The Differences Between CBG vs. CBD vs. CBN Explained

CBG vs. CBD vs. CBN Explained

We are living in the middle of a cannabinoid explosion. Today, products containing cannabis compounds can be found everywhere from dispensaries to grocery stores, and the popularity of these compounds continues to grow as more and more individuals begin to turn to cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, CBG, Delta 8, Delta 9, and HHC for daily use. While many people may choose prescription medications to help with their ailments, many are turning to the cannabis plant for a more natural approach to wellness. 

With so many cannabinoids suddenly on the market, it can be overwhelming to sift through the noise when searching for information on topics like CBG vs. CBD or CBN vs. CBD.

Cannabinoids 101 

Cannabinoids are one of three main categories used to classify the hundreds of chemical compounds found in cannabis. The other two, terpenes and flavonoids, play their own unique roles in cannabis experiences, but cannabinoids have seized the public’s interest.

Cannabinoids affect, perhaps unsurprisingly, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human brain and body. The endocannabinoid system is a complex cell-signaling network that researchers are just beginning to understand. The primary function of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain balance in the body. The Endocannabinoid System has cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2 receptors) placed throughout our body. Endocannabinoids attach themselves to these cannabinoid receptors. By doing this, the ECS helps maintain a balance and harmony for a healthy body. This is why our bodies are so receptive to the various cannabinoids. 

While the ECS functions regardless of cannabis consumption, cannabinoids fit like chemical keys into the endocannabinoid system.

While more research is needed to nail down the details of how cannabinoids affect the ECS, early evidence has led researchers to suspect cannabinoids can enhance the endocannabinoid system’s ability to support a variety of vital functions.

These functions include learning and memory, processing emotions, regulating sleep patterns, reducing or controlling pain, stimulating inflammatory and immune responses, and affecting appetite. 

CBD (Cannabidol)

CBD (Cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid and was an exciting development in the cannabis world because it provided access to a host of positive cannabis benefits without subjecting individuals to the classic marijuana “high” produced by CBD’s persistently popular (psychoactive) cousin, THC. Cannabidol, or CBD, is the cannabinoid that started it all. After researchers discovered the potential medical benefits of the CBD compound in the early 2000s, cannabis cultivators began to breed new strains of hemp plants that produced flower heavy with CBD. 

After roughly a decade in development, CBD products began to hit the market. Soon after, they almost immediately rocketed into the mainstream as thousands of individuals began discovering (and publicly praising) the therapeutic benefits of CBD use.

The Potential Benefits of CBD

CBD has skyrocketed in popularity due to the variety of therapeutic benefits it may have. While the FDA hasn’t yet approved CBD products, a long list of studies have discovered evidence suggesting CBD can potentially help individuals suffering from a host of common issues, such as:

• High levels of stress 
• Pain from bumps, bruises, and labor
• Unhealthy sleep patterns
• Analgesic Properties
• Effective against MRSA Bacterial Infections
• And more!

How To Shop For CBD

CBD is available in every form imaginable. So whether you’re an edible advocate, vape virtuoso, or tincture purist, there is something on the market perfect for your preferences.

Roll-on topicals have also become a favorite CBD product for individuals interested in CBD’s potential pain-managing properties, as well as reducing general stress and tension. 

Unfortunately, the widespread popularity of CBD has led bad actors to produce poor quality and potentially dangerous CBD products in the hopes of making a quick buck. Before purchasing any CBD products, verify that the vendor has clearly outlined laboratory testing policies and practices. 

Trustworthy vendors should always have this information readily available for potential customers, and a lack of testing information should be a strong red flag when shopping for CBD. 

VIIA Hemp partners with Altitude Consulting, a fully-accredited and premium laboratory testing center, for this crucial responsibility. We’re so committed to providing the safest and highest quality of products that we won’t ship a single product until it earns a hand-signed seal of approval from the director of Altitude’s lab.

Shop VIIA CBD products today!

CBN (Cannabinol)

CBN, also known as Cannabinol, is another popular cannabinoid. CBN is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in small concentrations in hemp. What makes CBN so interesting is that it is formed when THC ages and breaks down over time. VIIA's lab uses a chromatography process to remediate the CBN, which results in a cannabinoid that is more structurally similar to THC than CBD.

This has led CBN to develop a reputation for providing balanced experiences that fall squarely between CBD and THC.

The Potential Benefits of CBN

CBN is less suited for a head-to-head matchup (like CBN vs. CBD) and more adequately explained by examining the best ways to combine the effects of CBN with other cannabis compounds. 

That said, CBN has been reported to support a variety of positive medical benefits that are distinct from other cannabinoid compounds. 

Fans of CBN report:

• Significantly improved quality of sleep
• Appetite stimulation
• Enhanced physical and mental relaxation

   

CBN has been a popular choice for people looking for a natural sleep aid and pain reliever. Much like THC, CBN has had promising results for helping individuals get the rest they need as well as medical benefits for people managing certain pain conditions. Additionally, exciting research suggests CBN may also possess antibacterial properties and possibly support neuroprotective efforts in the brain.

How To Shop For CBN

CBN is typically paired with other potent compounds to provide a broader spectrum of therapeutic effects. Popular cannabinoid blends include CBN and CBD, CBN and CBG, and for those that like a psychoactive kick to their cannabinoids, CBN and Delta 9.

CBN can be found in various types of products, including delicious gummies and convenient tinctures that allow easy and discrete dosing. 

Again, always be sure to verify your vendor’s CBN products undergo third-party lab testing before you purchase any CBN products. 

