Step aside, CBD! CBG seems to be the latest cannabinoid to turn the heads of wellness aficionados everywhere.

The main difference between CBD [1] and CBG (which stands for cannabigerol) is that they come from different compounds within the cannabis plant and also serve separate purposes, Dr. Johnston, MD, a medical physician and strategic advisor associated with Allied Corp [2], confirmed.

According to Dustin Seifried, the lead scientist with Hemp Depot [3], CBD and CBG are both phytocannabinoids, but are chemically different due to their different physicochemical properties and interactions with the endocannabinoid system.

Like CBD, CBG is nonpsychoactive, but can alter a person's state of mind in a way that could relieve anxiety [4] and depression, Dr. Johnston explained.

He added that CBG is more potent than CBD [5], and it may provide an abundance of medical benefits, such as relieving pain, slowing bacterial growth, reducing inflammation, and aiding sleep.

While research is still limited, what makes CBG so buzzy is that some studies show it may be beneficial to treat diseases [8] like inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, cancer, and glaucoma.

The rise of CBG means consumers get more choices and freedom, too, Seifried said. "Continued adaptations of the cannabis sativa plant and their integration into manufacturing enables consumers to explore the use of isolated portions of the plant for themselves."

Retail applications of CBG are very similar to the products you see today with CBD [9], Seifried noted. Dr. Johnston agreed that CBG is most popularly marketed as an oil for consumer use.

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