CBG vs CBD for Dogs: What are the Differences?
Humans have been raving about the benefits of CBD products for the last few years, and now their four-legged family members are even experiencing the magic. From treats to salves to oils, pet products infused with CBD are every modern pet-owners secret weapon.
However, there's also a new hemp product hitting shelves: CBG. Like CBD, CBG is derived from the cannabis plant, but they are not psychoactive. While they have plenty of similarities, there are also some key differences between CBD and CBG that you should know about.
In this guide, we're going to breaking down CBG vs CBD products so that you can decide which one is right for your furry friend. Let's jump in.
Table of Contents
1. CBG vs CBD: What's the Same and What's Different?
The cannabis plant has over 100 cannabinoids, and we are just now starting to discover them. Until recently, THC and CBD were the most studied cannabinoids.
Consumers wanted to experience the benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive high, which is why CBD products took over the cannabis product marketplace. It also makes sense that CBD was the first compound to make waves since it's extremely abundant in the hemp plant, making up around 40% of its composition.
However, more research has come out about CBG that also makes it a promising health and wellness tool for humans and animals. The CBG compounds are rarer and can only be extracted in small amounts.
In general, CBD and CBG have several similar effects, including:
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory response
- Sleep promotion
- Mental clarity
- Improved wellbeing
The difference between the two compounds lies in their molecular and how they behave with receptors sites in the body, both human and animal. To understand the difference, we need to understand how cannabinoids and receptor sites work.
2. How Cannabinoids Work With Receptor Sites
All humans and animals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that controls things like appetite, sleep, mood, and other important functions. The ECS has receptor sites that accept the cannabinoids all over the body.
This is why CBD and CBG are so effective; they match with receptor sites to help humans and animals function better.
There are two types of ECS receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found around the lungs, vascular system, GI tract, reproductive organs, muscles, and brain. Meanwhile, CB2 receptors are found around the pancreas, bones, liver, immune system, skin, and spleen.
Different types of cannabinoids bind to various receptors and create their own response. The reason that people experience a high from THC products is that it binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain and causes a dopamine release.
When it comes to CBD and CBG, the differences being discovered are very interesting. Both compounds bind to the same receptors, but they cause different reactions.
Recent studies are also showing that CBG compounds could bind to ECS receptors more effectively, providing better results.
3. CBG: The Mother of All Cannabinoids
While studies are still in the early stages, researchers are excited about CBG because it appears to be more effective than CBD. To understand this, let's look at the molecular makeup of the hemp plant.
In the beginning, CBG is abundant in the hemp plant, but it goes through a chemical process that converts the molecules to CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids. Everything that doesn't get converted is still considered CBG.
Because all cannabinoids originate from CBG, it is known as the "mother of all cannabinoids."
Early research is showing that CBG can react more directly to the ECS than CBD, which is why it could produce enhanced benefits.
4. Are CBG Products Good For My Dog?
What does this new CBG research mean for your four-legged family members? Like CBD oil for dogs, it can potentially help your dog with the following:
- Anxiety and mood
- Inflammation
- Digestion
- Skin disorders and infections
- High blood pressure
- Pain
- Neurological diseases
- Bone problems
- And more
The best way to get all the benefits from both CBD and CBG for your dog is to use the cannabinoids together.
5. CBG For Pets: The Entourage Effect
When cannabinoids are used together, it creates what researchers are calling, "the entourage effect." Essentially, the compounds are more powerful when they are combined than when they are used separately.
Another perk of using CBG with CBD is that it's easier to access. Since CBG is less abundant in the hemp plant, it's more expensive and harder to find. When paired with CBD, the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp, you can still get all the benefits of CBG without breaking the bank.
At Bailey's CBD, we suggest using the two-in-one CBD and CBG oil for dogs as an extra-strength solution. If your pup has high anxiety, intense inflammation, or a serious medical issue like a neurological disease, using the compounds together is the best way to help.
When they work together, CBD and CBG for pets can help bring your dog's body back to homeostasis. If you've been using CBD with your dog for a while and are not seeing the results you want, try our two-in-one product instead.
6. The Benefits of CBD and CBG For Pets
To conclude, both CBD and CBG can benefit your dog. When it comes to which one is better, it depends on your dog's needs and how they react to each compound.
We recommend starting them on CBD and going from there. For most pets, that will be enough to calm their occasional anxiety or ease their pain. However, if your dog has more serious issues, we recommend trying CBG. Of course, talk to your vet before starting any new homeopathic solution for your pets.
We hope this guide to CBG vs CBD for your dog was helpful. For more pet resources, check out our other blogs or contact us with any questions about our products.
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In response to Darleen, Bailey’s CBD oil for cats also contains CBG in minor amounts since it’s a full spectrum oil. Cats can use the extra strength CBD & CBG oil, you’d just follow the weight guide in the instructions. All mammals have an endocannabinoid system that responds positively to hemp compounds, including CBG. Hope this helps! -Aaron
Any idea how it effects cats?