CBN vs CBG for Dogs & Cats: Benefits, Differences, and How to Choose

CBN (cannabinol) and CBG (cannabigerol) are two minor hemp cannabinoids with different jobs. CBN forms as THC ages and is best known for supporting calm and restful relaxation, which is why it shows up in sleep and stress formulas. CBG is the "mother cannabinoid" that other cannabinoids are built from, and it is used more for cellular support, healthy digestion, and daily vitality without sedation. CBN leans calming, CBG leans foundational, and the two pair well with CBD through the entourage effect. Below we break down how each one works, what it supports, and how to choose for your dog or cat.

The cannabis plant contains hundreds of compounds called cannabinoids. Most pet parents know the two big ones: THC, the intoxicating compound, and CBD. Two lesser-known cannabinoids are gaining attention for pets: cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG). Both are beneficial in different ways, and understanding CBN vs CBG helps you choose the right support for your dog or cat. Here is how each one works, what it supports, and how to decide between them.

What Are CBN and CBG?

Two lesser-known but increasingly studied cannabinoids are cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG). Each of these compounds is beneficial, but it’s also important to know the differences between CBN VS. CBG.

What Is CBN (Cannabinol)?

CBN, or cannabinol, is a minor cannabinoid typically found in aged cannabis. Unlike other cannabinoids, CBN doesn't come directly from cannabigerol acid (CBGa), the precursor to most other cannabinoids. Instead, it is primarily produced through the degradation of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

When THC is exposed to oxygen over time or heated, it breaks down into CBN. Although CBN is not an abundant cannabinoid, like THC or CBD, there are still beneficial effects being studied to determine how it affects the body.

What Is CBG (Cannabigerol)?

CBG, on the other hand, is known as the "mother" or "stem cell" cannabinoid. Why? Because it's the precursor from which all other cannabinoids are synthesized, including the most popular cannabinoids in the cannabis industry, known as THC and CBD. In the cannabis plant, cannabigerolic acid (CBGa) is converted into other cannabinoids, and a small amount that remains becomes CBG.

Despite being the “stem cell” cannabinoid, CBG is not well-known in the pet cannabis industry. As research continues to progress, it is slowly gaining attention. It has been found to be similar to CBD but without sedative effects. Not long ago, the importance of CBG was limited to its ability to act as a precursor to other cannabinoids. Only recently has CBG’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system been recognized in the cannabis industry.

In 2021, there was a study published in the Journal of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research that found CBG promotes a healthy inflammatory response. Then, in 2022, the same journal published another study that showed this cannabinoid can aid in balancing emotions.

CBN vs CBG: Comparison at a Glance

Here is how CBN and CBG compare side by side before we get into the details.

How CBN Works in Your Pet's Body

CBN primarily binds to CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the body through the endocannabinoid system. CBN has a low or weak binding affinity for CB1 receptors, which may explain why it’s well known for promoting relaxation. Much more research is needed, particularly in the realm of CBN for pets, to assess whether or not this cannabinoid has therapeutic potential.

How CBG Works in Your Pet's Body

CBG activates cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system, including CB1, CB2, and other peripheral receptors of the ECS, which is how it can help balance immune cell activity. CBG is a CB1 receptor agonist. This means it interacts with the receptor and causes an increase in anandamide (AEA) levels in the nervous system. CBG can also interact with CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the gastrointestinal and immune systems. Research does not make it clear whether it is a CB2 antagonist or agonist.

This is part of what researchers are still trying to uncover. Studies have shown that CBGa can influence 5HT1A-receptors. This receptor group is responsible for regulating serotonin levels in the brain. CBG can be a moderate block of the receptor, which can affect serotonin signaling in the central nervous system.

In addition, CBG has been shown to be an adrenoceptor agonist. This helps CBG control the expression of noradrenaline and adrenaline in the central nervous system. Adrenaline and noradrenaline are major neurotransmitters in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) which explains how this compound can affect emotional well-being.

