Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant, with the most recognized being cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Beyond these, a host of minor cannabinoids are gaining attention for their unique properties. Cannabigerol (CBG) and Cannabinol (CBN) are two such compounds increasingly featured in consumer products. While both are cannabis-derived, they have distinct origins, effects, and ways they interact with the body’s internal systems. Understanding these differences is helpful for anyone navigating the growing market of wellness products.
Cannabigerol (CBG): The Primary Precursor
Cannabigerol (CBG) is often referred to as the “mother cannabinoid” because it is the chemical precursor to many other major cannabinoids. The acidic form, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), is the foundational molecule from which the plant’s enzymes synthesize CBDA, THCA, and CBCA, which later convert to CBD, THC, and CBC through decarboxylation. Mature cannabis plants typically contain only trace amounts of CBG, as most of it has been converted into other compounds during the plant’s growth cycle.
CBG itself is non-intoxicating and does not produce the “high” associated with THC. Preliminary research suggests CBG may have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and appetite-stimulating effects. Some users report that CBG promotes mental clarity and focus, leading to its inclusion in products intended for daytime use or productivity.
Cannabinol (CBN): The Product of Degradation
Cannabinol (CBN) stands apart because it is not directly synthesized by the living cannabis plant’s enzymes. CBN is primarily a degradation product that forms when THC is exposed to environmental factors over time. When THC or its acidic form, THCA, is subjected to oxidation from air, heat, and ultraviolet (UV) light, the molecule breaks down and rearranges to form CBN.
This explains why aged cannabis material or poorly stored products contain higher concentrations of CBN. CBN is considered mildly intoxicating, though significantly less potent than THC. It is popularly associated with sedative qualities and is frequently marketed in products intended for sleep support.
How They Interact With the Body
Both CBG and CBN interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and signaling molecules that helps regulate various functions like mood, sleep, and pain. The ECS includes two main receptors: Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 (CB1), found predominantly in the brain and central nervous system, and Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 (CB2), located mainly in the peripheral tissues and immune cells. The distinct effects of CBG and CBN stem from how they engage these receptors and others outside the ECS.
CBG functions as a partial agonist at both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, but its actions extend beyond the primary cannabinoid system. It interacts with non-ECS receptors like the vanilloid receptor type 1 (TRPV1), which is involved in pain perception and inflammation. Furthermore, CBG has been shown to potentially inhibit the reuptake of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, a mechanism that may contribute to its observed effects on muscle relaxation and anxiety.
CBN acts as a low-affinity partial agonist at both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Its interaction at CB1 explains its mild psychoactive properties, which is much weaker than THC, a full agonist. Its action at the CB2 receptor suggests potential for anti-inflammatory effects.
Consumer Considerations and Legal Context
Quality assurance is an important consideration for consumers interested in CBG or CBN products due to the unregulated nature of the market. Reputable manufacturers provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for their products, which is a lab report from an independent third-party facility. The COA should confirm the product’s potency, verifying the exact amounts of CBG, CBN, THC, and other cannabinoids present. It should also test for contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and residual solvents.
The federal legal status of these cannabinoids in the United States stems from the 2018 Farm Bill. This legislation removed hemp and its derivatives from the Controlled Substances Act, defining “hemp” as Cannabis sativa with a delta-9 THC concentration of no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. As minor cannabinoids derived from hemp, CBG and CBN are federally legal under this threshold, provided they meet the definition of hemp. However, state laws can vary significantly, and the legal landscape for all hemp-derived products remains subject to ongoing regulatory scrutiny.