In recent years, the hype surrounding CBD products has caused more and more brands to flood the market with various oils, capsules, tinctures, and more. All of which supposedly provide a range of benefits. Despite the unfavorable portrayal of cannabis in the media, a growing body of research reveals that cannabinoids are important tools in the battle against serious illnesses. Consumers should still be well-informed on the background and correct use of CBD products before purchasing them.
Two rising stars in the CBD market are the cannabis compounds: CBN and CBG. Both compounds have sparked consumer interest, although research on them is still in its early stages. So, what exactly do we know of these two unique compounds?
A breakdown of the formation of cannabinoids
First off, both CBG and CBN are cannabinoids. CBG is an abbreviation for cannabigerol. CBN stands for cannabinol.CBG and CBN are two of the 113 cannabinoids derived from cannabis.THC is also a cannabinoid, you may be familiar with this compound as the chemical which induces a high. To understand how CBG and CBN differ, we must first examine the method by which cannabinoids are created in cannabis plants. A process known as biosynthesis takes place in the cannabis plant, while it’s still alive and unharvested. This process creates CBGA (Cannabigerolic acid) which combines with other chemical compounds to create THCA, CBDA, and so on. These are essentially the acidic forms of CBD or THC.
Consider them the unprocessed form of plant components before they are treated for consumption. Once a plant is harvested, the acid component is broken down by decarboxylation. Decarboxylation is a term that refers to the use of heat to break the bonds holding the acid molecules in place. The cannabis can be decarboxylated by burning it or heating it in an oven. The heat breaks down the acids into sub-particles and hence results in the formation of CBN. Allowing harvested cannabis to age for several weeks or months can also produce CBN naturally. The production of CBG is much trickier. Other cannabinoids are formed when CBG is exposed to sunlight, air, or other chemical reactions. whereas CBG is regarded as the mother cannabinoid, it is only produced in trace amounts in mature hemp plants.
This is because it is highly reactive to environmental factors, causing its chemical structure to change to form other cannabinoids.
Manufacturers have begun to isolate hemp plants, to extract a higher content of CBG.
CBG vs CBN
Now that we have a proper understanding of the science behind the production of CBG and CBN, let’s take a look at their benefits and side effects. Apart from their manufacturing process, CBG and CBN differ based on their psychoactive qualities. CBG has virtually no psychoactive effects, it has no THC, which as previously mentioned, is the source of a ‘high’.In contrast, CBN is a mild psychoactive chemical. Emphasis on the mildness, because while CBN can produce a normal ‘high’ back-end, it cannot affect your mental state. Unless you use a specialized CBN product. CBG and CBN affect the body in similar manners. They circulate in the bloodstream after consumption, go to the brain, and activate special neurons to produce various effects.
You can think of them as keys to unlock certain areas in your brain. CBG distinguishes it from other cannabinoids since it can activate receptors other than those normally activated by cannabinoids. Both compounds are believed to contribute to the entourage effect, which is the pleasant sensation that is believed to improve the effectiveness of using the products.
Advantages /effects of CBG
CBG is something of a superstar in the healthcare industry for the indispensable aid it provides as a treatment of many illnesses. Some of its major advantages include:
- Decreasing glaucoma symptoms
- Stimulating appetite
- Having antibacterial properties
- Treating IBD (Inflammatory bowel disease)
- Improving bladder function
- Acting as a neuroprotective against Huntington’s disease
New research shows that CBG has true potential as a powerful booster of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor, often targeted for the treatment of
- opiate withdrawal,
- cigarette craving,
- hypertension,
- anxiety,
- ADHD.
However, this does not imply that CBG may be used alongside other medications used to treat the same conditions. It is always emphasized that CBD products never be combined with pharmaceutical drugs, leading to complications.
Advantages /effects of CBN
CBN has anti-anxiety, anti-insomnia, and anti-inflammatory characteristics. CBN is arguably most known for its usefulness in treating insomnia and other sleep problems, earning itself the title “sleepy cannabinoid”. It is also used to treat seizures and inflammation, Its status is a powerful sedative, and users often report feelings of drowsiness as a side effect. As a result, before trying a new CBD product, consumers should always consult an expert.
More and more people have grown an interest in trying out CBG or CBN products in recent times. In such cases, it is always advisable to conduct extensive research before deciding which product is best for you. Feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries about cannabis-based products. We’ll be happy to provide you with more information!
