The cannabinoid market has been booming in recent years. More and more people are seeking cannabis-based supplements for medicinal or recreational use.
The most well-known cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). However, other cannabinoids are also available on the market and can offer a variety of therapeutic benefits. These other cannabinoids include CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol) and CBC (cannabichromene).
This article will examine the main differences between CBD, CBG and CBN, as well as some of their possible medicinal properties.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the most abundant cannabinoids in cannabis. It is considered the main active ingredient in cannabis products. CBD is available in the form of supplements, CBD oil, and any other product derived from hemp and cannabis.
CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some believe that it can be beneficial in the treatment of chronic pain, anxiety and depressive disorders, and many other diseases.
What is CBG?
CBG, or cannabigerol, is another cannabinoid naturally found in cannabis, hemp, and cannabis herb. Like CBD, it can be extracted as an oil, gum or isolate.
CBG is considered a precursor to other cannabinoids, including THC, CBD and CBC. Studies show that it has anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects similar to CBD. It also appears to have analgesic and anticonvulsant effects.
What is CBN?
CBN, or cannabinol, is another cannabinoid commonly found in cannabis, hemp and cannabis herb. It is produced by the breakdown of THC. This means that a cannabis herb that contains a lot of THC will tend to contain more CBN.
Because of its relationship with THC, CBN is often considered a “psychoactive cannabinoid”. However, it is much less potent than THC and will not produce the same psychotropic effects. Instead, CBN can have relaxing, sleep-inducing and anticonvulsant properties.
Differences between CBD, CBG and CBN
Mechanism of action
- CBD acts primarily on the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system.
- CBG interacts mainly with the 5-HT1A and adenosine receptors.
- CBN acts mainly on CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system.
Psychoactive effects
- CBD has little or no psychoactive effects.
- CBG has no psychoactive effects.
- CBN may have mild effects on mood and behavior.
Risks and side effects
- CBD is considered safe and has minimal side effects.
- CBG is not well studied in humans. However, it is believed to be safe and does not cause serious side effects.
- CBN has not been studied enough to conclude that it is safe. It may cause minor side effects such as drowsiness.
Potential uses
- CBD is used to relieve chronic pain, anxiety, depression and various other disorders.
- CBG may be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety, pain, and depression.
- CBN is effective in relieving symptoms of insomnia and may also be beneficial in treating anxiety and pain.
CBD, CBG, and CBN are all naturally occurring cannabinoids in cannabis and hemp. While some of them have mild psychoactive effects, they can all have therapeutic effects and are considered relatively safe.
All three have different mechanisms of action and therefore may offer different benefits. For example, CBD is popular for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while CBG is more effective in treating anxiety and depression, and CBN is useful for relieving insomnia.
