Cannabis contains over 100 different cannabinoids, but only a few have been studied in detail. The three most important for health applications are CBD, CBG, and CBN.
What Is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
The ECS is a biological system present in all mammals. It regulates sleep, mood, pain, appetite, immunity, and inflammation. Cannabinoids from hemp act on this system.
CBD (Cannabidiol) – The Most Researched Cannabinoid
- Restlessness and stress – in a case-series (Shannon et al., 2019) most participants reported feeling calmer
- Inflammatory pathways – laboratory research studies CBD's interaction with the COX-2 enzyme
- Epilepsy – Epidiolex (pure CBD) is an approved medicine; a regulated drug, not a supplement
- Sleep – in the same case-series most participants reported better sleep
CBG (Cannabigerol) – The "Stem Cell" of Cannabinoids
CBG is called the "stem cell" because all other cannabinoids are created from CBGA. In the mature plant, it's very rare (below 1%). CBG directly binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors.
- Inflammatory pathways – preclinical research studies CBG in models of intestinal inflammation
- Antimicrobial activity – laboratory studies examine CBG against certain bacteria
- Nerve cells – studied in preclinical neuroprotection research
CBN (Cannabinol) – The Sleep Cannabinoid
CBN is formed through THC degradation. It's mildly psychoactive and is studied for possible sedative properties.
- Sleep and sedation – often described as the most sedating cannabinoid, though human data are limited
- TRPV2 receptors – laboratory research studies CBN's interaction with these receptors
Comparison: CBD vs CBG vs CBN
| Property | CBD | CBG | CBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Cannabidiol | Cannabigerol | Cannabinol |
| Presence in plant | 15–25% | <1% (rare) | Traces (from THC) |
| Psychoactivity | No | No | Mild (1/10 of THC) |
| Studied for sleep | Moderate interest | Minimal | Most studied |
| Studied for discomfort | Widely studied | Studied | Studied |
| Studied for restlessness | Widely studied | Some research | Some research |
| Studied for inflammatory pathways | Widely studied | Studied (esp. gut) | Some research |
Which Cannabinoid Is Right for You?
- For everyday RESTLESSNESS → CBD is the most studied (5–20mg daily, under the tongue)
- For an EVENING ROUTINE → CBD + CBG combination (our oil has both)
- For a CALMER NIGHT → CBN, or CBD in the evening as an alternative
- For DIGESTIVE COMFORT → CBG, the cannabinoid most studied for the gut
- For GENERAL WELLNESS → Full Spectrum CBD oil (entourage effect)
FAQ
What does "Full Spectrum" mean?
Why does your oil have so much CBG?
Is CBD legal in Croatia?
Sources
- Arthur P, Kalvala AK, Surapaneni SK, Singh MS (2024). Applications of Cannabinoids in Neuropathic Pain: An Updated Review.. Critical reviews in therapeutic drug carrier systems. PMID: 37824417
- Blebea NM, Pricopie AI, Vlad RA, Hancu G (2024). Phytocannabinoids: Exploring Pharmacological Profiles and Their Impact on Therapeutical Use.. International journal of molecular sciences. PMID: 38673788
- Queiroz CM, de Oliveira Koren L, da Silva CRP, Ribeiro S, Silva SRB (2025). Chemical diversity, receptor binding affinity, and pharmacology of phytocannabinoids: Insights into neuronal mechanisms.. Progress in brain research. PMID: 40967679
- Salami SA, Martinelli F, Giovino A, Bachari A, Arad N, Mantri N (2020). It Is Our Turn to Get Cannabis High: Put Cannabinoids in Food and Health Baskets.. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID: 32899626
- Solano-Orrala D, Silva-Cullishpuma DA, Díaz-Cruces E, Gómez-López VM, Toro-Mendoza J, Gomez d'Ayala G (2024). Exploring the Potential of Nonpsychoactive Cannabinoids in the Development of Materials for Biomedical and Sports Applications.. ACS applied bio materials. PMID: 39563525
Note: This article is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and does not replace consultation with a doctor. Consult a doctor before taking any food supplement — especially with chronic conditions, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
