Research suggests cannabigerol (CBG) has potential therapeutic benefits for pain, inflammation, weight loss, skin health, anxiety, energy, focus, neurological health, appetite, eye health, and nausea.
CBG is generally considered well-tolerated and safe to consume, and it has no major adverse side effects. While it’s not an FDA-approved treatment for any medical condition, CBG has therapeutic promise that researchers learn more about every day.
In this article, we’re going to look at the benefits of CBG and discuss how they compare to those of cannabidiol (CBD).
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol, or CBG, is one of 100+ cannabinoids that naturally occur in the hemp plant.
The acidic form of CBG, CBGa, is the cannabinoid in hemp from which all others are derived, which has earned CBG the title “the mother of all cannabinoids.”
CBG still isn’t as popular or widely used as CBD or THC, both of which are more abundant in hemp, but that may be changing.
Many people are discovering the potential benefits of CBG for physical discomfort, relaxation, and focus, but these are far from being the only use cases.
As the science shows, CBG’s therapeutic benefits are far-reaching.
10 Benefits of CBG, According to Research
Research suggests CBG has a variety of potential therapeutic benefits and use cases.
1. CBG can support a healthy inflammatory & pain response
Research suggests CBG may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-reducing) properties. Anecdotally, many people use CBG for pain.
A 2021 research review found that a combination of CBD and CBG may have inflammation-reducing effects [1].
CBG has been researched for arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and other inflammatory conditions for which opioids and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are commonly prescribed [2,3].
Survey evidence also suggests that CBG has benefits in this area. In a 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 [4].
While CBG isn’t a treatment for pain and more research is needed, these early studies are promising.
2. CBG may support weight loss
Research suggests CBG may interact with bodily systems in a way that reduces appetite and promotes weight loss.
A 2021 study found that CBG may reduce appetite and induce weight loss by blocking the CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. The study also found that CBG increases the activity of certain bodily tissues that are involved in burning calories [5].
While CBG isn’t an FDA-approved weight loss supplement or a proven treatment for conditions involving obesity, this early finding suggests that this CBG use case warrants additional research.
3. CBG promotes healthy skin
Research suggests CBG may promote healthy skin.
A 2022 study looked at the topical effects of CBG on skin irritation in 20 people.
The researchers found that CBG caused improvements in the amount of transepidermal water loss and appearance of redness, both of which occurred less with CBG compared to a placebo [6].
While more research is needed before CBG can be considered a treatment for skin conditions, it’s apparent that it has benefits for the skin in topical form.
4. CBG may offer support for anxiety
Recent research suggests CBG may promote mental relaxation and offer support for those with anxiety.
In a 2022 survey of 127 people (the same referenced in the pain section), 51.2% of participants were using CBG for anxiety.
The effectiveness of CBG was “highly rated” by respondents, and many reported that their conditions were “very much improved” as a result of CBG.
The survey also asked participants whether or not they preferred CBG over conventional treatments. 80% of respondents preferred CBG over conventional medicine for depression, and 78.3% preferred it for anxiety [7].
Then, in 2024, the same researchers did a field trial to examine the effect of CBG on anxiety.
The trial involved 34 healthy adults and looked at the anxiety levels of the participants (measured via several surveys and tests) before and after taking a 20mg dose of CBG, delivered via an oil tincture, compared to a placebo.
The researchers observed positive results, stating that “there was a significant main effect of CBG on overall reductions in anxiety as well as reductions in stress,” relative to the placebo [8].
While CBG isn’t yet a proven treatment for anxiety, early research is promising and it’s clear that future studies are warranted.
5. CBG can promote stomach and GI health
Research suggests CBG may positively influence stomach and gastrointestinal health by interacting with the CB1 receptors.
A 2016 study found that the activation of both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system has beneficial effects on inflammation and pain in the stomach and intestines. The researchers also noted that CB1 activation may reduce the secretion of gastric acid, which is sometimes associated with GI damage [9].
Given that CBG interacts strongly with the CB1 receptor (and CB2, to a degree), this study indicates CBG has some therapeutic potential in this area.
Still, more research is needed before CBG can be considered a treatment for inflammation and pain in the stomach and GI tract.
6. CBG may provide support for ADHD, focus, and energy
CBG’s uplifting, clarifying effect profile makes it useful for boosting focus and energy.
