Whether you’re taking cannabigerol (CBG) for therapeutic uses or using it for its uplifting, clarifying effects, you’re probably wondering which delivery method is best for you: CBG gummies or CBG oil?
The primary differences between the two products are their effect onset/duration and their bioavailability.
CBG gummies will kick in within 45 minutes to 1 hour, while CBG oil kicks in within 10 to 15 minutes. CBG oil has a higher bioavailability (percentage of CBG that your body can use) than CBG gummies: CBG oil is 20-30% bioavailable, while CBG gummies are 10-20% bioavailable.
But ultimately, both products deliver the benefits of CBG and offer comparable effects and potency – the product you choose will come down to your personal preferences. In this article, we’re taking an in-depth look at CBG gummies vs. CBG oil.
What Are CBG Gummies?
CBG gummies are gummy candies infused with cannabigerol (CBG), a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the hemp plant.
CBG is considered a minor cannabinoid, as it only occurs in small amounts. Cannabinoids like CBD and THC, on the other hand, are far more abundant.
But despite CBG’s relative scarcity, it’s extremely beneficial. CBG has been studied for therapeutic use with physical discomfort, anxiety, stress, energy, and focus, among other things.
What Is CBG Oil?
CBG oil is a type of liquid product containing cannabigerol (CBG), a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the hemp plant. CBG oil consists of high-CBG hemp extract and carrier oil.
The purpose of the carrier oil is to provide a healthy fat, which helps your body digest the CBG.
Unlike CBG gummies, which are chewed and swallowed, CBG oil is placed under the tongue, then swallowed.
Like CBG gummies, CBG oil delivers all the benefits of CBG.
CBG Gummies vs. Oil: How Do They Compare?
To get a better understanding of how CBG gummies and CBG oil compare, we’ll look at a few main areas: benefits, effect onset and duration, bioavailability, and cost.
Benefits
Because both gummies and oil are capable of effectively delivering CBG to your body, each product offers the same benefits.
Research suggests CBG may have therapeutic benefits in a variety of areas. These are the main ones:
- Physical discomfort: 2021 research from King’s College in London, England found that CBG may have anti-inflammatory effects. Anecdotally, many people use CBG for physical discomfort.
- Anxiety and stress: A 2022 survey conducted by prominent cannabinoid researcher Ethan Russo and colleagues found that many people use CBG for anxiety. Respondents to the survey reported that CBG was highly effective. Anecdotally, CBG is a beneficial choice for promoting a calm, present mind due to its uplifting, yet focusing properties.
- Energy & focus: A 2021 survey published in the International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine found that many people with attention disorders improved their focus after using products that contained a mix of CBG and cannabidiol (CBD). Anecdotally, CBG helps many people focus because of its uplifting, yet not distracting effects.
- Neurological health: CBG has been researched for various neurological disorders. Research from Konkuk University in South Korea found that CBG may slow the progression of neurological problems.
- Appetite: In a 2016 study, scientists at the University of Reading found that CBG may increase appetite. They concluded that CBG has therapeutic potential as an appetite stimulant.
Effect onset and duration
CBG gummies and CBG oil differ in effect onset and duration because they deliver CBG to your body differently.
CBG gummies have to pass through your digestive system, which means they take 45 minutes to 1 hour to kick in. But this slower absorption also means their effects last for a long time – 6-8 hours.
CBG oil is delivered directly to your bloodstream if you take it sublingually, resulting in a faster onset (10-15 minutes) but a shorter effect duration (4 to 6 hours).
Bioavailability
Bioavailability is a measure of what percentage of a substance you consume that your body can actually use.
CBG gummies have a bioavailability of 10-20%, while CBG oil has a higher bioavailability of 20-30%. This means the same dose of CBG will feel more potent if you take it in an oil format versus an edible format.
This difference in bioavailability has to do with the way your body processes each type of product.
