While many people research specific cannabinoids with the goal of finding the best one for their situation, cannabinoids are actually most effective when used in combination, rather than isolation.
And one of the most therapeutically beneficial combinations is cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG).
In this article, we’ll be exploring the effects and benefits CBD and CBG have to offer when used together, and we’ll discuss how they work together to produce these unique sensations.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- You can take CBD and CBG together. Not only is doing so safe, but CBD and CBG together render more benefits than either cannabinoid does by itself.
- Potential benefits of CBD and CBG together include physical relaxation, mental balance, and fewer side effects.
- The elevated therapeutic potential CBD and CBG have when used together is best explained by the entourage effect, a theory which suggests cannabinoids work best in the body when taken in combination.
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What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of more than 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids in the hemp plant.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive and will not get you high. It’s gained widespread attention and use because of its research-backed therapeutic benefits for many different things, including anxiety, pain, and sleep support.
CBD is one of the most naturally abundant cannabinoids, which is a major reason it’s been researched so much relative to other cannabinoids.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is also of more than 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids in the hemp plant.
Although not as abundant as cannabinoids like CBD and THC, it has similar amounts of therapeutic potential. It’s been researched for anxiety, pain, inflammation, and neurological diseases, among other things.
CBG is also incredibly important in the formation of other cannabinoids: every cannabinoid in hemp starts as CBGa (cannabigerolic acid), the acidic form of CBG. CBGa can then become CBG, CBDa, THCa, or CBCa, which are further refined into CBD, THC, and so on.
Because of this, CBG has earned the nickname “the mother of all cannabinoids,” even though what people are referring to is CBGa, its acidic parent cannabinoid.
Can You Take CBD and CBG Together?
Yes, you can safely take CBD and CBG at the same time. These two cannabinoids render stronger benefits and fewer side effects when taken together than when used in isolation.
Because of this, there are now more and more products that feature significant doses of both CBD and CBG.
While more research is needed, anecdotal evidence suggests CBD and CBG balance each other’s effects while being highly effective for therapeutic uses like pain and anxiety.
CBD vs. CBG: The Main Differences
In order to understand why using CBD and CBG together create such powerful benefits together, it’s important to understand how these cannabinoids are different: how they make you feel, their potential therapeutic benefits, and how they occur in the hemp plant.
Effects
CBG and CBD each produce distinct feelings, or “effect profiles,” when you use them. Both cannabinoids are technically psychoactive, in that they affect the mind, but neither will get you high as cannabinoids like THC will.
CBG’s effect profile tends to be uplifting and energizing. Many people compare the experience of using CBG to drinking coffee – a mental lift, but nothing like a head high.
CBD, on the other hand, is more relaxing and calming. It may be sedative in larger doses, but most of the time it isn’t.
There is also a strength difference. Most people report that CBG’s effects are very noticeable, while the feeling CBD gives is less distinctive.
Instead, CBD’s effects are best thought of as an absence of negative sensations, rather than an obvious presence of pleasant sensations.
Benefits
Both CBD and CBG offer a variety of mental and physical therapeutic benefits. In many cases, the difference in how they work centers on their effects, rather than the potential they have for addressing various problems. Still, each cannabinoid renders unique benefits that the other doesn’t.
CBD can:
- Promote mental relaxation
- Support healthy inflammatory & pain responses
- Reduce the negative effects of THC
- Promote restful sleep
- Provide anti-seizure properties
- Provide anti-addiction properties
- Promote heart health
CBG can:
- Promote mental relaxation
- Support healthy inflammatory & pain responses
- Reduce the negative effects of THC
- Promote focus
- Promote neurological health
- Support normal appetite
As you can see, there is a significant overlap in the benefits that CBG and CBD provide. Still, each cannabinoid has some benefits that the other doesn’t.
Abundance
The other main difference between CBD and CBG is how abundant they are in the hemp plant.
Whereas most strains of hemp are 20-25% CBD, CBG is typically only present in amounts of 1% or less.
But while CBG isn’t as naturally abundant as CBD, many products out there combine these cannabinoids in equal amounts, making for more balanced benefits and effects.