While some people use CBG for general daytime support, others specifically use CBG for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
There is some research to support CBG’s potential in this area. In a 2021 survey, 70.8% of respondents with ADHD saw an improvement in their condition after using products containing a mix of CBG and CBD [10].
While CBG isn’t a proven treatment for ADHD, this study suggests it has some therapeutic potential in this area.
7. CBG can support neurological health
Research suggests CBG may support neurological health.
CBG has been studied for use with Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease, two conditions that erode the function of the nervous system and brain. Research suggests CBG may slow the progression of these diseases [11,12].
However, these results are preliminary; more studies are needed before CBG can be regarded as a reliable treatment for these conditions.
8. CBG can boost appetite
Research suggests CBG may have appetite-stimulating properties.
A 2016 study concluded that CBG may have therapeutic potential for conditions involving malnutrition, due to its appetite-stimulating properties [13].
While other research has found that CBG may promote weight loss, the literature isn’t necessarily contradictory: CBG may promote a healthy appetite in people with low appetite while also lowering appetite in other scenarios.
That being said, it’s important to note that CBG isn’t a treatment for conditions involving high or low appetite; it merely has therapeutic potential. More research is needed to confirm these benefits.
9. CBG can promote eye health
Research suggests CBG may have supportive effects on the health of the eyes.
One study found that CBG has vasodilating properties, meaning it may promote ocular blood flow, which keeps the eyes healthy and has a role in minimizing damage to the optic nerve [14].
Another study found that CBG may reduce intraocular pressure, thereby preventing damage to the optic nerve [15].
While CBG isn’t a treatment for glaucoma or any other eye condition, these early studies suggest it has supportive properties for the eyes.
10. CBG may calm nausea
Research suggests CBG may have anti-emetic (anti-nausea) properties.
A 2011 study done on rats found that CBG, by itself, suppressed acute nausea. However, the research also found that CBG may nullify the beneficial effects of CBD on nausea, which means these cannabinoids are most beneficial for nausea if used separately [16].
However, CBG isn’t a treatment for nausea and more research on this use case is needed.
CBG Benefits Chart
CBG Side Effects & Safety Considerations
While CBG has vast therapeutic potential, there are some side effects and safety considerations you’ll want to be aware of:
Possible side effects of CBG include:
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness
- Increased appetite
- Dry eyes
- Digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea)
- Dizziness
- Headache
As a precaution, do not take CBG products with prescription medications (if you take them) without asking your doctor beforehand.
Cannabinoids are contraindicated with many pharmaceuticals, and using them together may create dangerous adverse side effects.
CBG Benefits vs. CBD Benefits: How Do They Compare?
Like CBG, cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in hemp with a variety of potential therapeutic benefits.
The main difference between CBG and CBD is the effects each cannabinoid brings.
Whereas CBG is noticeably uplifting and energizing, CBD’s mental sensations are often barely perceptible – many people characterize their experience using CBD by describing the negative things they don’t feel, rather than the positive things they do. This is still a good thing, but it’s a different experience.
Based on this insight, CBG and CBD are beneficial in different scenarios. CBG, with its uplifting effect profile, is best for daytime physical discomfort and stress and for supporting energy and focus.
CBD, with its relaxing, balanced effect profile, is better for nighttime mental and physical relaxation and sleep support.
The two cannabinoids have many overlapping potential use cases (e.g. pain, inflammation, anxiety), but the difference in their effects means that often, one will be better than the other for your situation.
You may also find that, instead of choosing between CBG and CBD, you get better results from combining them. CBG and CBD work best when taken together, amplifying the benefits you receive while minimizing the side effects and balancing the mental effects of each other.
Conclusion: What Benefits Does CBG Offer?
Needless to say, CBG is a versatile therapeutic supplement: it’s been researched for both mental and physical use cases, and it’s shown potential benefits for both internal administration and external (topical) application.
Because of this, it’s likely that at some point, CBG will be incorporated into FDA-approved medicines or become one itself.
But for now, CBG is still a natural supplement (but a very effective one!). CBG can complement more formal treatment methods, or, you can take it for daily mental and physical support to promote a better overall quality of life
CBG Benefits: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about the benefits of CBG.
What are CBG’s benefits for dogs?
