CBG vs. CBN: Navigating The Lesser-Known Cannabinoids

Published on: 11 March 2024 Last Updated on: 10 September 2024

While cannabis usage and exploration are evolving, the shadow of its most popular cannabinoid pair, THC and CBD, may finally be lifting on two newbies to this magical family tree within the flower we all know and love Cannabigerol (CG) and Cannabinol (CBN).

With the preponderance of experience from the familiar fun of THC-induced highs to the meditative balm of CBD’s therapeutic benefits, these less-well-known cannabinoid compounds may come as a surprise – and cannabis connoisseurs may just find them to be a treat for the CBD-toned brain. And as one who’s dipped a toe into all things cannabis-related personally and professionally, I’d like to share some insights into these so-called minor cannabinoids, but in a major, professional, and trusted way.

Hail to the unknown and underappreciated! Enter CBG and CBN, stage left Research, personal experience, and murmurs of the ganja community are about to collide for your entertainment and perhaps enlightenment about these two oft-overlooked members of the cannabis clan.

What Are CBG and CBN?

To get the lowdown, it’s a good idea to figure out exactly what CBG and CBN are. CBG, or cannabigerol, is sometimes referred to as the ‘mother of all cannabinoids’ because, in its acidic CBGA form, it’s the precursor molecule of several other cannabinoids.

Non-psychoactive, it’s believed to have a number of potentially beneficial therapeutic actions. The other compound is CBN or cannabinol, which results when THC ages and breaks down. It’s mildly psychoactive but nowhere near as much as cannabis itself.

The Unique Promise of CBG

CBG first came onto my radar when I was researching botanical solutions to gut ailments. Word on the street was that the cannabinoid could potentially provide immense relief – an assertion ostensibly supported by CBG’s reported anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

In my case, I found some of that buzz to be spot-on. Soon after adding this cannabinoid to my routine, I took note of some discernible improvements with respect to my digestive comfort. I didn’t experience transformative results right out of the gates but, over time with continued use, those uncomfortable days grew less frequently.

Studies also indicate that CBG might have neuroprotective, anticancer, and antibacterial effects. CBG might be the ultimate versatile cannabinoid for physical relief and preventative health benefits.

The Calming Effects of CBN

The first time I used CBN was to help a friend sleep better. She’d tried meditation and melatonin without much luck. Both made her light and scatterbrained and though she could manage her insomnia with the sheer force of will, she was curious to try another approach. I was curious, too, and decided to experiment alongside her.

My own sleep patterns were never great, even on nights when I could turn off the TV (and the iPad) in time to hit the sheets by midnight. Alongside her, I found CBN to be a relaxing sleep aid.

I wouldn’t call it a ‘sleeping pill’ as it doesn’t put you down for the night quite the same way that sort of remedy does. But there are lots of nights when I need a nudge toward rest, times when my mind is filled with deadlines and to-dos. On those occasions, a CBN-infused tincture has become an excellent tool for inducing a Guitar-Strum-Country-And-Western brain noodle.

CBN is also being tested as a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotectant (a compound with the ability to reduce cell death associated with stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative disorders). Human trials are just beginning, but the outlook appears encouraging.

Personal Experience: A Balancing Act

My experience trying to understand the world of CBG vs CBN has been confusing, enlightening, and, above all, very informative. I have learnt that, while both cannabinoids can supplement our lives, they have to be used at the right time to work for specific needs.

CBG has become my ally during the day, a cannabinoid that makes me feel slightly better than usual but does not have any psychoactive effects. CBN will stay in my nighttime routine, not as a substitute for sleeping pills but as a way to create a more prone state.

Pros and Cons

Pros – CBG:

Potential digestive aid and anti-inflammatory.
Non-intoxicating, making it suitable for daytime use.
Versatile benefits span from neuroprotection to antibacterial effects.

Pros – CBN:

Promotes relaxation and may improve sleep quality.
Mildly psychoactive, offering a gentle experience.
Potential pain reliever and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cons – CBG:

Low availability and more expensive due to lower yields from cannabis plant.

Research is still emerging, making definitive conclusions about its efficacy premature.

Cons – CBN:

Effects can vary greatly among individuals; not everyone may experience significant sleep benefits.

