When Is CBG A Better Choice Than CBD Oil?

CBD has the most clout in the hemp industry, but searches for “CBD alternatives” have increased. More customers in the hemp community are ready to try a variety of cannabinoids. Although delta-8 products are popular with those who want a psychedelic experience, there are also non-psychoactive hemp cannabinoids that are gaining ground on social media.

For instance, more people are asking their local hemp shops whether they have any “CBG near me.” As we’ve covered in previous posts, CBG is a significant cannabinoid that’s the precursor to both CBD and THC. Since CBG-A transforms to other cannabinoids, only about 1 percent of CBG is in most hemp strains. However, now that demand for CBG products is going up, more hemp manufacturers are putting out CBG-rich oils, capsules, and tinctures.

But why would anyone buy a CBG extract rather than CBD? Are there any significant differences between CBG vs. CBD that customers should consider? 

Why Would People Pick CBG Over CBD? A Few Cannabinoid Considerations

We don’t have enough evidence that examines the effects of CBG versus CBD. Plus, since both cannabinoids are closely related, they likely have more similarities than differences. Indeed, many people who try CBG and CBD note that these cannabinoids have a calming and non-psychoactive impact.

Today, there’s no criterion for choosing between CBG vs. CBD. However, most new customers start with CBD oils. Why? To be frank, most hemp-derived CBD oils are cheaper than CBG extracts. CBD hemp flowers often have about 20 percent total CBD concentration and ≤ 1 percent CBG. It’s far more cost-effective for manufacturers to produce CBD oils rather than CBG products. 

But it’s not just the cost factor that sways more newcomers to CBD. Please remember that CBD is better publicized, so more customers know its effects. Also, there are dozens more clinical trials examining CBD versus CBG.

Generally, the people who decide to buy CBG products already have experience with CBD. The most likely scenario is that patients have tried dozens of CBD products and didn’t notice any benefits. Some people may find CBG works better for their endocannabinoid system versus CBD oils.

If customers aren’t averse to experimentation and not noticing results with CBD, it may be time to look up “CBG near me.” However, it’s highly recommended new customers start with CBD products because they’re still better studied, more accessible, and comparatively affordable. 

But Isn’t CBG The Safer Call For Eye Health? 

As a side note, some eye care patients feel more comfortable using CBG over CBD. This is primarily due to CBD’s negative association with glaucoma. 

A few clinical trials suggest that moderate doses of CBD may increase intraocular pressure (aka IOP). Since glaucoma is caused by high levels of IOP, many optometrists advise against using CBD until they better understand its effects on the eyes.

Some people argue that CBG doesn’t appear to have this negative impact on IOP scores. However, this remains a hotly debated point in the eye care industry. It may take years to know whether CBG is safer than CBD for people with pre-existing eye issues.

If you have an eye condition and are thinking of using CBG or CBD, please talk with your eye doctor. A trained ophthalmologist could keep track of your IOP scores and let you know whether the CBD or CBG would have a negative impact. 

So, Where Could Customers Find CBG Near Me?

Finding “CBG near me” isn’t as easy as looking up CBD, but it’s getting easier to find reputable hemp brands that offer CBG items. In fact, Real Tested CBD now has a CBG-dedicated portal. Please follow this link to see how we rate some of the most popular CBG oils.