You can take CBG oil by placing ¼-1 dropper of oil under your tongue, then holding it in your mouth for 1-2 minutes to allow sublingual absorption to occur before swallowing. CBG oil can also be swallowed regularly, added to foods of drinks, or applied topically (to the skin).
In this article, we’ll break down the four main CBG oil consumption methods and talk about how much CBG oil you should be taking to see the best results.
What is CBG Oil?
Cannabigerol (CBG) oil is a liquid product made by combining CBG extract with a carrier oil, such as MCT oil or coconut oil.
CBG is one of more than 100+ naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant (hemp is a federally-legal variant of cannabis sativa containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight).
Research suggests CBG has a variety of potential therapeutic benefits; it’s been studied for pain, inflammation, anxiety, and many other use cases.
CBG oil is typically taken sublingually (under the tongue), rather than swallowed regularly, as this delivery method allows for faster absorption and higher potency.
Many people prefer CBG oil over other types of CBG products for therapeutic purposes, as it allows for precise dosing measurements.
How to Take CBG Oil: 4 Different Methods
There are four main ways to take CBG oil: sublingual administration, standard oral administration, addition to food or drinks, and topical application.
Here’s a bit about each method, as well as what you can expect from each in terms of onset time, effect duration, and bioavailability (how much of the CBG you consume that your body can actually use).
Sublingual administration
Onset time: 10-15 minutes
Effect duration: 4-6 hours
Bioavailability: 20-30%
Sublingual CBG oil consumption is where you place the oil under your tongue, where it enters your bloodstream via mucous membranes (which contain blood vessels) on the bottom of your mouth.
Because sublingual absorption allows CBG to bypass your digestive system and instead enter the bloodstream directly, it’s faster-acting and more potent (due to higher bioavailability) than other methods.
As a result, many people prefer sublingual absorption for therapeutic purposes requiring higher doses of CBG.
To take CBG oil sublingually, simply measure your dose using the metered dropper, then place it under your tongue and hold it there for 1-2 minutes. This will give most or all of the CBG oil a chance to absorb. You can then swallow the rest and wash it down with water.
Standard oral administration
Onset time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Effect duration: 6-8 hours
Bioavailability: 10-20%
Standard oral administration of CBG means swallowing it directly, as you would any other consumable. Through this delivery method, CBG will pass through your digestive system and enter your bloodstream.
Because the CBG oil has to be broken down by the stomach and metabolized by the liver, the onset of effects through standard oral administration is slower compared to sublingual administration. However, the effects tend to last longer.
These slightly less potent, more drawn out effects makes standard oral administration a good option if you’re taking CBG for general mental or physical support (e.g. focus or energy).
To take CBG oil orally, simply measure your dose using the metered dropper and swallow it as is, or mix it into a small glass of water or juice.
Addition to food or drinks
Onset time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Effect duration: 6-8 hours
Bioavailability: 10-20%
Mixing your CBG oil into food or beverages allows you to seamlessly incorporate it into your daily routine. This is a good option if you don’t like the earthy flavor of CBG oil.
This delivery method is functionally the same as standard oral consumption; the CBG will be digested, then passed to your bloodstream, creating milder, yet longer-lasting effects compared to sublingual absorption.
However, there is benefit to consuming CBG with foods high in fat (preferably healthy fat), such as avocados or peanut butter. Because CBG is typically fat-soluble (dissolvable in fat), taking CBG oil alongside high-fat foods means it will circulate more effectively through your bloodstream. Mixing it with high-fat foods is one way to enable this process.
(This is one of the reasons why CBG oil is made with a carrier oil alongside the extract; consuming additional fat can further enhance the bioavailability, though).
To use CBG oil in food or drinks, measure your preferred dose and combine it with your favorite foods or beverages. For example, CBG oil can be mixed into salads, pasta, smoothies, coffee, or tea without affecting the flavor of the food or beverage.
Topical application
Onset time: 5-10 minutes
Effect duration: 6-8 hours
Bioavailability: N/A
Using CBG oil topically means applying it to your skin, where the CBG can interact with endocannabinoid receptors just beneath your skin’s surface to promote physical relaxation.
Topical application is very effective if you’re using CBG to target discomfort on a specific part of your body (e.g. an elbow or a knee). It’s fast acting and long-lasting.
However, because topically applied CBG won’t reach your bloodstream, this delivery method isn’t beneficial for “mental” use cases like focus, energy, or mental relaxation.
To use CBG oil topically, dispense a small amount on your hand and massage it directly onto the affected area until fully absorbed. For best results, apply it to clean, dry skin.
How Much CBG Oil Should You Take?
Starting out, we recommend taking 5-15mg of CBG oil per day. To calculate a dose specifically suited to your body, you can use a weight-based formula like this one:
(0.1) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily CBG dosage in mg.
