While CBD has gotten a lot of attention, lately we have been processing high CBG biomass. Many people wonder what the difference is between CBG vs CBD. The differences in the two molecules is rather profound, even though CBD is biosynthetically produced by the cannabis plant from CBG. As is THC. Hence the moniker that CBG is the “mother of all cannabinoids.”
The biosynthesis of CBG:
THC and CBD biosynthesis from CBGA:
As you can see, CBG has a more linear structure, with two reactive double bonds. This structural motif lends itself to crystals, and indeed, CBG is a highly crystalline compound with low solubility in ethanol or common carriers such as MCT.
The two reactive double bonds are primed for cyclization, and THCA synthase and CBDA synthase catalyze those reactions to form respectively THCA and CBDA. Decarboxylation provides the parent cannabinoids.
Currently, there is no proven medical use for CBG, unlike CBD and THC. It may be a rather inert substance in the body. The current fad of CBG will probably fade away as more exotic cannabinoids are discovered, and are then promoted on social media. Keep in mind that only THC and CBD have been studied, and in reality, neither has had the complete scientific workup of a typical pharmaceutical. Information on other cannabinoids is sparse, with much mis-information on the internet.
CBG is what I would consider a simple precursor to more complex structures. As shown above, it has a rather simple hydrocarbon chains attached to a bis-phenol. The structural simplicity is clear compared to the rich complexity of THC and CBD. It is a starting material for better things, and not an end in itself.
Remember, being a cannabinoid simply means the compounds are found in the cannabis plant. There are many other compounds in the plant, terpenes being one class of molecule. We’ll take a look at terpenes in a follow-up post.
Feel free to reach out with any questions on CBG vs CBD! In the meantime shop USDA certified organic hemp products!