Because it’s apparently derived from the degradation of THC, its legal status can be unclear in some places.

Final Thoughts

This journey of discovery into CBG and CBN has both amazed me and taught me a lot. My experiences have generally been good ones, but reactions can differ – start small and work up from there, to be sure.

While the research is still emerging, it’s possible that CBG and to some extent, CBN can transcend their minor cannabinoid status and join the ranks of CBD and THC. For cannabis connoisseurs and curious neophytes alike, this new frontier means looking deeper than ever into the increasingly multilayered beauty and therapeutic promise of the plant. Cheers to good science and many more cannabinoids on the horizon.

Read Also:

Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

View all posts

All Comments

Winfield Predovic

Normally I do not read article on blogs however I would like to say that this writeup very forced me to try and do so Your writing style has been amazed me Thanks quite great post

Reply 2024-03-14 08:47:24

Dr. Maria Luong Discusses on Ways to Avoid Dental Problems by Keeping Dental Plaque and Tartar Away

Dental plaque and tartar are the main cause of tooth decay and tooth loss, but many people do not brush enough to keep them away. Even if you brush twice a day, you may be missing areas by using the wrong brushing technique or even the wrong toothbrush, causing almost as many problems as you fix. By controlling plaque and tartar properly, you can prevent tooth decay or tooth loss. Plaque is a sticky biofilm of bacteria that grows on your teeth, where it can destroy the enamel, leading to cavities and infections. Plaque is soft, making it relatively easy to remove at home with the right brushing and flossing techniques. However, within a few days, this plaque starts to harden into a calcified deposit known as tartar, which only a dental professional can remove. Without professional dental cleaning, tartar creates a perfect environment for more bacteria. This results in receding gums and bone loss as bacteria can grow below the gum line. Therefore, Dr. Maria Luong shares five ways to keep dental plaque and tartar from causing gum disease and tooth decay. Use the Right Toothbrush in the Right Way: Even if you already brush the recommended twice a day, you may still be missing areas, giving plaque time to attack your teeth and harden into tartar. To avoid this, make sure you're brushing with the right technique. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards your gums and lightly brush or massage your teeth and gum with short, circular strokes, as recommended by the American Dental Association (mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth). Don't hold your toothbrush flat against your teeth while brushing it roughly over the tooth surface. This approach misses unwanted debris between your teeth while hurting your gums. Holding the brush at a 45-degree angle makes it easier for the bristles to move between teeth, and brushing along the gum line lets the bristles reach under the gums to remove food and plaque that's hiding. Make sure to use a soft toothbrush. By using a medium or firm bristled toothbrushes, it can risk damaging your enamel and can irritate your gums. Clean Between Your Teeth: Everyone hates flossing. It's awkward and doesn't do anything visible, so most people avoid it. However, if you are skipping on flossing, you risk getting cavities and infections in between your teeth, increasing damage and cost to repair your teeth. If you have trouble with flossing, consider using a water flosser or a floss pick to get at hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. You'll thank yourself when your dentist doesn't have to go drilling for cavities in your teeth. Get Regular Dental Cleanings: Even with perfect brushing and flossing techniques, everyone is going to miss a little bit of plaque that hardens into tartar. It is essential to see your dentist every six months or more so that they can clean away the hard tartar before it starts causing problems. It's less expensive to visit a dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning every six months than have your teeth destroyed by cavities because you avoided seeing a dentist. Rinsing with a Mouthwash: For a full-mouth clean, commercial mouthwash rinse will also help wash away bits of food, along with destroying bacteria. It's important as brushing and flossing. Mouthwash is effective in killing bacteria that cause decay and gum disease. Not all mouthwashes are created equal, so make sure what you're buying is approved by your local dental association, usually by looking for their association logo on the label. For instance, the American Dental Association has a seal of approval that proves the claims on the bottle (ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/mouth rinse). In addition, some dental associations, such as the Australian Dental Association, list approved mouthwashes on their website (ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/ada-seal-products/product-category?supercategory=Mouthrinses). Reduce Sticky, Acidic and High-Carb Foods: Everyone knows that sugar i.e. sweets contribute to tooth decay, but that's only part of the story. Sugar leads to tooth decay because it provides an excellent high-energy food source for the bacteria that live in your mouth. This can produce acid that wears away at the protective enamel of your teeth. Bacteria can eat more than just sugar. Any high-carb food, from bread to French fries, is a perfect food for bacteria. Also, like the acid produced by bacteria, acidic foods and beverages can damage tooth enamel. These helpful hygiene habits do not mean you have to avoid these foods entirely but remember to brush your teeth relatively soon after eating sticky, acidic and high-carb foods, especially foods like potato chips that can get stuck on teeth. However, while it's good to brush soon after eating, wait at least 30 minutes to make sure the enamel hasn’t weakened from the acidic foods. Taking good care of your teeth may sometime seem like a hassle. By taking the time to brush and floss, and getting regular dental checkups, this will save you a lot of toothaches and expensive dental work in the future. “It is often those who avoid the dentist or have poor dental hygiene practices over long periods of time, end up having to deal with dental-related health problems – it is important to do your research and find a dentist you feel comfortable working with,” said Dr. Maria Luong. Read Also: 5 Dental Hygiene Tips For A Healthier Smile How To Choose The Best Fort Lauderdale Dental Office Dental Health: 6 Essential Dental Care Tips You Need To Know Essential Things To Consider Before Getting Dental Implants

