If you’re dealing with pain and don’t want to take prescriptions, you might have already researched hemp-derived cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
But what about CBN and CBG? What are they, and are they beneficial for physical discomfort?
Cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) are two minor cannabinoids in the hemp plant, meaning, they only naturally occur in small amounts. But despite their small presence, they have substantial therapeutic benefits.
In this article, we’ll discuss how CBN and CBG work for pain and which is most effective (hint: they’re both effective, but for different things). We’ll also discuss how to use these cannabinoids for maximum benefit.
What is CBN?
Cannabinol (CBN) is one of more than 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids in the hemp plant.
CBN was discovered almost 100 years ago, but it wasn’t commonly taken by itself until people realized that CBN-heavy THC flower gave them a mellower, drowsier high than regular THC flower.
The drowsy, slightly psychoactive effects given by CBN have made it a popular cannabinoid for both therapeutic and recreational purposes.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is also a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in hemp. It’s commonly referred to as “the mother of all cannabinoids” because it’s the cannabinoid from which every other is derived. Like CBN, it’s a minor cannabinoid.
However, CBG’s effects couldn’t be more different: it has coffee-like effects and promotes energy and focus, while CBN creates relaxing, slightly sedating sensations.
Preliminary research indicates CBG may have benefits for anxiety, pain, inflammation, neurological disorders, and more – it’s a very multifaceted cannabinoid, and some people even claim it’s better than CBD.
CBN vs. CBG: Key Differences
To better understand CBN and CBG’s potential therapeutic benefits for pain, it’s important to first understand the major differences between them.
Effects
CBN has a more sedative effect profile than CBG does.
When you take CBN, you’ll feel drowsy and relaxed, and you may even feel slightly high – firsthand reports vary, but most people conclude that CBN is slightly psychoactive.
CBG has more uplifting, energizing effects, and it may promote focus and mental clarity. As a result, many people have found it useful for ADHD. Most people compare CBG’s effects to drinking coffee – energizing and uplifting, but not overwhelming. CBG will not get you high.
Drug Testing
CBG will not show up on a drug test, as it is not an analog of delta 9 THC. However, you may run into some problems with CBN.
CBN is chemically very similar to THC, and, due to the way your body processes cannabinoids, CBN may appear as THC to drug testing technology. Therefore, CBN may cause you to fail a drug test.
As a side note, any product labeled “full spectrum,” be it a CBD, CBG, or CBN product, may cause you to fail a drug test. This is because full-spectrum products contain small amounts of THC in addition to other cannabinoids.
Legal Status
The 2018 Farm Ball made all hemp-derived cannabinoids legal, including CBN and CBG.
However, CBN and CBG may be illegal in some states. Many states haven’t called out either cannabinoid in their laws, as the use of them is not yet widespread. Either way, it’s important to check local laws before purchasing either of these cannabinoids online.
Benefits of CBN for Pain
Several studies have looked at the use of CBN for pain and found that it has therapeutic potential in this area.
A 2016 study found CBN may have anti-inflammatory properties [1].
A 2021 study done in Brazil found that CBN interacts with the CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which are capable of inhibiting pain and inflammation sensations [2].
Research from the University of British Columbia found that CBN reduces muscle pain in rats. The study also found that a 1:1 combination of CBD and CBN was more effective for pain than CBN alone [3].
Most studies on CBN for pain have been done in rodents, not humans. Still, the findings are promising, especially given the anecdotal evidence in support of CBN’s relaxing effects.
Many people report that CBN is useful for pain, although their reasons for this vary. Some state that CBN is directly helpful for pain and inflammation, while others say CBN is good for sleep issues and anxiety, which often result from pain.
Scientific and anecdotal evidence suggests CBN’s drowsy effects make it beneficial for promoting restful sleep. This may help with the vicious cycle: less sleep means more pain, which means less sleep.
Overall, CBN may both indirectly and directly offer therapeutic support for physical discomfort. However, more research is needed before we know if CBN is a viable treatment for pain.
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Benefits of CBG for Pain
Research suggests CBG may have analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties.
A 2013 research review found that CBG may help with the inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) [4].
A 2022 study looking at peripheral neuropathy found that CBG may have therapeutic potential for managing the resulting discomfort [5].
Anecdotally, many people have found success with using CBG for nerve pain.
A 2021 research review found that CBG may have beneficial effects on arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and other inflammation-based conditions for which NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and opioids are commonly prescribed [6].
In a 2021 survey of 127 people using CBG-predominant cannabis and cannabis products, 73.9% of respondents reported that CBG was superior to prescription medications for pain [7].
Anecdotal evidence is also strongly in favor of CBG for pain: many of our customers say that out of all the cannabinoids, CBG is the most effective for pain and inflammation.
Additionally, CBG renders uplifting and energizing effects that may boost your mood and generally improve the way you feel, as well as improve how you think about your condition.
