Cannabigerol (CBG) may promote focus through its energizing and uplifting, yet calming and clarifying effects.
Science suggests similar; CBG has been researched for use with ADHD, anxiety, and stress, indicating it may also address barriers to focusing as well as directly promote feelings of focus and energy.
In this article, we’re discussing whether CBG can help you focus, the research behind it, and how it works in your body to deliver these potential benefits.
What Is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of 100+ cannabinoids that naturally occur in the hemp plant.
The acidic form of CBG, cannabigerolic acid (CBGa), is the cannabinoid in hemp from which all others are derived, which has earned CBG the title “the mother of all cannabinoids.”
CBG isn’t as popular or widely used as CBD or THC, both of which are more abundant in hemp. But this may be changing as researchers discover the therapeutic potential of CBG for anxiety, stress, pain, inflammation, nausea, and more.
In addition to these benefits, though, recent studies have investigated the benefits of CBG for attention hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These studies may confirm what many people have observed anecdotally; CBG has properties beneficial for focus and mental performance.
Does CBG Help You Focus?
Yes, research and anecdotal evidence suggests CBG may promote focus. CBG has effects and properties that may result in better focus on mental tasks, and it’s also been researched for therapeutic use cases heavily related to focus.
CBG has an energizing, uplifting effect profile, but it doesn’t get you high. Many people compare it to caffeine, in that it’s uplifting, but in a smooth, non-impairing way.
This means that, in addition to promoting feelings of focus, CBG may generally help you get into the mood to work or engage in other activities.
When it comes to science, CBG has been researched for ADHD, anxiety, stress, and physical discomfort – all things which may generally impede mental performance (and in the case of ADHD, specifically impede focus).
Given that many of the studies on CBG for these uses have shown positive results, research seems to support CBG’s focus-promoting benefits.
Research On CBG for Focus
In addition to anecdotal evidence from people who have taken CBG for focus and found success, scientific research suggests CBG has benefits for several use cases that relate to focus:
CBG for ADHD
While some people use CBG for general daytime focus support, others specifically use CBG for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Research suggests CBG may have therapeutic 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 [1].
While CBG isn’t a proven treatment for ADHD, this study suggests it has some therapeutic potential in this area. Because one of the most common effects of ADHD is a reduced ability to focus, this research indicates CBG may have focus-promoting benefits.
CBG for anxiety and stress
Recent research suggests CBG may promote mental relaxation and offer support for those with anxiety.
In a 2022 survey of 127 people using CBG, 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 [2].
Two years later, in 2024, the same researchers did a field trial to examine the effect of CBG on anxiety.
This 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 [3].
Given that anxiety and stress (whether acute or chronic) significantly impede your ability to focus, these studies suggest CBG may help with focus through its calming, clarifying properties.
CBG for physical discomfort
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 [4].
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 [5,6].
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 [7].
While CBG isn’t a treatment for pain and more research is needed, these early studies are promising. By promoting physical comfort, CBG may address one of the biggest barriers to mental focus and performance.
How CBG Works in the Body
CBG and other cannabinoids work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a receptor system responsible for maintaining mental and physical homeostasis, or balance.
Your ECS regulates all of your vital functions, including your mood, pain and inflammatory responses, and immune response.
By regulating your vital functions, the ECS works to maintain normal states of health for the mind and body. CBG may promote balance by interacting with the ECS and helping it to better perform its function.
There are two main types of receptors in your ECS:
- CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system and are responsible for regulating how cannabinoids affect the brain. They also control the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids.
- CB2 receptors are found in tissues throughout the body, but not in the nervous system. They’re primarily responsible for regulating how cannabinoids affect the body.
CBG binds with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, enabling it to render both mental and physical effects.
CBG’s action at the CB1 receptors are likely how it creates its energizing, focusing effects, while CBG’s action at CB2 receptors contribute to its physically relaxing benefits. All of these benefits work together to generally promote mental calmness, physical comfort, and focus.
CBG vs. CBD for Focus: Which Is Better?
CBG and cannabidiol (CBD) have many therapeutic benefits in common. For each cannabinoid, there is research showing benefits for anxiety, stress, inflammation, and pain, all of which influence your mental and physical state.