How CBD and CBG Work Together
Because CBD and CBG impact the body differently, it makes sense that they render entirely different effects when used together than when taken by themselves. Here’s how this works:
The entourage effect
The entourage effect is a term that was originally used to describe the way CBD balances out the psychoactive effects of THC when they’re taken together, therefore amplifying THC’s benefits.
However, this term also describes the amplified benefits that any cannabinoid gives when used in combination with other cannabinoids — such as how CBD and CBG complement each other.
CBD and CBG work by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system, a receptor system that regulates your vital functions, including your sleep-wake cycle, pain and inflammatory responses, emotions, and immune response.
By supporting the function of the ECS, CBD and CBG promote overall mental and physical balance.
But although CBD and CBG interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, they do so differently.
CBD doesn’t interact heavily with the CB1 or CB2 receptors (the main receptors in the ECS), but instead helps to modulate the production and efficacy of your body’s naturally produced endocannabinoids.
CBG, on the other hand, binds directly to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, similar to THC, thereby creating mental and physical benefits and effects [1].
This combination of interactions with the ECS renders outsized benefits.
The entourage effect applied to CBD and CBG
CBD’s and CBG’s unique interactions with your endocannabinoid system help to explain how these cannabinoids render unique benefits and effects.
CBD’s effects don’t tend to be noticeable, but this cannabinoid renders overall mental and physical relaxation. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest CBD is particularly beneficial for sleep, and that it has potential for pain and anxiety, too.
CBG, on the other hand, renders noticeable energizing and uplifting effects and tends to have a stronger impact on the pain and inflammatory responses than CBD does. This means CBG is better for promoting energy and physical comfort, but not as beneficial for supporting sleep.
But together, CBD and CBG fill in each other’s gaps; they render a mentally balanced effect that addresses anxiety while supporting sleep, while also promoting physical comfort. This is in addition to the myriad of other “fringe” benefits these cannabinoids have.
Through the entourage effect, CBD and CBG are able to create a variety of therapeutic benefits without causing you to feel overly tired or energized.
The Benefits of Taking CBD and CBG Together
CBD and CBG generally work together to create a more powerful, more balanced set of effects and benefits.
But this combination is especially effective in several main therapeutic areas:
CBD and CBG for pain & inflammation
When taken together, CBD and CBG render stronger physical support for pain and inflammation than when taken by themselves. CBG tends to be more effective at promoting physical discomfort, while CBD is better at promoting mental relaxation, which is also beneficial for these issues.
2021 research from King’s College in London, England found that CBG may have anti-inflammatory effects [2].
In 2021, scientists conducted a survey of 253 CBD users to better understand how effective it is for pain. Overall, results were positive: participants reported that CBD helped their pain (59.0%) and allowed them to reduce their pain medications (67.6%) [3].
Anecdotal evidence suggests CBD and CBG are more effective for pain and inflammation when taken together than when used by themselves.
CBD and CBG for Sleep
Together, CBD and CBG may render better sleep support than by themselves. Due to its mentally relaxing effects, CBD is more effective than CBG for direct sleep support, but CBG is better for promoting physical comfort, making this combination ideal if you struggle to sleep due to pain or inflammation.
A 2017 research review found that CBD has therapeutic potential for insomnia [4].
Because CBD tends to blunt CBG’s energizing effects, you can get the therapeutic support you need without CBG keeping you up.
CBD and CBG for Anxiety & Stress
CBD and CBG together are more beneficial for anxiety and stress than when taken in isolation. CBD promotes mental relaxation, while CBG creates mental clarity, energy, and focus.
CBD may blunt CBG’s overly-energizing effects while CBG blunts CBD’s potentially sedating effects, thereby creating the perfect focused, yet calm mental effect.
In a 1993 study, participants were subjected to a public speaking test that was designed to increase their anxiety levels. Those who took CBD saw decreased levels of anxiety compared to those who didn’t [5].