Top 6 Advantages Of Living With An Ostomy Bag

An ostomy bag is generally a small, waterproof bag that is useful in accumulating waste from our bodies. At the time of surgical approach which is also known as a colostomy, which is an opening, known as ostomy or stoma, established between the colon and the wall of the abdominal. An ostomy is obligatory due to various reasons such as cancer, defects at times of birth, bowel disease, and various other medical situations. Ostomy is also requisite when acute pelvic and abdominal damage arises either due to accidents or from wounds that remained at times of military service. You can also refer to the ostomy bag at ConvaTec for the best ostomy bags. However, Now let us discuss the advantages of ostomy bags. 1. Its Size: They are small in size and fit easily into women’s purses or an inner jacket or a man's pocket. You have to keep in mind that you anyway keep a pair of additional ones when you go out for parties or any other place. 2. Fast And Easy Life: If you are living your life with an ostomy, your bathroom fits well, is easy, and is faster to use anywhere you go. By using an ostomy bag your life becomes easy and in this way, you can go outside without endangering your skin. 3. No Chance Of Leakage: After using the ostomy bags there will be no risk of leakage or any odors leaking out from the secure and closed ostomy bag as it is sealed and closed completely. So using an Ostomy bag is beneficial to use. 4. Travelling Become Easy: While you are traveling via road or by train you can change if there is a requirement for it. Although for a little time your family members and kids have to bear some smell, at this time they should open their windows for some time and the odor would vanish. The removal and disposal process is just a cup of tea once one has mastered the changing of one’s bag. While traveling large bags are the most suitable ones. 5. Fewer Accidents: When one’s Crohn’s gets severe, one had to the bathroom 30 or more 30 times a day, and due to this one can get prone to accidents. So, at this time one should prefer ostomy it can solve the problem and one need not run continuously to the bathroom. 6. No More Running To The Bathroom: A bit you will suffer a feeling of a rush when you allow your pouch to fill much. Then you will feel less worried. One time you will understand how an ostomy bag works then you don't have to worry about the bathroom problems that you are facing. Adapting to colostomy is not a cup of tea. But nothing is impossible with an optimistic mindset one can deal with it. If you are dealing with an ostomy, one needs to know every detail such as which bag is best and every single detail. The above points would give you the details and would set your mindset for ostomy clearing all your doubts. So refer to the above advantages as to why ostomy bags are necessary. Read Also: Why Are People Turning To Online Pharmacists? Seeking a Healthy Career: 10 Tempting Medical Careers to Check Out