Benefits of CBN for Dogs and Cats

Aside from promoting calmness, here are some potential benefits of CBN for pets:

• May help discomfort associated with normal daily exercise and activity
• May help ease aches and discomfort caused by training and competition
• Supports animals with joint tenderness due to everyday activity
• Helps animals maintain a normal and relaxed disposition
• Supports proper weight management
• Helps support cognitive function
• Contains antioxidants to eliminate free radicals

Benefits of CBG for Dogs and Cats

In addition to promoting a balanced disposition and healthy inflammatory processes, CBG has been found to possess the following potential benefits:

• Supports the immune system
• Helps support healthy GI function
• Supports normal GI function
• Helps maintain proper gut flora
• Helps support proper digestion and bowel health
• Contains antioxidants to eliminate free radicals
• Reduces the negative effects of oxidative stress
• Recommended for dogs and cats seven years or older to support and maintain proper body functions and overall good quality of life

CBN and CBG Similarities

Neither CBG nor CBN are found in freshly dried cannabis. Freshly dried cannabis primarily contains cannabinoids in their acidic forms, which means you'll find more cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabinolic acid (CBNa) than cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN). Additional similarities include:

• Minor Cannabinoids: These two cannabinoids, CBN and CBG, are considered minor cannabinoids. This is because they are typically found in much lower concentrations in the cannabis plant compared to the major cannabinoids; both CBD and THC.
• Derived from Other Cannabinoids: Both CBN and CBG are derived from other cannabinoids. CBG is formed from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the "mother cannabinoid," while CBN is formed from the oxidation and degradation of THC.
• Potential Therapeutic Properties: Although research is still ongoing, both CBN and CBG have been studied for their potential therapeutic benefits, as discussed above.
• Federally legalized: Unlike THC, the most abundant cannabinoid with psychoactive effects, both CBN and CBG are federally legalized.
• Work synergistically: While these compounds are present in trace amounts, they may have a synergistic effect with THC and CBD, potentially enhancing the plant's overall therapeutic potential. This concept is known as the entourage effect.

CBN vs CBG: What's the Difference?

The main difference between CBN and CBG lies in their origin and their abundance within the cannabis plant. CBN is a byproduct of THC degrading (as THC degrades, CBN becomes available), whereas CBG is a precursor to other cannabinoids. CBN is typically found in aged cannabis in minimal amounts, while CBG is more abundant in young cannabis plants, though still typically less common than the popular cannabinoids, CBD or THC.

CBN is also more commonly utilized to help animals maintain a more relaxed state, whereas CBG aids in cellular support for pets. Unlike CBG, CBN has mildly psychoactive effects, which is why CBN is recommended more to promote relaxation than CBG. CBG has also been studied less extensively than other compounds, which means we may not know the full extent of its benefits at this time. As research continues, we will learn more about all of the compounds found in the hemp plant, along with their benefits.

Shop the Best CBN and CBG for Dogs and Cats

We got your pet covered for long travel with Sleep Support CBN:CBD or relaxing tense muscles with Cellular Support CBG with CBD for pets

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CBG for Cats – Cellular Support – 500mg

$65.00

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Glutathione for Dogs – Maxx Life – 30ct

$40.00

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Sleep Support Hemp Extract for Cats

$65.00

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CBG for Dogs – Cellular Support – 500mg

$65.00

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Where Does CBD Fit In? (CBD vs CBG vs CBN)

You will often see CBN and CBG compared alongside CBD, the most abundant and most studied cannabinoid in hemp. Here is the simple version. CBG is the "mother cannabinoid" that CBD, CBN, and others are built from in the plant. CBD is what most of those cannabinoids become, and it is used broadly for calm, comfort, and everyday balance. CBN shows up later, as THC ages, and is known for supporting rest and relaxation.

You do not have to pick just one. In a full-spectrum extract, CBD, CBG, and CBN work alongside each other and the plant's terpenes through the entourage effect, where the compounds complement one another. That is why Earth Buddy pairs CBN with a little CBD in Sleep Support, and CBG with a little CBD in Cellular Support, rather than isolating a single cannabinoid.

