We have all heard about CBD, the cannabinoid, which is now available in a range of products because of its anti-anxiety, pain-relieving, and sleep-inducing properties. It’s not the only cannabinoid, though.
The hemp and marijuana plant has over 100+ cannabinoids; it’s just that THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol) are the most researched and widely used ones; hence, many don’t know about the other cannabinoids and their potential benefits.
CBG (cannabigerol) and CBN (cannabinol) are two such lesser-known but highly beneficial cannabinoids. Recently, there’s been a surge in CBG and CBN products, so for new users, this whole cannabinoid mumble jumble can be a bit confusing.
So let’s take a deep dive into these fairly new cannabinoids on the market and find out which one is perfect for you.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol, or CBG, is a lesser-known cannabinoid and is usually touted as the mother of cannabinoids. The acidic form of CBG converts and divides into the acidic forms of CBD, THC, and CBC, hence the “mother of cannabinoids” title. This process takes place in hemp and marijuana plants through specific enzymes as the plant starts to mature.
Further, when the acidic form is treated under UV lights, it results in the formation of CBD and THC that we consume in products like CBD gummies and oils. But if you specifically want CBG products, then you can order CBG oil from Colorado Botanicals, a reputed and well-trusted wellness products brand.
This quick conversion of CBG into other cannabinoids results in its lower concentration in mature plants. To gather CBG in production-level quantities, manufacturers often have to rely on harvesting hemp and marijuana plants at earlier stages.
A specialized decarboxylation process is used using heat as a catalyst to convert and extract CBGA into neutral CBG. Just like CBD, CBG is completely non-intoxicating in nature; you won’t get high. Hence, you can use CBG products at any time of the day.
CBG: Benefits and How It Works?
CBG is metabolized (broken down) in the liver by the CYP2J2 enzyme into other compounds. CBG binds to and activates the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system. This ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in our body by regulating various cardiovascular, nervous, and immune functions.
CBG also interacts with other targets, like TRP channels involved in pain sensation, COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes that cause inflammation, serotonin 5-HT1A receptors linked to anxiety, and alpha-2 receptors that influence appetite.
By acting on the endocannabinoid system as well as these various other receptors, channels, and enzymes, CBG can produce a wide range of potential therapeutic effects in the body and brain.
Research suggests CBG deserves further study, as it could potentially be used alone or combined with other compounds for treatments for inflammatory disorders, neurological diseases, cancer, anxiety, glaucoma, and other conditions.
In short, CBG oil might help you by:
- Providing calmness
- Increasing Focus
- Improving mood
- Promoting healthy appetite
What Is CBN?
Cannabinol, or CBN, is another cannabinoid with multiple healing and therapeutic properties, just like CBD and CBG. Unlike CBG, CBN is not present in younger hemp or marijuana plants. Why? Well, it forms when the degradation of THC (the primary psychoactive and intoxicating cannabinoid) happens when it comes in contact with heat, air, and light for a period of time.
CBN levels are high in older, aged, or dried marijuana plants because these plants originally contained higher levels of THC. As the THC in these plants breaks down and converts into CBN through oxidation over time as the plants age, the CBN levels increase substantially.
The process takes place naturally over time as the marijuana plant dries down. This can be sped up through certain curing, drying, and storing processes involving higher exposure to light, heat, and oxygen.
Since it’s formed by THC, people sometimes assume that it can make them high or stoned. This is not true though; it’s not completely intoxicating like CBG but only has very mild psychosis effects when taken in very large dosages.
Typically, it’s in very low concentrations in hemp plants because they have way less THC in them as compared to marijuana plants. Fun fact: CBN was the very first known cannabinoid when British chemist Robert S. Cahn identified its partial structure and then fully formed one in 1940.
CBN.: Benefits and How It Works?
CBN (cannabinol) interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates various physiological processes. It binds to cannabinoid receptors, mainly CB2 receptors found in the immune system and nervous system. CBN exhibits anticonvulsant properties by modulating neurotransmitter release, making it a potential treatment for epilepsy.
It delivers sedative effects through interactions with GABA and opioid receptors, which can help users with insomnia and irregular sleep issues. CBN also reduces inflammation by downregulating NF-κB, an inflammatory protein, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.
It reduces platelet aggregation( blood clotting) and lowers the heart rate, promoting cardiovascular benefits. CBN decreases intestinal motility, which could help manage conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. CBN also shows analgesic (pain-relieving) effects.
While more concrete and large-scale clinical research is needed, CBN’s diverse range of benefits have made it a promising natural healing compound.
In short, CBN products might help you by:
- Improving Sleep
- Lowering your heart rate
- Providing relief from intestine issues
- Reducing pain and inflammation
Conclusion: Which One is Better For You?
To sum it up, both CBG and CBN have a wide variety of health benefits. Just like CBD, CBG and CBN products can help you with pain, sleep, appetite, anxiety, focus, and many other health issues.
Which one is better for you will depend on the ailments you want relief from. Broadly speaking, if you are looking for a better sleep aid, then go with CBN oil, and if you want to improve your appetite and focus, go with CBG oil.
You can easily find both products at an affordable price on Colorado Botanicals. Colorado Botanicals offers a 60-day risk-free guarantee so that you can test the products without worrying about what to do if you don’t like them. Plus, all of their products are made with natural and clean ingredients. So choose wisely, start with a low dose, follow label instructions, and maintain good hydration levels. Whether you choose CBG or CBN oil, both have the potential to improve your wellness.
