What is CBG (Cannabigerol)? Benefits, Effects, and Facts
Posted on November 30th, 2023 to CBG by Healer Staff Writer
Cannabigerol (CBG) has gained considerable notoriety for both its distinct and complementary effects compared to other cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD). If you are looking for a heightened experience or a benefit that something like CBD may not provide, products made with CBG could be a good option to consider.
What does CBG stand for and what does CBG do? Below is a comprehensive breakdown of CBG, potential CBG benefits & effects, and how CBG compares to CBGA and other cannabinoids.
What Is CBG?
CBG is cannabigerol, which is the non-acidic form of the cannabinoid cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). While CBG is often proposed as a minor cannabinoid (because such small amounts are present in most plants), the precursor CBGA is the original cannabinoid produced by cannabis plants. CBGA is often called the “stem cell cannabinoid” because, without it, other cannabinoids would not develop.
As a cannabis plant matures, CBGA transforms into other acidic cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabinolic acid (CBNA). These acidic cannabinoids eventually lose their acidic properties through decarboxylation to become familiar cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and CBN. However, the remaining CBGA in the plant becomes CBG.
Therefore, unless specifically bred to contain high levels of CBG, or harvested before full maturity, the majority of hemp contains less than one percent CBG in the full collection of cannabinoids.
CBG Effects
CBG is non-intoxicating, which means you can take something like CBG oil and stay perfectly alert and focused without feeling any psychoactive effects. The top-level effects, according to anecdotal reports and a few preliminary studies, are mildly relaxing and achieving a greater sense of calm. Some people prefer to take CBG if they find CBD or CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) to be more stimulating than they like, as CBG tends to do a better job of supporting a calmer state in heightened periods of anxiety.
Potential CBG Benefits
While CBG bears similarities with other cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol), CBG does have its own distinct mechanisms and functions in the body. Therefore, the benefits of CBG may involve specific beneficial actions not derived from other cannabinoids. CBG may be beneficial by:
- Reducing feelings of tension, fidgeting, restlessness, and other fight-or-flight feelings*
- Reducing issues with periodic sleeplessness*
- Targeting certain types of nerve discomfort, such as stinging, shooting aches*
CBG may also offer other benefits not provided by CBD. For example, if combined with a THC product, CBG will not impede the effects of THC. In fact, taking the two cannabinoids together may offer some synergistic benefits.
CBG Benefits Chart
The Benefits of Pairing CBG with Other Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids provide a fascinating beneficial capacity on their own. However, when combined, they work together through the entourage effect to produce more profound effects or enhance the effects to some degree. For example, one study discovered that CBDA was more bioavailable when paired with CBG. Therefore, taking CBG and CBDA together may lead to a better experience than simply taking CBDA alone.
What Is the Best Way to Take CBG?
CBG can be consumed orally in the form of CBG gummies or CBG capsules, taken sublingually when taking a CBG oil, or even used in a topical product. The best method of taking CBG can be a matter of personal preference. For example, gummies may take up to an hour to yield effects, but sublingual dosing via an oil tincture may yield effects in as little as 15 minutes. If you are new to taking Healer CBG, be sure to follow the Usage Guide and Response Tracker provided by Dr. Dustin Sulak to find your optimal dose.
If you are choosing to add CBG to your everyday cannabinoid regimen, be sure to consume your dose three to four hours after or before consuming other cannabinoids. This will give you a clearer idea of how the CBG affects you personally outside the influence of other cannabinoids like CBD.
A Look at the Difference Between CBG vs CBGA
CBGA is the acidic precursor of CBG, as noted earlier. CBGA is not as extensively researched as CBG, as most studies associated with CBG are related to the non-acidic cannabinoid. Nevertheless, there have been a few enlightening examinations to date.
CBG for Occasional Sleeplessness
Combining CBG and CBGA in a product like Healer Relax Gummies with a 6:1 ratio of both cannabinoids may enhance the overall effects of either cannabinoid alone. For example, if you have tried CBG for sleeplessness or stress and have not experienced the most profound outcome, combined CBG and CBGA may provide more substantial relief. This is also why you will find CBGA in Healer CBG Oil Drops, which also contain a 6:1 ratio of CBG to CBGA.
Who Should Consider CBG Products?
CBG products are something to consider if:
- You are currently taking a CBD product and not seeing satisfactory results
- You are looking for a cannabinoid to support occasional sleeplessness or overall relaxation
- You find CBD or acidic cannabinoids like CBDA to be overly stimulating
- You are interested in experiencing the specific beneficial properties of CBG, possibly combined with CBGA
- You want a beneficial cannabinoid that has the potential to enhance THC’s effects
Achieve a Cannabinoid Regimen That Works for You with Healer
At Healer, each hemp-derived product is formulated with physician-guided expertise, and we guide your journey along the way with that same care. All Healer products are made with a full spectrum of natural cannabinoids from the plant, including less than 0.3 percent THC. If you are looking for a reliable product made with CBG to perfect your cannabinoid regimen, be sure to take a look at the full Healer collection.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.