Reviewed by Dr. Dustin Sulak

Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of dozens of cannabinoids that can be extracted from cannabis plants. This non-intoxicating cannabinoid may be beneficial for several things, including sleep. Learn how to effectively use CBG for sleep, how the cannabinoid’s actions may offer sleep support, and more below.

Is CBG Good for Sleep?

The benefits of CBG are a growing topic of discussion, including the potential for CBG to help with sleep. CBG may be good for sleep support for several reasons.

How CBG Can Inhibit Stress and Promote Sleep

One of the ways that CBG may help with sleep is by stimulating alpha-2 adrenoceptors. Alpha-2 adrenoceptors are receptors that are found in the central nervous system (CNS). When CBG stimulates these receptors, it can help to inhibit the “fight or flight” response. The fight or flight response is a natural response to stress, but it can also make it difficult to fall asleep.

In layman’s terms, this means that CBG can help you feel more relaxed and at ease, which can make it easier to fall asleep.

How CBG Can “Slow Down” the Brain to Promote Sleep

Another way that CBG may benefit sleep is the way in which CBG slows the uptake of GABA. GABA is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical that helps to transmit signals between nerve cells in the brain. GABA is known as a “calming” neurotransmitter because it helps to inhibit the activity of other neurotransmitters that can cause anxiety and stress.

CBG can slow the uptake of GABA, which means that it can help to increase the levels of GABA activity in the brain. This can have a calming effect, which can make it easier to fall asleep.

In layman’s terms, this means that CBG can help to “slow down” the brain, which can make it easier to relax and fall asleep.

Frequently Asked Questions About CBG & Sleep

Here are some frequently asked questions about using CBG for sleep. The answers to these questions are based on peer-reviewed research and medical studies.

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

What is the difference between CBG and CBD?

• CBG and CBD are both cannabinoids, but they have different chemical structures and effects.
• In some ways, CBG has similar activity to CBD, especially at ion channel receptors that influence pain, soreness and more.
• CBG and CBD are different in their activity upon serotonin receptors. CBD’s anti-anxiety effects are primarily related to serotonin activity, while CBG likely works primarily via the alpha-2 adrenoceptor and GABA pathways.
• CBG does not impact CB1 receptors the same way CBD does, so unlike CBD, it is not likely to decrease the effects of THC

Learn more: The Differences Between CBG vs CBD

How does CBG work to promote sleep?

CBG may promote sleep by interacting with specific parts of the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and central nervous system (CNS).

The ECS is a system of receptors and signaling molecules that helps to regulate a variety of bodily functions, including sleep. CBG can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are two of the main receptors in the ECS.

CBG may also interact with other receptors in the brain, such as the 5-HT1A receptor, which is involved in mood and sleep regulation, as well as alpha-2 adrenoceptors and neurotransmitters like GABA, as mentioned above.

What is the best way to take CBG for sleep?

The best way to take CBG for sleep depends on your individual preferences and needs. Some people find that taking CBG oil or capsules before bed helps them to fall asleep more easily. Others find that vaping or smoking CBG flower helps them to relax and feel sleepy. Ultimately, the best way to find out what works best for you is to experiment with different methods and see what gives you the best results.

What is the optimal dose of CBG for sleep?

The optimal dose of CBG for sleep is different for everyone. Some people may find that a small dose of 5-10 mg is effective, while others may need a higher dose of 20-30 mg. It is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find the dose that works best for you.

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

Can I use CBG with other medications for sleep?

It is important to talk to your doctor before using CBG with other medications, especially if you are taking any medications that could increase relaxation or sedation. CBG may interact with some medications, such as sedatives and antidepressants, and could intensify their effects. CBG also shares some qualities with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (COX enzyme inhibition), so they should be taken together with caution.

What are the side effects of CBG?

The side effects of CBG are generally mild and go away on their own. Some people may experience drowsiness or lower blood pressure. If you experience any side effects that are bothersome, you should stop taking CBG and talk to your doctor.

Is CBG safe for everyone to use?

CBG is generally safe for most people to use. However, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women because too little is known. If you have any concerns about using CBG, you should talk to your doctor.

What research has been done on the effects of CBG on sleep?

There is some early research that suggests that CBG may be effective for improving sleep. One study found that CBG improved sleep quality in people with insomnia. Another study found that CBG reduced the time it took people to fall asleep. For example, in one survey of CBG users, CBG was indicated to have greater effectiveness than conventional medications for insomnia/sleep and half the respondents were able to discontinue conventional medications for sleep due to their use of CBG. However, more research is needed to confirm the effects of CBG on sleep.

Where can I buy CBG for sleep?

CBG is not currently regulated by the FDA, so it is important to buy CBG from a reputable source. You can find CBG for sleep online or at some health food stores.

CBG vs CBD for Sleep

With many people reporting sleep support with CBD (cannabidiol), you may be wondering, is CBD or CBG better for sleep? In reality, both cannabinoids can be good for sleep in different ways.

CBG tends to work better if you go to bed and simply don’t feel like you are tired or relaxed enough to fall asleep. At Healer, we’ve gotten a lot of reports that CBG Capsules or CBG Oil help people relax and start to feel sleepy.

By contrast, something like CBD Oil or CBD Capsules may be better if you struggle with sleep due to issues with lingering stress from the day. For example, if you feel like your mind starts racing when your head hits the pillow, CBD may be the better option. Just keep in mind that at smaller doses, CBD may have a wakefulness-enhancing effect, so when using CBD for sleep, you may need higher doses.

Can you use CBD and CBG together for sleep?

You could take CBD and CBG together without any potential ill effects. However, there has been some preliminary animal research that suggests CBG in large doses may counteract some of the benefits of CBD and possibly even CBDA (cannabidiolic acid).

If you want to try CBG and CBD together, it may be better to go with the acidic cannabinoid CBDA instead because in one preclinical study, a small amount of CBG actually enhanced CBDA absorption by a 14-fold increase.

CBG vs CBN for Sleep

Using either CBG or CBN for sleep could work. Both have relaxing qualities that may offer sleep support. CBN is cannabinol, which has also been shown to have potential sleep-supporting qualities and helps people feel more physically relaxed and ready for sleep. Clinical trials have been organized to examine the efficacy of CBN on chronic insomnia, although those trials have yet to be completed. CBN works very similarly to THC but is a little less potent, while CBG works via different mechanisms of action.

How to Use CBG Oil for Sleep

If you intend to use CBG for sleep, it can take a little time to find the proper CBG dose for you personally. If you are taking CBG oil, the onset time is typically between 10 to 45 minutes. By contrast, a CBG capsule may not take effect for one to two hours. Therefore, make sure to plan to consume your CBG at the right time according to when you plan to go to bed.

The optimal starting dose with CBG is between 5 and 10mg. You can adjust your dose in small 5 to 10mg increments every two days until you achieve the desired effects. Be sure to use the Healer Usage Guide & Response Tracker to guide you through the process of finding the optimal dose.

Continue Learning About CBG with Healer

Whether using CBG for sleep, pain, or otherwise, this cannabinoid has a lot to offer. If you would like to learn more about CBG, be sure to take a few minutes to watch the CBG Webinar hosted by Dr. Dustin Sulak and Bonni Goldstein.

Sources

Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep and their Therapeutic Potential for Sleep Disorders – PMC (nih.gov)