individuals with arthritis and fibromyalgia conditions.
   
3. Bone Health: CBN may facilitate the formation of new bone tissue and therefore be best for elderly people. This supports the contemporary view that novel interventions are required for the effective management of fractures and osteoporosis[2].
   
4. Antibacterial Properties: It is also noteworthy that in the cases of CBG, CBN also had a few other biological effects of antibacterial nature, especially towards a few saturating strains such as the MRSA bacteria. This makes it positively useful in the field of antibiotics.
   

CBG vs. CBN: What is the Difference?

Though it is evident that both CBG and CBN have some interesting therapeutic effects, there are notable points of difference between the two when it comes to bodily interaction. Here is a summary of some of these similarities: 

Property	CBG (Cannabigerol)	CBN (Cannabinol)
Prevalence in Cannabis	Less than 1% in some cases (occurs in trace amounts)	This constitutes THC degradation; the levels increase over time
Psychoactivity after use	Non-psychoactive	Moderately psychoactive but not as much as THC
Best For	Inflammation diseases, neuroprotection, enhancement of appetite	Sleep, relaxing, anti-swelling
Potential to Cause Sleep	Less average sedative; more for concentration and energy	Considered to be a sedative; hence helping with sleep
Neuroprotective Effect After Administration	Yes brain cells are protected or normal brain function is aided	Less focused on nerve regenerating effects

How Do CBG and CBD Work on Cannabinoid Receptor Cells?

Both CBG and CBD work on the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system. However, they do so in different ways. CBD is more selective to the CB2 receptors primarily found in the immune system and in peripheral tissue, whereas CBG interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors. It may be this difference that sets CBD and CBG apart since CBG could plausibly be able to offer more pharmacologically appetitive effects. 

Differences in CBD and CBG in the interaction with receptor protein may demonstrate why some individuals derive more benefits from either cannabinoid. It is also important to keep in mind their distinctive features upon the physician’s prescribing such cannabinoids and bearing in mind the purpose.

What Are the Psychoactive Effects of CBG and CBD?

CBG and CBD are labeled as non-psychoactive cannabinoids, meaning they do not cause the “high” that is often caused by THC. Because of this, CBG and CBD appear to be good candidates for those looking for different types of relief without the euphoric feeling that comes from THC. Though it might not feel as stringent as THC, CBD may help reduce anxiety and instill calmness, while CBG may somewhat help people stay focused and clear-headed, which is beneficial for a lot of people looking for relief without the disadvantages of being dazed.

Which One Offers More Health Benefits: CBD or CBG?

It is very difficult to determine whether CBD or CBG has more benefits, as it depends on the individual health needs. CBD is a compound mainly known for inducing a state of relaxation and, as a result, it has been studied mostly for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. 

CBG on the other hand, appears to be more powerful than most cannabinoids in terms of therapeutic applications, especially with regard to swelling and neuroprotection. The decision will lie on the preferences oriented towards the benefits and health needs of the user, due to the fact that both cannabinoids have a lot to offer.

Conclusion: Which is Right for You?

Whether to choose CBG or CBN will depend on the needs of the individual. More focus will be on CBG for a person suffering from swelling, neurodegeneration, or loss of appetite, while CBN it will help a person with anxiety cross his threshold of sleep. Physicians do not doubt the efficacy of cannabinoids and even a combination of some of them will result in greater effect.

Further Benefits of these Cannabinoids will become clear with time as studies continue. In case you are having issues on whether to resort to one or another, then medically it is advisable to seek a physician’s opinion in advance concerning your situation.