Cost
While the cost of CBG gummies and CBG oil varies by company, here are some benchmarks:
- CBG gummies typically cost $0.05 – $0.10 per gram of CBG
- CBG oil typically costs $0.02 – $0.10 per gram of CBG
- CBG oils are generally slightly cheaper than CBG gummies, because less ‘extra material’ is required to make them.
Additionally, it’s important to note that CBG products may generally be slightly more expensive than CBD or THC products due to CBG’s relative scarcity in the hemp plant (<1% of dry weight).
Pros and Cons of CBG Gummies
Here are the pros and cons you’ll want to consider when buying CBG gummies:
Pros
- More convenient: CBG gummies can easily be taken on the go and quickly consumed as needed.
- Better tasting: CBG gummies feature the classic flavors of gummy candy; CBG oil is typically somewhat bitter.
- Fixed-dose: CBG gummy products have the same amount of cannabinoids in each piece, making them an easy option if you need or want to take the same dose of CBG consistently.
- Longer effect duration: CBG gummies will render effects for 6-8 hours after use, as compared to CBG oil’s 4-6 hour effect duration.
Cons
- Can’t be easily dosed in small amounts: If you need a smaller dose than is contained in a single gummy, you’ll have to split each gummy into pieces, which can be tedious and hard to estimate. In this case, CBG oil is more convenient.
- Lower bioavailability: Since CBG gummies have to be digested, they are just 10-20% bioavailable, as compared to 20-30% for CBG oil.
- Slower onset: Due to needing to pass through the digestive tract, CBG gummies take 45 minutes to 1 hour to begin working, while CBG oils kick in within just 10-15 minutes.
- Cost: As CBG gummies require more ingredients and materials to produce, they typically cost more than CBG oil for the same amount of cannabinoids.
Pros and Cons of CBG Oil
Here are the pros and cons you’ll want to consider when buying CBG oil:
Pros
- Higher bioavailability: CBG oil is roughly 20-30% bioavailable, whereas CBG gummies are 10-20% bioavailable. This means oil is a slightly more efficient means of CBG consumption.
- More precise dosing: CBG oil allows for very precise, accurate dosing that can easily be adjusted by small amounts as needed.
- Faster onset: Due to its sublingual absorption method, CBG oil begins working in just 10-15 minutes of being taken.
- Cost: CBG oil tends to be cheaper than CBG gummies.
Cons
- Taste: While some people enjoy the earthy, slightly bitter taste of hemp extract, others do not; in this case, flavored CBG gummies are a better option than CBG oil.
- Shorter duration: CBG oil works for just 4-6 hours after use, compared to 6-8 hours for CBG gummies.
- Not as portable or convenient: CBG oil isn’t as convenient as CBG gummies if you’re on the road or out and about.
Conclusion: Which is Better For You?
While CBG oil offers some slight advantages over CBG gummies in terms of bioavailability and effect onset, CBG gummies create longer-lasting effects and are a great choice if you don’t like the earthy flavor of hemp extract.
Ultimately, the product that’s better for you will depend on your personal preference; both options are great ways to experience the benefits of CBG!
CBG Gummies vs. CBG Oil: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about the differences between CBG gummies and CBG oil.
Are CBG gummies better than CBG oil?
It depends on your needs. CBG gummies offer a convenient, pre-dosed, and flavored option with slower absorption, while CBG oil provides faster effects and customizable dosing through sublingual absorption.
What does CBG do in gummies?
CBG in gummies interacts with the endocannabinoid system to promote focus, relaxation, and potential anti-inflammatory benefits. Since gummies are digested, the effects may take longer to kick in but can last several hours.
How does CBG oil make you feel?
CBG oil can create feelings of energy, mental clarity, and mild relaxation without sedation. Some people report feeling uplifted and focused, while others experience reduced mental and physical tension.
Is CBG an upper or downer?
CBG is generally considered more of an “upper” due to its energizing, focus-enhancing properties.
