CBG is a potent cannabinoid compound that is derived from the cannabis plant. While CBD has dominated the hemp headlines for some time, cannabigerol (CBG) has skyrocketed in searches and has also begun to pop up in some innovative wellness products. But why has this particular cannabinoid taken off in popularity? And why, exactly, do folks who work in the hemp industry refer to CBG as the “Mother of All Cannabinoids”? Read on and find out!
What Is CBG (Cannabigerol)?
CBG (short for cannabigerol) is a type of cannabinoid compound found in the cannabis plant. One reason we don’t hear about it as much is because CBG is much rarer and appears in smaller concentrations than CBD. In fact, only 1% appears in most strains of hemp, compared to 20–25% of CBD. Like CBD, CBG is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not get you “high.”
Though CBG occurs only in very small amounts, it still offers a number of wellness benefits.** Those benefits begin with its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
How Does CBG Work in the Body?
Plant-based cannabinoids interact with our body’s own cannabinoid receptors in an intricate system, called the endocannabinoid system. This system is closely interlinked with our central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as systems that control balance, digestion, immune response, and other important functions.
CBG and CBD interact with different receptors in different ways, meaning they offer different, but complementary therapeutic benefits that grow stronger when they work in concert. That bolstering of one another’s effects is what we call the Entourage Effect.**
How Is CBG Different From CBD?
So, what is CBG and how does it differ from CBD? The acidic form of cannabigerol, called CBGA, is a precursor for CBD and many other cannabinoids. That means that certain enzymes within the hemp plant interact with CBGA to create CBD, CBN, and other cannabinoids (which is why CBG is commonly referred to as the “Mother of All Cannabinoids”). CBG is the non-acidic version, created when heat is applied to CBGA.
As with CBD, the scientific studies of CBG are ongoing and results are still coming in. We do know that CBG imitates endocannabinoids, which are similar to the cannabinoids produced by hemp, but created by our own bodies. Our bodies produce two endocannabinoids: AEA (anandamide) and 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol). Endocannabinoids and cannabinoids interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our bodies. CBG bonds with CB1 receptors in our brain, vascular system, lungs, and more. It also bonds with CB2 receptors found in the immune system, bones, and reproductive system.
As we noted earlier, in much the same way that we combine CBD with other cannabinoids to create more complex therapeutic effects, CBG is often combined with CBD. When combined with CBD, the effects of both cannabinoids are increased, due to something called the Entourage Effect. This is a synergistic reaction between cannabinoids wherein each compound maximizes the other’s effects. When CBG and CBD are combined with terpenes, the compounds that cause aroma and taste, the Entourage Effect is enhanced even more.
Here’s a quick breakdown of CBG effects versus those of CBD and THC.
|
Cannabinoid |
Full Name |
Abundance in Hemp |
Benefits |
Psychoactive? |
|
CBG |
Cannabigerol |
<1% |
Wellness, focus, pain relief** |
No |
|
CBD |
Cannabidiol |
20–25% |
Wellness, calming, pain relief** |
No |
|
THC |
Tetrahydrocannabinol |
<0.3% (by law) |
Some wellness & pain benefits** |
Yes |
What to Look for in a Quality CBG Product
As with any supplement, you want to be sure the CBG and CBD you ingest is high quality. Cleanly cultivated hemp is the most important place to start. Hemp is a bioaccumulator; that means it cleans the soil, air, and water around it by sucking up toxins. Those toxins end up in the plant and will end up in your product, too, if you shop with the wrong CBD company. So, you should only look for CBD and CBG products that are made with organic hemp. And make sure to choose a brand that extracts the CBD oil from the hemp with clean CO2, so you can avoid any potentially harmful solvent residues.
Also, choose products that are manufactured in a cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) facility and come with a third-party lab report (or Certificate of Analysis). This report tells you exactly how much CBG or CBD you’re getting in your product, along with everything else that could potentially appear in it, from pesticides to mercury.
Summary
Look for products:
-
Made with organic hemp
-
Extracted from the plant with clean CO2
-
Manufactured in a cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) facility
-
Third-party lab tested with a Certificate of Analysis
What Are the Best CBG Products?
While CBG appears in small percentages in all broad spectrum and full spectrum CBD products, we have a select group of products that contain bonus levels of this potent cannabinoid.
Our CBD + CBG Wellness Tincture is formulated with a 2:1 ratio of CBD to CBG, as well as a potent terpene complex and natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients, like curcumin and coenzyme Q10.**
Our CBD + CBG Morning Capsules contain a terpene-enhanced blend of CBD, CBG, and slow-release caffeine for people seeking the balance of energy and focus needed for a productive day.**
Our Focus Blend CBG Mushroom Tincture combines CBD and CBG with brain-boosting nootropic and stress-busting adaptogenic mushrooms—perfect for adding laser-focused energy to your day!**
Our CBG Muscle & Joint Cream: Heating Formula delivers soothing relief for minor aches and pains, thanks to its proprietary blend of CBD, CBG, muscle-warming camphor, and a variety of natural pain relievers.**
Frequently Asked Questions About CBG
Is CBG Safe?
CBG is generally considered safe to take. It is non-psychoactive, so you won’t experience intoxicating effects if you take it. As with any new supplement, we recommend consulting with your doctor before adding CBG to your routine, particularly if you take other medications.
Will CBG Make Me Feel “High”?
No. Like CBD, CBG is non-psychoactive and will not produce any intoxicating effects.
Can I Take CBG Every Day?
Yes. CBG is a great addition to any daily wellness routine. For instance, our CBD + CBG Morning Capsules are designed for safe, daily use.
Is CBG Legal?
Yes. Thanks to the 2018 US Farm Bill, CBG is perfectly legal, so long as it is derived from hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC.
How Is CBG Different From CBN?
CBG and CBN are both non-psychoactive minor cannabinoids that work well alongside CBD. While CBG is most commonly associated with daytime use, thanks to its energizing effects, CBN (cannabinol) is more associated with relaxation and sleep.**
How Much CBG Should I Take?
Serving sizes for our CBG products vary. Our Morning Capsules deliver 30mg of CBG per serving. If you’re new to CBG, start with a single serving and adjust over time based on how your body responds.
Is the Cannabinoid Cannabigerol Right for You?
Cannabigerol provides a wide range of potential wellness benefits, and is particularly effective in energy and focus products, as well as some pain creams. Also, as we’ve noted above, CBG supercharges any CBD product with bonus benefits thanks to the Entourage Effect!** So, CBG can be a great addition to your daily wellness routine!
The Bottom Line
While CBD is a fantastic tool for overall wellness, CBG is another cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant that can provide a wonderful boost to your overall health. Humans have used cannabis plants for industrial and medicinal purposes throughout the history of civilization. As medical research continues to expand the frontiers of science, we’re able to better understand exactly how cannabinoids benefit our bodies. From headline-grabbing CBD to the darkhorse CBG, we’re only beginning to tap the enormous therapeutic potential of hemp.