Cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN) are three cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant. Though they share similar origins, their chemical structure, effects, and potential benefits differ.
CBD is the most researched and most widely used for everything from supporting sleep to discomfort and relaxation, while CBG is typically used for daytime use to support focus. CBN has a more specialized use and is generally marketed for sleep and relaxation.
Outside of THC, these are the three most popular cannabinoids on the market.
Differences between CBD, CBG and CBN
While these cannabinoids have some commonalities, their unique chemical structures mean they have some key differences. How and when you might want to use them will differ.
CBD (Cannabinol)
CBD is found more abundantly in the hemp plant compared to CBG or CBN. Due to this, there are far more products and research supporting CBD. Its effects and benefits are more understood than CBG or CBN.
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates functions like mood, sleep, and immune response. Unlike some cannabinoids, like THC and CBN, CBD doesn’t bind directly to cannabinoid receptors. Instead, it influences them indirectly, leading to its potential effects and benefits.
Research suggests that CBD may offer a range of wellness benefits, including discomfort relief, stress management, and inflammation support, and there are a few FDA-regulated CBD medications for seizures.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Next, we have CBG. It is often referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids” because it is the parent molecule from which other cannabinoids are synthesized in the cannabis plant. CBG is most associated with its use for focus. However, its full scope of effects and benefits is still being researched.
Early research suggests that CBG may have neuroprotective properties, which is one of the reasons it is offered for focus. In several separate in vivo experiments, CBG demonstrated neuroprotective abilities [1]. This research paves the way for the consideration of CBG’s potential role in central nervous system pathologies.
CBG’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential has also been studied. Studies on animal models showed that CBG produced anti-inflammatory effects in vivo [2].
CBN
CBN is often nicknamed the “sleepy” cannabinoid. This is because CBN has been associated with potential sedative effects. The interesting thing about the marketing surrounding CBN is that there doesn’t seem to be much research to demonstrate that CBN has sedative qualities on its own but that CBN when combined with THC and CBD, did show an improvement in insomnia symptoms in adults [3].
Prominent cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo explains that this misconception of CBN being a sedative likely comes from the effects of aged cannabis plants — not CBN itself. As the cannabis plant ages, it loses monoterpenoids (which have more stimulating effects). It retains sesquiterpenoids (which have more relaxing effects), causing people to feel sleepy or heavy after smoking old buds [4].
CBN is a product of THC degradation. This means that it’s not present in high amounts in younger hemp plants like CBD but forms as THC ages and oxidizes. It’s considered psychoactive, but its effects are so mild that you most likely won’t experience psychoactive effects unless you’re taking CBN in very high doses.
Russo theorizes that CBN may contribute to the "entourage effect," enhancing the sedative effects of other compounds present in cannabis.
CBD, CBG, & CBN Benefits Together
Even though we are discussing these as individual cannabinoids, many cannabinoid products do include all three.
Which Works Best for Pain?
Given that there’s much more research on CBD, CBD is the best option. CBD may support the body's natural response to pain and inflammation by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. Some users find it helps promote comfort and ease joint discomfort, headaches, and nerve-related issues. While research is ongoing, CBD has shown potential in modulating pain signaling pathways, which could make it beneficial for overall wellness in those experiencing occasional discomfort [5].
CBN and CBG may not be the most commonly chosen options for pain-related support compared to CBD.
CBG is often studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, and CBN is sometimes explored for its role in promoting relaxation. However, it has yet to be more widely researched or explicitly used for supporting the body's natural response to pain and inflammation.
Which Works Best for Anxiety?
CBD is the most widely researched cannabinoid for supporting a sense of calm and promoting relaxation. Studies on human models suggest that CBD may be the best option for those looking to manage everyday stress [7].
While less studied, CBN and CBG are also noted for their potential calming effects. Some people find that CBN can help with relaxation, particularly when used in evening routines, and CBG may offer support for overall mental clarity. However, since there is significantly more research on CBD than on CBN or CBG, CBD is generally the most sought-after when it comes to stress and anxiety.
Which Works Best for Sleep?
All three cannabinoids — CBN, CBD, and CBG — are known for their potential calming effects, but CBD and CBN are typically the most popular choices for sleep support. CBD may help promote relaxation and support a more restful night's sleep by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system to manage stress and discomfort.
CBN, particularly in full spectrum formulations, may offer even greater benefits for sleep when combined with other cannabinoids like CBD or THC. Research suggests that CBN alone does not have strong sedative properties, but it may enhance the relaxing effects of other cannabinoids, making full-spectrum CBN products more effective than CBN isolate [3].
While CBG may also have calming effects, it’s less commonly used for sleep compared to CBD and CBN. If you're considering cannabinoids for sleep, full-spectrum products with CBN and CBD are likely to offer the most comprehensive support.
Accessibility to All 3 Cannabinoids
Luckily, the 2018 Farm Bill changed the game in these cannabinoids accessibility, which are available in all 50 states as long as they’re hemp-derived. You can even shop for them online and have them shipped to you, so you have access to these cannabinoids without ever even leaving your couch.
Choosing Between CBD, CBG, and CBN:
You can’t really go wrong when shopping for these cannabinoids. However, each one offers its own potential benefits, so one may align with your wellness goals more than the other. It can also be helpful to talk with your healthcare professional to determine whether CBD, CBN, CBG, or a combination of these, aligns most with your specific health goals.
What to choose between CBD vs CBN vs CBG?
Why choose one when you can have all three? Each has unique potential benefits - CBD for its wide-ranging applications, CBN for sleep, and CBG for pain relief. ]
References:
- Calapai, F., Cardia, L., Esposito, E., Ammendolia, I., Mondello, C., Lo Giudice, R., ... & Mannucci, C. (2022). Pharmacological aspects and biological effects of cannabigerol and its synthetic derivatives. Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2022(1), 3336516.
- Henshaw, F. R., Dewsbury, L. S., Lim, C. K., & Steiner, G. Z. (2021). The effects of cannabinoids on pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines: a systematic review of in vivo studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 6(3), 177-195.
- Lavender, I., McCartney, D., Marshall, N., Suraev, A., Irwin, C., D'Rozario, A. L., ... & Hoyos, C. M. (2023). Cannabinol (CBN; 30 and 300 mg) effects on sleep and next-day function in insomnia disorder (‘CUPID’study): protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, three-arm, proof-of-concept trial. BMJ open, 13(8), e071148.
- Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid entourage effects. British journal of pharmacology, 163(7), 1344-1364.
- Bonn-Miller, M. O., Feldner, M. T., Bynion, T. M., Eglit, G. M., Brunstetter, M., Kalaba, M., ... & Hennesy, M. (2024). A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the safety and effects of CBN with and without CBD on sleep quality. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology, 32(3), 277.
- Argueta, D. A., Ventura, C. M., Kiven, S., Sagi, V., & Gupta, K. (2020). A balanced approach for cannabidiol use in chronic pain. Frontiers in pharmacology, 11, 561.
- Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836.