This will give you a starting dose of CBG; you can then adjust this as needed based on how you feel. Your ideal dose will depend on factors like body weight, use, and metabolism.
The exact amount of CBG oil this corresponds to depends on the potency of your product:
- 100mg bottle = 3.3mg CBG per 1ml
- 250mg bottle = 8.3mg CBG per 1ml
- 500mg bottle = 16.7mg CBG per 1ml
- 1000mg bottle = 33.3mg CBG per 1ml
(Assumes a 30ml/1oz bottle with 1ml dropper.)
For more on CBG dosage, including formulas and recommendations for different use cases, see our CBG dosage guide.
Side Effects of CBG Oil
CBG oil is by and large very beneficial. However, it has the potential to create adverse effects, especially if taken in overly large doses:
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness
- Increased appetite
- Dry eyes
- Digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea)
- Dizziness
- Headache
Most people won’t feel these side effects, and those who do won’t typically experience all of them.
That being said, side effects are a possibility, which is why we recommend you start by taking small doses of CBG oil each day.
How to Store CBG Oil
Storing CBG oil is relatively straightforward: keep it in a cool, dark place, and be sure to replace the cap after each use.
CBG and other cannabinoids tend to degrade when exposed to heat, light (UV radiation), and air (oxygen). To ensure your product stays potent for as long as possible, keep your CBG oil out of these elements as much as you can.
CBG oil does not need to be refrigerated; keeping it at room temperature will do.
Alternatives to CBG Oil
CBG oil is one of the most popular CBG products for a reason; as you’ve seen, it offers a lot of flexibility and can be dosed very precisely.
However, you may find that you prefer to take CBG some other way.
Here are some other types of CBG products to consider:
CBG capsules
CBG capsules are supplement-style capsules containing CBG oil. They offer a fixed-dose delivery method and work similarly to CBG oil taken by standard oral consumption.
CBG capsules take 45 minutes to 1 hour to kick in and render effects for 6-8 hours.
If you don’t want to measure your dose of CBG oil every time or don’t like the way it tastes, CBG capsules are a good alternative.
However, capsules must be digested and are therefore slightly less bioavailable than CBG oil, and you can’t measure very precise doses because capsules are pre-dosed.
CBG gummies
CBG gummies are candy-like gummies infused with CBG extract. Like CBG capsules, gummies offer a fixed-dose delivery method, kick in within 45 minutes to 1 hour, and render effects for 6-8 hours.
Due to their taste, CBG gummies are a good option if you don’t like the experience of consuming CBG oil. CBG gummies also offer more flexibility than CBG capsules since they can be split for customized doses.
However, as with capsules, CBG gummies aren’t as bioavailable as CBG oil is, making them slightly less potent.
CBG water soluble
CBG water soluble is a type of liquid CBG product containing CBG oil particles that have been slightly modified such that they can dissolve in water, rather than needing fat.
Although CBG water soluble has to pass through the digestive system, it has a similar onset time to CBG oil (10-15 minutes) and is actually more bioavailable.
The downside of water soluble is that it can’t be dosed precisely in the same easy way that CBG oil can; you would have to buy your own dropper (most water soluble products come with pumps).
That being said, if you prefer to consume CBG in a food or a drink and don’t care about taking ultra-specific doses, CBG water soluble is a great alternative to CBG oil.
Conclusion: Getting the Most From Your CBG Oil
One of the reasons CBG oil is such a popular CBG consumption method is that it’s very versatile.
You can consume it sublingually or orally, add it to food, or apply it to your skin, and it’s effective in any of these scenarios (with some slight differences).
Ultimately, the key to getting good results with CBG oil is to dose it properly and choose a high-quality product.
Looking for the best CBG oil? We offer CBG:CBD oil in both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum formulas, and each come in a variety of bottle potencies. Our CBG oil is 3rd-party lab tested, made from American-grown hemp, and used and loved by hundreds of people every day!
How to Take CBG Oil: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about how to take CBG oil:
What is the best time to take CBG oil?
We recommend taking CBG oil in the morning after you’ve eaten your first snack or meal for the day. Taking it at the start of the day allows it to kick in and begin delivering benefits as you go about your daily activities, and taking it with food increases its potency.
Should you take CBG oil with or without food?
You should take CBG oil with food, or at least after you’ve eaten. To circulate throughout your bloodstream, CBG oil needs to bind to fat.
How much CBG oil should a beginner start with?
Starting out, we recommend taking 5-15mg of CBG oil per day. You can use a weight-based formula to calculate a dose more suited to your body: (0.1) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily dose of CBG in mg.
How does CBG oil make you feel?
CBG oil will make you feel focused, energized, and clear headed. Many people compare the effects of CBG oil to caffeinated coffee.
