CBG vs CBD: What Are the Differences?

Just when you thought you were beginning to understand what CBD is and how it’s used, you have started coming across products containing CBG. What is CBG? Is it different than CBD? Why should I try CBG when I’m already using CBD? While they do have some similarities, there are key differences between the two compounds.

ALL CANNABINOIDS BEGIN AS CBG(A)

CBG is often referred to as “the mother cannabinoid”. When a cannabis plant is in the early stages of its life cycle, it produces cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). As the plant begins to reach maturity, it will begin to break down the CBGA and convert it to tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA). From there, the acid forms of each compound will convert to the compounds we are familiar with. CBDA converts to CBD, THCA converts to THC, and CBCA converts to CBC. Because of the way the plant coverts CBGA during its lifecycle, it is difficult to extract CBG from hemp in meaningful levels, with most hemp plants having <1% CBG at harvest. For comparison, hemp will have CBD concentrations 10% to 16%.

CBD and CBG are non-psychoactive compounds, meaning they will not produce the “high” feeling associated with THC. Just like CBD, the potential benefits of CBG are vast due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system. Research is still in early phases regarding the potential benefits of CBG, especially when compared to the large amount of information available on CBD and THC. Below are a few useful links to preliminary findings.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF CBG

• Treating glaucoma, though its vasodilator and neuroprotective effects.
• Decreasing inflammation, as seen in animal models of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Combating Huntington’s disease, again through its neuroprotective effects.
• Killing drug-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Many potential benefits of CBG overlap with those of CBD, and some appear to be unique to each.

CBG vs CBD: What Are The Differences?

CBG and CBD are two entirely different cannabinoids with different chemical structures and different effects on the body. However, they are similar in many ways. Both of these are compounds found in marijuana and hemp plants. They can also be extracted from plants and consumed to get a range of positive health effects.

cannabinoids actually start as CBG. CBG is often found early during a hemp plant’s growth and is later converted into different chemical structures. However, it can be extracted early to create medical cannabigerol products. Much like with CBD and other cannabinoids, it can be infused into oil and other forms for consumption.

Much like with CBG, CBD is a cannabinoid that’s often extracted from both cannabis and hemp plants for medical use. It’s found in high quantities in these plants and is therefore extremely popular and easy to find. While both of these cannabinoids interact with the body to offer various effects, their medical benefits do differ from one another somewhat.

Is CBD Oil legal in India?

Yet despite its place in India’s cultural and religious history, the recreational use of cannabis remains illegal.

India’s attitude about hemp, on the other hand, is an evolving one. In 2015, Uttarakhand, a state in northern India, became the first in the country to allow the commercial cultivation of hemp. And as of 2019, low-THC CBD oil derived from hemp is legal in India.

• LEGAL – Low-THC CBD oil made from hemp can be purchased and used in India.
• LEGAL – Bhang, a drink made from cannabis, is legal to consume in India, although there are regional restrictions.
• NOT LEGAL – Recreational cannabis use is illegal in India.

Since 2015, a number of prominent Indian politicians have been pushing for legal reform where cannabis is concerned. In July 2017, Maneka Gandhi, Union Minister of Women and Child Development, suggested the legalization of medical marijuana. The following week, the Union Government issued the first-ever license to grow cannabis for research purposes.

Recreational cannabis use, meanwhile, is illegal, although consumption of bhang (a drink made from cannabis) is allowed, and is a mainstay of certain Hindu religious practices, festivals, and rituals.

The laws surrounding cannabis also mean CBD oil derived from cannabis is not legal.

Is CBD hemp oil legal in India?

Only CBD products extracted from hemp are legal to buy and use in India. These products must have low THC content (less than 0.3%). Anything higher and they will be classed as cannabis products.

How To Use CBG & CBD Oil

You use cannabigerol and CBD Oil in the same way. Fortunately, they’re very simple to use for people of all ages and conditions.

Each bottle comes with a dropper that contains a certain amount of oil. You use this to apply the oil under your tongue. Hold the oil under your tongue for around 30 seconds to a minute. This will absorb the cannabinoids into your body, where they’ll take effects.

These products absorb and work fast. In some cases, you’ll get the effects you need immediately, such as pain and anxiety relief. Some effects of CBD/CBG take a while to build up in your body, so taking regular daily dosages is recommended for various symptoms.

CBG vs CBD: Which Should You Use?

So when it comes to the choice of CBG vs CBD, which is better for you? Both of these cannabinoids have many benefits, and even provide some of the same effects such as pain relief and boosting appetite. Cannabigerol may be better for eye conditions and bladder issues. CBD is more commonly used for things like anxiety, depression, and preventing seizures.

Both can be effective for reducing pain, treating cancer, and protecting brain health. CBD and CBG can actually work best in unison with each other. Using both together is safe and has an ‘entourage effect’, with both giving you a ton of overall benefits to improve and protect your health.

In summary

The bottom line: India’s strict cannabis laws and lack of a medical marijuana program have left citizens looking for a legal alternative. It’s therefore encouraging that the country’s stance on hemp is changing rapidly and that hemp-derived CBD products are now available to buy and use.

But before you make your first purchase, we suggest conducting your own research into the effects and benefits of CBD, checking out our product reviews, and reading our in-depth guide to CBD.

As time goes on, the scientific community will continue to study the unique effects of these two compounds, and the potential impact they can have on the human body. While current studies focus on CBD and CBG individually, future research will help to decipher exactly how they work in combination with one another. While current research is beginning to show where each cannabinoid may help with specific conditions, ultimately this research will help determine how combinations of different cannabinoids may help consumers find the “perfect mix” for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can you buy CBD oil in India?

You can legally buy CBD oil in India. CBD oil made with hemp is widely available to purchase and use. Order from a reputable website like Healthy Hemp Oil, and have a wide range of hemp-derived CBD products shipped directly to India.

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Are CBD capsules legal in India?

Hemp-derived CBD capsules are legal in India. Designed to be taken orally, capsules are flavorless and easy to swallow, making them a great way to add CBD into your daily routine. CBD capsules are small, discreet, and contain a measured serving of CBD oil, so keeping track of your serving size is easy.

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Are CBD cartridges legal in India?

CBD cartridges are legal to buy in India. Easy to transport and use, pre-filled CBD oil vape cartridges offer a simple and easy way to vape CBD. The hemp-derived CBD vape oil liquids contained within are specially formulated to be used in a vape or e-cigarette—a great alternative to smoking.

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Are CBD edibles legal in India?

CBD edibles made with hemp oil are legal to buy and use in India. Edibles are a tasty way to enjoy CBD, as they’re very easy to use, require no special equipment or know-how, and come in a variety of kinds and flavors.

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Are CBD gummies legal in India?

CBD gummies are legal in India. Gummies are a fun and simple way to add CBD to your daily or nightly routine. They can be enjoyed at home or on-the-go. Each gummy contains a specific amount of CBD, so they’re discreet, easy to use and hassle-free.