Reviewed by Dr. Dustin Sulak  

Cannabigerol (CBG) has gained substantial attention for its potential therapeutic qualities. CBG may be good for everything from sleep to GI health, but one of the most noteworthy topics of discussion is CBG for pain. CBG may even be better for specific types of pain than other cannabinoids.

Below is a closer look at how CBG may work for physical discomfort, how CBG compares to other cannabinoids for pain, and how to use CBG for pain.

Is CBG Good for Pain?

CBG may offer some support for people with physical discomfort. Specifically, the cannabinoid may be a good option for those who have issues with pain due to soreness. CBG is known to inhibit the production of lipoxygenase enzymes, which are responsible for the production of certain inflammatory markers.

In one animal study, CBG was more effective at a lower dose for peripheral inflammatory pain than aspirin and THC. THC did offer better pain reduction, but only at higher doses.

Frequently Asked Questions About CBG & Pain

Here are some frequently asked questions about using CBG for pain, along with answers supported by peer-reviewed research and medical studies.

If you have any other questions about using CBG for pain, please reach out to your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.

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

There is limited research on the long-term effects of using CBG for pain. However, some studies have shown that CBG can be safe and effective for short-term use. In one survey of CBG users, pain was the second most common reason people used CBG and the majority found it more effective than conventional medications. More research is needed to determine the long-term effects of CBG for pain.

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. 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 pain?

The most common side effects of using CBG 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 pain?

The time it takes for CBG to start working varies from person to person. Some people may feel the effects within minutes, while others may not feel the effects for several hours. The benefits may build over time with consistent use. It is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase the dose until you find the dose that works best for you.

What is the best way to take CBG for pain?

The best way to take CBG for pain depends on your individual preferences. Some people find that taking CBG oil or capsules is the most effective way. Others find that vaping or smoking CBG flower is the most effective way. There is no right or wrong way to take CBG, so you may need to experiment to find the method that works best for you. Oil and capsules can provide longer-lasting effects while inhaled CBG provides a more rapid onset.

CBG Dosage for Pain

The CBG dose for pain can be unique to each individual. Generally, it is good to start with a lower dose of about 5 mg two times per day. You can adjust your dose by 5 mg every two days until you are taking up to 40 mg per dose if needed. However, monitor your experience closely because you may feel fine at a lower dose.

What is the difference between CBG and CBD for pain?

Compared to CBD (cannabidiol), CBG may be more effective for certain types of pain, and it may have more efficacy for pain and sore joints at lower doses than CBD. For example, some preliminary evaluations have shown CBG to work better for nerve-related discomforts, such as stabbing, stinging, or shooting pains.

CBG’s Relationship with THC

Another important attribute of CBG is that it does not counteract the effects of THC like CBD seems to. Therefore, individuals that are using THC for pain purposes and want to include CBG will not have to worry about negating the desirable pain-relieving effects of THC as they would with CBD. It should also be noted that taking CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) with CBG may actually enhance the overall effects of CBG. Therefore, some people may find more relief by combining a product like CBD Drops with CBDA or CBDA Capsules with CBG Drops.

CBG’s Relationship with Relaxation

While CBD may offer some level of relief for pain, CBG may also be more effective for another important reason: the cannabinoid works well for relaxation. CBG (and its acidic version CBGA or cannabigerolic acid) has gained a lot of traction recently due to its ability to offer sleep support, which is something people with pain often struggle with.

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 a healthcare provider familiar with cannabis. Your 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 pain.

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

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

• Exercise regularly. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and pain.
• Get enough sleep. When you’re well-rested, you’re better able to cope with pain.
• 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 pain is severe or persistent, talking to a therapist can help you develop coping mechanisms and strategies for managing your pain.

How to Use CBG for Pain Relief

CBG Oil for Pain

CBG oil is often considered the best CBG for pain because it is the fastest-acting option. With sublingual doses, CBG oil drops may take effect in as little as 10 minutes. Therefore, CBG oil is often used for acute pain reduction, even though the support the oil provides may be long-lasting.

CBG Gummies for Pain

CBG gummies, as well as other edibles like CBG capsules, are processed through the GI system. Therefore, they do take longer to provide relief (up to two hours) and may be best used for everyday support to deter physical discomfort or sore joints rather than acute aches.

CBG Cream for Pain

CBG cream can be paired with other forms of CBG or other cannabinoids because topical cannabinoid products are processed by the body differently. Topical CBG cream for pain may have an onset time of between 5 and 30 minutes. Therefore, it works well for targeted pain relief for affected areas of the body. Unlike CBG gummies or oil, a CBG topical can also be used as needed for additional relief.

CBN vs CBG for Pain

Some animal studies have shown CBN may have some efficacy for certain types of pain. CBN works similarly to THC but is somewhat less potent. CBG has a slightly stronger record of helping with physical discomfort than CBN, and also has a better side effect profile, as CBN can cause impairment and CBG does not.

Discover More About CBG and CBGA with Dr. Sulak’s Healer CBG Webinar

Interested in learning more about the benefits of CBG? Take a few minutes to watch the CBG Webinar hosted by Dr. Sulak.

Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31158702/