By now, you’ve probably heard a lot of buzz surrounding CBD and about CBD’s numerous mental and physical health benefits. But what you might not realize is that CBD is just one of dozens of beneficial cannabinoids found in hemp and that combining CBD with other cannabinoids like CBG can create a phenomenon known as the ‘Entourage Effect.’
So what is the Entourage Effect? The Entourage Effect is a phenomenon that happens when cannabinoids and terpenes are combined to create an even more powerful effect. When CBD is combined with CBG, these natural compounds complement each other allowing each cannabinoid to work better in combination than when isolated on its own. Because CBD and CBG interact differently with cannabinoid receptors, combining their efforts may provide you with an ideal whole-body relief option.
To better understand the ‘Entourage Effect,’ let’s revisit some basic information about CBD and CBG.
What is CBD? Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is the most prevalent active component found in hemp plants, and it’s the second most prevalent active component derived from the hemp plant’s cousin, cannabis (bet you can guess what the first most active component is!). Since CBD exhibits zero psychoactive effects (meaning ingesting or inhaling CBD will not get you ‘high’), the most striking difference between hemp and cannabis is the lack of THC in hemp. It’s also why pure CBD products are derived from hemp (not cannabis). (Check out our article The Importance of Lab Testing for CBD Hemp Products: 3 Reasons to Ask for Lab Results to find out about the importance of third-party lab testing)
CBD is connected to a wide variety of health and wellness benefits, including alleviating anxiety, helping with insomnia, lowering pain and inflammation due to arthritis, and providing a natural solution for seizures and epilepsy.
What is CBG, and how is it different from CBD? Besides each cannabinoids’ unique chemical structure, the primary difference between CBD and CBG, also known as Cannabigerol, is how each interacts with our body’s cannabinoid receptors.
The human body contains a massive endogenous cannabinoid system which is vital in establishing and maintaining our health. Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found in the brain, internal organs, tissues, glands, and immune cells – they are basically the ground control for bridging our body and mind and regulating our body’s health, including mood and immune function.
Scientists have found that CBG binds directly with CB1 and CB2 receptors in various body organs and has a more direct pathway to activating these well-known receptors. CBD also interacts with these receptors, but more indirectly.
Since CBG works within the central nervous system, it’s best used for enhancing brain function and easing mental distress. It is also an ideal solution for neurological disorders and gut health. CBD has the most comprehensive therapeutic range, showing promise in treating mood disorders and reducing inflammation and pain. Some benefits of CBG and CBD overlap one another, such as dealing with pain and easing mild anxiety.
CBD and CBG are both excellent individual options for supporting our body’s basic mood and health functions. Still, for some, the ‘Entourage Effect’ of multiplying the benefits by combined cannabinoids may be an ideal holistic solution for effectively treating numerous or more severe issues.
