Both CBG and CBD oils are great for your pet or ESA’s health, and if you have an ESA letter, you already know how important it is to keep your emotional support animal happy and healthy. These oils are extracted from different parts of the hemp or cannabis plant and are useful cannabinoids used for various purposes and medicines. Both have non-psychoactive effects, but research shows that CBG has some specific qualities that set it apart from CBD, offering promising therapeutic benefits.
CBD is excellent for your pet’s or dog’s well-being, providing both physical and mental benefits. CBD oil for dogs is a wonderful way to calm a nervous or restless pup, ease certain ailments, and even help prevent some diseases. Until recently, CBD was the most well-known cannabinoid, but scientists are now uncovering more about CBG and other cannabinoids.
Read on to discover how CBG and CBD differ — and how each can benefit your furry friend.
Cannabigerol, CBG, is one of the more than 120 cannabinoids. These cannabinoids are found in the cannabis plant. Though there is no significant medical research backing its positive effects there are studies that swear by the therapeutic or medicinal effects of CBG and cannabigerolic acid, CBGA. It has more analgesic benefits than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and it does it without making your dog or cat high.
When the cannabis plant grows and matures, the cannabigerolic acid in it converts into enzymes. Out of these, three are the main forms of cannabinoid; tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, THCA, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA). From the rest of the CBGA that is not yielded or converted, CBG is extracted.
However, it is extracted in very small amounts, approximately 1 percent by weight. To increase production, plant breeders are working to do it through crossbreeding and genetic manipulation.
Short for cannabidiol (CBD), it is one of the main compounds found in hemp and makes up nearly 40% of its composition. It is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that is extracted or obtained by a synthesized plant chemical that has a lower to no ability to make your dog high.
In humans, the CBD molecules bind with the endocannabinoid system and communicating with the receptors. Further, they attach to the peripheral system and helps in managing and regulating several psychological functions. CBD oil or extracts are used in various treatments including:
When paired with the THC, CBD provides greater benefits, and the respective phenomenon is known as the entourage effect. Working through different physiological ways, it partially connects with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, besides connecting with the endocannabinoid system.
Though they seem quite similar, there are some significant differences between them. Below, we have listed and explained some of the key differences between these two.
There could be other differences between CBG and CBD, depending on the depth and availability of the research. However, it is believed that there are some potential benefits of CBG, some of which are similar to CBD.
Though both CBG and CBD are important and useful cannabinoids, CBG offers slightly more benefits than CBD. Though it offers some elevated benefits than CBD, it shows more promising benefits and results in some specific health conditions like its neuroprotective and cell regeneration properties.
As per the studies, CBG is better than CBD and other cannabinoids when it comes to managing and preventing muscle contractions, bladder issues, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, and inhibition of cancer cells. However, since both of these extracts come from the same plant, it is suggested that you use it together to achieve the entourage effect.
Like humans, these extracts have shown significant results in dogs and cats also. Like CBD oil, CBG oil or extract offers myriad benefits.
Can I use human-grade CBG for my dog? Yes, you can and it is suggested that you use the oil or extract that is made for humans. Though many suppliers try to make you believe that animals and humans need different kinds of CBG, they are probably trying to increase their sales.
The only difference could be that the one specifically for pets could have some specific flavor or aroma to entice them. Similarly, snuffle mats for dogs also help in stimulating their sense of smell and also help them relax. Like snuffle mats and CBD oil, CBG also helps in relieving stress and offering other benefits.
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WRITTEN BY
Harper Jefcoat
Harper Jefcoat is a licensed mental health professional with over a decade of experience in emotional support animal (ESA) evaluations, counseling, and ESA-related legal guidance. With a strong background in therapy and mental health advocacy, Harper has helped thousands of clients receive legitimate ESA letters while promoting emotional well-being. As the official blog author for RealESALetter.com, Harper is dedicated to educating the public on ESA benefits, laws, and mental wellness.
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