CBG (cannabigerol) and THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) are two naturally-occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis/hemp plant.
Whereas THC is psychoactive and will get you high, CBG does not create a head high. Instead, CBG has energizing, uplifting effects.
But there are more differences between CBG and THC to know. In this article, we’re breaking it all down, from the effects to what each cannabinoid may be beneficial for.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of more than 100+ naturally occurring cannabinoids in the hemp plant. While it’s not naturally abundant in hemp, as THC is, it has a wide variety of benefits that rival those of its more abundant counterparts.
CBG is also incredibly important to the formation of other cannabinoids.
Because of this, CBG has earned the nickname “the mother of all cannabinoids,” even though what people are referring to is CBGa, its cannabinoid predecessor.
What is THC?
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is also a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the hemp plant. It’s also known as delta 9 THC or delta 9, to distinguish it from delta 8, delta 10, and other THC variants.
THC is most commonly known as the psychoactive ingredient in the cannabis sativa plant (hemp is the federally legal version of cannabis with less than 0.3% THC). However, hemp-derived THC is chemically the same.
THC – both in medical cannabis and by itself – has been researched for a wide variety of therapeutic uses.
Differences Between CBG and THC
There are a few key differences between CBG and THC – where they come from in hemp, their natural abundance, and their effects when taken.
Origin
CBG and THC originate with the same cannabinoid – cannabigerolic acid (CBGa). However, different cannabinoid conversions are needed to extract them.
CBGa is the cannabinoid from which all others originate. It can be converted to either CBG, CBDa, THCa, or CBCa.
CBDa, THCa, and CBCa can then become CBD, THC, or CBC through the process of decarboxylation, in which the acid ring (the “a”) of a cannabinoid is removed.
Therefore, the CBG conversion is as follows:
CBGa → CBG
And the THC conversion is as follows:
CBGa → THCa → THC.
Abundance
CBG and THC both naturally occur in hemp, but in different amounts. Whereas THC is one of the most abundant cannabinoids, CBG is quite scarce.
THC generally comprises about 15% of most cannabis strains, whereas CBG makes up just 1%.
However, note that the hemp used to make federally-legal THC products, such as the ones we sell, does not contain more than 0.3% THC.
Effects
CBG and THC have noticeably different effects when taken. CBG will not get you high, but it will create uplifting, energizing, clearheaded sensations that many people compare to drinking coffee.
THC, on the other hand, will get you high. Most THC users report a euphoric, relaxing psychoactive experience.
Benefits of CBG
CBG has a variety of potential therapeutic benefits. Here’s a look at some of the research:
CBG can promote energy and focus
CBG’s uplifting, clarifying effect profile makes it useful for boosting focus and energy.
While some people use CBG for general daytime support, others specifically use CBG for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
There is some research to support CBG’s 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.
CBG can support a healthy inflammatory & pain response
Preliminary scientific research suggests CBG has anti-inflammatory properties. Anecdotal evidence seems to support this, too, as many people use CBG for pain and other problems rooted in inflammation.
Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBG may help with discomfort from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as well as the related, but less serious, inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS).
CBG has also been researched for arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and other inflammatory conditions for which opioids and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are commonly prescribed.
There’s also first-hand evidence of CBG’s physical benefits. 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.
More clinical studies are needed to determine how CBG helps with pain, but nonetheless, it has therapeutic potential in this area.
CBG can promote mental relaxation
While there isn’t any clinical evidence on the use of CBG for anxiety, a survey done in late 2022 illuminates its potential benefits.
127 participants were surveyed, all of whom were using CBG. Of the people surveyed, 51.2% were using CBG for anxiety and 33% for depression.
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.
More research is needed on whether CBG is a viable treatment for anxiety, but it’s clear from this survey that CBG may promote a clear, anxiety-free headspace.
CBG can support neurological health
Research suggests CBG may support neurological health, and that it may help with neurodegenerative disorders.
CBG has been studied for use with Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease, two conditions that erode the function of the nervous system and brain. Studies suggest CBG may slow the progression of these diseases.
However, more clinical studies are needed to determine CBG’s reliability at addressing problems with the nervous system.
CBG can boost appetite
Studies on rodents have found that CBG has appetite-stimulating properties. Researchers think CBG may have the potential to be developed as a medication for this purpose.
Appetite stimulants are used by patients of chronic illnesses, such as cancer, who suffer weight loss and low appetite due to treatments (chemotherapy) or the illnesses themselves.
CBG can promote eye health
Research has looked at the use of cannabinoids for glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that cause vision loss and blindness by damaging a nerve in the back of your eye known as the optic nerve.
One study found that CBG has vasodilating properties, meaning it may promote ocular blood flow, which keeps the eyes healthy and has a role in minimizing damage to the optic nerve.
