CBG has been taking the cannabinoid world and search engines by storm. 

From questions like, “is CBG more effective than CBD?” to “how much is CBG worth?” it’s clear that this mother of all cannabinoids has piqued the interest of many.

So what is it about this cannabinoid that has been garnering so much attention? 

Bluebird delves a little deeper in today’s blog.

What Science Says About CBG

CBG, or cannabigerol, is a minor cannabinoid that makes a major impact.  It was discovered back in the 1960s but, with high cost and unclear applications, had been largely ignored until more recently. 

It’s often referred to as the “stem cell” or “mother” of cannabinoids (it’s got a lot of nicknames). This is not with reason - it’s the chemical “parent” or precursor through which other cannabinoids are synthesized.

What exactly does this mean? It means that, during the cannabis plant’s flowering cycle, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) converts into tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), the precursor of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), CBD’s precursor or raw form. It’s almost like the pre-evolved pokemon of cannabinoids. 

After enzymes do their work and the conversion to THCA and CBDA is complete, cannabis plants typically only contain trace amounts of CBGA, which can be decarboxylated or heated into CBG.

What Is The Difference Between CBD and CBG?

CBD and CBG are both classified as phytocannabinoids and interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. CBG is currently being studied for its potential interactions with the body's natural processes, including antioxidant activity.

Both CBD and CBG interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors, and individual experiences with hemp extracts may vary. While the research on CBG is more limited compared with CBD, we do know that these two cannabinoid cousins do interact a bit differently within the endocannabinoid system.

CBD has a relatively low affinity for both CB1 receptors (which are primarily in the brain and spinal cord) and CB2 receptors (which are primarily found in the immune and gastrointestinal systems). CBD acts as an antagonist of the CB2 receptor, limiting biological response activity, as opposed to activating it like an agonist of the receptor would.  

Preliminary research suggests that CBG may interact with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, though further studies are needed.

For a quick-reference guide to the difference between CBG and CBD, check out the infographic below.

What happens when CBG is combined with CBD?

Pure Magic.

Just kidding! But it is a pretty awesome combination. 

You’ve probably heard the term “entourage effect,” - the concept that all cannabinoids and parts of the hemp plant working together in concert are more effective than any isolated compound.

While CBG doesn’t necessarily enhance this effect, it contributes to the full spectrum of hemp-derived compounds. 

Bluebird’s new Uplift blend combines this innate hemp plant wisdom with botanically-derived terpenes to provide an uplifting boost to your day. Featuring an even balance of CBG + CBD per serving (7.5 mg of each) as well as d-alpha-pinene and d-limonene, it’s a powerful cannabinoid product with a light, almost-lemony flavor. Give it a try!