So while CBG isn’t a proven treatment for pain, scientific and anecdotal evidence indicates that it has significant therapeutic potential in this area and should be researched further.
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CBN vs. CBG for Pain: How They Work
CBN and CBG work via your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a receptor system responsible for regulating your vital functions, including your pain and inflammatory responses, anxiety and stress responses, and sleep-wake cycle.
The ECS’s main function is to keep your mind and body in a state of balance.
The two main types of receptors in your ECS are CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are responsible for regulating the mental effects of cannabinoids, while CB2 receptors are focused on the physical effects.
CBN interacts with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your ECS, with a higher affinity toward CB2 receptors. Through this mechanism, CBN is able to deliver mental and physical benefits, impacting the discomfort itself and how you feel mentally.
Similarly, CBG binds to both receptor types, with a high affinity toward CB2 and a weaker affinity toward CB1. By this mechanism, CBG provides uplifting, energizing effects while also being therapeutically beneficial for physical discomfort.
CBN vs. CBG: Side Effects
Although CBN and CBG have many beneficial properties, they also have the potential to create adverse effects, which is something you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing between them.
Potential side effects of CBN include:
- Grogginess the morning after (if you take too much)
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
Potential side effects of CBG include:
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness
- Increased appetite
- Dry eyes
- Digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea)
- Dizziness
- Headache
CBN vs. CBG vs. CBD for Pain
So far, we’ve looked at how CBN and CBG compare for pain in terms of their effects and benefits.
But how do they compare to cannabidiol (CBD), another hemp-derived cannabinoid that’s highly abundant and known for its therapeutic benefits?
CBN vs. CBD for Pain
There is research suggesting that both CBN and CBD may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. However, there is currently more research backing CBD’s benefits for pain than there is for CBN.
CBD is relaxing, but doesn’t create strong mental effects. This means it may promote physical relaxation without getting you high, making it a great choice for use throughout the day.
CBN, on the other hand, will get you slightly high and may reduce cognitive functioning, which isn’t ideal if you have work or other commitments during the day. However, its sleep-supportive properties make it good for nighttime use.
The lack of comparative research between CBN and CBD makes it difficult to definitively say which cannabinoid is more beneficial. But as a rule of thumb, if you need or want the head effect, CBN is better for pain, but otherwise, opt for CBD.
For more, see our article on CBN vs. CBD.
CBG vs. CBD for Pain
Research suggests both CBG and CBD have therapeutic potential for pain. While their relative efficacy at reducing discomfort isn’t known, we do know their effects are quite a bit different.
While it won’t get you high, CBG is energizing and uplifting and tends to create a mental effect similar to coffee. This makes it great for addressing discomfort if the pain often leaves you tired or simply not feeling up for the day.
CBD, on the other hand, is mentally and physically relaxing, but it tends to be milder in the effects it produces. This makes it the better choice if you want to address the discomfort but don’t want any noticeable change in how you feel mentally.
More research on CBG and CBD for pain is needed before we know if these cannabinoids are proven treatments, and even then, we’d need comparative research to determine which is most effective. Because of this, we recommend you choose between them based on the effects you want.
For more, see our article on CBG vs. CBD.
How to Take CBN and CBG for Pain: Best Products
There are many different ways you can take CBN and CBG. In this section, we’ll explore the different types of CBN and CBG products so you can choose the right one.
For reference:
- Average Bioavailability — The percentage of a cannabinoid (in this case, CBN or CBG) you take that your body can use (in other words, how “efficient” a delivery method is. All of our dosage formulas are already adjusted for approximately 20% bioavailability.)
- Onset Time — How quickly you’ll feel effects after using a product.
Gummies
Average Bioavailability: 10-20%
Starts Working In: 45 minutes to 1 hour
CBN gummies and CBG gummies are some of the most popular ways to take these cannabinoids.
The main upside of gummies is that they’re fixed-dose, meaning each piece contains the same amount of cannabinoids. This makes them great for routine-building, as you can easily take the same amount of CBN or CBG every time.
The downside of gummies is that, since they’re digested, they can take around 45 minutes to 1 hour to start working.
Oil
Average Bioavailability: 20-30%
Starts Working In: 10 to 15 minutes
CBN or CBG oil is taken sublingually, or under the tongue, and it delivers cannabinoids straight to your bloodstream via the blood vessels in your mouth.
Due to its sublingual absorption method, oils work quickly – you’ll begin feeling effects in just 10-15 minutes.
Oils are also a great option if you want to take very small or very precise doses, as you can measure the amount you take down to the drop, using the metered dropper.
The downside of CBN oil or CBG oil is that you have to measure your dosage each time, as opposed to just eating a gummy and being done.
Capsules
Average Bioavailability: 10-20%
Starts Working In: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Like edibles, CBN and CBG capsules can be taken in a fix-dosed manner.
