Cannabinoids Compared: CBD vs. CBG vs. CBC

It seems like just a few years ago when hardly anybody knew what cannabinoids were. Now, CBD is a household name, and the popularity of this non-intoxicating cannabinoid has brought similar hemp constituents to the fore as well.

CBD isn’t the same thing as CBG, but they’re similar. The same goes for CBD and CBC — or CBG and CBC, for that matter. Learn the differences and similarities between the top three hemp cannabinoids available online today.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are unique substances found in Cannabis sativa. Some of them, like THC, are intoxicating, but most aren’t. Scientists have discovered hundreds of different cannabinoids, but only a few are popular and easy to produce. CBD, the most popular cannabinoid aside from THC, isn’t intoxicating, and it’s generally considered to be industrial hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill

Intoxicating vs. Non-Intoxicating Cannabinoids

The federal government still considers the intoxicating cannabinoid THC to be a Schedule I drug. Since 2018, however, most non-THC cannabinoid products have been classified as industrial hemp. As a result, non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBC are widely sold online.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis. As the first non-intoxicating cannabinoid to be bred in hemp in significant quantities, CBD has received the most attention from cannabis researchers. Scientists have thoroughly investigated CBD’s potential to help with pain, anxiety, sleep, epilepsy, and many other common conditions.

What Is CBG?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is like CBD in that it’s non-intoxicating, and CBG-rich hemp plants are now widely grown throughout the United States. Next to CBD, CBG has received some of the most research attention of any cannabinoid. Scientists are particularly interested in CBG’s potential to help with neurological and inflammatory conditions, and consumers tend to believe CBG oil is more energizing than CBD oil.

What Is CBC?

Cannabichromene (CBC) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that’s still lesser-known than CBD or CBG. Though CBC still isn’t usually available in hemp in considerable quantities, scientists are quite interested in this cannabinoid’s potential ability to help with inflammation by stimulating your nervous system’s TRP receptors.

CBD vs. CBG

CBD and CBG are more similar than they are different. Neither cannabinoid will get you high, but CBD might make you feel more relaxed, and CBG might make you feel more energized. 

While people commonly use CBG for gastrointestinal conditions, CBD isn’t as commonly used for this purpose. CBD is very popular as a topical ingredient, and so is CBG due to ongoing research into its topical anti-inflammatory potential.

CBD vs. CBC

The primary reason people use CBC is for help with chronic pain. This is also a common use of CBD, and opinions vary regarding which non-intoxicating cannabinoid is more useful for reducing pain. Most people who have used CBC indicate that this cannabinoid offers a more energizing than relaxing feeling.

CBG vs. CBC

CBG and CBC have both been researched for their potential anti-inflammatory properties, but hemp users are more likely to choose CBC for pain and CBG for topical or digestive inflammatory conditions. The effects of the two cannabinoids are usually described as being similarly energizing.

Which Cannabinoid Is Best?

Each cannabinoid discovered in Cannabis sativa so far has unique attributes. Certain cannabinoids are better for certain conditions, but it appears that most non-intoxicating cannabinoids are good for you in one way or another.

The low side effect profile of non-intoxicating cannabinoids is one reason why scientists suggest the entourage effect might be a great tool for making CBD, CBG, or CBC more effective. Especially when combined with terpenes, cannabinoids used in tandem appear to offer effects that are stronger than the effects of cannabinoids used alone.

If you aren’t sure which cannabinoid is best for your condition, consider using a combination of CBD, CBC, and CBC. Since they come from the same source, cannabinoids won’t interact with each other negatively, and adding some genuine cannabis terpenes into the mix improves both the flavor and effectiveness of hemp products.

It can seem like CBD arrived on the market only recently, but it has already been joined by two excellent allies in the form of CBG and CBC. Experiment with all three of these cannabinoids to discover the daily hemp regimen that works best for you.


Disclaimer: 

Qrius does not provide medical advice

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis products in India

CBD oil manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 can be legally used in India, for medicinal purposes, only with a prescription, subject to specific conditions. Kindly refer to the same here for the legalities of use in India

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only.

The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Qrius does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions or other information that may be mentioned on this website. Reliance on any information appearing on this website is solely at your own risk.

This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or any of its staff.

Cannabinoidscbd vs cbgExplained