Reviewed by Dr. Dustin Sulak

Cannabinoids have garnered a substantial amount of attention for their therapeutic properties including for common conditions like anxiety. Could CBG for anxiety be another effective use of this cannabinoid?  In this article we cover how CBG may help with anxiety, CBG vs CBD for anxiety, and more.

Is CBG Good for Anxiety?

CBG (cannabigerol) may help with anxiety, although research into the topic is not yet well-established. In anecdotal reports, CBG seems to help with feeling physically anxious or tense.

CBG is a cannabinoid that can interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our bodies. The ECS is a system of receptors and signaling molecules that helps to regulate a variety of bodily functions, including anxiety.

CBG’s Relationship with the Sympathetic Nervous System

One of the ways that CBG may help with anxiety is by inhibiting the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “fight or flight” response, which is a natural response to stress. When we’re stressed, our sympathetic nervous system gets activated and releases hormones and neurotransmitters that can make us feel anxious. CBG can inhibit this process, which can help to reduce anxiety.

CBG also affects GABA reuptake. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps to calm the brain and body. CBG can help to increase GABA levels, which can also help to reduce anxiety.

Simply put, CBG can help anxiety by reducing the “fight or flight” response and slowing down activity in the nervous system, which can make us feel more relaxed and at ease.

CBG’s Relationship with Inflammation

Additionally, CBG has been shown to have neuroinflammatory-reducing properties via the endocannabinoid system and other mechanisms. This means that it has the possibility to help reduce inflammation in the brain. Inflammation is a process that can contribute to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Therefore, CBG may be a viable option for people with anxiety or depression, not just by relieving symptoms, but also by addressing underlying contributing factors like inflammation.

How to Use CBG for Anxiety

CBG Oil Drops, CBG Capsules and CBG edibles like gummies are types of oral products that can be used for anxiety. Oils and capsules tend to be preferred by individuals seeking assistance on a consistent daily basis.

CBG Oil Drops for Anxiety

CBG oil drops provide a faster onset of effects—usually within 1 hour but often as fast as 5 to 10 minutes. Therefore, taking drops can be good in specifically stressful moments when you want to feel calmer or achieve a more relaxed state immediately.

CBG Edibles for Anxiety

CBG edibles, such as CBG gummies for anxiety or CBG Capsules, may offer more prolonged levels of support. These products are broken down by the digestive system before being processed by the endocannabinoid system. Therefore, you may not feel the effects immediately but the duration of effect may last longer.

Learn More: CBG Dosage by Product Type: How much should I take? 

Frequently Asked Questions About CBG & Anxiety

Here are some common questions people have about using CBG for anxiety. The answers to these questions are based on peer-reviewed research and medical studies.

If you have any other questions about using CBG for anxiety, please consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.

What are the long-term effects of using CBG for anxiety?

The long-term effects of using CBG for anxiety are not yet fully known, as there is limited research on the topic. However, some studies have shown that CBG can be safe and effective for short-term use. More research is needed to determine the long-term effects of CBG for anxiety.

One study, published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology in 2019, found that CBG was effective in reducing anxiety in mice. The study also found that CBG did not have any negative side effects in the mice.

Another study, published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology in 2020, found that CBG was effective in reducing anxiety in rats. The study also found that CBG did not have any negative side effects in the rats.

These studies suggest that CBG may be a safe and effective treatment for anxiety. However, more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of CBG for anxiety.

If you are considering using CBG for anxiety, it is important to talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can help you determine if CBG is right for you and can help you find the right dose.

Is CBG safe for everyone to use?

CBG is generally considered safe for most people to use. However, there are some potential side effects, such as dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness. CBG can also lower blood pressure. It is important to talk to your doctor before using CBG if you have any health conditions.

What are the side effects of using CBG for anxiety?

The most common side effects of using CBG for anxiety are dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. However, if you experience any side effects that are bothersome, you should stop taking CBG and talk to your doctor.

How long does it take for CBG to start working for anxiety?

The time it takes for CBG to start working for anxiety after a single dose varies from person to person and depends on the delivery vehicle (oil, capsules, gummies, or inhaled flower).

Some people may feel the effects within minutes, while others may not feel the effects for several hours. It is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase until you find the dose that works best for you.

CBG does not need to be taken consistently for a long period of time before it starts working, though consistent use often provides better results over time.

What is the best way to take CBG for anxiety?

The best way to take CBG for anxiety depends on your individual preferences. Some people find that taking CBG oil, capsules, or gummies is the most effective way. Others find that vaping CBG flower is the most effective way. You may need to experiment to find the method that works best for you.

CBG Dosage for Anxiety

When starting a new regimen with CBG, it is important to start with a low dose and increase it slowly until the desired effects are achieved. Because CBG may or may not be effective for your anxiety symptoms specifically, it will be important to monitor your experience closely to determine if CBG is helping. Generally, the optimal CBG starting dose is around 5 mg. This can be adjusted by another 5 to 10 mg every two days, up to 40 mg+. Doses can be taken between one and three times daily.

What is the difference between CBG and CBD for anxiety?

Is CBD or CBG better for anxiety? Both cannabinoids have the potential to help but possibly through different mechanisms of action.

One interesting mechanism to consider in this conversation is CBG’s interaction with 5-HT1A serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. 5-HT1A receptors are a type of serotonin receptor that is involved in anxiety.

CBD stimulates 5-HT1A receptors, which may help to reduce anxiety. CBG, on the other hand, seems to inhibit 5-HT1A receptors, which may also help to reduce anxiety at certain doses. This means that people who do not see anxiety support with CBD may actually find CBG to work better. This is because CBG works on a different mechanism than CBD.

Furthermore, CBG has been shown to offer more powerful effects at much smaller doses than CBD. This is important to note because an individual that is using a high dose of CBD for anxiety may want to consider alternately trying CBG at a lower dose to see if the low dose is more effective for calming and relaxation.

At the end of the day, some people find that CBG is more effective for anxiety than CBD, while others find that CBD is more effective. The best way to find out which cannabinoid is right for you is to experiment with both.

What is the best way to find out if CBG is right for me?

The best way to find out if CBG is right for you is to talk to your doctor or a healthcare provider who is an expert in cannabinoid medicine. A trained healthcare provider can help you determine if CBG is safe for you to use and can help you find the right dose. You can also experiment with CBG to see if it helps with your anxiety.

What are some other things I can do to help reduce my anxiety?

In addition to using CBG, there are other things you can do to help reduce your anxiety. These include:

• Exercise regularly. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Get enough sleep. When you’re well-rested, you’re better able to cope with stress and anxiety.
• Practice relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help to calm your mind and body.
• Talk to a therapist. If your anxiety is severe or persistent, talking to a therapist can help you develop coping mechanisms and strategies for managing your anxiety.

CBG vs CBN for Anxiety

To date, there has not been a lot of research to determine the efficacy of CBN (cannabinol) for anxiety.  You can read our full article on CBG vs CBN: Differences and Similarities.

Learn more: CBG For Sleep

Learn More About Cannabigerol with Dr. Sulak

Looking to learn more about CBG? Be sure to take a look at the CBG webinar hosted by Dr. Sulak where he discusses the mechanisms of action of CBG in-depth and how CBG has performed in preliminary research models.