Whether you’ve been researching different cannabinoids or testing out new flower strains, you might be wondering whether there’s any benefit to combining CBG (cannabigerol) with THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol).
Unfortunately, there isn’t much research on how these cannabinoids interact with each other in your body, and what effects they create as a result. There is anecdotal evidence, however, from people who have tried a CBG-and-THC combo and shared their experiences.
In this article, we’ll discuss the effects and benefits of using CBG and THC together, and we’ll break down how this combination works in your body.
KEY TAKEAWAY:
- THC and CBG work together similar to how CBD and THC do, by providing more benefits with fewer side effects. CBG, when combined with THC, may promote greater physical relaxation, while creating a more energetic, euphoric high than THC does by itself.
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What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis plant (hemp is cannabis with less than 0.3% THC). It’s considered a minor cannabinoid, as it’s only found in very small amounts.
But although it occurs in small amounts, it has major therapeutic potential. A research survey done in 2022 showed that people found success with using CBG for pain, anxiety, and depression.
Participants in the survey also reported that CBG was more effective than traditional medicines at addressing the same problems – a clear indication of its benefits.
What is THC?
When most people say “THC,” what they’re referring to is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Other forms of THC exist, such as delta 8 and delta 10, but delta 9 is the variant of THC that occurs most abundantly in hemp and is responsible for many of hemp’s effects (for simplicity, when we say “THC,” we’re talking about delta 9).
THC is naturally occurring. Unlike CBG, it is a major cannabinoid – it is abundant in the hemp plant. It’s been researched for therapeutic use for a variety of problems, including sleep trouble, pain, and anxiety. It’s also frequently used for recreational purposes.
Can You Take CBG and THC Together?
Yes, you can use CBG and THC together. Doing so is not only safe – it may be very beneficial, too.
Although the effects and benefits of this combination haven’t been researched, anecdotal evidence suggests that using CBG and THC together can increase the benefits that each of these cannabinoids bring, as well as altering the effects each cannabinoid gives.
Because of this, many companies and people specifically breed hemp plants to be CBG-rich.
Effects of Taking CBG and THC Together
There are several differences between CBG and THC in the effects they render.
CBG is not psychoactive, while THC is. CBG tends to be uplifting and energizing, while THC tends to be relaxing and, at times, sedating. Anecdotally, using CBG along with THC may create a more energetic high effect than using THC by itself.
People report varying results in terms of how CBG alters the strength of the high from THC. Some people report that CBG increases the strength and/or the duration of the THC high, while others find that CBG reduces the high of THC (similar to how CBD does).
Benefits of Using CBG and THC Together
Although you might find that the variance in effects CBG provides is enough to make this combination worth using, it’s also worth noting that CBG and THC may also be helpful in many therapeutic scenarios.
For Pain
Both CBG and THC have been researched for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) benefits. Some studies suggest that these cannabinoids may be effective alternatives to prescriptions and other traditional options, making them doubly beneficial, though research is ongoing.
Whole they are hugely beneficial on their own, anecdotal evidence suggests that using CBG and THC in tandem may enhance the physically relaxing effects of both cannabinoids, making them more effective for therapeutic use.
Learn more about CBG and THC’s research-backed benefits for pain:
For Energy & Focus
Many people smoke THC flower or use other THC products to help tackle stress, anxiety, and other negative feelings that keep them from focusing. However, some people find that THC is so inebriating that they’re unable to function and get things done, nullifying any benefit the THC had in the first place.
However, since CBG is energizing and uplifting, combining it with THC may counteract these sedative effects and create a more clearheaded high, enabling you to be more productive or more creative.
Learn More: Best THC Gummies for Energy
For Recreation
Some recreational users like THC, but wish it was slightly more or less powerful. While weaker or stronger head highs can be achived with different cannabinoids, like delta 8 (half as strong as THC) or THC-O (three times as strong as THC), some people also find that CBG modulates THC’s psychoactive effects in an enjoyable way.
Although it varies from person to person, CBG may either increase or decrease the head and body highs given by THC.
How Do CBG and THC Work Together?
As we’ve mentioned, the CBG-THC interaction hasn’t been formally researched, so we don’t know exactly how or why using this combination produces the effects and benefits that people report.
However, we know to a reasonable extent how cannabinoids work in the body, and we know that cannabinoids are generally more beneficial when combined. From this information, we can begin to understand how THC and CBG work:
CBG, THC, and The Endocannabinoid System
CBG and THC, like all cannabinoids, work by interacting with your Endocannabinoid system (ECS), a receptor system in your body responsible for regulating most vital functions, including your pain and inflammatory responses, immune response, and mood.
The ultimate purpose of the ECS is to keep your body in a state of balance. It normally functions well on its own, but introducing cannabinoids from the outside may help it to perform its job better.
There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors in the ECS:
- CB1 receptors, located in the central nervous system, which produce mental effects when stimulated
- CB2 receptors, located in the peripheral nervous system and immune system, which produce physical effects when stimulated
CBG binds to both types of receptors, thereby rendering both mental and physical benefits. Delta 9, on the other hand, primarily interacts with CB1 receptors, which creates strong mental effects but weaker physical effects.
The Entourage Effect
The entourage effect is a scientific theory that suggests various components of the hemp plant, including cannabinoids and terpenes, are more beneficial when used in tandem than by themselves.
As applied to CBG and THC, the entourage effect suggests that this combination will do more for you than either CBG or THC when taken alone. In terms of effects, since CBG is energizing and THC more sedating, using them together gives a more balanced experience.
But in other ways, the CBG-THC interaction leaves a lot to be discovered: why does CBG reduce THC’s high for some people, while increasing it for others? This is why more research is needed on the interplay between these cannabinoids.
Conclusion: Should You Use CBG and THC Together?
Many people find that combining CBG and THC creates effects that they can’t get from any other cannabinoid. Some find this combination more beneficial for pain, while others use it for daytime relaxation – when they can’t afford to feel the effects of THC by itself.
While these cannabinoids work differently, they have many of the same benefits: this might mean that using them together can create a level of therapeutic benefits that no cannabinoid can bring by itself. Now all that’s left is for you to give it a try!
CBG and THC Together: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about using CBG and THC together.
What does CBG do with THC?
CBG may enhance the beneficial effects of THC by increasing its bioavailability and by adding to its therapeutic properties. CBG may also counteract the negative side effects of THC, such anxiety, paranoia, and inebriation.
Is THC stronger than CBG?
Yes – THC is psychoactive, while CBG is not. THC will create a head and body high; CBG will create energizing, mentally clarifying effects, but it won’t get you high in any way.