While CBG hasn’t been researched as much for dogs as it has for humans, its potential benefits for dogs are somewhat similar: CBG may promote physical comfort and mental relaxation in your dog, helping them move more comfortably and remain calm during stressful scenarios (loud noises, visitors over, etc.).
What is CBG best used for?
Most people use CBG primarily to promote physical comfort and mental relaxation. While CBG isn’t a treatment for pain and anxiety, many people find that it takes the edge off things and enables them to live a better quality of life.
What is the main use of CBG?
The main use of CBG is typically to address physical discomfort.
How does CBG make you feel?
CBG creates uplifting, energizing sensations without being psychoactive. Its effects are comparable to caffeinated coffee.
Sources
[1] Robaina Cabrera, Carmen Lorena & Keir-Rudman, Sandra & Horniman, Nick & Clarkson, Nick & Page, Clive. (2021). The anti-inflammatory effects of cannabidiol and cannabigerol alone, and in combination. Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 69. 102047. 10.1016/j.pupt.2021.102047.
[2] Lowin, Torsten et al. “Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cannabigerol in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Cultures Are Partly Mediated by TRPA1.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 24,1 855. 3 Jan. 2023, doi:10.3390/ijms24010855
[3] Carrillo-Salinas, Francisco J et al. “A cannabigerol derivative suppresses immune responses and protects mice from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.” PloS one vol. 9,4 e94733. 11 Apr. 2014, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0094733
[4] 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
[5] 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
[6] Perez, Eduardo et al. “In Vitro and Clinical Evaluation of Cannabigerol (CBG) Produced via Yeast Biosynthesis: A Cannabinoid with a Broad Range of Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Health-Boosting Properties.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 27,2 491. 13 Jan. 2022, doi:10.3390/molecules27020491
[7] Russo, E. B., Cuttler, C., Cooper, Z. D., Stueber, A., Whiteley, V. L., & Sexton, M. (2022). Survey of Patients Employing Cannabigerol-Predominant Cannabis Preparations: Perceived Medical Effects, Adverse Events, and Withdrawal Symptoms. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 7(5), 706–716. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0058
[8] Cuttler, C., Stueber, A., Cooper, Z. D., & Russo, E. (2024). Acute effects of cannabigerol on anxiety, stress, and mood: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, field trial. Scientific reports, 14(1), 16163. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66879-0
[9] Gyires, Klára, and Zoltán S Zádori. “Role of Cannabinoids in Gastrointestinal Mucosal Defense and Inflammation.” Current neuropharmacology vol. 14,8 (2016): 935-951. doi:10.2174/1570159×14666160303110150
[10] Kaufmann, R. Nano-processed CBG/CBD effect on pain, adult attention deficit hyperactive disorder, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome. Int J Complement Alt Med. 2021;14(6):235–240. doi: 10.15406/ijcam.2021.14.00567
[11] More, Sandeep Vasant, and Dong-Kug Choi. “Promising cannabinoid-based therapies for Parkinson’s disease: motor symptoms to neuroprotection.” Molecular neurodegeneration vol. 10 17. 8 Apr. 2015, doi:10.1186/s13024-015-0012-0
[12] Valdeolivas, Sara et al. “Neuroprotective properties of cannabigerol in Huntington’s disease: studies in R6/2 mice and 3-nitropropionate-lesioned mice.” Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics vol. 12,1 (2015): 185-99. doi:10.1007/s13311-014-0304-z
[13] Brierley, Daniel I et al. “Cannabigerol is a novel, well-tolerated appetite stimulant in pre-satiated rats.” Psychopharmacology vol. 233,19-20 (2016): 3603-13. doi:10.1007/s00213-016-4397-4
[14] Nadolska, Krystyna, and Roman Goś. “Mozliwości zastosowania kannabinoidów w leczeniu jaskry” [Possibilities of applying cannabinoids’ in the treatment of glaucoma]. Klinika oczna vol. 110,7-9 (2008): 314-7.
[15] Colasanti, B K. “A comparison of the ocular and central effects of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabigerol.” Journal of ocular pharmacology vol. 6,4 (1990): 259-69. doi:10.1089/jop.1990.6.259
[16] Rock, Erin M et al. “Interaction between non-psychotropic cannabinoids in marihuana: effect of cannabigerol (CBG) on the anti-nausea or anti-emetic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in rats and shrews.” Psychopharmacology vol. 215,3 (2011): 505-12. doi:10.1007/s00213-010-2157-4
