Cannabis is a fascinating, intricately formed plant. With its distinct serrated leaves and glistening trichomes, cannabis is truly a sight to behold. Plants that come from the cannabis family contain a diverse collection of phytochemicals known as cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids have naturally attracted the attention of everyday folks and medical researchers alike, and that is not without reason. Some cannabinoids garner more attention than others. CBD, CBN, and CBG are three prime examples of cannabis-derived cannabinoids that are consistently showing up and showing out. Below is a detailed look at the differences between CBD, CBN, and CBG.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that is naturally abundant in cannabis, specifically cannabis often labeled as “hemp.” CBD has grown to be one of the most talked-about cannabinoids derived from cannabis because of its long list of proposed beneficial effects. Unlike some cannabinoids, CBD may offer the many proposed benefits through various mechanisms that don’t always involve direct interactions with cannabinoid receptors in the body. Some benefits of CBD include:
- Helping with pain
- Relaxing the muscles
- Offering antioxidant properties
- Soothing inflammation
- Deterring anxiety
- Offering neuroprotective properties
- Supporting better sleep
CBD is not intoxicating, but it is considered to offer psychotropic properties. Primarily, the cannabinoid has shown promise for people with anxiety and certain psychiatric disorders.
Individuals may know about CBD because of its proven health benefits, specifically its ability to help with certain medical disorders. CBD is one of few cannabinoids used to make a pharmaceutical that has been approved by the FDA. The drug, Epidiolex, is used to treat specific types of seizures related to epilepsy. Though CBD has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment option, stigma surrounding cannabinoids still remains. WIth additional research and education, the full range of CBD and its benefits could be used to treat even more medical disorders in the future.
CBD vs CBG
- CBD is more abundant in cannabis than CBG
- CBD has been widely studied by researchers, while CBG has not
- CBD may have various mechanisms of action, whereas CBG directly affects certain cannabinoid receptors
- Both CBD and CBG are considered non-intoxicating, but CBD may offer psychoactive properties
What is CBN?
Cannabinol (CBN) is actually a metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This particular cannabinoid does have a slight effect on the central nervous system, which is thought to be related to its weak affinity for CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). For this reason, some people do report that CBN can be mildly psychoactive, but the effects tend to fade quickly. CBN has not been extensively studied, but research has pointed out that the cannabinoid may:
- Offer anti-inflammatory effects
- Suppress immune system responses related to allergies
- Support better sleep
- Encourage appetite
CBN vs CBD
- CBN does show a direct affinity for cannabinoid receptors
- CBN may be mildly psychoactive due to how it interacts with the ECS
- CBN has not been as extensively studied as CBD
- CBN affects the central nervous system directly; CBD doesn’t seem to do the same
- CBN occurs naturally as THC breaks down in the cannabis plant; CBD is already present
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is also a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. CBG is considered the “Mother of all Cannabinoids” because all other cannabinoids are derived from CBG-A. While non-psychoactive, CBG does directly interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, which is more in line with the mechanisms of CBN. Some of the more noteworthy effects of CBG include:
- May help enhance your appetite
- May offer anti-inflammatory properties
- Has a role as an antibacterial agent
- Offers neuroprotective properties
- Has antioxidant properties
CBG may be a cannabinoid worth considering for pain, especially pain that is neurological in nature. Likewise, products high in CBG may help those who have difficulty with nausea or having an appetite due to illness.
CBG vs CBN
- CBG is not psychoactive; CBN can have psychoactive effects
- CBG and CBN may be helpful for pain
- CBG offers antibacterial effects, whereas CBN may not
- CBG is not a metabolite of THC
- CBG may affect various receptors in the ECS
How to Get the Most from CBD, CBN, and CBG
If your curiosity is piqued by the trio of cannabinoids, you may be wondering how to get these phytochemicals into your day-to-day life. You do have a few options. For the most part, you will likely get some level of CBD, CBG, and CBN with most flower strains. Some strains are, however, higher in certain cannabinoids than others.
For example, Critical Mass is a high-CBD strain, and Monkey Trick 2:1 delivers a roughly two-to-one ratio of CBD to THC. Animal Cookies and Ace of Spades are good options if you are going for high CBN. Allen Wrench, destroyer, and Magic Jordan are typically higher in CBG.
While it can definitely be fun to explore cannabinoids with flower, you also have access to extracts that are specifically made with certain cannabinoids. For example, you should have no trouble finding CBD extracts that contain CBD alone, or extracts and tinctures that deliver a hefty dose of CBG or CBN. The benefit of tinctures and extracts is you will experience a more straightforward encounter and get to know cannabinoids on a more individual level.
Find All the Unique Cannabinoids at Moss Crossing
At Moss Crossing, we’re big fans of cannabis, but we also enjoy introducing others to the cannabinoids we love and the products that can help them experience them. If you are ready to explore some of the more unique cannabinoids found in cannabis, be sure to stop by and see us at our Eugene, OR dispensary. You can also take a look at our menu to get an idea of what we have available before you arrive.