Another study found that CBG may reduce intraocular pressure, thereby preventing damage to the optic nerve.
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Benefits of THC
THC has also been extensively researched – mainly due to the role it plays as part of medical cannabis.
However, remember that hemp-derived THC is chemically the same substance.
THC may help with stress and anxiety
Research on THC for anxiety shows that it may either be beneficial or detrimental, depending on how much you take.
Studies have observed anxiolytic, or anxiety-reducing, effects at smaller THC doses, whereas larger doses of THC may be anxiogenic, or anxiety-causing.
This reflects anecdotal evidence: many people use THC for everyday relaxation, but they find that it creates adverse mental experiences when taken in larger doses.
THC promotes a healthy pain & inflammatory response
Several studies suggest THC has analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties.
One area where THC has been researched is for neuropathic pain.
One study, with 124 participants, found that THC allowed central neuropathy and fibromyalgia patients to reduce their doses of opioids.
Another study of 15 patients found that THC was more effective than a placebo at addressing chronic neuropathic pain.
Another area where THC has been researched is with cancer pain. In one study, 15mg and 20mg doses of THC rendered significant analgesic benefits for cancer patients compared to a placebo.
THC has also been researched for stomach pain. One research review found that THC has therapeutic potential for addressing abdominal pain caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
While these studies indicate clear therapeutic potential, more research is needed on THC for pain.
THC can support restful sleep
Several studies have looked at the use of THC for sleep and investigated its potential benefits.
In one study, medical cannabis improved both the duration and quality of sleep in insomnia patients. Research has found that THC creates sedative effects in moderate doses, indicating it may have benefits for sleep.
Another study found that THC may help to stabilize the circadian rhythm, thereby leading to better sleep.
Research has also looked at the benefits of THC for conditions that commonly cause sleep trouble.
One study found that THC may help with Restless Leg Syndrome, or RLS, a disorder that contributes to sleep problems.
However, just as THC might help with sleep, some research shows it may have the opposite effect.
A research review of studies that looked at THC for sleep found that cannabis, in general, created better sleep (21% of studies), worsened sleep (48%), rendered mixed results (14%), or had no impact at all (17%).
Due to the mixed results, it’s safe to conclude that THC impacts everyone differently. It may help some people with sleep, whereas for others it does the opposite or does nothing.
THC may promote appetite
Research suggests THC may have appetite-stimulating properties.
A research review looked at five studies on medical cannabis for nausea in cancer patients dealing with anorexia, or a loss of appetite.
Of the five studies, THC was only shown to increase appetite in one, indicating that its efficacy as an appetite stimulant may vary.
However, another study concluded that “THC is an effective appetite stimulant in patients with advanced cancer.”
Clearly, more research is needed to determine the extent of THC’s appetite-boosting benefits for cancer and other medical patients.
THC may help with nausea and vomiting
Research suggests THC may have antiemetic, or anti-nausea properties.
One study used an app to analyze the outcomes of cannabis self-administration of nausea. Of the 886 people analyzed, 96.4% experienced nausea relief within 1 hour of cannabis consumption.
Another review, which looked at various applications of THC, noted that chemotherapy-induced nausea was one of its most promising use cases.
However, as with its other medical applications, THC needs to be researched more to confirm its antiemetic benefits.
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CBG vs. THC: How They Work in the Body
CBG, THC, and other cannabinoids work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a receptor system responsible for keeping your body in homeostasis, or balance.
Your ECS regulates all of your vital functions, including, but not limited to, the sleep-wake cycle, immune response, inflammatory response, and mood.
The homeostasis that the ECS works to maintain is a state of normal health for the mind and body. The ECS usually works fine on its own, but introducing outside cannabinoids can support this bodily system during times of mental or physical stress.
There are two main types of cannabinoid 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 mental and physical effects.
THC predominantly acts on the CB1 receptors, but it also binds with CB2 receptors.
THC’s affinity toward CB1 receptors means that it creates powerful psychoactive effects, but its physical effects, while still present, aren’t as strong.
CBG vs. THC: Side Effects & Safety
Both CBG and THC are considered safe to consume. However, these cannabinoids may cause adverse effects.
Potential side effects of CBG include:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Dry eyes
- Increased appetite
Potential side effects of THC include:
- Difficulty thinking and speaking
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Rapid heart rate
- Memory loss
- Red eyes
- Slowed reaction time
To minimize or avoid these side effects, start by taking small doses of either CBG or THC.
For more, see our dosage guides:
CBG vs. THC vs. CBD
Now you understand how CBG and THC compare to each other. But how do they stack up to cannabidiol (CBD)?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is, like CBG and THC, a naturally-occurring cannabinoid in hemp.
