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Medical cannabis is helping more and more people in the UK. Since 2018, it’s been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick eligibility checker on our website.
And yet, the sheer amount of science surrounding medical cannabis can confuse people. Why? Because the plant itself is so complex. Below we’ll be exploring CBG for anxiety UK, CBD for pain relief, and more, as well as what happens when the two are combined.
CBG vs CBD UK: What’s the Difference?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. They’re active compounds that can cause effects throughout the body, and you’ll see them often when researching medical cannabis. The main difference is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
But, what is CBG?
CBG is like the mother of all cannabinoids. It’s where other compounds - like THC and CBD - come from. In young cannabis plants, there’s mostly CBG-A. As the plant grows, it turns CBG-A into other cannabinoids like CBD, THC, and CBC. Like CBD, CBG is non-psychoactive. So, where do they differ? Mostly in their potential medical benefits. Here’s a snapshot:
CBD: Non-psychoactive, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, anti-epileptic
CBG: Non-psychoactive, neuroprotective, antibacterial, appetite-stimulating
We’ll be exploring this in a little more detail below.
Currently, there are no products available on the medical market that contain high or concentrated amounts of CBG. CBG turns into these other cannabinoids, which is why there’s usually very little of it left, making it hard to study and expensive to extract. However, it is something that could happen in the future.
How CBG and CBD Work in the Body
The endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, is a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. Research suggests that the ECS influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and much more. That’s why medical cannabis can potentially work for so many different conditions.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why cannabis works so positively on so many different conditions. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD, THC and even CBG, it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body.
Key Potential Medical Benefits: CBG vs CBD
It’s possible that CBG may help with neuroprotection and gut health. And it’s possible CBD may potentially help ease anxiety and inflammation. But in all honesty, the way cannabinoids react with the body depends on the individual. And instead, clinicians look at what to prescribe on a case-by-case basis.
To give you a rough idea of potential benefits, we’ve explored CBD vs CBG potential benefits in a bit more detail below, and have added studies to back these findings.
Which Conditions Are Better Treated by CBG or CBD?
CBD medical uses
Stress and anxiety: This study shows CBD reduces anxiety in both healthy volunteers and PTSD sufferers.
Sleep: Though effects fluctuated over time, 66.7% of participants in this study reported improved sleep in the first month.
Seizures: Epidiolex, a purified CBD oral solution, is an approved treatment on the NHS for epilepsy. In this long-term study, seizure frequency dropped between 45 to 84% over 48 weeks, plus additional improvements in sleep and behavior were noted.
CBG medical uses
There’s talk around how CBG may potentially help with inflammation and pain, glaucoma/neuroprotection, bladder issues, stress and anxiety. However, unfortunately there’s little to no strong clinical or preclinical studies that currently support the above. Therefore, we lack scientific backing to truly understand how CBG can be used medicinally.
But combining the two together may actually be better. Keep reading to find out why.
Can You Combine CBG and CBD for Better Results?
When you combine THC, CBD, CBG, terpenes (the part of any plant that produces the smell) and flavonoids, these active compounds can sometimes work together to produce better effects, due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Action
Both CBD and CBG have the potential to reduce inflammation via different pathways. But together, they may offer greater relief for inflammatory conditions like arthritis or IBD.
Improved Anxiety and Stress Relief
CBD has the potential to reduce anxiety by modulating serotonin receptors. It’s also possible for CBG to interact with GABA receptors, potentially promoting calmness and focus. When consumed together, some users report clear-headed relaxation without sedation.
Neuroprotection and Brain Health
Studies show CBG and CBD may protect neurons from damage in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Multiple Sclerosis.
Side Effects of CBG vs CBD
Both CBD and CBG are generally well tolerated, with few serious side effects reported in studies. But, just like with any other medicine, they are a possibility. Most common side effects are short-term, and should wear off within a few hours, but it’s a good idea to be aware of them. CBG and CBD side effects include:
CBD
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Diarrhea
CBG
- Mild drowsiness
- Possible appetite stimulation
- Dry mouth
If you experience any side effects, or if short-term side effects persist, stop taking your medication immediately, and speak to your clinician.
As with any other medication, it’s important to use safely and responsibly. Our advice is to always start low and go slow. This allows new patients to get used to their medicines with minimal side effects and disruption to everyday life. And of course, follow the advice of your clinician. They’ll work with you and advise on what’s best for your condition. Remember, you may not get it right the first time. It’s important to find a dose that’s suitable for your body and individual needs, so that you can get the most effective results and reduce the chance of side effects.
Is CBG legal in the UK?
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 1st November 2018, but it needs to be prescribed by a specialist doctor, usually from a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf. To be eligible, you’ll need a diagnosis for a qualifying condition, and to have been offered at least two conventional treatments for this condition. This can include medication, talking therapy, physiotherapy, surgery and anything else prescribed by your GP.
You may be looking at medical cannabis, as you found the above to be ineffective or poorly tolerated. But keep in mind you don’t need to have tried any of the above - we understand there are plenty of valid and fair reasons why you may turn down a prescription. So, as long as they’ve been offered, it’s enough to qualify.
Strains or medications high in CBG are not yet available in the UK at the time of writing, and only one or two products reference CBG as anything beyond a trace ingredient. This could change in the future, but for now, it’s not widely available.
Just because it’s legal in the UK, doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. It’s always a good idea to check if you’re travelling somewhere, what their rules and laws are around medical cannabis.
We prescribe for 50+ conditions at Alternaleaf, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD or autism. We offer expert guidance throughout your medical cannabis journey to ensure safe and effective use. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
Summary
So, that’s a brief exploration of CBG, and how it compares to CBD. If you ask us, one thing is clear: a lot more research is needed to discover the full potential of not just CBG, but medical cannabis in general. It’s why part of our mission at Alternaleaf is to be a pioneer for our patients, pushing medical cannabis into the mainstream.
The best thing to do is speak to your clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.