Cannabis and hemp contain many naturally occurring compounds called cannabinoids. Cannabidiol (CBD) and THC may be the best known, but another cannabinoid getting more attention is cannabigerol (CBG).
Cannabigerol is considered a minor cannabinoid because it's usually found in relatively small amounts in mature hemp plants. It's also non-intoxicating, meaning it doesn't produce the marijuana-like high associated with THC.
Interest in this compound has grown as researchers learn more about cannabinoids beyond CBD and THC. Here's what we currently know about how it forms, how it interacts with the body, and the major differences between CBG vs. CBD.
What Is CBG?
CBG stands for cannabigerol, a cannabinoid naturally produced by hemp and cannabis plants. It's sometimes called the "mother of all cannabinoids," although that nickname is more accurately connected to its acidic form, CBGA (cannabigerolic acid).
CBGA is an important starting compound in young cannabis plants. As the plant develops, enzymes can convert CBGA into acidic forms of other cannabinoids, including CBDA and THCA. Those compounds can later become the CBD and THC that most people are familiar with.
Because much of the plant's CBGA is used during this process, relatively small amounts of cannabigerol may remain when the plant reaches maturity. This helps explain why it's often classified as a minor cannabinoid.
Growers can also use specially bred hemp varieties that are designed to produce higher concentrations of cannabigerol.
How Does Cannabigerol Work?
To understand how this cannabinoid works, it helps to know about the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a natural system found throughout the body. It includes endocannabinoids made by the body, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes that help create or break down these compounds. Two of the best-known cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2.
Research suggests cannabigerol can interact with cannabinoid receptors as well as other receptors and signaling systems in the body. However, scientists are still working to understand exactly what these interactions mean in humans.
That's an important point to remember when reading about this minor cannabinoid online. Early research can help scientists identify areas worth studying, but it doesn't automatically prove a specific health benefit.
CBG vs. CBD: What's the Difference?
One of the most common questions about cannabigerol is how it compares with cannabidiol. CBD and CBG are two separate cannabinoids, although both occur naturally in hemp and are considered non-intoxicating.
A major difference is how much of each compound is typically found in the plant. CBD is often present in higher concentrations, while cannabigerol generally appears in smaller amounts in mature hemp.
There's also a large difference in how much research is available. CBD oil has received far more scientific attention, while human research involving cannabigerol is still developing.
| Feature | CBG | CBD |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Cannabigerol | Cannabidiol |
| Intoxicating? | No | No |
| Amount in Hemp | Usually found in smaller amounts | Usually found in higher amounts |
| Research Level | Still emerging | More widely studied |
| ECS Interaction | Interacts with several receptors and targets | Has a more indirect and complex interaction |
| Common Product Forms | Oils, gummies, capsules, and isolate | Oils, gummies, capsules, topicals, and more |
When looking at CBD vs. CBG, neither cannabinoid should automatically be considered better. They're different compounds, and research into their properties isn't at the same stage.
Does CBG Get You High?
No. Cannabigerol isn't considered intoxicating and doesn't produce the THC-like high associated with marijuana.
THC interacts strongly with CB1 receptors in the brain, which plays an important role in its intoxicating effects. Cannabigerol interacts differently and doesn't produce the same type of high.
However, the cannabinoid itself and a finished hemp product aren't necessarily the same thing. For example, a full-spectrum hemp oil may contain several cannabinoids, including small amounts of THC.
Anyone who wants to avoid THC should check the product's label and Certificate of Analysis (COA) to see which cannabinoids are present.
CBG vs. THC
THC and cannabigerol are both naturally occurring cannabinoids, but their effects are different.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is best known for producing the high associated with marijuana. Cannabigerol doesn't have the same intoxicating effect.
This difference is one reason it's useful to look at cannabinoids individually instead of assuming that every compound from cannabis affects the body in the same way.
CBD, THC, and cannabigerol can all occur naturally in the same plant, but they're separate compounds with different properties.
What Are the Potential CBG Benefits?
You'll find plenty of claims online about CBG benefits, but the research is still developing.
Scientists have studied cannabigerol in connection with several areas, including:
- Inflammatory signaling
- Nervous system activity
- Metabolic processes
- Appetite
- Bacterial activity
- Other signaling pathways
Much of the available evidence comes from laboratory, animal, and other early research. Results from those studies don't necessarily tell us what will happen when people use a hemp product containing this cannabinoid.
More human clinical studies are needed before researchers can draw strong conclusions about its potential uses.
This is also why it's worth being cautious with products or articles that promise specific results. Interest in minor cannabinoids is growing quickly, but the research needs time to catch up.
What Is CBG Oil?
CBG oil is a liquid product that combines cannabigerol with a carrier oil, such as MCT oil.
The formula can vary depending on the product. Some oils use CBG isolate, which contains the isolated cannabinoid. Others combine it with CBD or use a hemp extract containing several cannabinoids.
You may also find cannabigerol in:
- CBG Gummies
- CBG Softgels
- CBG Tinctures
- Multi-cannabinoid formulas
The amount per serving can vary considerably between products. Rather than comparing products based only on the total milligrams listed on the front of the package, check how many milligrams are provided in an individual serving.
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
Research into the side effects and long-term use of cannabigerol in humans is still limited. Because of this, its complete safety profile isn't yet well established.
Cannabinoids may also affect the way the body processes certain medications. If you take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have questions about adding a hemp product to your routine, speak with a healthcare professional before using it.
It's also important to follow the directions provided with the specific product rather than assuming that all cannabinoid products should be used the same way.
How Much Should You Take?
There isn't a universally established CBG dosage for general use.
Product strength can vary, so start by checking the serving information on the label. Look at both the total cannabinoid content in the container and the amount provided in each serving.
For example, two bottles may contain the same total amount but have different bottle sizes or suggested serving amounts.
If you're unsure where to start, follow the manufacturer's directions and speak with a healthcare professional if you have questions related to medications or your individual health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBG Psychoactive?
Cannabigerol isn't considered intoxicating and doesn't produce the marijuana-like high associated with THC. However, finished hemp products can contain other cannabinoids, so check the label and COA if you want to avoid THC.
Is CBG Better Than CBD?
There isn't enough evidence to say one is better than the other. They're separate cannabinoids, and CBD currently has a much larger amount of research behind it.
Can CBG Products Contain THC?
Yes. Full-spectrum hemp products can contain small amounts of THC along with other naturally occurring cannabinoids. Check the product's COA to see its cannabinoid content.
What Is CBG Isolate?
An isolate is a form of the cannabinoid that has been separated from many of the other compounds naturally found in hemp. This is different from a full-spectrum formula, which can contain multiple cannabinoids and other hemp compounds.
Sum It Up
CBG stands for cannabigerol, a minor cannabinoid naturally found in hemp and cannabis. Its connection to CBGA and the formation of other cannabinoids has earned it the nickname "mother of all cannabinoids."
When comparing CBG vs. CBD, both are non-intoxicating, but they're different compounds. CBD is generally found in larger amounts in hemp and has also been studied much more extensively.
Research into cannabigerol is growing, but there's still a lot that scientists don't know about how it affects people. For now, it's best to view it as an emerging cannabinoid rather than assuming that early research proves specific benefits.
If you're shopping for a product containing this cannabinoid, check the amount per serving, other ingredients, THC content, and third-party lab results. Those details can give you a much clearer picture of what you're actually buying.
GreenIVe CBG Products
The statements made regarding these products and the potential benefits of CBD have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.