How to Choose: CBN, CBG, or Both for Your Pet

The right cannabinoid depends on what you are supporting.

Choose CBN if your goal is calm and rest. CBN is the one most associated with winding down, so it fits stressful moments and nighttime routines. It is the primary cannabinoid in Earth Buddy's Sleep Support.

Choose CBG if your goal is daily, foundational support. CBG is non-sedating and is used more for cellular health, healthy digestion, and everyday vitality, which is why it is often chosen for pets seven years and older. It is the basis of Earth Buddy's Cellular Support Hemp Extract.

Choose both if your pet could use calm and daily support. Because these cannabinoids complement each other, many pet parents use one for daytime and one for the evening. Start low, go slow, and introduce one product at a time so you can see how your pet responds.

Earth Buddy's CBN and CBG Products

Two targeted hemp extracts, one for calm and one for daily cellular support.

Sleep Support: CBN for Calm and Rest

A 4:1 CBN to CBD blend formulated to support relaxation during travel and restful sleep.

Earth Buddy’s Sleep Support blend contains a combination of high CBN and low CBD to work as a sleep aid. This product contains a ratio of 4: 1 CBN to CBD. CBN and CBD are combined to provide synergistic effects for your pet. Even if you aren’t looking to provide this product to help your pet sleep, this product provides a good option for pet parents searching for a product for relaxation along with the effects listed above.

Cellular Support: CBG for Daily Vitality

A 4:1 CBG to CBD extract grown on Earth Buddy's Colorado farm to support gut motility and relax tense muscles.

Earth Buddy’s Cellular Support Hemp Extract is formulated with high amounts of CBG extract and low amounts of CBD extract at a 4:1 ratio. Cannabigerol (CBG) is derived from new hemp plant varieties grown on Earth Buddy’s farm in Longmont, CO, that produce high amounts of CBG. Earth Buddy grows a unique strain of CBG on their farm without the use of any pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides to maintain Mother Nature’s way of growing. The primary goals of this particular product include:

• Enhance brain function
• Support healthy cellular activity
• Help support proper digestion and bowel health
• Enhance your pet’s brain function

Frequently Asked Questions: CBN vs CBG

What is the difference between CBN and CBG?

CBN forms as THC ages and is known for supporting calm and restful relaxation. CBG is the precursor that other cannabinoids are built from and is used more for tense muscles and healthy digestion. CBN leans calming, CBG leans foundational and non-sedating.

Is CBN or CBG better for sleep in dogs?

CBN is the one most associated with winding down and restful relaxation, which is why it is the primary cannabinoid in Earth Buddy's Sleep Support. CBG is non-sedating and is better suited to daytime, everyday support.

Can I give my pet CBN and CBG together?

Yes. CBN and CBG work alongside CBD through the entourage effect, where cannabinoids complement one another. Start low and go slow, and introduce one product at a time so you can see how your pet responds.

Is CBG good for senior dogs and cats?

CBG is often chosen for pets seven years and older to support muscle tension, digestion, and daily comfort without sedation.

Will CBN or CBG get my pet high?

No. CBN and CBG are non-intoxicating hemp cannabinoids. Earth Buddy products meet the 0.3% THC industry standard and are third-party lab tested.

How is CBG different from CBD?

CBG is the "mother cannabinoid" that CBD and other cannabinoids are synthesized from. CBD is more abundant and widely studied, while CBG is a minor cannabinoid used more for muscle tension and digestive support. They work well together in a full-spectrum extract.

For further reading, we recommend:

• Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system: a research overview (NIH/PMC)
• Research on CBG and cannabinoid pharmacology (PubMed)
• Study on cannabigerol (CBG) and physiological pathways (PubMed)
• Cannabinol (CBN): overview of mechanisms (ScienceDirect)
• Early research on cannabinol (CBN) activity (PubMed)
• Cannabinoids and normal inflammatory response research (NIH/PMC)
• Endocannabinoid system and homeostasis research (NIH/PMC)