However, CBG’s effects differ from CBD’s; CBG tends to be more energizing and uplifting, whereas CBD creates mild feelings of relaxation along with its other therapeutic benefits.
As a result, even though both cannabinoids have benefits which may result in better focus, CBG is generally more effective because you can more easily “feel” it working.
In addition to promoting general health and wellbeing (which indirectly contribute to focus), CBG promotes mental energy and may help you get in the mood to focus.
One potential explanation for why this is has to do with the serotonin receptor called 5-HT1A.
Agonists initiate a response from this receptor and decrease blood pressure and heart rate, while antagonists inhibit this function.
CBG is an antagonist of 5-HT1A, while CBD is an agonist of this receptor — so CBD promotes lower blood pressure and heart rate, while CBG does not. This is potentially the reason why CBG is more energizing, while CBD is more relaxing [8].
How to Take CBG For Focus: Product Types
You can take CBG for focus in a variety of different forms. Here’s a bit about the most common types of CBG products:
- CBG gummies: CBG gummies offer a consistent, fixed-dose way to take CBG, as each piece will contain the same amount. Most gummies contain 10-30mg of CBG per piece, so in many cases, your starting dose will require you to take anywhere from half a gummy to 2 gummies. CBG capsules take 45 minutes to 1 hour to kick in because they have to be digested.
- CBG capsules: CBG capsules, like edibles, offer a consistent, fixed-dose delivery method. The downside to capsules is that they aren’t convenient if you need a very small dose. Most capsules contain a midsize dosage of CBG (think 20-30mg), and you can’t easily split one in half if you need a smaller amount. Since they have to be digested, CBG capsules take 45 minutes to 1 hour to kick in.
- CBG oil: CBG oil is taken sublingually (under the tongue), not swallowed. As a result, it works faster and is slightly more bioavailable than other products. CBG oil also allows you to measure very precise doses. Because of its sublingual delivery method, CBG oil works in just 10-15 minutes.
CBG Dosage for Focus
When it comes to determining how much CBG you should take for focus support, we recommend using a weight-based formula to calculate a dosage that’s right for your body.
Starting out, it’s best to take a low dose of CBG. This way, you can determine how it makes you feel before taking larger amounts. To calculate your dose, use the following formula:
(0.1) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your CBG dosage, in mg.
By this formula, if you weigh 150 lbs, you’d need 15mg of CBG each day.
Once you’ve taken a low dose for a few days, you can gradually increase it until you begin feeling the effects you’re looking for.
(For more on CBG dosage, here’s our guide and complete dosage chart by weight.)
Conclusion: Is CBG A Natural Focus Supplement?
There’s an abundance of research and anecdotal evidence to suggest that CBG may promote focus.
The advantage CBG provides over many other focus supplements is that it works comprehensively; CBG supports focus both by promoting overall wellness and by specifically creating energizing mental effects.
As a result, if you combine CBG with other positive lifestyle changes, you can focus better, improve your performance at work, and be more present for life in general
CBG For Focus: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about CBG for focus.
Can CBG help with focus?
Yes, CBG may help with focus by promoting energizing, uplifting mental effects and providing therapeutic support for anxiety, stress, inflammation, and pain.
Does CBG help with ADHD?
Research suggests CBG has therapeutic potential for ADHD. However, more studies are needed before we know whether CBG is a viable treatment for ADHD.
How much CBG for focus?
Starting out, we recommend taking 5-10mg of CBG for focus. However, using a weight based formula can help you calculate a precise dose attuned to your body: (0.1) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily dose of CBG in mg.
Does CBG increase dopamine?
Yes, research suggests CBG may increase dopamine, which may partially explain its mood-boosting effects. However, further study on this topic is needed.
Sources
[1] 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
[2] 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
[3] 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
[4] 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.
[5] 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
[6] 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
[7] 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
[8] Cascio, M G et al. “Evidence that the plant cannabinoid cannabigerol is a highly potent alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist and moderately potent 5HT1A receptor antagonist.” British journal of pharmacology vol. 159,1 (2010): 129-41. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00515.x