Some supplements you need to know right now

There are tons of supplements out there today, I would like to share some popular ones with you, the obesity I feel you need to know. For those who don't know what supplements are, they are a product that is meant to add a little bit to our diet, some can be taken in form of pills, capsules, tablet,s or oil. There are certain supplements you need to know right now to get a better dosage cycle. They are extracted from different sources of foods or nowadays purely synthetic, they usually contain necessary classes of food such as vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Well, I’m sure you all learned that your 3rd grade and higher institution. First off, I understand some of us don't completely get the nutrients we need from our food, so we rely on these supplements to help fill the gap, left for me, I would say we should all depend on food to get all the nutrients we need, but hey! We need these still, I’m also guilty of this too, when you live in this busy world, you'll understand what I mean. Essential Supplements You Need To Know Right Now There are certain essential supplements that you must know at your end while you want to make use of the supplements for your better health. 1. PROBIOTIC Do you know your gut has over 400 types of probiotics, don't know what these are? Think of them as the good tiny bugs that help you digest food properly or good bacteria that help you fight bad bacteria there are also present in your - that sounds crazy, I know. That's not all, they also help you fight infections that surround your digestive tract and control inflammatory bowel disease. What can this do as a supplement? When it turned to a dietary supplement, they help you prevent diarrhea, cramps (no thanks to medications and antibiotics. Before you head for work, make sure you take one as you will be sure to get a healthy digestive system. There are other ways to get the supplements, some of which are yogurt, kefir, etc. When shopping for probiotics, there are certain things you need to always look out for, some of which include the strain of bacteria and the dosage. bacteria aren't one size fits all come on different bacteria manage different conditions, make sure you look out for that. 2. VITAMIN D3 One of the vitamins that are trending in the research industry today. As a kid, we were told to stay outside in the morning to enjoy the sun if your childhood was like mine comma this was why your parents told you told you to do so. The sun is one of the major sources of vitamin D, I’m not saying you should stay in the sun, only a little bit of exposure can give you vitamin D. Don't get it twisted, there are two types of vitamin D, one is gotten from fortified foods (known as vitamin D2) while the other is gotten from the sun or exposure to Ultraviolet light (vitamin D3). Vitamin D is known to regulate phosphorus and calcium in the body, according to the latest revelation, it is also responsible for I immediately the regulation of insulin in our body and our body. Both can also be converted to hydroxyvitamin D3, an active form in the blood. If you are at higher latitude and you're experiencing winter, there's no way you'll be able to get the d3 you need, so I advise you get it from eggs and sardines. 3.OMEGA 3 I have a thing for this supplement, I take it every time, one of the reasons why I do so is because I'm trying to boost my immune system, and OMEGA 3 can help me do just that, research also finds it beneficial for heart-related issues, inflammatory response and brain health too. There are claims that it can help boost our mood and fight depression, improve your sexual life and make you sleep better all of which is due to the fact that it serves as a building block for a healthy brain. Natural sources would be your Salmon, the dark leafy greens, walnuts and of course, fatty fish. I'm sure, one if not all of these are found in our everyday food, if no seems to be your answer, you can get it as supplements from a pharmaceutical company, they should also contain DHA and EPA, these are the two fatty acids that are responsible for keeping us fit and healthy every day. 4. CLA SAFFLOWER OIL The CLA Safflower oil pills are a form of dietary supplement, the formula is made up of mostly Safflower oil when used, it helps to increase the mass of one’s muscle and enhance your metabolic rate. Experts have deemed it to be the healthiest oil so far. There are two types of oil that are extracted from the Safflower, the first has a higher concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the other is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. The oil is extracted from a plant known as Safflower. You could either take the oil by mouth to help fight diabetes, prevent heart-related diseases including the hardening of the heart. And for those in the fashion industry, they make use of this supplement to for hair growth. And for women who have menstrual issues, safflower oil can help treat that too. The main reason why I didn’t add it to the other supplement is that it is not fully recognized. Take for instance, in the United States, the Safflower Oil is not approved by their Food and Drug Administration, you will only find them in some FDA registered labs (that’s why I’m bold enough to add it to the list). To take it, you will need to consult your MD, since it can lead to some side effects that you might not know of. The best way to avoid these side effects is to take it by mouth or inject the oil emulsion (Liposyn) There are other supplements that are worth mentioning too: Multivitamin Protein powder Green Powder Read Also: A Little On The Side…Or Not? Your Guide To Supplemental Insurance What Are Virtual Reality Workouts And How Will They Affect Exercise?

CBG vs. CBN: Navigating The Lesser-Known Cannabinoids

What Are CBG and CBN?

The Unique Promise of CBG

The Calming Effects of CBN