CBG is the first cannabinoid to be created within cannabis plants. As it grows in maturity during the flowering stage, this cannabinoid is converted into one of the other three cannabinoid lines, including the CBD or cannabidiol line of cannabinoids.

While CBD may initially stem from CBG, there are many differences between the two. The first difference lies in the molecular structure of each. Molecularly, CBG and CBD are entirely different compounds. Another difference is that CBG, unlike CBD, has been found to bind directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CBG is also considered to be an effective regulator of endocannabinoid signaling, according to this study. While they have many similarities, as more research becomes available, it is likely we will find the two to be quite different in many ways.