CBD vs CBG: What’s the Difference?
How CBD and CBG differ, where each comes from in the hemp plant, and what our own lab reports show.
ByMonssef
CBD and CBG are both non-intoxicating cannabinoids found in hemp, and they are often sold side by side. They are related, but they are not the same compound, and they appear in very different amounts in most hemp. Here is how they differ, with real figures from our own lab reports.
Quick comparison
| CBD (cannabidiol) | CBG (cannabigerol) | |
|---|---|---|
| Acid precursor | CBDA | CBGA |
| Where it comes from | CBGA converts to CBDA in the plant, then to CBD with heat or time | CBGA converts directly to CBG |
| Typical amount in hemp | Usually the most abundant cannabinoid | Usually a minor cannabinoid |
| In Hemp Hub resins | 19.5–29.9% | 0.27–0.38% |
| Intoxicating? | No | No |
Where CBG comes from: the “mother cannabinoid”
In the hemp plant, CBGA is the starting point for the major cannabinoids. Plant enzymes convert CBGA into CBDA, THCA and CBCA. Because most CBGA is converted as the plant matures, mature hemp usually contains far more CBD than CBG. That is why CBG is often called the “mother cannabinoid” and why high-CBG products are less common.
How the two show up on a lab report
A full lab report lists CBD, CBDA, CBG and CBGA separately. Our resins show the typical pattern: a large CBD figure with CBG well under 1%. Our CBD Crumble is the exception, with a balanced profile of 1.05% CBD and 1.02% CBG plus 1.68% CBGA.
| Product | Batch | CBD % | CBG % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizon CBD Resin | HOR-010 | 29.88 | 0.31 |
| Purity CBD Resin | PUR-005 | 28.05 | 0.27 |
| Velvet CBD Resin | VEL-001 | 20.12 | 0.38 |
| Sunrise CBD Resin | SUN-004 | 20.12 | 0.37 |
| Midnight CBD Resin | MID-008 | 19.53 | 0.38 |
| CBD Crumble | CRU-001 | 1.05 | 1.02 |
How to tell whether a product is CBD-led or CBG-led
- Find the CBD and CBG rows on the certificate of analysis.
- Compare the two percentages; the larger one leads the profile.
- Check the acid forms too: a high CBGA figure means more CBG potential.
- Make sure the product name and description match the numbers.
Not sure how to read the certificate? See our guide to reading a CBD lab report.
Which should you choose?
If you want a CBD-led product, look for a high CBD percentage on the lab report: our resins range from 19.5% to 29.9%. If you want a more even mix of cannabinoids, a balanced extract like CBD Crumble may suit you better. Either way, always choose a product with a batch-matched certificate from an accredited lab. Browse all CBD resins and extracts or see every Hemp Hub lab report.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Hemp Hub products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