While taking this measure may seem dramatic or unnecessary, CBN products are not tested or regulated by the FDA. This fact makes verifiable safety and quality assurance testing absolutely necessary for the confident enjoyment of CBN products.

Shop VIIA CBN Products Today! 

CBG (Cannabigerol)

CBG stands for Cannabigerol. Although CBG is still in the process of building the widespread fame enjoyed by CBD, CBN, and THC, it is rapidly gaining popularity amongst cannabinoid connoisseurs. This popularity can be linked to its reported ability to enhance the positive effects of popular cannabis compounds while smoothing out or eliminating unpleasant side effects. 

CBG has been referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids. This is because all cannabinoids start off as Cannabigerol (CBG) and then convert to other cannabinoids as the cannabis plant matures. The discovery of CBG encouraged many to look into the potential benefits of CBG. 

The Potential Benefits of CBG

Research indicates Cannabigerol (CBG) may affect anandamide and GABA receptors in the brain, leading to a potentially calming effect that supports healthy sleep and appetite regulation.

Other potential benefits of including CBG in your cannabinoid routine include:

• Reduced inflammation and pain
• Improved depression or anxiety
• Neuro protective properties
• And antibacterial properties that support overall health

Does CBG Help With Focus?

While further clinical research is needed to say with certainty, many users of CBG report significant enhancements to their ability to focus. Many users report feeling less prone to distraction when using CBG and found maintaining sharp concentration for extended periods far more manageable. Fans of CBG have reported a clean and clear boost to energy levels and focus, alongside a subtle and soothing relaxation of the mind and body. 

This has led CBG to develop a reputation among users as a natural and valuable tool to enhance productivity in both their professional and personal lives. 

How To Shop For CBG 

Much like CBN, CBG truly shines when combined with other cannabis compounds. 

Approaching your hunt for the perfect CGB product with a mindset that pits CBG against other cannabinoids, like CGB oil vs. CBD oil, isn’t the best way to go about it. Instead, you should consider which compound combinations may serve your desires best.

For example, when CGB is combined with CBD, the two may provide a clean boost in mental and physical energy levels and improved focus and concentration. 

When paired with Delta 9, CBG edibles, and CBG oils gain the potential to induce supremely relaxing and euphoric moods. Users have also reported that this psychoactive combination has helped with pain management and reduced stress and anxiety. 

Luckily, there are a variety of products available from trusted vendors that blend these cannabinoids for you. 

VIIA Hemp offers the combined power of CBG and CBD in delicious gummies that support productive and creative flow states, as well as discreet tinctures that provide ultra-portability and convenience. 

Shop VIIA CBG products today!

Can You Mix CBD, CBG, or CBN Products Together?

As mentioned above, savvy cannabinoid companies have begun creating next-gen cannabinoid products that blend compounds for enhanced individual and entourage effects.

Individuals should be well versed in the individual effects of each cannabinoid before taking them together. This knowledge ensures users will not be surprised by the potential therapeutic effects of the combined cannabinoids and can veer toward the cannabinoid combinations best equipped to satisfy their needs. 

The Entourage Effect 

A very popular combination with CBG or CBN is full-spectrum CBD. Full Spectrum CBD means that all of the chemical compounds found in cannabis plants work together to create a synergistic effect. Products that contain Full Spectrum CBD produce a theory called the Entourage Effect. The entourage effect states that while the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant work well isolated, they work even better when combined. While taking cannabinoids in their purest form, such as pure CBD, can have positive effects, the benefits can be lifted when the cannabinoids are combined. 

An example of a product that embraces the entourage effect is the VIIA Broad Spectrum Daily Drops. These drops are formulated with CBG oils combined with Full Spectrum CBD to create a product that fully embraces the Entourage Effect. CBG products and CBG oils are known for their uplifting effects. While CBG isolate is beneficial on its own, the effects may be enhanced when combined with its partner compounds. Another example of a VIIA product with Full Spectrum CBD are VIIA Full Spectrum CBD Night Drops which contain CBN for a product with sleep sedating and pain relief properties.

Shop Different Compound Blends 

An easy way to familiarize yourself with different compound blends is to try blended products offered by reputable vendors like VIIA Hemp Company. What makes VIIA Hemp Company a reliable brand is that each of its products is sourced in the cleanest possible methods and with high-quality ingredients. All VIIA Hemp Co. products are vigorously tested through a third party from seed to finish. This ensures quality, potency, and free of contaminants. 

VIIA Hemp Co. offers gummies, tinctures, and vapes that combine CBD and CBG, CBN and CBD, CBN and Delta 9, and more. Each of these blends was painstakingly designed to provide the most synergistic effects, elevating the experience well beyond the potential of cannabinoids on their own.

FAQ

Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for regulating a variety of physiological and cognitive processes, including mood, memory, appetite, and pain sensation.

Cannabinoid blends are products that combine two or more cannabinoids in order to create a synergistic effect. This means that the individual cannabinoids work together to create an effect that is greater than the sum of their parts. Blended cannabinoids offer a more nuanced experience.

The potential effects of mixed cannabinoids vary depending on which cannabinoids are used and in what ratio. Some common effects include improved mood, and improved focus and concentration. Always be aware of the individual effects of each cannabinoid before taking them together.

A growing number of cannabinoid products offer blended cannabinoids. An example would be Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum products. These products contain a variety of cannabinoids, but Broad Spectrum products do not contain THC. Try products with blended cannabinoids to experience their benefits.