It’s one of the most commonly-used cannabinoids due to its wide variety of potential therapeutic uses, including for anxiety, sleep, pain, epilepsy, and more.
Like CBG, it’s non-psychoactive, making it a great therapeutic option for users who don’t want the head high.
Because of CBD’s benefits and effects, it’s often part of the conversation (as are CBG and THC) when people are choosing which cannabinoid would best suit them.
CBG vs. CBD
One of the main differences between CBG and CBD is their effects.
Whereas CBG is noticeably uplifting and energizing, CBD’s mental sensations are often barely perceptible – many people characterize their experience using CBD by describing the negative things they didn’t feel, rather than the positive things they did.
Given that what lots of therapeutic users seek is balance, this lack of overt feelings isn’t a bad thing.
Both cannabinoids may provide therapeutic support in a variety of ways.
As discussed, CBG has been researched for pain, inflammation, neurological health, ADHD, appetite, and eye health.
CBD has been researched for stress, anxiety, sleep, pain, inflammation, epilepsy, and addiction, among other things.
Neither cannabinoid is necessarily better – they’re just good for different things. CBG, with its energizing effect profile, is better for daytime use, while CBD is better for nighttime use.
And you may not even want to choose between them, because CBG and CBD work best when taken together. Doing so will amplify the benefits of each cannabinoid while providing a balanced mental effect.
THC vs. CBD
As with CBG, the differences between CBD and THC center on their effects and benefits.
CBD renders very mild mental relaxation, while THC is very psychoactive and delivers a strong head high experience.
Both cannabinoids have therapeutic potential for pain, inflammation, and sleep. However, their benefits also differ in some areas.
Whereas THC may cause anxiety in larger amounts, several studies show that CBD has anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects.
THC is the better option if you want a head high along with therapeutic support, while CBD is your go-to if you’re not so enthusiastic about the elevated experience.
And you might consider not choosing between THC and CBD at all. As with CBG, THC works best when used with CBD.
By combining these cannabinoids, you can experience the benefits of both without enduring as many side effects – CBD may reduce the anxiety, paranoia, and inebriation caused by THC.
CBG vs. THC for Pain
CBG and THC both have therapeutic potential for various forms of physical discomfort.
As of right now, we don’t have enough research – especially comparative research – to say which cannabinoid is more effective for pain.
Instead, we recommend choosing between them on the basis of the effects you’re looking for.
CBG renders mentally uplifting effects, making it a great choice if you’re going to be using it during the daytime, or if you do not want a head high.
THC is psychoactive and renders a head high, making it better for nighttime use or other times when you don’t need full brainpower to function well.
CBG vs. THC for Anxiety
As with pain, we don’t have enough research on either CBG (especially CBG) or THC to say which is better for anxiety.
However, one thing to consider is that THC may cause, rather than alleviate, anxiety in larger amounts. The same sort of downside isn’t seen with CBG.
Overall, we recommend choosing between CBG and THC based on the type of experience you’re seeking. If you’re dealing with work-related “performance anxiety,” and want a clearer, more focused mind, CBG may be helpful for you.
On the other hand, if you’re dealing with social anxiety and want a more chilled-out experience, THC may be a better fit.
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 the CBG-THC combination haven’t been researched, anecdotal evidence suggests that using these cannabinoids together can increase the benefits you receive, as well as alter the effects you feel.
Like CBD, CBG may reduce the downsides of THC, allowing you to enjoy an uplifting, elevated experience that’s free of paranoia or anxiety.
Because of the benefits of using CBG with THC, many companies and people specifically breed hemp and cannabis to contain large amounts of CBG along with THC.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose, CBG or THC?
CBG and THC are two naturally-occurring cannabinoids in hemp with very different effects, but many of the same potential benefits.
We recommend choosing between CBG and THC on the basis of the experience you want. CBG is uplifting and energizing, whereas THC is psychoactive and relaxing.
Also be sure to consider that there are some uses for which either CBG or THC may be preferable to the other. CBG is often a better choice for anxiety, whereas THC may be more effective for nausea.
CBG vs. THC: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about the differences between CBG and THC.
Is CBG better than THC?
No, CBG is not necessarily better than THC. It all comes down to what you need from a cannabinoid. CBG won’t get you high, whereas THC will. CBG is energizing, whereas THC is relaxing.
Will CBG get me high?
No, CBG will not get you high. However, CBG has energizing, uplifting mental effects that are similar to coffee.
How does CBG make you feel?
CBG will create feelings of mental clarity and focus. It has energizing, uplifting mental effects that are similar to coffee.
What are the benefits of CBG?
CBG has therapeutic potential for, and has been researched for, pain, inflammation, anxiety, neurological health, appetite stimulation, ADHD, and more.
