The cannabinoid market is growing every year and more people are interested in the different effects of cannabinoids.
However, there is a lot of confusion regarding these substances.
This guide will clarify some common misconceptions about CBG (cannabigerol), as well as CBN (cannabinol).
So, What’s The Difference Between CBN and CBG?
Chemically, CBN and CBG are very similar. They are both naturally occurring in hemp and marijuana plants. Additionally, both interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system and bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors.
The main difference between CBN and CBG is how they come about naturally in the cannabis plant.Â
CBG is considered to be the “mother” of all cannabinoids because it serves the purpose of starting almost all other cannabinoids. With the help of specialized enzymes, CBG converts to CBD, CBC, and even THC.
This conversion process is also commonly referred to as degradation.Â
Because of this degradation, small amounts of CBG are found in mature hemp and marijuana plants. Furthermore, early harvesting will provide you with the best opportunity to obtain a product high in CBG.
Likewise, CBN is not present in large quantities in mature cannabis plants. Instead, it is naturally produced when THC is exposed to UV light. This light degrades THC into CBN.
CBN is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that appears in both plants growing under direct sunlight or artificial UV lights.Â
In addition, another key difference between these two cannabinoids is how they affect the human body and how they are used.
Effect Profile of CBN and CBG
Although both compounds interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors, they are very different in their effects.
CBG users experience a similar energizing feeling to that of coffee, but without anxiety. Many users also report increased concentration and focus as well as an improved outlook and mood. People use CBG for studying, working, and even ADHD.
Cannabigerol (CBG) has no psychoactive properties, so you won’t feel high from taking it.
CBN, on the other hand, is closer to THC. This is because it’s essentially degraded THC. CBN will likely produce some psychoactive effects in users. However, most people report it to be much less intense than THC.
According to user reports CBN has been shown to promote relaxation and sleep. People find CBN useful as a sleeping aid.
What’s The Difference Between CBN and CBG? Legality
CBN and CBG are subject to different laws based on how they are sourced.
CBG, which is derived from young hemp plants, is federally legal in all 50 states. The 2018 Farm Bill allowed for the production and sale of commercial hemp and its derivatives. The legality of hemp products is dependent on the amount of THC found in hemp plants, which legally has to be below 0.3%.
Therefore, because hemp is federally legal, CBG derived from hemp is legal too.
In addition, CBN can also be legally derived from hemp. However, make sure you are sourcing it from vendors who use exclusively hemp-derived CBN. If it is derived from marijuana or high-THC plants, it is considered federally illegal.
What’s The Difference Between CBN and CBG: Pricing
CBN and CBG are considered to be some of the most expensive cannabinoids. This is for two main reasons: First off, they are a relatively new product on the market, and few manufacturers offer them, and there is currently no affordable mass manufacturing technique available for producing them.
Because these cannabinoids are naturally produced in low amounts within the cannabis plant, there are extra processes necessary for manufacturing these products on a commercial scale. This all adds to the overall cost of producing products containing CBN and CBG.
Market Availability
Both of these compounds are available on the market, however, they are harder to find than more common cannabinoids like THC or CBD.
In addition, CBN is rare because it is usually only legal in states that have legalized recreational or medical marijuana. This is mainly because CBN is mostly produced from high-THC or marijuana plants as opposed to hemp.Â
You can find it produced from industrial hemp, but it is even rarer.Â
What’s The Difference Between CBN and CBG: Dosage
CBG and CBN must be taken with caution as adverse reactions can occur with either of these cannabinoids.Â
The recommended dose for both CBG and CBG is approximately 10-30mg. If it is your first time, it’s best to start low and go slow. In fact, this is a good practice for any cannabis product.
CBN has approximately 10% of THC’s psychoactivity. Therefore, be aware that high doses can be psychoactive. CBN doses should not exceed 40 mg.
Chemical Structure
CBG and CBN have similar chemical structures. After all, CBN is derived from CBG and CBG converts to THC, which then becomes CBN.
Talk about coming full circle! In essence, each one of the cannabinoids being discussed in this article is present at different stages within the plant.
Structurally speaking, the only difference main between these two cannabinoids lies in the formation of a carbon ring on CBN that is not present with CBG.
Though these differences seem small or insignificant, it makes a difference in how each cannabinoid feels.
Researchers believe that these attributes affect how cannabinoids bind and affect receptors of the endocannabinoid system. This would explain why these minor structural differences cause such variations in these cannabinoids’ effect profile.
What’s The Difference Between CBN and CBG: Drug Testing
CBN and CBG both can lead to drug testing failures. However, your chances of failing a drug test are much higher with CBN.
Standard drug tests detect certain molecules in a given sample, but most only detect THC. Chemically, CBG differs from THC and there is a very small chance that this cannabinoid will cause you to fail a drug screen. However, we don’t recommend taking the risk.
CBG is typically extracted from hemp plants and can sometimes contain trace amounts of THC. So, your CBG product could potentially have THC which may show up in a drug test.
Your chances of failing a drug test are much higher with CBN. This is because CBN is more similar to THC. Though it is not likely to show up on a drug test, there is still a chance that it might, and it’s not worth the risk.Â
What’s The Difference Between CBN and CBG? Do They Get You High?
CBG is not considered a psychoactive cannabinoid. This means that it should not produce a high or intoxicating effect.
Many users report a better mood, heightened energy, focus, and concentration, without a stereotypical high.
Conversely, CBN is known to be mildly psychoactive.
However, CBN is about 10% as strong as THC, so you would have to take a good amount to experience any psychoactive effects.
What’s The Difference Between CBN and CBG: Which One’s Better?
Both CBG and CBN offer several benefits. Ultimately, you are going to have to choose which one is best for you.
They are different in many ways and offer varying effects, so it’s really up to you and what you are looking for.
As we mentioned earlier, CBG is invigorating, energizing, and helps boost focus, while CBN is used more for relaxation and sleep.
CBG is a good choice if you are looking for a nonpsychoactive cannabis product to improve your mental acuity.
CBN is likely a better choice for you if your goal is to get better sleep or feel more relaxed. Make sure you don’t take too much, or be prepared for some psychoactive effects.
Have you tried CBG or CBN? Let us know! We would love to hear from you!