Apart from the onset time (just as with edibles), the downside of capsules is that they can’t reasonably be split in half if you need a smaller dose than the amount that each piece contains.
Most capsules contain 25mg or more of CBN or CBG, so they may not be the best option if you want to take very small doses in the beginning (especially with CBN, which has mildly psychoactive effects for some).
Flower and Vapes
Average Bioavailability: 50-60% (check)
Starts Working In: 10 to 15 minutes
There are a variety of hemp flower strains that contain high amounts of CBN and CBG. There are also CBN and CBG vapes.
The upside of inhalable consumption is twofold:
- You can take small amounts throughout the day, making them ideal for daytime therapeutic use.
- They have a high bioavailability and short onset time since they deliver cannabinoids straight to the lungs.
The downside of inhalable CBN and CBG delivery is the obvious health risk to your lungs and overall health. It’s all a trade-off.
Additionally, vapes and flower may not be the most convenient methods if you want to take a precise dose, as you can’t easily measure how much you’re inhaling.
CBN and CBG Dosage for Pain
Starting out, we recommend taking a low-strength dosage of CBN for pain, or a medium-strength dosage of CBG for pain.
The reason we recommend starting low for CBN is that, as it is psychoactive, it may be a bit overpowering in larger amounts for first-time users.
You can measure your starting dose of CBN with this formula:
(0.05) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily dose of CBN in mg.
You can measure your starting dose of CBG with this formula:
(0.3) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily dose of CBG in mg.
Once you’ve taken your dose several times, you can slowly increase or decrease it as needed until you achieve your desired outcome.
Conclusion: Which Cannabinoid Is More Effective for Pain?
Both CBN and CBG have potential therapeutic benefits for pain and inflammation.
While CBN’s direct effects on discomfort may not be as strong as CBG’s, its mildly psychoactive and sedative properties make it beneficial if you’re dealing with anxiety and sleep issues, which commonly accompany pain.
CBG, on the other hand, is a robust therapeutic option for pain. Significant amounts of scientific research and anecdotal evidence suggest that it may be very effective at addressing pain and inflammation.
CBG’s uplifting effects mean it may also help with energy and focus, both of which are negatively impacted by discomfort.
Both cannabinoids may render immense benefits — it all depends on what you’re looking for.
CBN vs. CBG for Pain: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about choosing between CBN and CBG for pain.
Is CBG or CBN better for pain?
Cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN) both have therapeutic potential for pain, but they render different mental effects. CBG is energizing and uplifting, while CBN is sedative and slightly psychoactive.
Does CBN help nerve pain?
Research suggests CBN may have therapeutic potential for pain and inflammation, which may apply to nerve pain. However, CBN isn’t a proven treatment for nerve pain.
Does CBN reduce inflammation or just pain?
Research and anecdotal evidence suggest CBN has anti-inflammatory properties. However, more studies are needed to know whether CBN reliably reduces inflammation.
Does CBG stop pain?
Research suggests CBG has analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties. CBG may promote physical relaxation and mental energy. However, more studies are needed before CBG can be regarded as a proven pain treatment.
Sources
[1] Zurier, Robert B, and Sumner H Burstein. “Cannabinoids, inflammation, and fibrosis.” FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology vol. 30,11 (2016): 3682-3689. doi:10.1096/fj.201600646R
[2] Campos, Raquel Maria P et al. “Cannabinoid Therapeutics in Chronic Neuropathic Pain: From Animal Research to Human Treatment.” Frontiers in physiology vol. 12 785176. 30 Nov. 2021, doi:10.3389/fphys.2021.785176
[3] Wong, Hayes, and Brian E Cairns. “Cannabidiol, cannabinol and their combinations act as peripheral analgesics in a rat model of myofascial pain.” Archives of oral biology vol. 104 (2019): 33-39. doi:10.1016/j.archoralbio.2019.05.028
[4] Borrelli, Francesca et al. “Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease.” Biochemical pharmacology vol. 85,9 (2013): 1306-16. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2013.01.017
[5] Sepulveda, Diana E et al. “Cannabigerol (CBG) attenuates mechanical hypersensitivity elicited by chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.” European journal of pain (London, England) vol. 26,9 (2022): 1950-1966. doi:10.1002/ejp.2016
[6] Kogan, Natalya M et al. “Novel CBG Derivatives Can Reduce Inflammation, Pain and Obesity.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 26,18 5601. 15 Sep. 2021, doi:10.3390/molecules26185601
[7] Russo, Ethan B et al. “Survey of Patients Employing Cannabigerol-Predominant Cannabis Preparations: Perceived Medical Effects, Adverse Events, and Withdrawal Symptoms.” Cannabis and cannabinoid research vol. 7,5 (2022): 706-716. doi:10.1089/can.2021.0058
