A Complete Guide to Cannabinoids.
What they are, how they affect us and how we shuold use them?
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica).
They interact with a network in the human body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate key physiological processes like mood, sleep, appetite, pain, and immune response.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The ECS is a biological system present in all humans and animals. It works like a master regulator, keeping the body in balance (homeostasis).
The ECS Includes:
- CB1 receptors – Mostly in the brain and nervous system
- CB2 receptors – Mostly in the immune system and peripheral organs
- Endocannabinoids – Like anandamide and 2-AG, produced by your body
- Enzymes – Break down endocannabinoids once their job is done
- Phytocannabinoids (like CBD or THC) mimic or influence these natural compounds, helping restore or enhance balance in the body.
Introduction to CBD
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a naturally occurring compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant, which includes both hemp and marijuana varieties. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high. It is widely used for its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly for supporting wellness, balance, and relief from various conditions.
Where Does CBD Come From?
CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. It is typically extracted from hemp, which is legally defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC. Through CO₂ or solvent extraction, CBD is isolated and refined into oils, tinctures, capsules, topicals, edibles, and other wellness products.
How Does CBD Work in the Body?
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a regulatory system in the body that helps maintain homeostasis (balance) across major functions such as:
- Sleep
- Mood
- Appetite
- Pain perception
- Immune response
Unlike THC, CBD does not directly bind to BC1 & CB2 receptors. Instead, it appears to modulate them and influence other non-cannabinoid receptors (like serotonin and vanilloid receptors), leading to a wide range of potential effects.
Potential Benefits of CBD
While research is still ongoing, many studies and user reports suggest that CBD may help with:
| Condition | Potential CBD Effect |
| Anxiety & Stress | Promotes calm and emotional balance |
| Pain & Inflammation | May reduce chronic pain and inflammation |
| Sleep Issues | Supports improved sleep quality and relaxation |
| Epilepsy | Approved in prescription form (Epidiolex) for seizures |
| Skin Conditions | Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects topically |
CBD comes in several forms:
- CBD Isolate – Pure CBD with no other cannabinoids or terpenes.
- Broad-Spectrum CBD – Contains CBD and other cannabinoids (like CBG or CBC) and terpenes, but 0% THC.
- Full-Spectrum CBD – Contains CBD plus trace amounts of THC (under 0.3%) and all natural plant compounds—often preferred for the entourage effect (enhanced benefit through synergy)..
Introduction to CBG
CBG, short for Cannabigerol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant.
Though present in much smaller amounts than CBD or THC, CBG is often called the “mother of all cannabinoids” because it’s the precursor from which other cannabinoids (like CBD and THC) are synthesized.
When cannabis plants are young, they contain high levels of CBGA (cannabigerolic acid).
As the plant matures, CBGA naturally converts into CBDA, THCA, and CBCA—the acidic forms of CBD, THC, and CBC. Only a small portion remains as CBG, making it a rare and valuable compound.
How CBG Works in the Body
CBG interacts directly with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), just like CBD. But unlike CBD, which interacts more indirectly, CBG appears to bind more directly with CB1 and CB2 receptors:
- CB1 receptors are found mostly in the brain and nervous system.
- CB2 receptors are linked to the immune system and inflammation regulation.
- By engaging these receptors, CBG may have unique effects compared to CBD—often related to focus, mood regulation, and nerve support.
Potential Benefits of CBG
Research into CBG is still in early stages, but promising studies and user reports suggest it may help with:
| Benefit | Potential Effects |
| Focus & Mental Clarity | May enhance alertness and support brain function |
| Stress & Mood Support | May have antidepressant-like effects via serotonin receptors |
| Inflammation & Pain Relief | Potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties |
| Digestive Health | May reduce gut inflammation (useful for IBD and colitis) |
| Eye Health | Thought to reduce intraocular pressure (glaucoma-related) |
| Neuroprotection | May support nervous system repair and protection |
| Antibacterial Properties | Shown to be effective against resistant bacteria in lab tests |
CBG vs. CBD: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | CBD | CBG |
| Source Abundance | More plentiful in mature hemp | Rare, found in small quantities |
| Receptor Action | Indirect (modulates ECS) | Direct (binds to CB1 & CB2) |
| Common Uses | Stress, pain, sleep, inflammation | Focus, mood, gut, neuroprotection |
| Psychoactive? | No | No |
| Synergy | Works well with CBG & others | Enhances the entourage effect |
CBG is an exciting cannabinoid with unique properties that set it apart from CBD. Though it’s less known and less abundant, it holds tremendous potential—especially for focus, brain health, and gut support. As research grows, CBG may become a go-to wellness compound for people seeking plant-based, non-psychoactive support for mind and body.