A 2024 clinical trial in 34 adults found that a 20mg dose of CBG produced “overall reductions in anxiety as well as reductions in stress” compared to a placebo [6].
When it comes to promoting mental relaxation, taking CBD and CBG together gives you the best of both worlds.
You get calm effects from CBD, and CBG blunts the sedative effect. You get energy and focus from CBG, and CBD blunts any overly energizing effects.
CBD and CBG for Energy & Focus
When taken together, CBD and CBG are better at promoting daytime energy and focus than when taken by themselves. CBD promotes mental relaxation and overall wellness, while CBG creates energizing, uplifting effects.
Together, they promote a focused mind and relaxed body, helping you tackle the day.
In a 2021 survey of people using CBG:CBD products for ADHD, 70.8% of respondents reported an improvement in their energy, attention levels, and thinking as a result of this cannabinoid combination [7].
By balancing each other’s effects while rendering comprehensive benefits, CBD and CBG together may support energy and focus.
CBD and CBG Together: Side Effects
The potential side effects of taking CBD and CBG together are similar to the side effects of taking either cannabinoid by itself, as many of each cannabinoid’s side effects are the same. However, CBD and CBG often reduce each other’s side effects.
Potential side effects of CBD are:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
Potential side effects of CBG are:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Increased appetite
- Dry eyes
- Digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea)
- Dizziness
- Headache
Given the way CBD and CBG improve each other’s effects, and assuming you start with small doses of these cannabinoids and work your way up, you’ll likely feel very few side effects or none at all.
CBD and CBG Together: Dosage
The amount of CBD and CBG you should take depends on why you’re taking it and how much you weigh.
For obvious reasons, specific doses work better for different situations. Factoring your body weight into the equation helps to ensure you’re taking enough CBD and CBG for it to have an effect.
Here’s which dosage strength we recommend starting with for each situation:
- Pain & inflammation: medium
- Sleep: low
- Anxiety & stress: medium
- Energy & focus: low
With your strength in mind, use one of these formulas to calculate your dosage:
Low Strength Dosage Formula: (0.1) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your dosage of CBD and CBG in mg.*
Medium Strength Dosage Formula: (0.3) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your dosage of CBD and CBG in mg.*
So for example, if you’re taking CBD and CBG for sleep, you’d use the first formula. Doing the math, if you weigh 150 lbs., you’d start by taking 15mg of your CBD and CBG combined each night.
Note that these are starting dosages. As you go, experiment with taking a little bit more or less depending on how you feel. Repeat this process until you achieve the effects you’re looking for.
*Assumes you’re taking equal amounts of CBD and CBG (a 1:1 ratio).
For more, see our CBD dosage guide and CBG dosage guide.
How to Take CBD and CBG Together: Best Products
There are several ways you can take CBD and CBG together. No method is necessarily the best; each has its upsides and downsides. Rather, it’s about what’s most beneficial and convenient for your situation. Here’s a bit about each consumption method:
Oils
Bioavailability: 20-30%
Onset Time: 10-15 minutes
CBD:CBG oil (also sometimes called tincture) consists of cannabinoid extracts combined with a carrier oil, like MCT or coconut oil, which helps the CBD and CBG absorb into your bloodstream.
Oils are fast-acting and easy to dose, however, they aren’t the best option if you don’t enjoy the earthy taste of hemp extract.
Gummies
Bioavailability: 10-20%
Onset Time: 45 minutes
CBD:CBG gummies are a great way to build a routine for therapeutic use, as each piece will contain the same amount of cannabinoids. Gummies are also a good option if you don’t like how CBD:CBG oil tastes.
The main downside to gummies is that it can take a while to feel the effects since they’re digested.
Learn More: Best CBG Gummies
Capsules
Bioavailability: 20-30%
Onset Time: 10-15%
CBD:CBG capsules and softgels are a quick, tasteless alternative to gummies. However, they can’t be easily split if you want to take a smaller dose.
Topicals
Bioavailability: 20-30%
Onset Time: 10-15%
CBD:CBG topicals, such as creams, salves, and roll-ons, are applied directly to the skin, rather than swallowed.
