What is CBG?

CBG (cannabigerol) is one of more than 100+ naturally occurring cannabinoids in the hemp plant. 

CBG is 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, or it can become CBDa, THCa, or CBCa, from which CBD, THC, and CBC are made.  

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 are the Benefits of CBG?

Research suggests CBG may have therapeutic benefits in a variety of areas:

• Pain & Inflammation – 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 – 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, anxiety-free 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.

How Does CBG Work 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 the sleep-wake cycle, immune response, inflammatory response, and mood. 

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 the CB1 and CB2 receptors, enabling it to render mental and physical effects. 

What are the Side Effects of CBG?

Research suggests CBG is safe and well-tolerated in humans. Nonetheless, CBG may cause adverse side effects. 

Possible side effects of CBG include:

• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness
• Increased appetite
• Dry eyes
• Digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea)
• Dizziness
• Headache

How Much CBG Should You Take?

Starting out, we recommend taking a low-strength dose of CBG. To calculate the exact amount, you can use a weight-based CBG dosage formula:

(0.1) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily CBG dosage in mg. 

For most people, this dose will be between 10 and 25 milligrams. Once you’ve taken this dose a few times, slowly adjust it depending on how you feel. 

For more on dosing CBG for specific uses, see our CBG dosage guide. 

Is CBG Legal?

Yes. The 2018 Farm Bill (which has been extended through 2024) made CBG and other cannabinoids federally as long as they are hemp-derived. Hemp is a variant of the cannabis sativa plant that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. 

CBG vs. CBD: What Are the Differences?

There are three main areas of difference between CBG and CBD: their origin, their effects, and their benefits:

• Origin – All cannabinoids come from CBGa (cannabigerolic acid). However, a different number of conversions are needed to extract CBG versus CBD. CBG can be extracted directly from CBGa. However, CBD comes from CBDa, which first has to be extracted from CBGa. 
• Effects – CBG promotes energizing, uplifting, and mentally clarifying effects. CBD, on the other hand, has a much subtler set of effects. It promotes mild mental relaxation, but it’s mainly characterized by a lack of extreme negative feelings, rather than an overtly positive sensation. 
• Benefits – Some of the benefits of CBG and CBD overlap, but they also differ in some areas. CBG and CBD have both shown therapeutic potential for inflammation, pain, anxiety, and focus. However, CBG generally renders stronger physical support than CBD. CBD, on the other hand, is better for sleep, as it promotes comprehensive relaxation without creating energizing sensations.