Together, CBD and CBG may offer broader support for both mental and physical health through what’s known as the entourage effect—where cannabinoids work better together than alone.
How Cannabinoids Work in Pets
CBD and CBG can offer safe, natural support for pets dealing with anxiety, pain, inflammation, or age-related issues. With proper dosing and high-quality products, cannabinoids can be a helpful addition to your pet’s wellness routine.
Just like humans, dogs, cats, and most mammals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system helps regulate:
- Mood and behavior
- Pain and inflammation
- Sleep and appetite
- Immune response
Cannabinoids like CBD and CBG interact with ECS receptors (CB1 and CB2) to help maintain balance in your pet’s body.
🌿🍄 CBD/CBG + Mushrooms: What Happens?
Combining CBD/CBG with mushrooms can create a natural, balanced synergy for body and mind. These are two of nature’s most powerful wellness tools—and when used together, they can support energy, resilience, calm, and clarity without harsh side effects or pharmaceuticals.
CBD and CBG work with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to regulate mood, pain, inflammation, and sleep. Functional mushrooms act more broadly as adaptogens, supporting immune function, brain health, and stress resilience.
When combined, you may experience:
| Area | CBD/CBG Effects | Mushroom Effects | Combined Result |
| Stress & Anxiety | Calms nervous system (CBD), mood balance (CBG) | Adaptogenic stress support (Reishi, Cordyceps) | Deep relaxation without drowsiness |
| Focus & Clarity | CBG boosts alertness | Lion’s Mane enhances cognition | Clear, calm focus |
| Energy & Recovery | Anti-inflammatory and balancing | Cordyceps supports stamina and recovery | Physical and mental performance boost |
| Sleep | CBD promotes restful sleep | Reishi may support sleep cycles | Better rest and restoration |
| Immunity | CBD modulates immune response | Chaga, Reishi strengthen immunity | Holistic immune support |
Ideal Combos by Goal
| Your Goal | Best Combo |
| Morning Focus | CBG + Lion’s Mane |
| Stress Recovery | CBD + Reishi or Cordyceps |
| Immune Support | CBD + Chaga or Turkey Tail |
| Sleep & Wind-down | CBD + Reishi before bed |
| Workout Recovery | CBD/CBG + Cordyceps |
Understanding CBD percentages on product labelling
Most CBD supplements and foods often are labeled with the percentage amount of CBD, for example; 3%, 5% and 10% CBD, which come at varied different costs. This has led to a lot of confusion and rightly so. An important factor to understand is how many milligrams of CBD are in each product and how much within each serving will you consume;
5% CBD in a 10ml tincture would be a total of 500mg of CBD, and 5% CBD in a 30ml tincture would be a total of 1500mg of CBD, which is 3 times more, and both still labelled 5%, the difference being the total quantity, hence the varied prices on each product.
This means that a 30ml tincture with 5% CBD (1500mg CBD) has more CBD than a 10ml tincture with 10% CBD (1000mg CBD), which will consequently make the ’30ml 5% tincture’ a little more costly than the ’10ml 10% CBD tincture’.
Approximate Measurement guide for CBD tincture bottles
10ml is approximately 200 drops.
Approx 15 to 20 drops per pipette.
500mg in a 10ml bottle is 5% @ Approximatley 2.5mg CBD per drop
1000mg in a 10ml bottle is 10% @ Approximately 5mg CBD per drop
1500mg in a 10ml bottle is 15% @ Approximately 7.5mg CBD per drop
2000mg in a 10ml bottle is 20% @ Approximately 10mg CBD per drop
2500mg in a 10ml bottle is 25% @ Approximately 12.5mg CBD per drop
3000mg in a 10ml bottle is 30% @ Approximately 15mg CBD per drop
3500mg in a 10ml bottle is 35% @ Approximately 17.5mg CBD per drop
🔍 Note:
⚠️ The information on this page is not designed to diagnose, treat, or cure.
CBD/CBG and/or Mushrooms are not a cure or a guaranteed solution, and it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you are taking medications.
Research is still evolving, and while results are promising, more human studies are needed to confirm therapeutic uses.
