What is Craft Cannabis?

CBD vs CBN vs CBG vs THC

Posted on June 25th, 2024 to Education

Breaking Down the Cannabis Alphabet Soup

Whether you’re searching for the perfect high, looking for the right combination of cannabinoids to soothe your anxiety, or you’re searching for weed that puts you to sleep at night, it can be confusing to sort through all of the descriptors that are placed on your favorite weed and hemp products.

Here, we’re going to fully break it down, explaining the differences between CBD, CBN, CBG, and THC.

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CBD vs CBN vs CBG vs THC

Cannabinoids—the compounds naturally found in the cannabis plant—work with the body’s cannabinoid receptors found on the surface of cells. Each of these compounds offers different effects, and understanding the power behind each abbreviation can provide you with the information you need to purchase the weed that’s right for you.

Let’s take a look at some of the important differences between these four compounds, as well as the names of the chemical compounds for THC, CBN, CBG, and CBG.

Compound Psychoactive? Benefits and effects
CBD (cannabidiol) Yes, but only affects mood (does not create a high) Antioxidant properties, lowers anxiety and pain, increases appetite, relaxes muscles, decreases nausea
CBN (cannabinol) Yes (mild) Analgesic, antioxidant, and anesthetic properties, lowers anxiety, lessens muscle spasms
CBG (cannabigerol) No Antioxidant properties, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, supports bone and cardiovascular health, relieves pain
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) Yes Anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, increases appetite, relaxes muscles, decreases nausea, relieves pain and muscle spasms

 

How Do Cannabinoids Affect the Body?

As we mentioned, cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors that are found in the body—specifically, in the nervous system.

Different cannabinoids affect different receptors in the brain, and the effect of each cannabinoid depends on the brain area it affects. Some cannabinoids—like CBD—may counteract the effects of other cannabinoids, such as THC.

What are CBD and CBG Good For?

These compounds have shown promise in treating a variety of physical and mental health conditions.

Recent research shows that the effects of CBD on the brain could have therapeutic promise. A 2020 review of CBD research published in Frontiers in Pharmacology stated that CBD showed significant alterations in brain activity and connectivity patterns in people with and without psychiatric disorders. The review also discussed CBD’s ability to regulate the limbic system (structures in the brain that regulate emotions, motivation, memory, the autonomic nervous system, and behavior).

THC vs CBD vs CBN vs CBG for Pain Relief

Many people harness the power of cannabis for pain relief. Since cannabis isn’t currently approved by the FDA as a medication, there’s not a set dosage or cannabinoid profile that’s been deemed the best for pain management. It can take some trial and error to figure out what cannabinoids are best for your pain relief needs.

Let’s take a look at how each of the cannabinoids we’re exploring today can affect pain:

  • THC: This psychoactive cannabinoid has been shown to activate receptors in the brain that work to regulate pain. THC has also been shown to relieve swelling.
  • CBD: CBD has been shown to treat chronic pain, and is often paired with THC for faster relief.
  • CBN: Often used to relieve chronic pain related to muscle disorders, CBN may be useful for temporomandibular (jaw) disorders and fibromyalgia.
  • CBG: This cannabinoid is both anti-inflammatory and works to block the transmission of pain signals, offering a twofold approach to pain management.

THC vs CBD vs CBG vs CBN for Sleep

When it comes to getting great shut-eye, you’ll want to look for strains with higher levels of THC and CBN. THC tends to contribute to spending more time in the REM portion of the sleep cycle, while CBN has a sedating effect.

THC, CBD CBG or CBN for Anxiety

Many people find that CBD is a fantastic go-to for anxiety, as it provides more relief than products that are high in THC. CBN can also be helpful for anxiety, but the mild high this cannabinoid produces may be undesirable for some.

VT Bud Barn: Here to Take the Confusion Out of Cannabis

At VT Bud Barn, we’re here to help with all things cannabis. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect THC blends for pain relief or you’re looking for CBD blends to help relieve anxiety, we’ve got you covered. Stop by our dispensary today or check out our convenient online menu so that we can have your order ready for you when you get here. We’ll see you soon!

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Cannabis has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For use by individuals 21 years of age and older or registered qualifying patient only. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS. DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING. Possession or use of cannabis may carry significant legal penalties in some jurisdictions and under federal law. It may not be transported outside of the state of Vermont. The effects of edible cannabis may be delayed by two hours or more. Cannabis may be habit forming and can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Persons 25 years and younger may be more likely to experience harm to the developing brain. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. National Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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