The main upside of topicals is that they allow you to provide localized relaxation to the affected areas of your body
Additionally, CBD:CBG topicals will not show up on a drug test since the cannabinoids in them don’t enter your bloodstream. The downside is that topicals won’t provide full-body relaxation as CBD:CBG oil or gummies would.
Opt for full-spectrum products
One note when shopping for CBD:CBG products: full-spectrum CBD and CBG products will render a stronger effect than products made with CBD and CBG isolates.
Full-spectrum CBD and CBG products also contain cannabinoids like CBN, CBC, and THC, as well as terpenes (beneficial, naturally occurring compounds in hemp).
Just as CBD enhances CBG (and vice versa), additional cannabinoids and terpenes make this combination even more beneficial – an extension of the entourage effect.
However, be advised that products made with full-spectrum CBD will cause you to fail a drug test because they contain THC.
If this is a concern, opt for a broad-spectrum CBD and CBG product.
Conclusion: CBD and CBG Together – Worth It or Not?
So, is it worth buying and using a product that contains CBD and CBG together?
We think so.
For most uses, CBD and CBG together are more effective than CBD or CBG alone. And since these cannabinoids are naturally combined in the hemp plant, they’re meant to be taken this way!
Scientists haven’t investigated the CBD-and-CBG entourage effect in depth, so there are still some unknowns about how these cannabinoids work together.
But based on anecdotal evidence, it seems this combo has a lot of untapped therapeutic potential – and it could very well improve your quality of life.
Shop CBD:CBG Products
CBD and CBG Together: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions customers frequently ask us about taking CBD and CBG together.
Is it safe to take CBD and CBG at the same time?
Yes, you can safely take CBD and CBG together. These two naturally-occurring cannabinoids may work together to create more powerful benefits and fewer side effects than when used by themselves.
What are the benefits of taking CBD and CBG together?
When taken together, CBD and CBG can promote deep mental and physical relaxation while blunting the adverse effects of each cannabinoid. This combination is most often used for pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
How does CBD and CBG make you feel?
Most people report that taking CBD and CBG together makes them feel mental clarity and relaxation without creating sedating or overly energizing effects.
Does CBD or CBG give you energy?
While CBD has a variety of potential therapeutic benefits, CBG tends to be more energizing. Most people compare CBG’s effects to those of caffeinated coffee: energizing, but in a smooth, focused way.
How many mg of CBD and CBG should I take?
Starting out, we recommend you take 10-25mg of CBD:CBG combined. This dose is enough to render therapeutic benefits without being overly strong for first-time users.
How long do CBD and CBG take to work?
CBD and CBG will kick in within 10 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the delivery method. CBD:CBG oil works in just 10-15 minutes, while CBD:CBG gummies work in 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Sources
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[2] Navarro G, Varani K, Reyes-Resina I, Sánchez de Medina V, Rivas-Santisteban R, Sánchez-Carnerero Callado C, Vincenzi F, Casano S, Ferreiro-Vera C, Canela EI, Borea PA, Nadal X, Franco R. Cannabigerol Action at Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 Receptors and at CB1-CB2 Heteroreceptor Complexes. Front Pharmacol. 2018 Jun 21;9:632. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00632. PMID: 29977202; PMCID: PMC6021502.
[3] Schilling, Jan M et al. “Cannabidiol as a Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Survey of Patients’ Perspectives and Attitudes.” Journal of pain research vol. 14 1241-1250. 5 May. 2021, doi:10.2147/JPR.S278718
[4] Babson, Kimberly A et al. “Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature.” Current psychiatry reports vol. 19,4 (2017): 23. doi:10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9
[5] Zuardi, A W et al. “Effects of ipsapirone and cannabidiol on human experimental anxiety.” Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) vol. 7,1 Suppl (1993): 82-8. doi:10.1177/026988119300700112
[6] 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
[7] Kaufmann, Robert. (2021). Nano-processed CBG/CBD effect on pain, adult attention deficit hyperactive disorder, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome. International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 14. 235-240. 10.15406/ijcam.2021.14.00567.
